By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that every company can help employees find support before a crisis becomes a tragedy. 

The construction industry knows how to protect people from physical hazards. We hold safety meetings, conduct jobsite inspections, require fall protection and make sure crews understand the procedures that can save their lives. During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, September 14-18, 2026, we must bring that same commitment and consistency to mental health and suicide prevention. 

This year's theme, "Building on Progress," recognizes that progress is being made while reminding us that the work is far from finished. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to identify construction as one of the industries with the highest suicide rates, making this an issue every roofing and construction company must be prepared to address. 

For company owners and leaders, the first step does not require becoming a mental health professional. It begins with creating a workplace where people know it is safe to speak up, supervisors know how to respond and everyone understands where immediate help is available. 

One of the most important resources we can share is 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline gives employees and employers an easy-to-remember number they can use when they or someone they know needs emotional support. 

The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the United States and its territories. Employees can call or text 988 or chat online to connect with a skilled crisis counselor for free, confidential and judgment-free support. 

A person does not need to be actively considering suicide to reach out to 988. The Lifeline can also help people experiencing depression, anxiety, substance-use concerns, financial worries, relationship problems, loneliness or other forms of emotional distress. Employers, supervisors and coworkers can also call 988 when they are concerned about someone and need guidance on how to help. 

Construction companies should make 988 as visible and familiar as every other emergency and safety resource. Put it on jobsite posters, safety boards, hard-hat stickers, employee handbooks, company intranets and payroll communications. Include it in new-employee orientation and regularly remind employees that using 988 is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Most importantly, talk about it often enough that employees remember it when they need it. A phone number only helps when people know what it is, understand when to use it and believe they will not be judged for reaching out. 

This is where toolbox talks can make an immediate difference. Construction companies already use these short conversations to address fall protection, heat stress, personal protective equipment and other jobsite hazards. Mental health and suicide prevention deserve a place in that same safety routine. 

A toolbox talk can explain what 988 is, identify warning signs that someone may be struggling and remind employees to check on one another. It can also give supervisors the language they need to begin a difficult conversation with care and respect. Employers do not have to wait until someone is in crisis to make mental health part of their safety culture. 

The resources available through Construction Suicide Prevention Week make these conversations easier. Companies can register their participation, take the pledge and access toolbox talks and other materials that can be shared with crews. The 2026 pledge asks participants to learn at least one new way to seek help for someone in need, including learning about 988, company Employee Assistance Programs and toolbox-talk resources. 

Roofing companies should also visit the National Roofing Contractors Association's Be Tough Enough website. NRCA has developed roofing-specific mental health and suicide prevention resources, including a toolbox talk, suicide prevention fact sheet, break room poster, educational programs, hard-hat stickers and its powerful "Be Tough Enough" video. Many of these resources are available in both English and Spanish, helping companies bring this vital message to their entire workforce. 

The message behind Be Tough Enough is one our industry needs to embrace. Real toughness includes being willing to say you are struggling, asking someone if they are okay and standing beside a coworker as they connect with help. NRCA's materials give contractors practical ways to make those actions part of everyday business. 

I also encourage roofing and construction leaders to learn from Mandy McIntyre, a dedicated advocate for mental health in our industry. Mandy has worked tirelessly to help companies move beyond awareness by developing people who can recognize when someone may need support and help connect that person with appropriate resources. 

Through Mental Health First Aid, individuals can learn how to notice signs of mental health or substance-use challenges, approach a person with care and guide them toward professional help. Mandy's Mental Health First Aider resources are designed for the roofing and construction community, helping trained employees bring practical tools and greater understanding back into their businesses. 

Having trained Mental Health First Aiders within a company does not replace professional care. It gives employees trusted people who are prepared to listen, respond without judgment and help someone take the next step. Just as employees are trained in CPR or first aid, mental health training prepares them to respond when the warning signs are emotional rather than physical. 

At The Coffee Shops®, we are committed to spreading the word about suicide prevention and the lifesaving support available through 988. As part of that commitment, we will host two special Coffee Conversations, sponsored by Tremco, during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. 

On September 15, 2026,  we will be joined by Mandy McIntyre of Tremco for an English-language Coffee Conversation focused on mental health, suicide prevention and the actions companies can take to support their employees. On September 17, 2026, we will present a Spanish-language Coffee Conversation with Lorna Rojas of Tremco, ensuring this important information reaches Spanish-speaking roofing professionals, crews and their families. 

These conversations are intended for owners, managers, safety professionals and every person who works in roofing and construction. We encourage companies to watch as a team, share the programs with employees and use them to begin ongoing conversations within their organizations. We are grateful to Tremco for sponsoring both programs and helping us bring this message to English- and Spanish-speaking members of our industry. 

During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, please visit ConstructionSuicidePrevention.com, explore NRCA's resources at BeToughEnough.org and bring a suicide prevention toolbox talk to your company. Share 988 with your employees, participate in The Coffee Shops' upcoming Coffee Conversations and consider Mental Health First Aid training for members of your team. 

We build businesses, roofs, buildings and communities together. We must also build workplaces where people look out for one another, where difficult conversations are welcomed and where every employee knows they do not have to struggle alone. 

If you or someone you know needs emotional support, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911. These resources should be shared now, before someone needs them, because one conversation and one connection to help can save a life. 

September 15, 2026 - 10 a.m. ET | 7 a.m. PT

In this RoofersCoffeeShop® Coffee Conversations, sponsored by WTI, host Megan Ellsworth is joined by Mandy McIntyre, CM development manager at Weatherproofing Technologies Inc.; Kara (Houck) McCaffrey, chief wellness officer at Houck Group, Inc.; and McKay Daniels CEO of National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) for an important discussion on suicide prevention in construction. Mental health is an essential part of workplace safety, especially in construction, where suicide rates remain significantly higher than the general population. Together, they will address common myths, signs that someone may need support and how to start difficult but potentially life-saving conversations. The panel will also explore resources and ways companies can strengthen mental health support and how Construction Suicide Prevention Week can help turn awareness into lasting action.

Register today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Rising Stars is uplifting young people and connecting them to job opportunities in the roofing industry.   

Recently, David Hutchinson stopped by The Coffee Shops® for an episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast. David, who is the executive director and founder of the Tremco Rising Stars Program, shared the different pathway programs that get individuals involved in the roofing industry and trade. He kicked off the podcast by sharing some background into how he helped found Rising Stars, the first of Tremco’s pathway programs:  

I come from a background of construction and construction adjacent for the last fifteen years, and I've felt from very early on that there wasn't always easy access for people to understand the opportunities and careers in the field. And then when I was holed up during the COVID lockdown, I had this concept for introducing young people from inner cities across the country into the trades. 

He took that idea to Tremco’s leadership, and the Rising Stars program was born. It started out in three cities, Brooklyn, New York; Newark, New Jersey; and Boston, Massachusetts. David dove into the logistics of how the program operates, sharing, “Rising Stars is the foundation where we show young people all the options. And from there, we have collaborations with organizations like trade unions and industry groups that take them beyond the basics." He went on, “These collaborations allow young people to see clear pathways and tools to start their journeys and careers.”  

In the years since that program's inception, it has doubled the number of cities it operates in and even grown into an independent nonprofit. David explained, “We were lucky enough, after being tied to Tremco since the inception, to grow enough and had enough support to separate last year and become our own 501c3. We we're really nicely positioned to go into this construction space as our own entity while still maintaining the great support of a group like Tremco.” 

Reflecting on it all, David is still as excited about the program as he was back in 2020. He shared, “This is an industry that has always been a relationship industry and always will be a relationship industry. And this program is making sure that everybody feels connected in a personal way, which really makes our success stories all the more exciting!” 

Want to learn more about the pathway programs borne out of Tremco’s Rising Star program? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording on YouTube. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Tremco supports contractors and building owners long after a product leaves their factory. 

At Tremco, their team doesn’t just want to be a leading manufacturer of commercial roofing products and solution, they also want to be a leader in customer service. And for Tremco, customer service doesn’t mean just providing support to the contractors who are installing their products, but also to the business owners whose roofs feature Tremco systems. To learn more about the care Tremco extends to contractors and business owners alike, Karen Edwards brought Jay Anderson, their business development specialist of fluid-applied roofing, on to an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Helping their contractors 

So, how does Tremco support the contractors working with their products? Primarily by providing training and expertise. Jay explained, “We have sales representatives across the country who provide support to our contractors. They also provide hands-on training in the field.” 

And these guys aren’t just there to try and sell more products. No, these are the guys that are super technical and can answer pretty much any question a contractor might have about Tremco’s sealants and waterproofing products. In Jay’s words, “The extent of knowledge we have here in our sales team is unbelievable. In my opinion, it’s second to none in the industry, and there are nearly 300 of us across North America. It’s a huge resource and we want our customers using it.”  

Supporting business owners  

As for resources for business owners with Tremco systems installed on their buildings, Jay highlighted their warranty support:  

For restoration and new construction systems, our warranty can go up to even 25-years which does a ton for giving our end users peace of mind as anybody that knows Tremco knows that we stand behind our warranties, shows up when things go wrong and help however we can with whatever challenges occur. 

In addition to these warranties, Tremco offers maintenance programs to business owners through their WTI branch that take the support to the next level by sending Tremco-approved technicians out to regularly examine and inspect the business owner’s roof. 

Want to learn more about how Tremco supports the people using their products? Listen to the whole podcast with Jay!

Learn more about Tremco in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.tremcosealants.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

How putting off repairs can dramatically increase long-term infrastructure costs. 

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards got the chance to talk to Rick Johnson. Rick is a regional sales manager at Tremco CPG covering the mid-Atlantic region. Prior to joining Tremco, he spent a decade working as a restoration contractor.  

When we asked him about the common misstep he sees building owners and facility managers make, he pointed to deferring of maintenance. What does Rick mean by this? He used sports stadiums, as an example, "Stadiums tend to need repair and restoration regularly, and most professional stadiums get replaced every 20-25 years. But what we’re seeing is people deferring maintenance and even replacement because money is tight. But what they don’t realize is how much deferring that maintenance will cost them over time.” 

How much does it cost? Rick used a car oil change as a metaphor, “A regular oil change will cost you $50-$100 depending on your vehicle. And it’s something you do regularly that might seem annoying or like something that could be put off. But if you put it off you risk blowing your engine. And if the engine blows, that’s $8,000-$10,000 minimum.” 

How does this analogy translate to infrastructure? Regular maintenance is the oil change and the risk of blowing the engine is a catastrophic collapse. Rick explained:  

Over time, corrosion begins to attack the rebar of these facilities. This is where regular seal maintenance, often in the form of reinforcement, is key. If you don't maintain it and the corrosion continues unaddressed, it expands, which causes the concrete to further crack and start to delaminate, where pieces will pop out of it. When this happens, suddenly you’re looking at repairs that are 10%-20% more costly than maintenance. And if it goes unaddressed beyond that point, you’re risking a collapsing structure. 

So, how can facility managers and owners find a balance between keeping in budget and keeping up with their infrastructure's maintenance? Rick pointed to the way the Lambeau Field (the Green Bay Packer’s home stadium) team manages their facilities:  

For probably 30 years now, they’ve done yearly maintenance where they recoat 20% of the stadium with a deck membrane, which costs anywhere from $4-$7 a square foot. And to my knowledge, this system has helped them avoid deeper issues like concrete repair, which comes with a $60-$80 per square foot price tag.  

This strategy of building a program that sections off the building is the perfect example of how to both protect your facilities and your finances. As Rick put it, “Dollars are always tight. But if you put that plan together where the build every piece of the building gets addressed every 5-6 years, you can protect that facility and even extend its life anywhere from 20-50 years while staying in budget.” 

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to learn more about maintaining infrastructure properly.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Industry leaders explain why creating a culture of belonging benefits employees, companies and the future of roofing. 

June was Pride Month and here at The Coffee Shops™ we celebrated with a special Pride Month Coffee Conversations all about how roofing companies can create inclusive environments within their businesses and the industry overall. The episode was hosted by Heidi and Megan Ellsworth and featured Tremco’s Elise Vue and Maureen Greeves alongside National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s Amy Staska.  

The episode opened with a discussion of what Pride means. Elise, who has been a part of the industry for a decade now, explained her perspective, saying, “Pride Month, for me personally, has meant an opportunity to not only share my story, but also ask friends and colleagues about themselves and to celebrate the different journeys that brought people to our industry and community.” 

And by being welcoming and opening to those different journeys through conversations, events and other support programs, we can build a stronger industry through inclusion. Amy, who first started at NRCA in 1997, has seen the importance of inclusion firsthand, explaining:  

Being welcoming and accepting is powerful just because it is the right thing to do. But it is also important for any industry that needs people badly. I used to talk to contractors about women in the industry, and they’d be talking about how desperate they were for talent but they also weren’t helping make 50% of the population feel welcome working here. And with the LGBTQ+ community, you have a similar thing. There are a whole bunch of people out there and we can bring them into our industry if we create places where people are not only comfortable to work at but feel like they are embraced. 

Maureen, a 17-year industry veteran, added to Amy’s point, “We're all starving to get people into our industry and keep them here. And the best way to retain anyone is to make them feel safe, comfortable and valued. So, when we talk about pride and inclusion and why it matters, it’s not just the right thing to do, it’s directly tied to the growth and success of our entire industry. Because when you have happy, thriving and engaged people, profits and production are going to go up.” 

Want to learn more about building a more inclusive and thriving industry? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series delivers sealants, adhesives and concrete repair solutions for any jobsite challenge. 

Tremco® has established a name for itself among both professional contractors and DIY-enthusiasts for their high-quality and innovative products. Further, they are known for effectively simplifying product use across multiple applications, providing comprehensive offerings that can be used on any project you may encounter.  

A great example of their commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction is the Vulkem® Pro Series. This product line is incredibly versatile with top-performing sealants, superior bond adhesives and durable concrete repair solutions. 

1 – The sealants 

Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series sealants were designed for every job. They come with incredible features and benefits, such as self-leveling, flexibility, waterproofing and high temperature thresholds. In the Vulkem® Pro Series, there are five sealants: 

• Vulkem® 116: This is a textured, single-component polyurethane sealant that is perfect for general uses on exterior applications such as windows, doors, expansion joints and masonry. 
• Vulkem® 45 SSL: Another single-component polyurethane sealant, this product is semi-self-leveling and is especially suited to sealing concrete expansion joints. 
• Vulkem® MAX: Designed for use with dynamic joints, this hybrid polymer sealer is “a permanently flexible, 100% waterproof, weather- and UV-resistant seal for perimeter caulking.” 
• Vulkem® SIL: 100% silicone, clear and non-sealant. It is ideal for waterproofing and weatherproofing windows and doors. 

2 – The adhesives  

Vulkem® Pro Series also includes a rapid and exceptional bond strength adhesive. Perfect for even the most demanding project as it provides long-lasting, all-weather durability. Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series adhesive is:  

• Vulkem® Grip: Engineered with hybrid polymer technology, this adhesive provides instant grab and reliable bonding to a variety of substrates, eliminating the need for fasteners or clamps. It is also resistant to UV, weather and aging while providing a lasting, durable bond. 

3 – The concrete repair 

And rounding out the Vulkem® Pro Series is their heavy-duty concrete repair products. From high-strength microfiber resurfacers to easy-flowing, self-leveling underlayments, the Vulkem® Pro Series has everything you could need when it comes to concrete:  

• Vulkem™ Cure & Seal: This water-based pure acrylic coating is non-yellowing and water-based. It aids in curing fresh concrete and cement-based mortars, along with sealing and protecting concrete. 
• Vulkem™ Microfiber Resurfacer: A cement-based mortar that features polymers for superior bonding, making this product ideal for resurfacing old, spalled and damaged concrete surfaces to restore them to a new appearance. Designed for weather resistance, it withstands harsh winter conditions, including freezing and thawing, and features microfiber technology to reduce cracking. 
• Vulkem™ Non-Sag Sealant: A multi-purpose non-sag polyurethane sealant that works for both vertical and horizontal construction applications. It is 100% waterproof, weather/aging resistant and remains flexible throughout its entire lifespan. 
• Vulkem™ Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment: Designed for preparing and leveling concrete, solid hardwoods, exposure plywoods and OSB equivalent subfloors prior to installation of floor coverings, this underlayment is free-flowing, cement-based and self-leveling.  
• Vulkem™ Self-Leveling Sealant: This self-leveling polyurethane sealant provides exceptional all-weather durability and flexibility, while providing exceptional wear and tear resistance in high traffic areas. It is paintable with latex paints and rain-ready in 2 hours.  

With this suite of products in your toolbox, you can enter each job site confidently and ready to tackle whatever challenges might come your way.  

Learn more about the Vulkem line.

By Mike Bader, Tremco.  

Learn about waterproofing and building plaza and amenity decks on existing structures.  

Summer is just around the corner and one of the best ways to enjoy it is outdoors. And for those who live in cities, finding green space can be a challenge. This limited access is why many people in high-rise cities are drawn to apartments with plaza decks that offer them an outdoor oasis in the form of lush patios, swimming pools and even dog parks.  

With such a high demand, these amenity decks are a great way to add value to your building. But adding these features isn't simple, especially if you’re adding one to a structure that was not initially constructed to bear the weight or moisture that comes with added greenery and water. In this article, we’ll dive into three key considerations related to building a rooftop deck that is waterproof and structurally sound.  

1 – Managing greenery 

Whether in the form of planters, flowers or trees, new greenery on a plaza deck will introduce a significant amount of water and weight to the structure. The building owner and members of the design/build team should consult with other trades prior to adding any new vegetation to mitigate potential damage. A waterproofing specialist, such as Tremco’s technicians, can review the existing structure for proper water drainage and recommend the addition of drains, application of a waterproofing membrane or any other necessary building changes. An engineer can then assess if the structure can hold the anticipated weight. 

2 – Adding a pool or hot tub 

Swimming pools and hot tubs on plaza decks pose added waterproofing hazards due to the constant presence of water and chlorine. Drains may become clogged with debris which can add to the potential of ponding water on the deck’s surface. Facility managers should routinely check for any cracking of the finish which may indicate a waterproofing or structural concern.

Generally speaking, sealants are typically installed with a concave design. However, on the perimeter surrounding a body of water, this shape can hold the water on the surface of the sealant. A high concentration of chlorine or other chemical can damage the sealant after prolonged exposure. At this location, sealants should instead be installed flush to minimize surface water. Sealants should be inspected annually, so if you notice damage or discolored sealant, a tear out and recaulk is recommended. 

3 – Designing a dog park 

Rooftop dog parks can include pathways, large fenced-in dog runs and dedicated relief areas. While seemingly harmless and lightweight, water is needed to clean the surfaces and dispose of waste. A waterproofing specialist can help determine the necessary slope of the deck to accommodate sprinklers and other drainage systems. They will look for improperly sealed penetrations, such as those for plumbing or electrical, which could cause leaks from the added water.

In addition, if grass or astroturf material is not properly secured to the substrate, moisture could become trapped beneath the surface. And since some waterproofing membranes break down when exposed to the chemical composition of animal waste, any extended exposure could compromise the system.  

Conclusion 

The addition of greenery, pools, hot tubs or dog parks to a plaza deck is not as simple as it might sound. It is critical that owners work with waterproofing specialists and engineers to determine any modifications needed for the proposed design. Always err on the side of caution, as bypassing this step can lead to costly water intrusion and structural issues. 

Original article and photo source: Tremco

By Emma Peterson. 

Why contractors are using the Dryvit Outsulation system for historic and heritage projects. 

Historic buildings are fundamental to preserving our cities’ culture and heritage. However, because of their age, they are often in need of renovations to make them structurally sound and safe for modern use. Historical remediation projects come with a variety of challenges, as the American Society of Civil Engineers points out, “Renovation and restoration present unique challenges over new construction projects, such as complying with preservation laws, managing hazardous materials, addressing potential rezoning concerns, as well as ensuring the availability of skilled workers.” 

But just because it’s a challenge doesn't mean it’s impossible, and Tremco CPG’s Dryvit brand has developed an exterior facade solution that makes it easier to tackle these restoration projects – the Outsulation® system.  

What is the Dryvit Outsulation system 

Dryvit Outsulation is a modern exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) that, as the name suggests, insulates a building from the outside. It features “continuous insulation (CI) adhered or attached to an approved substrate, a basecoat with reinforcing fiberglass mesh and an impact-resistant architectural finish.” Traditionally, the insulator used in the CI of a Dryvit Outsulation system is EPS foam, but GPS, XPS and Mineral Wool are also usable.  

Dryvit Outsulation provides maximum durability, sustainability and thermal performance for all types of climates and structures. It has been shown to lower energy costs, reduce exterior maintenance needs and keep building looking their best.   

Designing with the Dryvit Outsulation system for historic integrity 

For the restoration of aging structures, Dryvit Outsulation is an ideal system for maintaining historical integrity. This is because EIFS provide the perfect balance of design flexibility with contemporary performance. 

Versatility 

EIFS, like the Dryvit Outsulation system, are remarkably versatile when it comes to design. They can be custom shaped and finished to mimic a wide variety of materials, even the intricate details often found on 19th and 20th century buildings (like cornices, dentils and keystones). Additionally, you can choose from countless textures and colors for a Dryvit Outsulation façade, making it simple to refresh a fading coating to match the historical intent. 

Because the CI is used in the system is typically a lightweight EPS foam, they put far less weight strain on a historical structure than other options.  

Performance 

A common challenge for historic renovations is getting the structure up to modern building codes and standards. Dryvit Outsulation is great at bringing heritage buildings up to contemporary energy codes and performance expectations. The combination of CI and the air/water barrier that are installed as a part of the system reduces thermal bridging and air leakage. In fact, since 2013, many national code bodies have started requiring CI for new construction projects for its ability to increase buildings’ R-value.  

Affordability 

These days, every building project seems expensive, but historic work is especially costly since it often involves sourcing rare materials or locating specific skilled labor. By working with the Dryvit Outsulation system, you can save money on the exterior restoration without cutting any corners. Not only is the material itself more affordable than other options, using field-applied or prefabricated EIFS shortens timelines and minimizes labor costs.  

One contractor, Rob Little of Little Construction, shared the benefit of working with Dryvit on his company’s Boston Hill Center project, “You can design it anyway you want, any color you want, almost any texture you want...and get your CI requirements and durability.” 

Conclusion 

Overall, the Dryvit Outsulation system is a powerful tool to have when renovating historical or heritage structures. The CI and other components of the EIFS combine visual adaptability, high-performance and cost-effectiveness to create the perfect balance of “preserving the past and constructing for the future.” 

Learn more about preserving historical buildings with Dryvit Outsolution EIFS.

Join RCS host, Megan Ellsworth, for an open and uplifting conversation celebrating Pride Month, brought to you by Tremco. Megan and panelists will explore how roofing companies can create inclusive environments within their businesses and the industry overall. From recruitment and retention to mentorship, leadership and jobsite culture, the panel shares honest insights about the importance of visibility and allyship in the trades. The discussion also highlights how embracing diversity strengthens teams, drives innovation and helps build a healthier future for the roofing industry. Join us for this very special Pride Month Coffee Conversations!

Register today!