By Emma Peterson. 

Westlake’s portfolio is full of high-performance solutions for every project. 

While at the 2026 International Builders’ Show, The Coffee Shops™ team interviewed a variety of our customers and industry friends from SRS Distribution’s expo floor garage! One such interview was with Mitch Heitsch, who is a regional sales manager with Westlake Royal Roofing Products. Mitch was at the show highlighting the variety of products and solutions Westlake has to offer for all contractors, no matter what part of the building they work on, where they are in the country, what performance/aesthetics requirements they need to meet and more.  

He opened the conversation by explaining how Westlake’s portfolio encompasses a variety of markets, sharing, “Our overall brand is called Westlake Royal Building Products because we have so many different solutions... There’s roofing, which is my division, then there’s tools (Tapco), and on top of that we have stone for outdoor living (such as El Dorado and Cultured Stone) and siding/trim solutions.”  

And within each of these brands, Westlake has developed sub-brands and systems that meet the needs of contractors in the field. Unified Steel, Westlake’s stone-coated metal roofing brand, is a prime example of this. Mitch explained:  

Our products check most of the boxes when it comes to both performance and aesthetics. Take Unified Steel, for example. It has all the ratings Floridians could need when it comes to hurricanes and wind uplifts, while also having the very severe hail (VSH) and snow load ratings needed in the Midwest and the fire ratings needed out West. And from an aesthetics standpoint, we not only have a variety of colors for every need, but also five unique profiles that fit any architectural style out there. 

At the end of the day, if you need a product related to building a home, Westlake’s portfolio is likely to have a high-performance solution perfect for the job. 

Learn more about Westlake’s portfolio by watching the whole interview.

By Robin Anderson, technical and strategy development manager, Westlake Royal Building Products.

Small steps can lead to big savings, and cool roof colors and a cool roof system do just that.

Roofing systems already play a critical role in protecting the home, but what if they can do even more to bolster resilience and save homeowners money? Specifying cool roof materials and methods can provide added durability while helping to keep homes cooler and lowering energy costs.

Here’s what contractors should know.

What are cool roof colors?

Cool roof color tiles utilize specialized pigments that help reflect the sun’s solar energy, varying significantly based on the roofing material and manufacturer. These cool colors are often listed with the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), an independent organization that lists products that have been rigorously tested for their solar reflectance and thermal emittance.

Cool roof colors provide effective temperature regulation, keeping the building cooler even in the hottest weather and helping lower energy bills by easing reliance on air conditioning systems.

More broadly, cool roof colors help reduce CO² and other emissions associated with fossil fuel-generated electricity, which can contribute to a greener environment.

Along with direct savings, the lower surface temperature of a cool roof color can help maintain the quality of the roof and extend its service life, minimizing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. To the left, is an example of a cool roof color. This is Stirling in the Pacific Tile profile, one of four cool roof colors available from Unified Steel.

What is a cool roof system?

Available in combination with cool roof colors or any color, the Westlake Royal cool roof system pairs Unified Steel, Newpoint Concrete and US Tile roofing with components and procedures that provide superior insulation, ventilation and longevity. This helps keep the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. To the right is one of many cool roof colors available for Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile. In particualr, shown here is the Barcelona profile in Buckskin.

The makeup of a cool roof system varies slightly based on roofing material.

As hot air rises by natural convection, a cool roof system allows the warm air to rise and exit through the ridge vent, drawing outside ambient air across the roof deck. This continuous airflow creates a cooler attic and living space in the home. The animation to the right shows this process.

Testing by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) revealed that the Elevated Batten System on a dark roof is just as important as reflective roofs in achieving energy efficiency. ORNL’s 12-month study on the effects of infrared-reflective (IRR) pigments vs. metal roofs installed with an airspace showed above-sheathing ventilation can reduce heat flow into a building by nearly 30% (the Cool Roof Technical Bulletin with a complete report is available for download).

Energy efficiency made easy

Small steps can lead to big savings, and cool roof colors and a cool roof system do just that. By focusing on durability, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, homeowners and building professionals can achieve long-term value and optimal performance.

To learn more about cool roof options, visit Westlake Royal’s cool roof page.

By Emma Peterson. 

Metal roofing is rising in popularity around the country thanks to its ability to withstand various climates. 

In his role as a regional sales manager for Westlake Royal Building Products, Mitch Heitsch works with contractors and clients across various regions, from North Dakota to Florida. This has given him a unique perspective on how different roofing products and materials perform in different climates. To share what he has seen, he stopped by MetalCoffeeShop® for an episode of MetalCast™.  

Mitch opened the conversation by discussing the different factors impacting roofing in the regions he covers, sharing, “It's been a lot of fun to see the vast difference across regions. For example, in Florida, we tend to get kind of tunnel visioned into wind uplift and wind driven rain and those kinds of topics, but getting further north, now you're starting to talk snow loads and hail impact.”  

And the common thread across these regions? The rising interest in metal roofing. In Mitch’s opinion, the biggest reason for this popularity is metal’s performance. He explained: 

From winds to snow to wildfires, metal roofing checks all the boxes. Take Westlake’s Unified Steel as an example. In a wind uplift category, we have testing standards that get us up over 200 miles an hour. In a hail category, we carry very severe hail (VSH).  When you start talking about fire prone areas, we are a class A rated system product...Further, you can design Unified Steel as a cool roof system, where air is constantly flowing above the roof deck and keeping the home cooler. 

While this incredible performance might be the main reason, there are still other factors that are influencing the rise of metal. One is insurance costs. Mitch explained, “I think insurance is driving a lot of the conversation about performance. As our weather grows more extreme, these companies are demanding higher performing roofs.”  

Overall, metal is rising in popularity across regions for its durability and performance. As Mitch put it, “We’re seeing a general shift in people trying to move towards prepping themselves for weather events versus being reactionary to it. And a metal roof is often part of that preparation.” 

Listen to the whole conversation or Watch the episode to learn more about the rise of metal roofing.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how stone-coated steel roofing delivers unmatched protection and performance.  

Across the country, homeowners are in the market for roofing materials that not only deliver powerful durability, but also premium curb appeal and long-term performance. And that’s exactly what Westlake Royal Roofing Solution’s Unified Steel brand delivers.  

Unified Steel is a highly engineered stone-coated steel roofing material that delivers the “look of traditional roofing with advanced performance, energy efficiency and sustainability.” Further, the Unified Steel portfolio includes everything from shake and shingles to Spanish-inspired tile, making it perfect for every home, whether your style is a classic cottage, an ultra-modern retreat and everything in between. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of working with Unified Steel.  

Powerful protection 

Built to meet some of the industry’s toughest standards, Unified Steel delivers long-term peace of mind in the face of extreme weather. It is rigorously engineered to withstand events such as:  

• Hurricane: Westlake has multiple design assemblies featuring Unified Steel roofing that has been proven to withstand Category Five hurricane-force winds (120 mph). 
• Hail: Built to deliver unmatched strength in the face of even the worst hail, Unified Steel comes with a Class-4 impact rating. 
• Fire: Unified Steel can be incorporated into a variety of “Class-A fire-rated roof assemblies, ember-resistant underlayment options and WUl-compliant assemblies.” 

Efficient and eco-friendly 

Unified Steel roofing doesn’t just protect the home beneath its eaves; it protects the planet. Made of highly recyclable materials and designed with advanced ventilation and insulation features, Unified Steel roofing reduces a home’s environmental impacts while also increasing its energy efficiency.  

Add to that the ability to incorporate Westlake’s Cool Roof Colors, which lower energy costs by reflecting more thermal heat, Unified Steel becomes the obvious solution for efficiency and eco-friendliness. 

Versatility 

Made in the USA, these stone-coated steel panels are a versatile roofing option. They are designed to be lightweight and easy-to-install, making your crew’s job easier. They also come with a 50-year transferrable warranty that attests to their reliable and long-lasting performance. Overall, if you are looking for a versatile roofing solution that lowers repair costs and adds lasting value to a home, Unified Steel is a great option. 

Learn more about Unified Steel roofing.

The manufacturer will feature products from its extensive collection of roofing brands and will host installation clinics and product demonstrations throughout the event.

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (Westlake Royal), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), is bringing innovation and expertise to the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), January 20 to 22, 2026, in Las Vegas. The manufacturer will feature products from its extensive collection of roofing brands — Newpoint® Concrete Roof Tile, DaVinci® Roofscapes, US Tile® Clay Roofing Products, Unified Steel® Stone Coated Roofing and Westlake Royal™ Roofing Components — and will host installation clinics and product demonstrations throughout the event.

“The International Roofing Expo is always one of the highlights of our year, and we’re looking forward to another opportunity to meet up with new and existing customers to explore how our products and solutions can help grow their businesses,” said Eric Miller, vice president of sales for Westlake Royal Building Products’ stone and roofing solutions brands. “This year, we’re excited to feature several new on-trend, authentic colors while helping contractors select resilient, long-lasting roofing materials that bring peace of mind to pros and consumers, no matter their geography or climate.” 

Highlights from Westlake Royal’s booth (2545) will include:

Comprehensive roofing portfolio

Westlake Royal’s portfolio of industry-leading roofing brands spans a full spectrum of materials and profiles engineered for aesthetics, resilience and regional performance needs. From severe weather durability and fire resistance to energy efficiency and architectural versatility, attendees can explore roofing products and solutions designed to meet the demands of a variety of climates, code requirements or design visions.

The booth will highlight the latest colors, profiles and system enhancements across Newpoint® Concrete Roof Tile, DaVinci® Roofscapes, US Tile® Clay Roofing Products, Unified Steel® Stone Coated Roofing and Westlake Royal® Roofing Components. Attendees can also view the Westlake Royal Cool Roof System exhibit, which shows how underlayment, ventilation and reflective surfaces work together to boost energy performance, extend roof life and enhance overall system protection. The system can be paired with slate, clay, steel or concrete tiles in a wide range of profiles — from slate and shake to S tile and more. 

New product — DaVinci® Roofscapes shake in Timber Black and Blonde Cedar

DaVinci® shake products are modeled from hand-split shakes for natural, non-repeating beauty. The new Timber Black color features deep grays and blacks for the authentic feel of rustic black cedar trees found deep in the eastern forests of North America. New Blonde Cedar is a warm, refined color that replicates the depth and light, airy coloring of sun-kissed cedar. 

DaVinci® Project of the Year recognition

DaVinci® Roofscapes will highlight the winners of the 2025 DaVinci® Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Awards. The five residential and two commercial projects showcase industry excellence, craftsmanship, visual impact and the ability to transform properties through innovative roofing solutions.  

Metal roofing clinics: Prefinished metal panels; stone coated metal panels

IRE attendees will have three opportunities to participate in a complementary knowledge session, covering specification and installation of stone coated steel roofing panels, including regional considerations, accessories and installation best practices. The 45-minute sessions will be held at Booth 1133 on January 20 at 12:15 p.m., January 21 at 1 p.m. and January 22 at 1:45 p.m.

Tapco Tools® Trim Brake demonstrations

Brakes and saw tables from Tapco Tools® offer the utmost precision to create a high-quality, finished look for custom exterior trim. During IRE, Westlake Royal will host hands-on brake demos at its booth, showcasing techniques for cutting and bending roofing flashing and trim. 

Attendees can visit Westlake Royal Building Products at booth 2545. 

To learn more about all of the Roofing Solutions brands, click here. 

About Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions LLC 

Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions is a recognized, national leader in durable and sustainable clay, composite, concrete and steel roof systems and components. The company’s offerings include US Tile products, a legacy line of premium, stunning clay tile solutions manufactured to the highest standard of sustainability and craftsmanship; DaVinci Roofscapes, beautiful and durable composite slate and shake roofing tiles; Newpoint Concrete Tile Roofing, the enduring line of concrete tile known for its superior strength, Class A fire rating and long-lasting beauty; Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing, the ultra-lightweight roofing system which benefits from the structural strength of steel; and Westlake Royal Roofing Components, a full line of integrated roof components designed to deliver a higher standard of roof installation and performance.

About Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including siding and accessories, trim and mouldings, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles and accessories.

For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.

By Emma Peterson. 

Don’t miss the largest international event in the metal industry – METALCON 2025! 

Every year, METALCON brings professionals from around the world and the metal industry together for three incredible days of networking and learning. Attendees can look forward to networking with like-minded professionals, seemingly endless roofing innovations to explore and education that will help make their business more competitive, efficient and profitable. Keep reading to learn more of what to expect from this year’s show, happening October 21-23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  

Two inspiring keynotes 

This year’s show will feature two incredible keynote presentations! The first will be hosted at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21 by Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha. Clinton served in the 14-hour Battle of Kamdesh — one of the deadliest engagements of the Afghan War — and received the Medal of Honor. He has shared his story in a New York Times bestselling book (Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor), which inspired the critically acclaimed film The Outpost, starring Scott Eastwood and Orlando Bloom. In his talk, “Always Forward – Lessons in Leadership and Resilience,” Clinton will share about leading with purpose and persevering under pressure.  

The other keynote will be presented by Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at the Bundy Group, on Wednesday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m. Alex brings over two decades of experience in market research and analysis. Having consulted with and advised companies across North and South America, Europe and Asia, Alex’s keynote, “Economic and Labor Market Update – What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond,” is the perfect resource for professionals looking to learn more about "time-sensitive economic events of concern such as inflation, interest rates, tariffs, immigration, labor market conditions, consumer spending, business investment and industrial activity.”  

Learn more about the keynote speakers!

Eight in-depth workshops 

Looking for a way to level up your practical skills while at METALCON? Make sure to register for some of these expert-led workshops: 

• Metal Roof Installation Training: Part 1 – Certificate Course: Hosted October 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. by the Metal Construction Association, this workshop promises to help you master the basics of substrates, safety, sealants and more!  
• Metal Roof Installation Training: Part 2 – Certificate Course: The second part of the October 20 course, this session will be hosted on October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and builds on the learning from Part 1. 
• Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry – Part 1: Also hosted on October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this workshop offers a series of presentations from roll-forming experts, Shawn Huffman, Josh Beck, Andy Allman and Steve Ebel.  
• Advanced Metal Exterior Installation Techniques for Roofing & Building Contractors: If you’re looking for a hands-on experience that will sharpen your metal roofing and building skills, you don’t want to miss this workshop, happening October 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
• Metal Roofing from A (Aluminum) to Z (Zinc): Hosted from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on October 21, this workshop is led by Rob Haddock of S-5! and is a crash course in everything metal! 
• Low Slope Detailing Workshop – Certificate Course: Happening in the afternoon of October 21 (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.), this is the opportunity to learn all about installing low slope metal roofing.  
• The Blueprint to Back Office Success – Managing Credit and Collections in Construction: And for those looking for some office help, this session on October 21 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. will cover everything from setting credit terms to developing policies and handling collections.  
• Roll Forming for the Metal Construction Industry – Part 2: Last but not least is the second part of the October 21 rollforming workshop. This one, hosted on October 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will cover the same topic with two new experts, Brian Rogers and Paul Williams. 

These workshops are designed to help both beginner and advanced professionals to learn, earn credentials and work with industry professionals. 

Get more details about the workshops!

35+ educational sessions 

In addition to the more in-depth, hands-on workshops, there are a over 35 education sessions across six different tracks: 

1. Business growth and innovation: The sessions in this track help you find practical, expert-tested strategies that will help you run a smarter and more profitable business. 
2. Building performance: Designed for anyone involved in the design, construction or code compliance of metal buildings, this session delivers targeted, expert-led education about risk mitigation in the face of extreme weather events.  
3. Installation and techniques: Sponsored by CIDAN Machinery Group, sessions in this track aim to provide installers and contractors with the knowledge to improve their build practices.  
4. Masterclass: Sessions in the masterclass track are designed to help experienced professionals deepen their expertise by going beyond the basics and diving into critical, real-world strategies. 
5. Design District: The Design District @ METALCON was created specifically for architects, designers, specifiers and engineers. Sessions taught here deliver the inspiration, knowledge, connections and credits needed to help design professionals excel with metal. 
6. Metal mastery clinics: Hosted in the exhibit hall, these sessions feature Metal Construction Association and Metal Roofing Alliance experts and are the perfect resource for contractors and installers looking to improve their metal installation technique.  

These sessions are included in your registration and designed to connect you with the industry’s foremost experts in metal construction and design. Whatever role you hold in the industry, there’s a session that will help you. 

Check out the full list of sessions!

275+ trade show booths 

Last but not least, the show will feature an incredible expo hall with over 275 booths to explore! This is a great opportunity to learn about the newest innovations and solutions that are being developed in the roofing industry from leading companies like AkzoNobel (Booth #5005), Cougar Paws (Booth #7104), H.B. Fuller (Booth #3035), New Tech Machinery (Booth #4027), Sheffield Metals (Booth #4033), Unified Steel (Booth #7098) and Van Mark Products (Booth #4104). The Coffee Shops™ crew will be there (Booth #2001), so make sure to stop by, say hi and check out our soundstage, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams!  

Explore the full trade show map!

Register now for METALCON 2025 using this registration link and receive $30 off registration costs! Or use code 30MCS for the same discount!

By Emma Peterson. 

This library of roofing resources and product information will help you work more efficiently and effectively in the field. 

Westlake Royal Building Products is known to be a leader across North America when it comes to innovative exterior and interior building products. With more than 50 years of experience, they operate in a variety of sectors including siding, trim, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. They are the parent company of a variety of brands such as Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile, Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing and DaVinci Roofscapes. 

Recently, Westlake released tailored manuals for their Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing brand! United Steel is a popular option for projects that require a lightweight, durable material that still looks great. This release marks the growth of their library from only two manuals to ten! And they are available in both English and Spanish.  

These manuals are packed with everything you need to get the job done right, from general information about each product to QR codes that direct you to quick, on-the-job video tips! There are unique manuals for each of the following products: 

• Barrel-Vault Tile: Batten Install Guide
• Barrel-Vault Tile: Direct-Bend-Up Install Guide
• Cottage Shingle: Direct-Bend-Up-Install
• Cottage Shingle: Direct-Cut and Tuck-Install Guide
• Granite-Ridge Shingle: Install Guide
• Pacific Tile Batten: Install Guide
• Pacific Tile: Direct-Bend-Up Install Guide
• Pine-Crest Shake: Batten Install Guide
• Pine-Crest Shake: Direct-Bend-Up Install Guide
• Pine-Crest Shake: Direct-Cut and Tuck-Install Guide

Download and get instant access to the new installation guides!

Expanded DaVinci® Roofscapes and Newpoint™ color offerings, contractor recognition and interactive demos take center stage

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (Westlake Royal), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is set to make a significant impact at the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE), held February 19 - 21, 2025 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees can explore an expanded lineup of innovative roofing solutions, including new nature-inspired color additions to the DaVinci® Roofscapes and Newpoint™ Concrete Roof Tile collections. Highlights of the booth experience will also include live demonstrations of advanced digital tools for contractors, celebrations of industry excellence with the 2024 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Awards and hands-on product showcases of Westlake Royal’s comprehensive roofing portfolio.

Westlake Royal Building Products will showcase its comprehensive roofing portfolio in booth 11101, including Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile, DaVinci Roofscapes, US Tile® Clay Roofing Products, Unified Steel™ Stone Coated Roofing and Westlake Royal™ Roofing Components.

"We're excited to return to the International Roofing Expo with an expanded offering of products and digital solutions that help contractors grow their businesses," said Eric Miller, vice president of sales, Westlake Royal Building Products’ stone and roofing solutions brands. "This year, we're particularly proud to showcase our new color additions to our Newpoint Concrete and DaVinci product lines, which provide contractors with even more design options to offer their customers."

New and hot product highlights

New DaVinci Roofscapes colors

Two new colors will be introduced to DaVinci Single-Width Slate’s Nature Crafted Collection: Rock Ridge and Aurora. Rock Ridge effortlessly blends dark gray and black hues to mirror the natural presence of iron sulfide, graphite and carbon found in Vermont and New York quarried slate Aurora, inspired by the Northern Skies’ Aurora Borealis, uniquely merges soft mottled greens and purples. This sophisticated yet traditional blend creates a one-of-a-kind appearance, making it a perfect addition for historical renovations and homes seeking to capture the essence of 1900s architecture.

Sneak peek! Expanded Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile colors and profiles

Get a sneak peek at the latest additions to the Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile lineup, designed to meet the diverse style preferences of regional markets. For Northern and Southern California, four new nature-inspired colors — Earthen Shadow, Platinum Peak, Tree Bark Blend and Urban Driftwood — will soon be available. Arizona and Nevada markets will see the introduction of three stunning new hues: Auburn Ridge, Ashen Cove and Olive Bark. Additionally, the popular Cherrywood and Apple Bark colors will feature expanded profile offerings in the Nevada and Arizona markets, providing even more options for homeowners and builders.

Westlake Royal will showcase its complete lineup of core roofing brands at its booth, highlighting the innovation and craftsmanship of each product line. This includes DaVinci Roofscapes, known for its composite shake and slate roofing products that combine the beauty of natural materials with enhanced durability; Newpoint Concrete Roof Tile, offering a durable concrete line celebrated for its superior strength and timeless aesthetic appeal; Unified Steel, a versatile and resilient steel roofing solution designed to meet a range of performance needs; US Tile Clay Roofing Products, a legacy line of sustainable and expertly crafted clay tile; and Westlake Royal Roofing Components, featuring essential accessories and enhancements that elevate the performance and longevity of roofing systems.

Project of the Year recognition

DaVinci will celebrate industry excellence by showcasing the winners of the 2024 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Awards, which features five outstanding residential projects and one commercial project. Each project demonstrates excellence in craftsmanship, visual impact and the ability to transform properties through innovative roofing solutions.

The booth will feature several interactive elements designed to help contractors streamline their businesses:

• Live demonstrations of the Ingage digital presentation system
• Roofle lead generation tool demonstrations and consultations
• Tapco Tools® brake demonstrations will showcase the precision needed to create a high-quality, finished look for custom exterior trim

Attendees can visit Westlake Royal Building Products’ Roofing Solutions booth 11101 to learn more about its brands, visit Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions website or DaVinci Roofscapes.

About Westlake Royal Roofing LLC 

Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions is a recognized, national leader in durable and sustainable clay, composite, concrete and steel roof systems and components. The brands’ offerings include US Tile products, a legacy line of premium, stunning clay tile solutions manufactured to the highest standard of sustainability and craftsmanship; DaVinci Roofscapes, beautiful and durable composite slate and shake roofing tiles; Newpoint Concrete Tile Roofing, the enduring line of concrete tile known for its superior strength, Class A fire rating and long-lasting beauty; Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing, the ultra-lightweight roofing system which benefits from the structural strength of steel; and Westlake Royal Roofing Components, a full line of integrated roof components designed to deliver a higher standard of roof installation and performance.

About Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including siding and accessories, trim and mouldings, roofing, stone, windows and outdoor living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles and accessories.

For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.

By Anna Lockhart. 

Don’t miss out on these exciting sessions taking place on Friday at IRE 2025!

International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2025 is just around the corner and participants are making plans for attending interesting sessions and events! Have you taken a look at what exciting conversations and workshops you will be attending? If not, here’s a full breakdown of what’s happening at this year’s expo on Friday, February 21.  

Don’t forget to stop by The Coffee Shops in the lobby for some fun swag and networking opportunities as well! Then head onto the show floor to check out what’s new with Geocel, UNIFLEX and Kool Seal at booth #19085 and Cornerstone Building Brands at booth #6039. 

Featured sessions for Friday, February 21 

• Breaking the Silence: Addressing Mental Health, Suicide and Addiction in the Roofing Iindustry | 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Room 217AB - Join Mandy McIntyre, founder of Level Up Consultants, as she sheds light on the importance of identifying key indicators of mental distress in employees and coworkers and how to properly prepare effective intervention strategies.  
• Legal Issues with Sub Labor | 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Room 008AB - Trent Cotney, respected industry leader and partner at Adams & Reese, leads participants in a thought-provoking seminar highlighting the legal issues surrounding sub labor and how to best navigate these risks. 
• Navigating the Technology Landscape | 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Room 214CD - Tune in to this insightful panel as industry leaders and RT3 members Kyrah Coker, Heidi J. Ellsworth, John Kenney, John Kiesel and Wendy Marvin discuss their best tips and advice for navigating the ever-changing field of roofing technology.  
• Planning for Success: Fall Prevention and Rescue Planning for Roofing Contractors | 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. | Room 206AB - The Director of Risk Education and Training at NRCA, Rich Trewyn, leads this seminar dedicated to fall rescue planning. Creating an effective rescue plan can help reduce fatal falls by 76%!  
• Commercial Roofing Maintenance Contracts | 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Room 214CD - John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group and Jef McCurdy of Castagra cover the basics of what commercial roofers need to know about maintenance contracts and how to create, implement and sell commercial roofing maintenance programs! 
• Leadership + Management = Accountability | 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Room 006AD - Join Jonathan Gardner of Owens Corning and Sue Hawkes as they lead this workshop based on uncovering the secrets of “LMA,” a.k.a., “Leadership + Management = Accountability.” 
• Roof Replacements: An Energy-Efficient Value-Add for Contractors | 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Room 007AD - PIMA leadership Justin Koscher and Marcin Pazera present vital information for empowering roofing professionals in capitalizing on marketplace opportunities.  
• Understanding Thermal Bridging of Fasteners through Insulated Roofing Systems | 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. | Room 207AB - Join Jennifer Keegan of GAF and Eric Olson of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. as they present research evidence and how these findings can result in fostering a greater understanding of thermal bridges in the roofing industry. 
• Retrofit With Metal Systems | 12:15 – 1:00 p.m. | Booth #10141 - Stop by this booth where DJ Highnote of Roof Hugger, Jason Kaiser of Vogler Sheet Metal and Charlie Smith of McElroy Metal will be dissecting and discussing the nuances of retrofitting versus other roofing system options.   
• Stone Coated Metal Panels | 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. | Booth #10141 - Join Robin Anderson of Unified Steel / Westlake and Chuck Nolden of RoneRite Home Maintenance as they lead this course in choosing the right metal shingles for any roofing project!  

With endless opportunities for learning and networking, IRE 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting event! From metal roofing and retrofitting to making the most of sustainability initiatives, there’s a session for just about anyone attending this year’s event!  

Looking to attend sessions on other days of the event? Check out what’s going on during day one and day two of IRE 2025!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how to use digital tools to make the traditional estimating process more efficient and profitable. 

In the roofing industry, time truly is money and one of the big slow down points for many contractors is the estimating process. This is typically a tedious process that can involve more calculations and headaches than anyone wants. Luckily, contractors today can access a variety of tools to make this crucial process more seamless. One example is the Unified Steel Material List Generator! In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke to Mitch Heitsch of Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions about this free, interactive tool! 

In this digital age, more than ever, people expect expediency in service. Mitch explained, “When you’re running and gunning and getting inundated with quote requests, to spend 30 or 45 minutes on a quote, it's just not acceptable... We're in a digital age, everything is at your fingertips. For some customers, if they don't hear from somebody in a couple hours, they’re like, okay, what's wrong? So being able to only take 30 or 45 seconds to do a quote or to do a bid, it makes a world of difference.” This estimator integrates seamlessly with roof measurements, whether they’re taken traditionally or through 3D software solutions, to create accurate product lists for contractors. With reps in the field often getting upwards of 15 or 20 quote requests in one day, speeding up the estimating process and delivering quotes faster is a powerful advantage that can help you win more bids.  

Mitch explained how this might play out, sharing, “With this tool, your estimator can sit down and say, ‘Hey, the sales rep's out in the field, he sent you over a request for a roof report. Once you get that report, you can sit down for five minutes and have an estimate in that rep’s hands.’” And this tool doesn’t only come in handy at the beginning of a project. If you register and make an account, you can build a record of your projects and your estimates. Mitch shared how this can be helpful, saying, “It might be six months down the road and you're like, I was short on that project, what happened? Then you can see, oh our sales rep told me that I had 200 feet, when really I had 250 feet.” This allows you to have a better understanding of how your business is functioning and performing.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the entire conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about the Unified Steel Material List Generator and what it can do for your business!