By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Roofle has transformed lead generation, making the process easier for both contractors and homeowners. 

Just recently The Coffee Shops™ crew got the opportunity to explore the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT)’s 46th annual trade show and expo! While there, we thoroughly enjoyed the two days' full of educational seminars, a keynote speech from Hans Johnson of TWF System about financial freedom, networking events like the annual golf tournament and exploring the trade show floor of over 150 exhibitors! While there, we also got a chance to catch up with our friends from around the industry! In this interview, Heidi J. Ellsworth stopped by the Roofle booth to chat with Mike Goldenstein.  

Mike, who is Roofle’s chief revenue officer, spoke about the exciting ways Roofle is focusing their efforts on supporting contractors. He started by sharing the basics of what they do over at Roofle, saying, “We are a top of funnel lead generation tool for contractor's websites that allows them to give instant estimates right through their website.” This integration allows contractors to get more leads by making the roofing process more transparent for homeowners. He elaborated, “Homeowners are hungry in that transparency. Getting to see that price along with all the other things that they need to know, like warranty and reviews, is key.” 

We can see this desire for transparency and more information up front displayed in some data that Mike shared. He explained, “10 years ago, 20% of homeowners already knew they were going to make a purchase from that contractor before they ever called them or gave them their contact information. That was 10 years ago, today that number is up over 70% and Marcus Sheridan writes that in the next five years it is going to be up over 90%.”  

These numbers back up what the folks at Roofle have been saying, it is in contractors’ best interest to provide homeowners with all the information they need to make a decision before even making a phone call. Mike explained, “A roof is not cheap, and homeowners have to make a right decision, so if they can't get the information that they need, they move on to the next source. That's why it's so important to have that that virtual experience for your homeowner so that they can make the right choice and choose you as a contractor to do that work in the correct manner.” 

Watch the full interview below or on the RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channel to hear more about what these homeowner purchasing trends mean for the future of the contracting industry. 

By Emma Peterson. 

FlashCo has prefabricated roofing solutions for whatever a contractor might need in the field! 

Make sure to grab a FlashCo prefabricated accessory before you head out to the job site! FlashCo, which has been around the industry for 25 years now, aims to supply contractors with standard and custom flashings for TPO, PVC, BUR, shingle and clay tile roofing systems. They pride themselves on offering quality and dependable products along with a timely, responsive customer service experience. While at the 2024 Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT)’s tradeshow, Megan Ellsworth caught up with Rick Santolaya to find out more about why FlashCo is the place to go to when looking for accessories!  

Rick is FlashCo’s national sales manager and has been with them through most of their operations, having started 24 years ago. He highlighted a few of their new products, starting with their new TPO coated edge metal. Rick explained, “It saves the contractor a lot of time in comparison to the old way they used to do it. With this, they just need to clean the spot and put the cover strip that's already pre-bent on. Then they can hand weld and it’s ready to go!”  

He also showcased their free attached membrane for edge metal and their scuppers. Both of these are also designed to save contractors time by being pre-fabricated. Rick explained how this drives all of their development, “Contractors don't want to fabricate these out in field, so we made them ready to go, ready to be installed...so any kind of pipe penetrations, drainage, venting, we do it all.” And not only do they have a wide range of products in stock, the FlashCo team is also able to design made-to-order and full custom parts for contractors with unique projects. 

For more about how FlashCo makes contractors’ lives easier with their hot-to-go products, watch the full interview!  

By Dani Sheehan. 

Discover the latest trends and innovations in roofing at NTRCA’s Not So Mini Trade Show. 

The North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual event, the Not So Mini Trade Show, on August 8, 2024, at the Hilton DFW Lakes in Grapevine, Texas! The premier gathering for roofing professionals in North Texas, this trade show offers a blend of networking, learning and leisure. Attendees can look forward to escaping the summer heat while engaging with industry leaders and other contractors over a refreshing cold beer and hearty lunch. 

The trade show is designed to be straightforward yet highly effective. It serves as a platform for contractors to gain insights into the latest industry trends, products and services with a diverse range of exhibitors. You’ll have the chance to learn more about innovative solutions and create lasting partnerships to enhance your company. 

All exhibitors at the show will be provided with a standard, six-foot table to ensure the focus remains on direct and personal interactions as you make your way through the exhibit floor. Join industry giants including Beacon Building Products, EagleView, GAF, Owens Corning, Polyglass, TAMKO and Western Colloid who are already planning to attend. You can also make connections with associations like MRCA, National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and RCAT by registering to attend. 

One of the most cost-effective shows to participate in, you’ll have access to a huge range of Texas roofing contractors, manufacturers and distributors without the high expenses typically associated with larger events. Not only will you have incredible opportunities for education and networking, but you will also have the chance to win various prizes. 

The Not So Mini Trade Show promises to be a highlight of the year for roofing professionals throughout Texas. Join other like-minded individuals in combining business with pleasure in a way that fosters growth and collaboration within the industry. 

For more information and to register for the event, visit the NTRCA Trade Show page. 

By Anna Lockhart.  

EagleView is revolutionizing the way contractors gather project measurements, and with their new Sky2 drone, users can get roofing insights with the press of a button!  

The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) recently hosted the 2023 Texas Roofing Conference, a great opportunity for Texas contractors to meet with various exhibitors, including the EagleView team. Heidi J. Ellsworth stopped by the EagleView booth to speak with John Carter, a regional sales manager for the company, to discuss the amazing new technology their team is using in the field to gather top-notch data for their customers.  

Committed to delivering the most accurate property measurements possible, EagleView is a reliable source contractors trust to deliver the most precise data for their roofing, siding and solar projects. Using high-resolution aerial photography gathered from their many airplanes and drones, EagleView is able to capture a property’s metrics, down to the last pixel. In the interview, John shows Heidi their drone, the Sky2, which allows roofers to gather accurate roof measurements, right from the ground up.  

“You can set this drone up yourself and it flies itself completely,” John explained. “Just use the controller and an iPad to start, and the drone will fly over the entire house on its own, no need to control it or anything.”  

John went on to share that this drone is special and a great asset for contractors, as it gets a scan of every angle of the house, every shingle on the roof. No shingle or design feature is left unaccounted for, giving users the most accurate measurements in minimal time and effort.    

The drone then sends the collected data back to your computer, putting together a 3D model of the roof, allowing users to use the report as a marketing tool or a way to better visualize the damage that needs repairs. Users have expressed that EagleView’s technology has been a great asset in getting claims with insurance companies over roof damages, bridging that gap that is often hard to cross without such data. 

Watch the video to learn more about the power of drones. 

Polyglass is proud to showcase at booth #407.

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing solutions in the United States, is pleased to announce its participation at the RCAT Conference & Expo October 4 – 6 at the Marriot Marquis in Houston, Texas. The Texas Roofing Expo is the prime event for roofing professionals in the Southwest Region. 

Polyglass is proud to showcase at booth # 407. When you stop by the booth, be sure to ask Polyglass experts about innovative products and technologies and learn about Club Premio, Polyglass’ Contractor Loyalty and Rewards Program.

The featured products that Polyglass will showcase include:

• Polystick^® MTS Plus – A self-adhered high-temp waterproofing underlayment for metal roof coverings and various applications. Featuring an anti-skid top film surface which can be exposed up to 180 days and has a temperature resistance up to 265°F.
• ADESO^® Self-Adhered Technology – Polyglass’ patented dual-compound self-adhered (SA) membranes feature a true APP or SBS formulation on the top weathering side and an aggressive self-adhered formulation on the bottom side of the reinforcement. This technology provides easy and effective application, enhanced lap sealing and solutions for multiple surface types.
• CURE Technology - CURE Technology is a patented thin film technology, resulting in a modified bitumen membrane with greatly enhanced performance benefits without compromising the ease of installation and overall value expected from Polyglass products.
• And much more!

Connect with Polyglass at RCAT Convention & Expo in booth #407. Register today or contact Polyglass to learn more about their innovative roofing and waterproofing products.

About Polyglass

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-quality modified bitumen roofing and waterproofing solutions. Acquired in 2008, Polyglass is a proud member of the Mapei Group; the family owned, 3-billion-dollar global building materials industry leader. Together they represent over 100 years of combined experience in the production and support of building envelope products and solutions, with 83 manufacturing facilities spanning 36 countries on 5 continents.

Polyglass is committed to adding value by producing cutting-edge products that meet or exceed the needs of their customers. Their goal is to provide a professional experience, focusing on quality products and efficient service while meeting the objectives of our shareholders and employees.

Polyglass prides itself on innovative and quality roofing and waterproofing products that exceed the needs and expectations of its customers worldwide. This commitment is demonstrated daily by the people that work for Polyglass, where the customers’ needs always come first.

By Cass Jacoby. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® visits the MetalForming booth for a first-ever look Schlebach Quadro LIVE! at the MRCA and RCAT show. 

Join Heidi as she visits Chad Rowe at MetalForming, LLC’s booth at the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) show as he shows off the Schlebach Quadro! 

For the first time ever, MetalForming LLC. Is demoing the Schlebach Quadro with the performance package. “This system with the performance package gives you some great versatile options,” says Chad. “67% increased productivity. We've got powered pull-out devices. We've got all-new controllable rotary-shear, front-cut devices, but again, the big thing is 67% more production.” 

The Schlebach Quadro is designed to be the most advanced, flexible, capable portable standing seam rollforming system. This machine has overcome the challenges of factory produced panels being the only panels suited for and obtaining certifications from recognized authorities such as UL and FPA, in addition to the stringent requirements of Miami Dade testing.  

“Schlebach Quadro has been one of the most exciting portable roll farmers on the market, simply because it's true quick change,” says Chad. “I can go from a snap lock profile, stand and seat, simply unlock the cassette, drop my main drive gear, and I rotate the tooling. And now I'm able to perform and make a true mechanical lock pin.” 

This machine sports the fastest profile changeover on the market! A true change over time from beginning to producing the new profile can be accomplished in approximately two minutes or less for most profiles. This gives you more time to produce panels. 

Chad shows RoofersCoffeeShop up close just how versatile and efficient this machine is, explaining that it is designed to deliver the perfect cut panel in a matter of seconds. 

Learn more about MetalForming, LLC. in their directory or visit metalforming-usa.com. 

About MetalForming LLC.  

MetalForming LLC, headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia and privately held, is the largest distributor of metal folding machines in the world and the largest supplier of high-end architectural sheet metal machines in North America. We are also a world leader in providing software, communications, training and consulting services. We help our customers optimize both job site and factory operations in ways that reduce waste, increase revenue and efficiently position them to meet the “just-in-time” needs of today’s metal fabricating businesses. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is putting her Master degree to work writing about movies and dancing with her plants.

MetalForming's Chad Rowe shows RoofersCoffeeShop the many exciting features of their Schlebach Quadro portable rollformer.

Editors note: The following is a conversation between RoofersCoffeeShop® President Heidi Ellsworth, and MetalForming's Technical Sales Leader Chad Rowe. You can watch the interview or read the transcript below.

Chad: All right. And for this show, first time ever, we're showing the all-new Schlebach Quadro with the performance package.

This system with the performance package gives you some great versatile options. 67% increased productivity. We've got powered pull-out devices. We've got all-new controllable rotary-shear, front-cut devices, but again, the big thing is 67% more production.

So we'll go in and take a look, Heidi. Schlebach Quadro has been one of the most exciting portable roll farmers on the market, simply because it's true quick change. I can go from a snap lock profile, stand and seat, simply unlock the cassette, drop my main drive gear, and I rotate the tooling. And now I'm able to perform and make a true mechanical lock pin.

Again, this is all done in a matter of seconds. I locked the cassette back in. I would do the same thing on the opposite side if the panel needed it. And after that, you're ready to rock.

Turn the little pressure on. It's going to lay it down. We're going to slow down to stop to cut. The system utilizes a programmable batch controller. And out comes our panel. Come on. Let's go. We need to keep that moving center out of our pullout device. [inaudible 00:01:55]

And there you have it folks. The all-new Schlebach Quadro with performance package.

Heidi Ellsworth: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Chad. That is awesome.

Learn more about MetalForming, LLC in their directory or visit metalforming-usa.com. 

By Cass Jacoby. 

Join RoofersCoffeeShop® as they visit the FlashCo booth LIVE! at the MRCA and RCAT show and get a sneak peek at their new releases and products. 

Let’s talk about prefabricated accessories, with the experts themselves! Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with FlashCo’s Brain Edison and Carl McCall at their booth at the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) show to talk about new edge metal, prefabricated accessories and even new product releases.  

FlashCo occupies a crucial space in the roofing industry by providing prefabricated and pre-molded roof flashings and accessories. Their prefabricated accessories are designed with contractor’s in mind to ease their installations. 

Brian shows off their TPO and prefabrication accessories in the video, alongside their new releases and products. These products are designed to be a no-brainer to the contractor looking to improve their performance while installing faster. “These save the contractor a bunch of time,” says Brian. “You just kind of stick it in and weld it, and it saves a lot of time for those guys.” 

The highlight of the FlashCo booth for contractors was the sneak peek at the new edge metal, which will be available in a couple of months. “This is going to be ES-1 and non-ES-1. The ES-1s do come with cleats. If you do not want the cleats, we can get rid of those. 25 standard colors, 20-year warranty...hey come in 10 linear feet,” says Carl. “We've got copings, flash guard, fascia, this is our ES-1 tested coated metal. So TPO and PVC coated metal.” 

There is certainly a lot from FlashCo to look forward to in the next few months! 

Learn more about FlashCo in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.flashco.com. 

About FlashCo 

Founded in Sonoma County, California, FlashCo has grown to be one of the largest manufacturers of roof flashings and accessories in North America with seven plant locations in the U.S. For over 20 years, FlashCo has been a trusted source for dependable pre-fabricated accessories for the immediate needs of roofing contractors, distributors, and industry-leading roofing material manufacturers. A reliable partner who delivers quality products with responsive support, FlashCo prides itself in delivering a timely and dependable experience. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is putting her Master degree to work writing about movies and dancing with her plants.

By Cass Jacoby. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® visits A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply LIVE! at the MRCA and RCAT show!   

Join Heidi as she visits with Carm Termini, Michael Polizzi and Nicolas Camardo at the A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply booth at the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) show! The four talk about the presentation the A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply gave at the conference.  

This presentation has been designed to equip contractors with the tools necessary to handle a metal deck replacement. “Metal deck and roofers is really only happening in replacement; in new construction, the deck is down already,” says Michael. “So, we talk about replacing and matching the different profiles and how to get the right one so that it can nest into the other one.” 

Michael and his sales team have daily experience working with commercial roofing contractors and identifying unexpected and urgent issues related to the metal deck. “Every day all over the country, we're talking to contractors who are dealing with metal deck replacement,” says Michael. “So, we talk about all the most common topics that we're talking about every day.” 

Mostly metal decks are obsolete, extinct profiles from 1962 that they don't make anymore, which is why learning how to match new decks to current profiles is an invaluable skill to a successful replacement and to have the tools you need to successfully replace the metal deck before it becomes a surprise. 

Learn more about A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.metaldecksupply.com. 

About A.C.T Metal Deck Supply 

A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply, the largest distributor of metal deck in the U.S., serves all 50 states with 15 locations. Metal roof deck, form deck and composite floor decks are available in all types, gauges, and finishes for immediate use as well as any size order produced for any project requirements and schedule. Specialty products: stainless steel, cellular and acoustic decks, construction drawings, take-off and project management are also available. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is putting her Master degree to work writing about movies and dancing with her plants.

By Cass Jacoby. 

We are attending the biggest roofing conference Texas has seen yet! Come see what sessions we have circled and want to attend! 

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be joining many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas and ongoing promotions at the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) mega roofing conference!  

The conference takes place September 27-29, 2022 at the Fort Worth Convention Center and Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas and you can expect RCS to be right in the middle of the action attending cutting-edge educational sessions, visiting the booths on the expo floor, and enjoying a whole host of fun networking events! 

Come visit us on the show floor in booth 621 as you pursue over 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest roofing products at the expo, innovations and service offerings! Plus, you won’t want to miss these standout sessions: 

• Our own President Heidi J. Ellsworth will be giving a presentation about “The Power of Networking” from 7:30 to 8:50 a.m., offering an interactive seminar that will teach you how to advance your career by building a win-win network. 

• Sales Manager for A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply Michael Polizzi will be giving a presentation titled Metal Deck 101: Metal Deck Replacement Thursday, September 29, 2022. This 9:00 a.m. session is dedicated to metal deck replacement and designed to teach contractors how to replace metal decks like a seasoned professional. 

• McElroy Metal’s Charlie Smith will be teaching us 12 Ways to Recover an Existing Sloped Roof With Metal on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. showing us the ins and outs of the standing seam roof systems and covering all of the recover applications available for a sloped roof. 

• Thursday, September 29, 2022 At 8:00 a.m. join Mark Graham with the National Roofing Contractors Associaton (NRCA) for a conversation on low-slope technical issues. 

You won’t want to miss out on attending the biggest tradeshow Texas has seen yet! Register today. The CoffeeShop will see you there! 

Learn more about Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) in their directory or visit www.rcat.net or www.mrca.org.