By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Why the details matter so much when it comes to restoring metal roofing systems.  

Looking at a commercial metal roof (the type you see on warehouses and industrial buildings), it might appear simple at first – especially for standing seam systems that, at first glance, look just like a panel of metal that’s been attached to the roof with fasteners. But as anyone who has worked on a metal roof can tell you, the devil’s in the details. To dive into the hidden intricacies of metal, Western Colloid’s president, Greg Hlavaty stopped by for an Understanding Roof Restoration podcast episode on restoring metal roofing.  

Greg opened the conversation by discussing the actual design of a commercial metal roof – from the slope of the system to the hidden fasteners under the overlapping panels. Each of these features requires careful consideration, both in the initial installation of the roof and any subsequent restorations. As Greg put it, “You need somebody that knows what they're doing in restoring or repairing that roof as the contractor really is the key to the future performance of the roof. They need to know the configurations of these metal roofs and how to attack each one differently.” 

An example of needing to understand why all of the details that go into a metal roof are vital is when a metal roof has a leak. Leaks in metal roofs can come from a lot of different sources, as Greg explained: 

There are rubber grommets on those hidden fasteners. And as they get older, the rubber wears out and you can have leaks start at those fastener holes...Another source of leaks is people walking on the panels. It crimps the metal between joists, and that bend in the metal creates a place where water collects and then finds its way inside. 

But the throughline of these leak sources and others is that you need to know what you’re looking for and the right way to fix it. Greg shared, “If they're not attacked properly, you can create more leaks in a roof by doing an improper sealing than what was there before.” 

Overall, as metal roofing continues to rise in popularity due to its durability and longevity, it’s important for contractors and other professionals to fully understand all the details and factors that impact the installation, maintenance and eventual restoration of these roof systems. 

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The MCA Summer Meeting will drive innovation, education and industry growth.

As members of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) gather for their Summer Meeting, the conversations reflect an industry that continues to evolve with purpose. From technical education and market development to workforce recognition and major events, MCA is helping shape the future of metal construction while providing resources that support manufacturers, contractors, architects and design professionals. 

That leadership starts with a strong commitment to education and technical clarity. As demand grows for high-performing building systems, MCA continues to release updated technical bulletins and white papers that help the industry navigate changing codes, safety expectations and performance requirements. MetalCoffeeShop’s Karen Edwards participates in the MCA marketing committee and works to help amplify these important resources and events for the broader metal community. 

The latest updates address issues that are influencing projects across North America, including the use of foam plastic insulation within combustible wall assemblies, fire performance testing for metal composite materials and the changing landscape of cool roof requirements. By bringing these topics into focus, MCA is giving the industry practical guidance that supports better decisions in design, specification and installation. 

That same focus on practical support is also driving MCA’s work to expand opportunities for metal in residential construction. The new Residential Wall Marketing Initiative is designed to increase awareness and adoption of metal wall systems by clearly communicating their durability, design flexibility, low maintenance and long-term value. With member participation and support, the initiative will help fund outreach, tools and marketing resources that can open new doors in a rapidly growing segment of the market. 

As MCA looks to strengthen market awareness, it is also preparing for one of the industry’s most anticipated gatherings. METALCON 2026, scheduled for October 7-9 in Orlando, will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a renewed emphasis on hands-on education. MCA will have a prominent presence at the show through Metal Mastery Clinics that highlight best practices for standing seam systems, metal shingles and retrofit applications. 

The momentum around events and education also extends to the people who will carry the industry forward. MCA’s new 40 Under 40 program is designed to recognize emerging leaders who are already making an impact in metal construction. Alongside that recognition, the association continues to invest in workforce development through its scholarship program, providing financial support to students connected to member companies and helping build the next generation of industry professionals. 

Together, these efforts show how MCA continues to position metal as a high-value solution for both commercial and residential construction. Through technical leadership, collaborative engagement, market development and investment in future talent, the association is helping keep metal at the forefront of performance, sustainability and design innovation. 

By Cotney Consulting Group. 

Contractors who focus on readiness today won’t need to scramble tomorrow. They’ll lead. 

Over the course of this series, we’ve examined how humanoid robotics and physical automation are evolving, why construction presents unique challenges, where these systems are most likely to enter roofing operations first, how workforce integration must be handled carefully and why operations, not technology, will be the primary breaking point.

That brings us to a practical question. What should roofing contractors actually be doing over the next several years to prepare, without chasing hype or overinvesting too early? The answer is not a checklist of equipment or vendors. It’s a readiness playbook grounded in fundamentals that matter regardless of how quickly automation advances. 

What contractors should avoid first 

Before talking about preparation, it’s worth addressing what usually derails it. Many contractors rush toward early-stage technology without the operational discipline to support it. Others assume automation will fix inefficiency that already exists. Some frame robotics as a workforce-replacement strategy, orshift responsibility entirely onto IT or equipment teams. Others wait until competitors force a reaction. 

None of those approaches delivers a long-term advantage. They introduce risk without readiness. Being first rarely matters. Being prepared does. 

Years one and two: Fix the foundation 

The first phase of readiness has nothing to do with robots. It’s about operational clarity. 

Work needs to be documented. Workflows should be standardized where possible. Variability between crews has to be reduced. Responsibility for tasks, assets and outcomes must be clear. Job costing needs to reflect real activity, not just totals. Safety documentation has to be enforced consistently. 

These efforts almost always uncover inefficiencies that can be addressed immediately. They deliver value long before automation enters the picture. Contractors who skip this phase don’t fail because of technology. They struggle because the foundation was never solid. 

Years two and three: Build leadership capacity 

As operations stabilize, attention has to shift to the people responsible for execution. Supervisors and managers will increasingly be asked to coordinate structured workflows, oversee safety in more complex environments, interpret performance data and manage both people and systems simultaneously. 

That doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional development. 

Training at this stage should focus on decision-making, communication, accountability and situational awareness, not robotics controls or technical detail. Companies that invest early in leadership capacity reduce resistance later and create internal credibility when change arrives. 

Years three and four: Get serious about data 

Automation magnifies the impact of data quality. Poor data leads to poor decisions, no matter how advanced the technology is. 

At this stage, contractors need to ensure that job costing reflects actual activity, that asset usage and maintenance are tracked consistently, that performance metrics are meaningful, that documentation standards are enforced and that safety data aligns with operational data. This is often the point where companies realize something important. Better information improves profitability even without automation. Robotics raises the stakes. 

Years four and five: Pilot carefully 

Only after operational discipline, leadership capacity and data governance are in place should contractors begin exploring automation pilots. Those pilots should be limited, controlled and intentional. They belong in service operations, yards, warehouses or prefab environments where risk is manageable and learning is the goal. Ownership must be clear, and success criteria must be defined before work begins. 

The objective is not scale. It’s understanding. Contractors who treat pilots as experiments tend to extract value. Those who treat them as transformations tend to disrupt their own operations. 

Throughout the process: Own the narrative 

One of the most overlooked elements of readiness is communication. 

Leaders have to explain why the company is preparing, how technology aligns with safety and sustainability, what it means and does not mean for the workforce and why people remain central to success. When leadership owns the narrative, uncertainty drops. When it avoids the conversation, speculation fills the gap. 

Preparation is as much about trust as it is about systems. 

Preparation over prediction 

No one can accurately predict when humanoid robotics will become common in roofing. Timelines will vary by market, company size and operational maturity. What can be predicted is this. Contractors with disciplined operations, strong leadership and clear accountability will have options. Those without them will feel pressure. 

This playbook isn’t about automation. It’s about building organizations that can adapt without disruption. 

Final thought 

The future of roofing will not be defined by machines alone. It will be shaped by how well leaders prepare their organizations to integrate change thoughtfully, safely and responsibly.

Contractors who focus on readiness today won’t need to scramble tomorrow. They’ll lead. 

That’s not a technology advantage. That’s a competitive one. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Elevate combines sustainability and performance with their SBS systems featuring 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules. 

Around the world, smog and air pollution are increasingly becoming major health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that “the combined effects of ambient air pollution and household air pollution is associated with 7 million premature deaths annually.” This is because air pollutants lead to a variety of health issues including stroke, heart disease and cancer. 

With the severity of this issue in mind, the engineer and design teams at Elevate™ started working on creating a product designed to ease the impact of smog. The result? 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules use a photocatalytic coating layer (activated by sunlight) that transforms smog (air pollutants like nitrogen oxide) into water-soluble salts. Not only does this take the pollutants out of the air, but the roof run off goes back into the ground, enriching the soil.  

You can find these granules in use on a variety of the systems in Elevate’s SBS Modified Bitumen Roofing portfolio, which are known for their durable and reliable performance. Made of a proprietary rubber-based polymer and select asphalt compounds, Elevate’s SBS resists thermal and structural movement. Further, it is versatile and can be installed in a variety of ways, including hot asphalt, cold adhesive and heat welding. By incorporating Elevate smog reducing cap sheets to your base of choice, and you’ve instantly added the smog-fighting power equivalent of 120 trees for every 20,000 square feet of roofing installed!  

At the end of the day, by incorporating smog-reducing granules with their SBS products, Elevate has created roofing systems that perfectly balance and unite sustainability with proven high performance.  

Visit Elevate’s SBS product page to learn more about their products, their sustainability and their performance.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

As roofs take on a larger role in energy generation and rainwater management while supporting climate adaptation, partnerships between manufacturers, associations and contractors become increasingly important.

As roofing professionals around the globe respond to higher expectations for building performance, international collaboration is becoming essential to a more resilient future for the trade. For Wienerberger, one of the industry’s leading building envelope manufacturers, that commitment comes through its work with the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD). 

Wienerberger provides sustainable building solutions across the entire building envelope, supporting new construction and renovation while bringing roof, wall, facade, paving, water and energy infrastructure solutions into a broader approach to the built environment. With operations in 28 countries and more than 200 production sites, the company is recognized as the world’s largest brick producer and a market leader in clay roof tiles in Europe. 

That roofing focus makes the company’s relationship with IFD especially meaningful. IFD brings together trade organizations, manufacturers and industry partners who serve the roofing profession while creating lasting connectionsthat support the shared professional, technical and business interests of the roofing trade internationally. 

As an IFD partner member, Wienerberger participates in a broader international roofing community where education and professional exchange help shape the continued evolution of the trade. Through this network, manufacturers and roofing professionals have more opportunities to share knowledge while understanding emerging needs and supporting stronger outcomes across the industry. 

For contractors, that connection matters because roofing is no longer only about the product installed on the roof. It is about delivering systems that perform while meeting higher expectations for sustainability and supporting buildings designed to last. IFD reinforces work through industry education and technical resources that encourage professional exchange while helping strengthen the trade. 

Wienerberger’s work across the building envelope aligns with many of these priorities as the company continues to emphasize climate-resilient solutions and more functional roof systems. As roofs take on a larger role in energy generation and rainwater management while supporting climate adaptation, partnerships between manufacturers, associations and contractors become increasingly important. 

By engaging in the IFD partner network, Wienerberger is helping advance a larger conversation about the future of roofing. The partnership brings product innovation together with trade expertise while supporting better buildingsand a more resilient, sustainable roofing industry around the world. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS is engineered to help protect vulnerable roof areas from leaks, moisture and extreme temperatures. 

Roof performance depends on more than the visible roofing material. Many common failures begin at fasteners, seams, transitions and edges, where water can find its way through small openings and compromise the system beneath. Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS from Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) is designed to address those vulnerable areas with a non-asphaltic, 100% pure butyl underlayment built for long-term protection. The product combines aggressive adhesion, temperature stability and elasticity to support demanding roofing applications, including metal roofing systems exposed to high surface temperatures. 

One of the underlayment’s key performance features is its ability to self-seal around fastener penetrations. According to IPG, the naturally viscous properties of butyl rubber allow Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS to form a watertight gasket around nails and screws, helping reduce the risk of water infiltration as a roof expands and contracts with temperature changes. 

The underlayment is also engineered to adhere to clean, dry surfaces such as plywood, metal, concrete and rigid insulation. Its lap and deck adhesion helps maintain a continuous water barrier across the roof surface, including during colder installations down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

For moisture protection, Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS has an ultra-low permeability rating of 0.01 perms, creating a near-impermeable barrier against water vapor transmission. IPG notes that the product is designed to defend against ice dams, wind-driven rain and prolonged moisture exposure while maintaining sealing performance under continuous moisture pressure. 

Temperature resistance is another central feature. The underlayment is rated for temperatures up to 265 degrees Fahrenheit and passes low-temperature flexibility testing down to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking. It also offers ultraviolet exposure resistance for up to six months, giving crews added flexibility during installation. 

Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS is compatible with metal, asphalt shingles, synthetic shingles, slate, tile, primed cedar shakes, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). It also features Stronghold® Skid Resistant Technology and KOOL BLUE™ color technology to support safer, more efficient rooftop work. 

Learn more about Palisade® Butyl-HT PLUS and view full specifications!

Expanded service will support contractors along Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline.

ABC Supply Co., Inc., the largest wholesale distributor of roofing, and other select exterior and interior building products in North America, has acquired the assets of Koch Building Products, a long-standing distributor located at 1615 E. Perkins Avenue in Sandusky, Ohio. This acquisition strengthens ABC Supply’s presence along the Lake Erie shoreline and improves service for contractors and builders in northern Ohio.

Founded in 1952, Koch Building Products has served the Sandusky area for over 70 years. The company is recognized for its experienced team, strong local contractor relationships and broad product offering, including windows and doors, siding, patio covers and enclosures, awnings and railings.

“We’re excited to bring the Koch Building Products team into ABC Supply,” said Tom Kuchan, Northeast Region vice president. “They know the Sandusky market well and have built strong, lasting relationships with their contractors. We’re looking forward to continuing that work together.”

The Sandusky location will continue operations as ABC Supply. All current associates will remain to ensure a smooth transition and continued service for customers. Jill Hartley, who leads Koch Building Products and is the daughter of owner Randy Koch, will remain with the business during the transition period to support the team and customer continuity.

To learn more, visit www.abcsupply.com and find a location near you at www.abcsupply.com/locations.

About ABC Supply

ABC Supply Co., Inc. is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing, select exterior and interior building products and outdoor solutions in North America. Founded in 1982, the company focuses exclusively on serving professional contractors by providing products, services and support across major building categories. ABC Supply is a 20-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner and is committed to hiring military veterans. The company also received the 2025 NAW Distributors Award, recognizing its industry leadership, community engagement and commitment to innovation.

ABC Supply also supports contractors through ABC Supply Interiors, Inc. (formerly L&W Supply Corporation) and ABC Supply Outdoor Solutions, a division of ABC Supply Co., Inc. (formerly Town & Country Industries). Headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, ABC Supply has more than 1,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. More information is available at www.abcsupply.com. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Contractors can capitalize on growing interest in black metal roofing by offering solutions that balance style and protection. 

In the article “Why black metal roofing is the top color trend in residential roofing,” Trevor Underwood of DECRA Metal Roofing explores why black metal roofing has become one of the most sought-after choices for residential roofing projects. Combining bold curb appeal with long-term performance, black metal roofing is attracting homeowners who want both style and durability from their roofing investment. 

One of the primary drivers behind the trend is aesthetics. Trevor notes that black roofing creates strong visual contrast that complements a wide range of exterior materials and colors, including brick, stone, stucco and painted siding. The color works across many architectural styles, from traditional homes to modern designs, making it a versatile option for homeowners looking to enhance curb appeal. 

The article also highlights how advancements in metal roofing products have expanded design possibilities. Homeowners no longer have to choose between appearance and performance. Today’s stone-coated metal roofing products are available in profiles that replicate traditional shingles, wood shake and tile while delivering the durability associated with metal roofing. This flexibility allows homeowners to maintain architectural authenticity while benefiting from modern roofing technology. 

Furthermore, Trevor points to the performance advantages that continue to drive demand for metal roofing. Compared to many traditional roofing materials, metal roofs offer longer service life, often lasting 40 to 70 years. Stone-coated metal roofing can provide resistance to hail, high winds, wind-driven rain, fire and heavy snow, making it an appealing option in regions prone to severe weather. 

The growing popularity of black metal roofing presents an opportunity for contractors to meet homeowner demand for products that deliver both visual appeal and long-term value. As homeowners continue seeking roofing systems that offer durability, energy efficiency and design flexibility, black metal roofing is positioned to remain a leading trend in the residential market. 

Read the full article and learn more about the black roof trend and DECRA Metal Roofing's solutions!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Catch-All’s new debris-loading system is designed to help contractors move tear-off waste more safely and efficiently. 

For roofing crews, some of the hardest work on a job does not happen on the roof. It happens on the ground, where crew members are moving debris, managing wheelbarrows and trying to keep the property clean while staying safe and productive.

That everyday challenge helped inspire The Catch-All’s newest product, LoadRunner, a battery-powered debris-loading system designed to lift and dump loaded wheelbarrows into dumpsters, dump trailers and other jobsite containers.  

For The Catch-All co-founder Eric Mackintosh, the product is another step in the company’s ongoing mission to help contractors reduce mess, protect property and make roofing work easier for the crews doing it. Eric noted, “Tearing a roof off, especially in a real-world scenario where a lot of times you can’t get the shingles all the way to the front of the roof and throw them directly into the dumpster or dump trailer. It’s just really hard work. It’s arduous, it’s dirty, it’s dangerous.” 

Eric’s understanding of the problem comes from firsthand experience. Before helping build The Catch-All, he worked in sales and project management for AVCO Roofing, where the team was constantly looking for better ways to reduce left-behind nails and prevent property damage. Over time, they realized one of the best ways to solve the cleanup problem was to stop debris from hitting the ground in the first place, which led to the original netting system. 

The LoadRunner follows that same practical, contractor-focused approach. Instead of requiring crew members to manually lift heavy tear-off debris over the side of a container, the system is being developed to lift the wheelbarrow itself.

Eric shared that the company’s stated goal is a 250-pound load capacity. With usability guiding the design from the start, the team has stayed focused on making the work more efficient for crews. As Eric put it, “The easy, mundane things should be faster, simpler and safer.” 

The product is also being built around real jobsite workflow. Features in development include quick-release levers, modular components, adjustable feet and clamp options that allow crews to adapt the system to different setups. Eric said the LoadRunner is being designed for use with dump trailers, dumpsters and even parapet walls on commercial projects. 

Battery power was another decision shaped by usability in the field. Eric explained that using a battery-powered system can help crews avoid relying on a homeowner’s power source or a gas-powered engine while still giving the unit the energy needed to handle peak loads. “It would have been possible to make the LoadRunner work by plugging it in or a gas-powered engine, like some of the shingle lifts, but those are harder to use on an everyday basis by the crews,” he said. “So that really was our priority, usability.” 

Pre-orders are currently available, and Eric said the company’s goal is to begin shipping in the next few months, possibly in late summer or fall. As interest grows beyond roofing, The Catch-All is also exploring broader applications for industries that move heavy debris and materials. Eric noted, “I’m excited to continually push the envelope and make the job easier for people who work really hard.” 

Learn more about The Catch-All’s LoadRunner and how it is designed to help crews improve jobsite efficiency and cleanup!

Education lineup connects industry shifts with real-world metal design decisions.

As architects and design professionals face growing pressure to make smarter decisions about carbon, code compliance, material performance and long-term resilience, METALCON is expanding its Design District programming for 2026 with a new education lineup centered on the issues shaping today's built environment.

Taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, The Design District @ METALCON will provide a focused space for design professionals to examine what is changing across the metal construction ecosystem and why those changes matter before the next project is designed, specified or built.

The 2026 program connects big-picture industry shifts — from embodied carbon and Environmental Product Declarations to adaptive reuse and high-performance façade systems — with practical, project-level decisions attendees can carry onto the METALCON show floor as they evaluate materials, systems and solutions.

"Design professionals are being asked to make increasingly complex decisions about materials, performance, sustainability and compliance," said Judy Geller, vice president of Tradeshows at METALCON. "The Design District gives them direct access to the education, experts and real-world applications they need to make those decisions with confidence."

Among the 2026 program highlights is keynote speaker Kermit Baker, a leading economic voice in the architecture, design and construction sectors and former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects. Kermit’s keynote, “Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries,”  will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth, giving attendees timely context for the year ahead.

Featured Design District sessions: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

• The Hidden Carbon in Metal Buildings – 10:30 a.m.
  Vincent Sagan of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association and Amanda Turner of Cornerstone Building Brands will examine embodied carbon in metal building systems, including material selection, manufacturing impacts, EPDs and integrated design strategies.
• Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates – What's Changed and What It Means – 1:30 p.m.
  Bill Beals of Therm-All, Paul Deffenbaugh of Deep Brook Media and Bob Zabcik of Z-Tech Consulting will break down recent and upcoming code changes affecting metal construction and what they mean for design, specification, fabrication and installation.
• MasterClass: Shipping Container Upcycling – Opportunities and Challenges with Supply Chain Connected Modular Steel Units – 3:00 p.m.
  Stephen Bender, architect and instructor at the University of Florida, will explore how upcycled shipping containers can become adaptable, cost-effective building solutions while navigating sustainability, supply chain, code and project delivery challenges.

Featured Design District sessions: Thursday, October 8, 2026

• Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries – 9:00 a.m.
  Kermit Baker, former chief economist for the American Institute of Architects, will examine the economic forces shaping project activity, demand, pipeline trends and sector growth.
• Industry Outlook: 2027 – The Future of Metal Construction – 10:30 a.m.
  Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry of the Metal Construction Association and Vincent Sagan of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association will discuss the economic, supply chain, regulatory and jobsite forces shaping metal construction through 2027.
• Why Metal Wins – 12:00 p.m.
  Brent Schipper will explore why metal continues to be selected for performance, resilience, sustainability, aesthetics, durability, recyclability and design flexibility.
• Metal in Adaptive Reuse: Crafting Community, Transparency and Identity Through Design-Build – 1:30 p.m.
  Debra Wilson of Interstruct Orlando, LLC will use two design-build case studies to show how reclaimed and newly applied metal systems can support adaptive reuse, transparency, texture, durability and community-focused design.
• Architectural Metal Plate Systems: Durable Design for Today's Buildings – 3:00 p.m.
  John Scornse of ATAS International, Inc. will examine how solid metal plate systems support design flexibility, durability, fire resistance, complex forms, finish options and high-performance building envelopes.

Together, this lineup gives design professionals a practical view of the forces influencing metal construction while offering the opportunity to earn up to a year’s worth of AIA Learning Units, including HSW credits. Design District attendees also have access to METALCON keynotes, networking events and more than 35 additional education sessions, giving them more ways to build expertise, exchange ideas and discover what is next in metal design and construction.

The programming is especially relevant for architects focused on performance, resilience and aesthetics; designers exploring new materials and applications; specifiers sourcing compliant, high-performance systems; and engineers working across envelope performance, acoustics, sustainability and constructability.

About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit — where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com/architects.