By The Coffee Shops®.  

How Sherwin-Williams simplifies color selection with curated palettes and design inspiration tools. 

Choosing a metal roof is a significant investment, and for many homeowners, selecting the right color can feel overwhelming. In a recent MetalCast™ podcast, Karen Edwards sat down with Brynn Wildenauer, senior architectural color designer for Sherwin-Williams' coil and extrusion division, to discuss how color selection tools can help contractors guide customers through the decision-making process with greater confidence. 

According to Brynn, one of the biggest challenges homeowners face is how overwhelming the process can be. "A lot of customers and residential homeowners get decision fatigue when they have that whole picture of a home. They have to make so many decisions," she noted. Between roofing, siding, trim and accent colors, the number of options can quickly become intimidating. To help simplify the process, Sherwin-Williams has developed curated color palettes that narrow choices and provide homeowners with practical starting points instead of presenting endless options. 

The inspiration tool, which has been in development for several years, offers coordinated color schemes for a variety of home styles. Contractors can use the resource as either a printed guide or a digital presentation when meeting with customers. Each palette pairs popular metal roofing colors with complementary exterior paint colors available through Sherwin-Williams stores, creating a complete exterior design package. 

Rather than asking homeowners to imagine how dozens of products and finishes might work together, the tool provides visual examples that can be customized to suit individual preferences. A homeowner may appreciate the overall look of a palette while swapping one roofing color or accent color for another. The goal is to make color conversations more approachable and efficient. "We're trying to push the boundaries a little bit and inspire people, but also make it much easier to think about the total package," Brynn said.  

Brynn also emphasized the importance of evaluating colors together rather than making separate decisions over time. Reviewing roofing, siding, stone and trim selections in natural light can help homeowners better understand how colors interact and create a more cohesive final appearance. 

For contractors, the conversation also extends beyond aesthetics. Brynn highlighted the importance of understanding coating performance and long-term color durability. Sherwin-Williams conducts extensive testing on its factory-applied coatings and notes that color retention is a key part of product development, helping homeowners feel more confident in their long-term investment. 

The company is also seeing color trends shift toward richer chromatic hues, including blues, greens and terracotta-inspired shades, while stark whites and deep blacks are giving way to warmer and more subtle alternatives. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about color confidence for metal roofing. 

October 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/ 2:30 p.m. ET

You won't want to miss this special Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by MetalVue by Sherwin-Williams, coming to you LIVE from METALCON 2026 in Orlando, Florida! Join us on day two of the show as we meet with industry leaders and experts from the metal industry. Guests include manufacturers, service providers and contractors who will share their insights and wisdom straight from the trade show floor. You can watch from the comfort of your home, on your mobile device or in person from outside our soundstage at booth #408. The topics will center around what's hot across the country including what is to come for the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Join us for this great Coffee Conversations LIVE from METALCON on October 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/ 2:30 p.m. ET! 

Get notified!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry experts to explore how metal roofing supports sustainability, long-term value and resilience in residential construction. 

Sustainability is increasingly important when homeowners and construction professionals evaluate roofing options. On Thursday, October 8 at METALCON, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) will present “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice,” a session focused on the environmental, performance and long-term advantages of metal roofing. 

The session will examine how metal roofing can help reduce resource consumption, lower lifecycle costs and improve building efficiency. Attendees will learn how attributes such as recycled content, recyclability, durability, longevity and energy-saving performance contribute to a roof’s overall sustainability. 

The discussion will also define sustainability and understand why it matters to homeowners. Presenters will address specific roofing characteristics that can affect environmental performance, from the recycled content used in metal roofing products to the material’s recyclability at the end of its service life. 

Beyond material considerations, the session will explore environmental benefits associated with metal roofing, including solar applications, water catchment and potential heating and cooling cost savings. Speakers will also cover how metal roofing performs during extreme weather events such as hail, high winds and hurricanes. 

The presenter lineup brings experience from across the metals, roofing, manufacturing, sales and sustainability sectors. Speakers include Melissa Dunson, vice president of sales at Central States; Renee Ramey, executive director of MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction for Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; and Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager for the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion team. 

Attendees will leave with practical guidance for communicating metal roofing’s sustainable advantages to homeowners, developers, architects, building owners and facility managers. 

Make sure to add this session to your calendar to learn about positioning residential metal roofing as a sustainable, durable and long-term building solution. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

Make sure these sessions and exhibitors are on your METALCON short list.

METALCON is just around the corner happening October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida! With over 60 education sessions and 250 exhibitors, it’s important for attendees to plan their schedules carefully. From new products and services to innovative solutions, you won’t want to miss the chance to talk to these Coffee Shop partners: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and more! Don’t forget to stop by booth 408 to meet the MetalCoffeeShop team!

Featuring an impressive lineup of industry experts and motivational speakers, the METALCON headline sessions just scratch the surface of the learning opportunities.

Keynote: nothing Can Stop You

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott shares his remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to throwing a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium. Born without a right hand, Jim developed creative ways to pursue his goals while learning the importance of accountability and trust. His inspiring keynote explores how mindset can transform adversity into personal growth, helping attendees recognize their own challenges as opportunities to build resilience, adapt and celebrate the experiences that shape who they are.

Register today!

Keynote: Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries

What economic forces will shape construction and design during the next 12 months? Former American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker examines the indicators influencing project activity, sector growth and client priorities. Attendees will gain a data-driven view of shifting pipelines, regional market differences and emerging opportunities. The session provides a forward-looking framework to help industry professionals anticipate risks, align business planning with changing conditions and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What it Means

Code changes can lead to permit delays, redesigns and compliance gaps when they are missed or misunderstood. Industry experts Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh and Bob Zabcik will break down significant recent and upcoming updates affecting metal construction. Covering design, specifications, fabrication and installation, the session will help attendees understand current compliance requirements, distinguish the roles of standards organizations and prepare for emerging trends that could influence future projects and business decisions.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: 2027 the Future of Metal Construction

Industry leaders examine the economic, regulatory, material and jobsite forces expected to shape metal construction through 2027. Panelists Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan and Benton Trotter will connect current market realities with the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will explore how supply conditions, evolving codes and construction pressures are influencing project costs, delivery methods and building practices, gaining practical insights for managing risk and positioning their businesses for the next 12 months.

Register today!

The formal sessions are just one way to learn. Attendees will also enjoy a massive exhibition hall where they can network and learn from each other. Make sure our MetalCoffeeShop booth 408 is on your list too!

While you’re in the hall, don’t miss our Coffee Shops partners including: Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope and more!

Don’t miss the metal event of the year! Register for METALCON and use code 30MCS for $30 off passes!

September 30, 2026 - 11 a.m. PT | 2 p.m. ET

In this Read Listen Watch® episode, Megan Ellsworth chats with Brynn Wildenauer of Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings about the emerging color trends shaping the future of metal roofing. Drawing from Sherwin-Williams' latest SHIFT™ color forecast, Brynn shares insights into the colors gaining momentum, the market influences driving customer preferences and what contractors need to know to stay ahead of evolving design trends. From curb appeal and architectural style to homeowner demand and long-term product selection, color is becoming an increasingly important part of the roofing conversation. Tune in to learn how understanding future color trends can help you guide customers with confidence, differentiate your business and position yourself for success in a growing metal roofing market. 

Register today!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

How to guide customers, strengthen sales conversations and prepare for future metal roofing demand. 

In an upcoming Read Listen Watch®, Megan Ellsworth meets with Brynn Wildenauer of Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings to discuss the emerging color trends shaping the future of metal roofing. Drawing from the latest SHIFT™ color forecast, Brynn will explore the colors gaining momentum and the factors influencing customer preferences. 

Color is becoming an increasingly significant part of the roofing conversation. Customers are not only considering the performance and longevity of their roofing systems. They are also thinking about curb appeal, architectural character and how a roof will complement the rest of a home or building. Contractors who can confidently discuss these considerations have an opportunity to provide a more complete and valuable customer experience. 

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings brings a valuable forecasting perspective to this conversation through its SHIFT color forecast. During the RLW, Brynn will explain the company’s forecasting process, highlight relevant colors and examine the architectural, cultural and lifestyle influences driving changing preferences. 

Contractors will learn about current residential, commercial and regional color trends, as well as whether property owners are becoming more adventurous with exterior design. Brynn will also discuss how contractors can incorporate color into the sales process, help customers avoid common selection mistakes and present color as part of the complete roofing solution. 

The conversation will look beyond today’s popular options to examine what roofing professionals should watch over the next five years. Attendees will hear how manufacturers and contractors can collaborate to educate the market, introduce new options and prepare for future demand. Do not miss this opportunity to strengthen your color knowledge and gain insights that can help you guide customers with confidence.  

Register now for Color Trends Contractors Need to Know to discover how emerging design preferences can help differentiate your business and support success in the growing metal roofing market.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

MetalCoffeeShop® announces industry professionals who won Total Experience passes to METALCON. 

METALCON brings professionals together to explore new products, exchange ideas and gain a broader perspective on metal as a building material. As a METALCON partner, MetalCoffeeShop® offered free Total Experience passes to a few lucky attendees, giving winners access to more than 250 exhibitors, demonstrations, keynote presentations, networking events and over 35 free accredited education sessions. 

Among the winners is Chris Soli, superintendent at Berwald Roofing and Sheet Metal. Berwald Roofing and Sheet Metal provides roofing and sheet metal services in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area. The company’s combination of roofing and sheet metal expertise positions it to serve customers seeking specialized building-envelope solutions. 

Jerry Geyer, senior estimator at Performance Roofing, also received a pass. Performance Roofing is a residential roofing company serving the Orlando area. The company focuses on helping homeowners with their roofing needs and supporting residential properties in its local market. 

Another winner is Jay Cox, owner of Jay Cox Construction. Jay Cox Construction builds homes in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer and Spartanburg, South Carolina. With an emphasis on homes built with excellence, the company serves communities throughout the region with residential construction services. 

Three professionals from Montgomery Winslow Roofing were also named recipients: Jami Woolston, a sales and marketing specialist, Brad Woolston and John Woolston, the owner. Montgomery Winslow Roofing is a roofing company located in Fort Myers, Florida. 

While each winner brings a different role and company perspective to the event, they will share access to an environment centered on education, innovation and industry connection. METALCON gives contractors and other professionals an opportunity to step beyond their daily responsibilities, learn from peers and consider new approaches they can apply to their businesses, projects and careers. Through conversations with exhibitors, thought leaders and fellow attendees, the winners can discover ideas and potential solutions while building relationships across the trades. 

MetalCoffeeShop congratulates Chris, Jerry, Jay, Jami, Brad and John and looks forward to joining them at METALCON. 

Missed your chance? Visit our booth at WRE and enter to win at our Second Chance Giveaway!

MCS Influencer Lauren Rogers with Sherwin-Williams says combining sustainability metrics with measurable business outcomes can create more compelling customer conversations.

As sustainability becomes increasingly important in building design and construction, customers are looking for solutions that deliver both sustainability attributes and financial benefits. Metal roofing and wall systems provide examples of how building materials can contribute to energy efficiency, resiliency and long-term value while supporting broader sustainability goals.

One effective way to communicate sustainability benefits is by linking them directly to measurable cost savings. Metal systems are known for their durability and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including hail, high winds and fire. Because resilient building materials can help reduce the risk of damage, some insurance providers offer discounts for impact-resistant roofing systems. For example, certain commercial property insurers may provide premium reductions of 5% to 30% for buildings that meet specific resilience standards. While savings vary by insurer and location, the connection between reduced risk and lower insurance costs helps strengthen the business case for sustainable construction.

Additionally, energy performance is another important driver of value. Many metal roofing systems incorporate reflective "cool roof" coatings that reduce heat absorption, helping lower cooling demands and improve overall building efficiency. Building owners may benefit from utility rebates, local incentive programs or tax-based energy-efficiency credits. On top of incentive programs, building owners can see a 7-15% average reduction in energy usage due to cool coating technology, according to the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). A great resource for home and building owners is the CRRC, which is a nonprofit organization that develops fair, accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the radiative properties of roofing and exterior wall products. Cool roofing systems may qualify for utility-sponsored energy rebates, while energy-efficient building upgrades can contribute toward compliance with programs such as LEED certification or local energy benchmarking requirements.

Communicating the long-term value of sustainable metal systems requires looking beyond upfront costs. Metal roofs and wall panels often provide decades of service with minimal maintenance, reducing replacement cycles and lowering lifecycle costs. Their long lifespan also minimizes material waste and supports circular economy goals through high recycled content and end-of-life recyclability. Resilience further enhances long-term value. Buildings that perform well during severe weather events often experience fewer disruptions, lower repair expenses and improved asset protection. For businesses, avoiding a single roof replacement or weather-related shutdown can generate significant savings while supporting operational continuity.

Data plays a critical role in supporting sustainability and resilience claims. By combining sustainability metrics with measurable business outcomes, organizations can create more compelling customer conversations. Demonstrating reduced energy use, lower lifecycle costs, potential insurance savings and access to energy incentives help position sustainable metal systems as a smart investment that delivers value for both the environment and the bottom line.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Sherwin-Williams color schemes help contractors and homeowners visualize exterior palettes before making selections. 

Choosing exterior colors is a significant project decision. From the roof and siding to the trim and accents, every element contributes to the finished appearance. Seeing how those selections work together can help contractors guide productive conversations and create visually appealing outcomes.  

Sherwin-Williams color schemes offer a simple way to explore complete exterior combinations. Each professionally curated palette brings together roof, siding, trim and accent colors, with combinations built around popular metal roofing colors. Instead of considering each surface separately, homeowners can view the exterior as a coordinated whole. This resource helps prevent a worst-case scenario outcome, where the customer’s chosen colors may not produce the result they imagined, either prolonging the project or lowering customer satisfaction.  

These collections are designed to support collaboration between homeowners and their contractors. Customers can begin by exploring different combinations and identifying the colors that stand out to them. They can then compare palettes, consider which options complement their home style and discuss their preferences with a contractor. 

That shared visual reference can make it easier to narrow the possibilities and align on a look that reflects the homeowner’s vision. It also gives contractors a practical tool for organizing the color conversation and helping customers move through the selection process with confidence. 

Sherwin-Williams extends that focus on color through its broader collection of resources. Color experts can assist with customization, while the company’s Effects line features colors that shift, shine and sparkle. Contractors can also explore their metal coating color library, Color Trends Forecast and Color of the Year for added project inspiration. 

Even if the customer does not ultimately choose a pre-made color pallet, the designs are still an excellent starting point for discussing what colors compliment the house style and will look good together. With the coordinated palettes and additional color resources available, contractors can help customers approach exterior selections as a complete design decision rather than a series of disconnected choices. 

Explore the Sherwin-Williams world of color.

Metal roofing is exploding across every segment of construction, and contractors who want to grow need to be paying attention. In this MetalTalk ™, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams, we dive into what is driving that demand and how contractors can capitalize on it, whether they are adding metal for the first time or scaling an existing offering. From selling smarter with MetalVue to streamlining estimating with Roofing Passport using precise data from EagleView, this conversation is packed with real strategies to win more metal work. But the real excitement is the MetalVue Road Show, bringing hands-on training, live demos and real-world applications directly to contractors across the country. This is not just another training; it is an immersive experience designed to help crews, sales teams and owners immediately level up their skills and close more business. Join us to see how technology, training and momentum are coming together to power the future of metal roofing.

Listen to the MetalTalk.

Watch the MetalTalk.