You're invited to earn up to 3 CEs at a new, half-day educational program on May 29 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

Registration is free for architects, designers, and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee, and northwest Indiana. Join us to learn design focused, technical, and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

What you'll learn + from whom:

• Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience, + Architectural Expression
  Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
  An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction, and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 
  1 LU/HSW
• Designing with Metal Composite Materials
  Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
  Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency, and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.
  1 LU/HSW
• Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
  Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International,
  + VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
  A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 
  1 LU/HSW/GBCI

Register today!

By Metal Construction Alliance.

Join us to learn design‑focused, technical and practical tips from three experts, including an award-winning architect and an industry-leading specifier!

You're invited to earn up to three continuing education (CE) credits at a new, half-day educational program on May 29, 2026 in Chicago. Form, Function, and Finish: Designing with Metal is being developed and delivered by the Metal Construction Association (MCA)—the industry authority on the use of metal in the building envelope. Breakfast is included, and you can make new connections with time to network with attendees and vendors.

The details

When: Friday, May 29, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 633 North St. Clair Street, Chicago
What: Earn three (3) CEs in one morning
Why: Level up your skills and network

Registration is free for architects, designers and specifiers from throughout the Chicago area, Milwaukee and northwest Indiana.

What you'll learn and from whom

Designing with Metal: Performance, Resilience + Architectural Expression
Rick Schneider, FAIA LEED, founder and principal of ISTUDIO Architects
An architect will discuss how metal systems reduce long-term operational costs, streamline construction and support resilient design via four award-winning projects. 

Designing With Metal Composite Materials
Samuel Chastain, director of commercial operations at Alfrex, Inc
Learn about flexibility, sustainability, energy efficiency and visual appearance designing with metal composite materials from an experienced industry professional who co-invented a composite building panel with improved resilience.

Insulated Metal Panels: Performance, Sustainability, + Design
Kyle Ferenc, CSI, district sales manager, ATAS International and VP of the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute
A specifier will explore various uses for insulated metal panels in creative design, and the benefits of long-term sustainability. 

Companies you can connect with

In addition to learning, you can network with other attendees and meet leading suppliers for the metal building envelope. These companies include McElroy Metals, ATAS International, Sheffield Metals and more. The entire event is sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. Make new connections and find products to help you achieve your goals!

Save your seat today! 

Industry leaders were recognized for decades of innovation, mentorship and impact across metal buildings, insulated metal panels and metal roofing. 

The 2026 Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Annual Conference Awards Ceremony featured the Metal Construction News Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Metal Construction News publisher Melanie Kowal and Editor-in-Chief Anthony Capkun hosted the ceremony and highlighted the purpose of the program: to recognize individuals who have helped initiate, advance and shape the metal construction industry through dedication, innovation and inspiration. Inductees were selected with help from the association partner judges from the Metal Construction Association, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the MBCEA. The following individuals were inducted this year:  

Mark Detwiler (Cornerstone Building Brands) 

Recognized for a career that strengthened the foundation of metal construction through leadership and service with multiple construction associations, Mark noted this this honor wouldn’t be possible without a broader team effort and he credited the colleagues and partners who helped make it possible. 

Arnold Corbin (Metl-Span) 

Honored for more than four decades of leadership in insulated metal panels and pre-engineered metal buildings, Arnold shared a personal story of how he entered the industry with a hands-on job while in college because he needed date money. That date money resulted in him not only marrying his wife but developing a long-tenured, rewarding career in metal. He expressed gratitude for the mentors and teams who invested in his growth over the years. 

Jeff Alexander (The Sherwin-Williams Company) 

Jeff was recognized for more than 40 years of contributions that helped drive growth in coil coatings and support metal roofing’s rise from a niche product to a premium residential option. Jeff was unable to attend the ceremony, and the award was accepted on his behalf. 

Ted Wolf (Butler Manufacturing) 

Ted was honored for helping shape dealer networks, advancing standing seam systems and championing innovations that strengthened the industry. Unable to attend, his prepared remarks were shared during the ceremony, reflecting on a career that began in 1972 as a sales trainee, progressed through field sales leadership and culminated in serving as president of Butler’s North American operations before retiring in 2010. 

T.R. “Tony” Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Raimondo was recognized for a vision that helped transform both a company and an industry. He passed away in 2022, and the honor was accepted by his son, Tony Raimondo Jr., who spoke about his father’s deep involvement in the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and the pivotal 1984 buyout that set Bayland on a long-term path from heavy losses to profitability. 

Phil Raimondo (Bayland Manufacturing) 

Recognized for helping define modern standards of quality and reliability in metal building systems, Phil Raimondo was inducted posthumously (he passed away in 2021). His son, Patrick Raimondo—plant manager at Bayland’s Sarasota, Florida, location—accepted the award and noted the lasting impact of his father’s dedication, while committing to carry the legacy forward. 

More information on this year’s Hall of Fame class is available in the April 2026 issue of Metal Construction News. The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the inductees and appreciation for the industry leaders and associations who continue to support the program.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Inside a visit to Schulte Building Systems with Sherwin-Williams showcasing innovation, people and performance.

My recent visit to Schulte Building Systems alongside Sherwin-Williams offered a firsthand look at what happens when advanced manufacturing meets deep-rooted craftsmanship and an exceptional company culture. It was more than a plant tour; it was an inside view of how innovation and people work together to drive the metal building industry forward. 

Walking through the facility, the scale of automation immediately stands out. Overhead cranes move massive steel components seamlessly across the plant while robotics and advanced machinery handle precise fabrication with efficiency and consistency. With three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities serving the Midwest and Southeast, Schulte continues to invest in advanced technologies that drive precision and quality. The integration of coil coatings from Sherwin-Williams plays a critical role in ensuring durability, performance and long-term protection for metal roofing and building systems. These coatings are engineered to deliver corrosion resistance, color consistency and long-term performance across a wide range of building applications. This level of automation is not just about speed, it is about delivering consistent, high-quality products that meet the demands of modern construction across commercial buildings, metal roofing systems and the fast-growing barndominium market. 

What truly sets Schulte apart is how technology and human expertise work side by side. While robotics handle repetition and scale, the craftsmanship of skilled welders brings precision and integrity to every component. Watching these professionals work in tandem with advanced machinery reinforces an important truth, innovation does not replace people, it elevates them. The welders’ attention to detail ensures that each structural element performs as intended, contributing to the overall strength and reliability of complete metal building systems. 

Beyond the technology and production, the culture at Schulte Building Systems is what makes the company truly special. As a generational, family-owned business, their commitment to employees is evident in everything they do. One of the most memorable highlights was learning about their Easter weekend celebration, where the company hosts a massive gathering featuring more than 750 pounds of crawfish along with catfish, hushpuppies and all the traditional favorites. This is not just an event; it is a reflection of a culture that values people, connection and appreciation. That kind of environment builds loyalty, pride and a workforce that is deeply invested in the success of the company and the quality of its products. 

Schulte Building Systems serves a wide range of industries, from large-scale commercial buildings to agricultural structures, barndominiums and metal roofing and siding systems. Their role as a manufacturer of pre-engineered metal buildings and components supports architects, builders and contractors across multiple sectors. By combining advanced manufacturing, premium coatings from Sherwin-Williams and a workforce grounded in craftsmanship and culture, Schulte is helping to build more than structures, they are helping to build stronger communities. This visit was a powerful reminder that the future of construction is not just about technology. It is about the people behind it, the partnerships that support it and the culture that sustains it. 

To learn more about high-performance metal coatings and building solutions, visit Sherwin-Williams on the MetalCoffeeShop directory. 

By Anna Lockhart.  

Metal roofs are here to stay, and now is the time to act! Metal experts share how Roofing Passport can unlock bigger and better success for your roofing company. 

As the market continues to explore metal roofing materials as a reliable and versatile option, contractors across the industry are looking for ways to maximize their metal sales. To discuss the importance of implementing metal into your service offerings, Brendan McGinnis and Heather McGinnis of Sherwin-Williams sat down with Karen Edwards for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

Metal materials have many advantages, notably offering incredible durability against harsh weather and an outstanding lifespan. With increased energy efficiency, modern aesthetic appeal and cost effectiveness to boot, the pros of metal outweigh those of traditional materials. Brendan and Heather’s advice for getting in on the metal success? Utilizing software like Sherwin-Williams' Roofing Passport! 

“With a lot of the appetites [for roofing materials] changing among homeowners, many contractors and metal manufacturers are there to help pick up the pieces and help make that change happen,” Brian noted. Roofing Passport gets this done in one easy to use platform that helps streamline estimating, design and sales, which are sometimes aspects that distract contractors from dedicating time to other business functions. 

“If you can dream it, we can create it,” Heather added, emphasizing the vast customization capabilities metal materials offer homeowners in designing their dream homes. From picking the color of a roof to coordinating the perfect shade matches of shutters and walls; metal can be the ultimate design solution for a project, if contractors optimize the way they position their metal offerings and services to their customers. 

Checking off all the boxes of what a customer could possibly want or need from a roof — durability, lifespan, aesthetics, energy efficiency and cost effective — metal is the material to use! Further, the ultimate driving factor that should catch any contractor’s attention: margin. Brian shared, “Margin is great in metal. As a product that is not designed to be replaced over and over, it’s the opportunity for a contractor to make margin on one job, service that customer and make a name for themselves. For instance, if you can get into just one neighborhood and establish yourself there, it’s likely that someone else is going to want to get one, and then another... So that really allows [contractors] to establish themselves as the metal authority for their area.” 

Whether you’re new to offering metal services or looking to elevate an existing metal offering, resources like Sherwin-Williams' Roofing Passport are a fantastic place to start learning, improving and most of all, winning. 

Listen to the podcast episode to learn more about the growth of metal roofing and how to take advantage of these market changes with the help of platforms like Roofing Passport! 

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry expert Melanie Butler outlines shifting trade actions and what contractors should watch for next. 

Roofing industry professionals continue to navigate unpredictable tariffs as federal trade policy shifts continue to affect material costs and supply chains. In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Melanie Butler, director of trade and transportation compliance at Sherwin-Williams, about how contractors should respond to evolving tariff actions.  

Melanie spoke of the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum that were at the forefront of concerns. “There was a new executive order raising the tariff on steel and aluminum to 50%,” Melanie said, referring to changes implemented June 4, 2025. She noted that these tariffs apply not only to raw materials but also to derivative steel and aluminum articles that roofing contractors commonly import. “These are tariff-specific, so they're mainly raw steel and aluminum or minimally processed,” she explained, highlighting how broad the impact can be for imported components. 

Melanie also discussed evolving reciprocal tariffs, which have fluctuated widely over the past year. “Initially, they were 20% on every country except China. The China rate at one point was 125% and now we're back down to 10%,” she said, underscoring the challenge of keeping up with changing rates that affect overall material pricing and planning. 

As the tariff environment grows more complex, Melanie urged contractors to understand the details of their supply chains and import documentation. “If you know the tariff code of your product, you’re then going to go into any negotiations with your eyes more open,” she said.  

Ultimately, uncertainty remains the central theme. “Uncertainty is the worst thing for business, as I've heard said,” Melanie noted. As foreign production and global logistics continue to shift in response to trade policy, industry professionals should stay informed and flexible. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how tariffs are affecting the roofing supply chain. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out what The Coffee Shops™ readers are clicking on. 

It’s hard to even believe that it’s already April. If your March has been anything like ours has been at The Coffee Shops™, it has been very busy! So, to help our readers keep track of everything that happened in the last month, we put together a list of the top-read articles on RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop® and CoatingsCoffeeShop® in March 2026.  

One thing we noticed when looking at the data for our trending article topics was the sheer number of articles focused on workforce development and business advice. For example, Emma Peterson highlighted how SkillsUSA helped two young roofers find a mentor for life and how National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has made workforce development one of their key initiatives.   

Additionally, Jenny Yu shared key information for metal roofers about how Sherwin-Williams' MetalVue program acts as “a comprehensive support system for contractors that connects them to all the tools they might need” to succeed. Additionally, John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group dove into general construction safety practices and how the fundamentals are key to building a long-lasting, successful business.  

Our top article list from March 2026 

10 - Finding the path to roofing by Emma Peterson 

9 - Navigating a new world of technology by Emma Peterson 

8 - Business-in-a-box for metal roofing by Jenny Yu 

7 - Finding your path through mentorship by Emma Peterson 

6 - Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization by Jenny Yu 

5 - The state of roofing recruitment and retention by Emma Peterson 

4 - General construction safety principles: The core practices every outdoor trade should follow by John Kenney 

3 - Inspiring the next generation of roofers by Emma Peterson 

2 - A new safety frontier by Emma Peterson 

1 - Level up your team with training by Emma Peterson 

By Alberto Torres. 

Training in Miami brings contractors together to improve metal roof installation. 

Sherwin-Williams MetalVue organized an event in Miami, Florida, this February 2026 where Top Metal led a specialized training focused on the correct installation of metal roofing systems. The event brought together more than forty contractors and professionals from different parts of the United States. According to Heidi J. Ellsworth of RoofersCoffeeShop®, the event offered different types of training, and all information was provided in both English and Spanish. 

According to Aldin Mejia, owner and founder of Top Metal, this event has been a very positive experience for attendees, who had the opportunity to learn key techniques to ensure proper and professional installation. “The main objective of this system is to promote proper metal installation and make sure people learn to do it correctly, because that is the most important thing,” Aldin shared during the event. He also presented one of the products they use for metal roofs: “Titebond Metal Roof Sealant is specifically made for metal; it doesn’t contain acids that damage the material,” Aldin explained. 

One of the most noticeable aspects of the training was the diversity of attendees. Aldin reported the presence of participants from various states, including Texas, New Jersey, Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee and California, among others. Their participation reflects the growing interest in the industry, especially in the metal roofing segment, where installation precision can make a significant difference in the durability and performance of the system. 

Amparo Sancen from Latinos en Roofing shared the importance of attending training like this one, highlighting that the knowledge provided can help contractors expand their services and strengthen their businesses. She also pointed out that this type of training is useful even for those who are already installing metal roofs, as it allows them to reinforce techniques and prevent issues in future projects. 

With the growth of the metal roofing market, training like this is essential to elevate work quality and reduce field failures. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Explore some of the key features that differentiate two of the most popular roofing materials today. 

Every property owner has different goals, budgets and needs when it comes to choosing the roof system that works for them. To help contractors and homeowners make this decision, Sherwin-Williams provides a helpful chart evaluating how metal roofs and asphalt shingles perform across 18 different features. Here is a summary of three of the key features to consider. 

Cost  

Asphalt shingles are definitely the cheaper option upfront. Installation is generally easier and quicker for asphalt shingle roofs, which contributes to its lower cost. Metal roofing comes at a steeper price tag as it requires specialized labor and tools, but it does last longer — 40-70 years compared to 15-20 years for asphalt shingles.  

Weather performance & durability 

Metal outperforms asphalt shingles here, as it can take strong winds, driving rain, hail, ice, high heat and snow. Metal roofs can also be Class A fire-rated while also withstanding winds up to 140 miles per hour. With UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, metal roofs can handle heavy hail. Some asphalt shingles are also built to withstand hail, but many are likely to crack or lose granules during severe storms.  

Energy efficiency & environmental impact 

Again, metal has a significant leg up. Metal is recyclable and often made from recycled materials, reflects solar heat and can reduce cooling costs by up to 30% with reflective coatings. Metal roofs are also an ideal platform for solar panels, requiring no roof penetrations.  

Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, contribute 11 million tons of waste to landfills annually. While some asphalt shingles have reflective granules, most absorb heat, thus increasing energy use and cooling costs. Finally, asphalt roofs may require repair or replacement prior to the end of solar panels’ lifespan, making solar panel compatibility less than ideal.  

Learn more about the differences between metal roofing and asphalt shingles!

This expansion leads the way for future industry growth.

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, the leading manufacturer of coil and extrusion metal coatings in the world, today announced it completed a major expansion at its coil coatings manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to align production of its popular products with an expected trajectory of positive growth in the metal roofing and construction markets.

“Our Performance Coatings Group continues to invest in advanced technologies that support innovation and long-term partnerships,” said Karl Jorgenrud, president, Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group. “The Bowling Green expansion will strengthen our supply chain resilience and ensure our customers receive high-performance solutions without interruption.”

The company significantly upgraded the 32-year-old facility with state-of-the-art technology, advanced automation, larger batch capabilities and expanded production capacity to meet accelerating demand in roofing, metal building and OEM manufacturer markets.

The expansion adds a 60% overall increase from 2025 — and enables larger batch production. Sherwin-Williams says enhanced automation will also improve formulation accuracy, reduce any defects, increase consistency and strengthen the plant’s ability to meet lead-time commitments.

“Industry experts predict demand increasing across roofing and siding markets and this expansion bolsters our ability to deliver our products in less than five days, which is advantageous to our many customers,” said Drew Waldroup, vice president of sales for the Sherwin-Williams. “Increased capacity and automation also enhance our reliability, provide greater operational flexibility and allow us to collaborate seamlessly with other Sherwin-Williams manufacturing sites nationwide.”

The Bowling Green facility manufactures polyester coil coatings (PolyPREMIER™) designed for interior and moderate exterior applications such as lighting fixtures, appliances, garage and entry doors and building products. These polyester systems deliver the toughness and flexibility required for reliable interior performance.

For exterior environments, the plant produces siliconized modified polyester (SMP) coatings (WeatherXL™), which offer enhanced UV resistance, gloss retention and long-term weatherability for metal roofing, siding, agricultural buildings and industrial panels. The expansion strengthens Sherwin‑Williams ability to scale production and support growing customer demand.

Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in coil and extrusion metal coatings, serving coaters, roll formers, OEMs and construction professionals worldwide with innovative, high-performance finishing technologies.

For more information about the expansion check out the fact sheet.