By Jesse Sanchez.

A mandated roof replacement can create costs far beyond the price of the installation itself.

Roof replacements are expected when systems reach the end of their service life, but replacing a newly installed roof for a technical violation presents an entirely different challenge for contractors.

Mike Silvers, CPRC, owner of Silvers Systems Inc. and Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) technical director, explains in an article that a new roof may have to be replaced because of building code provisions or manufacturer installation requirements that were not met. Problems are often discovered during inspections or shortly after installation.

The financial impact can extend well beyond the replacement cost. Mike uses a $10,000 replacement as an example. For a company earning a 5% net profit, recovering that $10,000 would require $200,000 in future work. During that period, the profit generated by those projects is effectively being used to absorb the earlier loss.

Contractors can reduce their exposure by strengthening their understanding of applicable codes and installation requirements. In Florida, that responsibility is complicated by differing requirements within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which includes Miami-Dade and Broward counties, as well as local interpretations among building departments throughout the state.

Clear permit applications can also help. Mike recommends providing a concise project scope and the appropriate product approval so plans examiners have an opportunity to identify potential compliance problems before work proceeds.

Receiving a permit or passing inspections does not eliminate a contractor’s responsibility to comply with technical requirements. The Florida Building Code states that issuance of a permit does not authorize violations or prevent a building official from later requiring corrections.

Mike also recommends considering a narrower range of roof coverings and working with manufacturers that provide strong technical support, particularly representatives familiar with local requirements.

The potential consequences include not only replacement expenses but also damage to a contractor’s reputation and possible insurance implications, making technical knowledge an important part of protecting the business.

Learn more about the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association and its technical resources for roofing professionals!

By Emma Peterson.

Knowledgeable manufacturer representatives can become invaluable partners for contractors looking for support.

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth got to sit down with Mitch Heitsch. Mitch is the director of sales for all roofing brands in the Westlake Royal Roofing Products portfolio for the state of Florida.

This means he oversees representative teams working on everything from Unified Steel’s stone-coated metal to DaVinci’s composite tile. Before Mitch took this position, he was actually the VP of sales for a large roofing company in Florida.

Mitch’s experience on both sides of the table, manufacturing as well as contracting, makes him the perfect person to talk to about the importance of a good sales representative. When we asked him what exactly a sales representative brings to the table, besides a product ordering catalog, he pointed to contractor education. Mitch explained, “Everything comes back to education. As a manufacturer sales rep, my job is about educating contractors so they can turn around and educate the homeowners and building owners.”

Having this type of partner and resource is especially important for contractors in areas like Florida where a wide variety of products are available and restrictions are in place. Mitch spoke from experience:

Having been on the other side, what I wanted out of a sales rep was a partner and a resource to help me navigate everything...Here in Florida, we have this whole breadth of roofing products, from concrete tile to stone coated metal and then there’s all the regulations, like Florida product approvals and Miami-Dade approvals. It was a lot to navigate and so, as a rep, my message is that I am a partner here, so they don’t have to navigate it all alone.

And education is just the start of how Mitch partners with his contractors. He also encourages and invites his contractors to join him at industry events, “I'm gonna give a shout out to my home builder association which is the Greater Orlando Builder Association (GOBA) as well as the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA). These associations create a great space for contractors to learn and keep up with everything going on. I recommend it to everyone.”

Overall, Mitch is just one of the many incredible sales representatives out there providing the education and information that contractors need to succeed. Because with every project that goes well, it’s a win for the whole industry.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the role of sales representatives in the roofing industry.

By the Coffee Shops®. 

FRSA’s Convention and Expo combines technical learning with opportunities to build relationships and discover new products. 

While education helps drive attendance at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Convention and Expo, the event's impact extends well beyond the classroom. In one Roofing Road Trips® episode, Tibor Torok breaks down what opportunities attendees can take advantage of at FRSA 2026. 

Building on the association's focus on codes, compliance and technical knowledge, the annual gathering creates opportunities for roofing professionals to connect with peers, suppliers and manufacturers while exploring new products and services. 

According to Tibor, attendees can expect a mix of longtime exhibitors and newcomers on the show floor. Tibor shared, “We have a dozen or so first-time exhibitors offering new products and services in addition to many the long-term people that come year after year and support us.” 

Education remains a centerpiece of the event. This year’s programming includes more than 30 hours of continuing education covering topics such as Florida building codes, roof-to-wall connections, metal roofing, fall protection, OSHA requirements, heat illness and underlayments, alongside business-focused seminars. 

What makes those sessions especially valuable, according to Tibor, is who delivers them. “I'd like to point out that all of our CEU credits are taught by professionals in the field, not some academic from somewhere,” he said. “When you sit in there and you have questions, these guys have real world answers for you.” 

Beyond formal programming, networking opportunities remain a major reason contractors attend. Tibor highlighted both the business luncheon and welcome reception as ideal places to connect with industry colleagues. He shared, “Aside from walking the show floor and meeting old friends and making new ones, we have both the business luncheon and the welcome reception.” 

For first-time attendees, Tibor recommends arriving prepared, utilizing the event app and prioritizing key exhibitors and sessions. With thousands of people expected to attend and activities spread throughout the Gaylord Palms venue, planning ahead can help maximize the experience. 

Ultimately, the convention's blend of education, products and personal relationships is what keeps industry professionals returning. As Tibor shared, “The big thing is learn what are the new products out there that I need to know about this coming year.” 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about networking and educational opportunities at the FRSA Convention and Expo. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Stan Bastek shares how training, resilient products and industry connections can help contractors prepare for changing market conditions. 

At the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Expo, Atlas Roofing Corporation brought more than products to the show floor. The company used the event as an opportunity to connect with contractors, provide education and highlight ways roofing professionals can strengthen their businesses during a changing economic cycle. 

Stan Bastek, vice president and general manager of the shingles and underlayments division at Atlas Roofing Corporation, explained that the company works to make industry events engaging while creating fresh opportunities for meaningful contractor connections. 

One of those opportunities is the Asphalt Life Bronco Giveaway, which gives contractors chances to win a vintage 1966 Bronco by engaging with Atlas on social media and registering system jobs through the company’s pro portal. Ten finalists will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to IRE 2027 in Las Vegas, where one will receive the Bronco. 

Atlas also uses its contractor outreach to provide training on products, warranties and contractor programs, along with education from outside industry speakers. That focus on education can become particularly valuable when business slows. Stan emphasized that quieter periods give contractors an opportunity to recruit, train and prepare their teams before demand increases again, noting, “When things do get busy, it's really hard to slow down and get people up to speed and give them the skills to be able to bring them the most value for their customers.” 

Changes in insurance practices and broader economic pressures are also encouraging contractors to rethink their strategies, including how they approach retail-based business compared with insurance-based work. 

At the same time, demand for resilient and energy-efficient roofing systems continues to influence product development. Stan highlighted the Pinnacle Sun Shingle as an example of the company’s efforts to make energy-efficient roofing options more accessible to homeowners. Together, these shifts are creating new opportunities for contractors to adapt their businesses while offering solutions that address evolving homeowner priorities. 

Watch the interview to learn more about how training, business preparation and resilient roofing solutions can help contractors navigate changing market conditions!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Rain can turn underlayment, roof decks and access points into serious hazards, making inspection, communication and documentation critical for roofing contractors. 

Rain is an unavoidable part of roofing, but the greater danger may come after the rain stops. Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) highlights how wet underlayment, roof decks, ladders and staging areas can quickly become slippery, creating safety risks for workers and potential legal exposure for contractors. 

Underlayment deserves particular attention because water-shedding performance does not necessarily make it a safe walking surface. Rain and roofing debris can reduce traction, especially on steep-slope roofs or near valleys and edges. Contractors should treat wet underlayment as a heightened hazard rather than a normal work surface. 

Daily jobsite evaluations are an important first step. Contractors should inspect roof surfaces and access points before work begins and reassess conditions after rain. The decision to resume work should depend not simply on whether the rain has stopped but whether surfaces are dry enough for safe access. 

Clear procedures can also help crews respond consistently. Workers should use appropriate footwear, maintain three points of contact on ladders and avoid loads that interfere with visibility or balance. When hazards cannot be controlled, work on the affected portion of the project should stop. 

Contract language can provide additional protection by giving contractors authority to suspend work because of weather or unsafe conditions and restrict access to active work areas. Contractors should also communicate those restrictions to owners, consultants and other individuals involved in projects. 

Written notices, photographs and daily reports can document rain events, unsafe conditions, access restrictions and resulting delays. Contractors should also distinguish between temporary weather protection and safe access, since a dry-in condition does not necessarily mean a roof is safe for foot traffic. 

This information is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contractors should consult legal counsel regarding requirements that apply to their projects and jurisdictions. 

Learn more about rain-related roofing safety and legal protections from the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

New artificial intelligence tools and an updated home screen are designed to help contractors access information, improve efficiency and strengthen customer relationships. 

Technology continues to reshape how roofing contractors manage information, communicate with customers and keep projects moving. During this interview on the sound stage at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Expo, Dataforma Sales Executive Brad McCulla shared how the company is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its platform while giving users greater visibility into upcoming product developments. 

Dataforma has already introduced AI capabilities within its mobile app. When contractors take photos in the field, the technology can analyze those images in real time and provide descriptions based on what it identifies. Brad explained that this photo functionality was the company’s first step into AI and is now being followed by additional tools designed to help users work with the information already in their system. 

The company is also updating its home screen and introducing an AI assistant designed to help individual users access information without manually searching through the database. Users will be able to request the information they want to see and create report widgets pulling from different parts of the platform. Describing the flexibility of the new assistant, Brad said, “You can tell that thing to do pretty much whatever you want and it's going to start building what you want to see.” 

The redesigned home page will also provide announcements and greater visibility into upcoming features. Dataforma has added its product roadmap to the help center, where users can see descriptions and photos of planned functionality. Brad noted that these updates come as more contractors become comfortable incorporating technology into their operations, saying, “A lot of more people are open to the idea of technology and it makes the conversation a lot easier with everybody at these shows.” 

Beyond improving everyday workflows, Brad emphasized that contractors can use information already stored in their customer relationship management (CRM) system to pursue opportunities during slower economic periods. Rather than waiting for new business to come to them, contractors can review customer information, reconnect with existing clients and identify additional services they can provide. Encouraging contractors to take a more proactive approach, Brad said, “Let's get the phone ringing for our customers.” 

Service and maintenance can also help contractors build long-term customer relationships and create additional opportunities. By combining those relationships with better access to business data, contractors can use technology as a tool to support productivity, sales and customer engagement. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how AI, data and service-focused strategies can help roofing contractors strengthen productivity and customer relationships!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

New single-ply, insulation and waterproofing systems support the manufacturer’s strategy to protect all six sides of the building envelope. 

Polyglass highlighted an expanding portfolio of roofing and waterproofing solutions during the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) expo, including its official entry into the U.S. single-ply market. Lynn Connors, director of strategic marketing at Polyglass, joined Heidi J. Ellsworth to discuss the company’s new products, manufacturing investments and “seal the envelope” strategy. 

“We are officially launching our Mapeplan® PVC product solutions,” Lynn said. “So, we’re officially in the single-ply market now.” The technology has been manufactured and installed by Polyglass’ sister company in Italy for more than 15 years, providing experience that the manufacturer is now bringing to the U.S. market. Polyglass also introduced its Polytherm® line of polyisocyanurate insulation and recently expanded its insulation manufacturing capacity in Nevada. 

The additions support Polyglass’ goal of offering compatible systems for the entire building. “That strategy is really aimed at providing all six sides of the building performance solutions,” Lynn said. “Our goal is to be your choice as the industry experts in coming to us to help you protect all six sides of the envelope.” 

Polyglass also featured fire-rated and high-wind systems designed for extreme weather environments. Its Polystick® XFR product incorporates patented Burn-Shield Technology® and can help achieve a UL Class A assembly under certain metal roofing systems with a single ply of XFR, compared with traditional three-ply underlayment approaches. Additional systems address high-velocity hurricane zones and other demanding applications. 

Contractors at the show could see how these products work together through demonstrations that developed over time and presented the systems in real-world conditions. The approach emphasized vulnerable transitions, including roof-to-wall, wall-to-deck and deck-to-below-grade connections. Polyglass supports those transition areas through its Seal the Envelope™ warranty, which covers material and labor when Polyglass products are used throughout the specified system.  

Watch the full interview to learn more about Polyglass and its full-building roofing, waterproofing and insulation solutions!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Jeff Cole discusses Palisade® underlayments, growing interest in metal roofing and shifting market demand during FRSA 2026. 

Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) brought its Palisade roofing underlayment line to Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 2026, giving contractors an opportunity to experience the material’s traction firsthand. Jeff Cole, who has worked in the roofing industry for 20 years, represents Intertape Polymer Group’s ECP division, which specializes in building materials. His responsibilities include products across the building envelope, from roofing underlayment and house wrap to crawl space fabric. 

Jeff described Palisade as one of the company’s premium roofing underlayment brands. At the show, its distinctive surface drew attendees into the booth for a hands-on demonstration. Reflecting on those interactions, Jeff explained, “Everybody comes up and the first thing they want to do is walk on our material because it is patented. It is unique.” 

The material features a polka-dot grid designed to provide slip resistance. According to Jeff, users do not need to press the ball of their foot into the surface to gain traction, allowing contractors to understand the product’s value through a direct demonstration. Emphasizing the stability of the surface, Jeff added, “You can almost stand on it flatfooted and play tennis on it. It’s very sure-footed stuff and that’s why people tend to like it.” 

Beyond underlayments, Jeff identified metal roofing as a major topic on the show floor. He pointed to severe weather, insurance pressures and homeowner interest in longer-lasting roofing systems as factors contributing to the conversation. Summarizing the broader shift, Jeff observed, “The buzz is metal roofing. That seems to be a bigger and bigger component and the roofing numbers show that.” 

IPG is also promoting Palisade Butyl-HT Plus, one of two product launches planned for 2026. Jeff described the product as a pure extruded butyl with strong tack and a broad operating temperature range. The product had already launched by the time of the event, with FRSA serving as a key promotional opportunity. 

Jeff also noted a recent shift in customer demand. After shingles were down about 10% in the first quarter, he said several major customers had contacted the company asking it to increase production to help prevent material shortages. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the roofing underlayment innovations and market trends Jeff Cole discussed at FRSA 2026! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Employers can strengthen recruitment and retention by aligning workplace practices with Gen Z’s priorities around growth, flexibility, purpose and connection. 

As more members of Generation Z enter the workforce, employers are finding that traditional hiring and retention strategies may not be enough to keep younger workers engaged. The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) advises companies seeking to build lasting relationships with Gen Z employees to look beyond compensation and focus on workplace culture, professional growth and meaningful communication. 

Although salary remains important, Gen Z workers also value purpose, flexibility and a healthy work-life balance. They are drawn to inclusive workplaces, opportunities to develop their skills and employers that demonstrate responsibility toward their communities and the environment. 

Recruitment efforts can begin on the social media platforms Gen Z already uses. Companies can feature younger employees in recruitment content, share authentic testimonials and highlight workplace values through videos and other digital materials. Interactive hiring events can also give candidates a clearer sense of a company’s mission, leadership and culture. 

Flexibility is another significant consideration. Hybrid work models, adjustable schedules and results-based expectations can show employees that their employer values autonomy and trust. Once an offer is accepted, personalized welcome messages or videos from future managers and teammates can help new hires feel connected before their first day. 

During onboarding, FRSA recommends pairing new employees with both a peer and an experienced mentor. Cross-generational conversations can further strengthen workplace relationships by creating opportunities for employees to share experiences and better understand one another. 

Long-term retention also depends on continued learning. Experienced employees can share practical lessons in communication, time management, conflict resolution and teamwork, while professional development classes can help younger workers build skills and advance their careers. Employers can also invite Gen Z team members to contribute their knowledge of social media or artificial intelligence tools. 

Consistent feedback and recognition help complete the strategy. Regular check-ins, two-way communication and public acknowledgment of employee accomplishments can reinforce that each person’s ideas and contributions matter. 

Learn more about FRSA's guidance for attracting, supporting and retaining Gen Z employees!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Regional Sales Manager Blake Reed shares how FlashCo products help contractors save time while supporting code-compliant roofing installations. 

At the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) show, FlashCo Regional Sales Manager Blake Reed joined Megan Ellsworth on The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage, sponsored by TAMKO®, to discuss the manufacturer’s commercial roofing accessories, expanding presence in the Southeast and newest edge metal offering. Blake recently joined FlashCo after working elsewhere in the roofing industry. His new position marks his first oppertunity to work on the manufacturing side of the business, where he now oversees a territory stretching from Mississippi to North Carolina and from Tennessee to Florida. 

FlashCo manufactures commercial roof accessories and flashings designed to arrive ready for installation. According to Blake, contractors visiting the company’s booth quickly recognized how these products could simplify work in the field. He shared, “Light bulbs are clicking. These are ready-to-install products that we can throw on our roof. Super easy and saves a lot of time.” 

That time-saving focus was central to FlashCo’s presence at the show. The event also allowed the company to connect directly with contractors, strengthen relationships with distribution partners, and meet with private-label strategic partners. Blake said, “One of the big things that we wanted to present is our new ES1-compliant edge metal system.” Although FlashCo has offered edge metal in the past, he explained that the system is new to the market and was being introduced to attendees on the show floor. 

The response was encouraging, particularly in a region where code compliance and reliable performance are major priorities. Blake said customers need confidence that the products they install will work as intended without requiring repeated service visits. FlashCo is also strengthening its Florida presence through local representative Aaron Foster, a former contractor who brings established industry relationships and firsthand knowledge of contractor needs. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about FlashCo’s time-saving commercial roofing accessories, new ES-1-compliant edge metal system and growing presence in the Southeast!