By Emma Peterson. 

From the fairway to the expo floor, WRE 2026 offers roofing professionals countless ways to learn, connect and grow. 

We’re less than two months away from the 2026 Western Roofing Expo (WRE)! This show, which will be hosted from Sunday, September 27, 2026, to Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino in Nevada, is Western States Roofing Contractors Association’s (WSRCA) premier event! With a two-day trade show, 30+ education seminars, product demonstrations and countless exciting events, this is the place to be this fall. 

To help you plan out your days at WRE, here are some of the events to look forward to!  

Bob Porter Golf Tournament 

WRE officially kicks off Sunday, September 27 at 5:30 p.m. with the welcome party. But, before the official kick off of the show, you have the chance to tee off at 7:30 a.m. with your peers in the Davis Memorial Foundation Bob Porter Golf Tournament!  

Sponsored by QXO, this tournament gives you the opportunity to explore Revere Golf Club’s 7,143-yard, par-72 layout in the name of charity. All proceeds of the tournament “benefit the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are made available to aspiring high school, undergraduate and graduate students involved in the roofing industry.” 

Interested in a day testing your shot-making capabilities, spending quality time with your peers and supporting a great cause? Register today!

Sporting Clays Tournament 

If golf isn't your thing but you’re still looking for a fun way to bond and support the Davis Memorial Foundation before WRE officially kicks off, there will also be a Sporting Clays Tournament hosted the morning of Sunday, September 27 (start time is 9:00 a.m.)!  

Hosted at the Pro Gun Club in Boulder City and sponsored by QXO, this tournament is perfect for both the masters and the beginners as “stations are changed frequently so shooters will never get bored at seeing the same targets over and over again.”  

And like the golf tournament, all proceeds will benefit the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund, which has enabled hundreds of students involved in the roofing industry to pursue their education goals. 

Get registered today!

Legislative luncheon 

On the first full day of WRE, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has planned a can’t miss event – a legislative luncheon! It promises to be a great opportunity for professionals to keep up to date on the latest political developments impacting roofing.  

The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and feature speakers Craig Brightup (The Brightup Group) and Chad Collins (NRCA). In addition to hearing the Year in Review from this duo, attendees will get to be in the room when the nominees for the WSRCA Board of Directors are announced and the 2026 Davis Memorial Scholarship recipients are recognized. 

Make sure to add a ticket to this luncheon when you register for WRE!

The Roofing Games™ 

Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products®, The Roofing Games “are the industry’s first official set of competitions sanctioned by a roofing association and are produced in conjunction with the Western Roofing Expo.” They are an iconic part of WRE and a great showcase of knowledge, skill and craftsmanship. Interested in entering the competition? Stop by the Malarkey Roofing Products booth (#429) before the competition.  

Whether you’re participating or watching, you’ll want to make sure you’re at the demo stage on Monday, September 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm. to watch the games!  

Keynote speaker 

For the second day, Tuesday, September 29, there will also be a luncheon event hosted from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, the luncheon will feature WRE 2026 keynote speaker Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian and coach who works with clients of all levels (from entry level to C-suite executives). Her goal? To help empower them to reach their full potential and goals.  

Learn more about her keynote.

IIBEC education 

And after the show, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) will be hosting a special education day! Running from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. this day features two presentation designed to “elevate your expertise in the building enclosure industry.”  

The first presentation is all about the fundamentals of roof assemblies. Professionals can get 3.0 IIBVEC CEHs from attending. The second dives into the 2027 updates to the International Building Code and International Energy Conservation Code. This session gives participants 1.5 IIBEC CEHs. Both have been submitted to AIA CES for approval. 

Cost for attendance is $295.00 for IIBEC Member and $450.00 for non-members. Register now!

Additional events 

But wait, there’s more! There are so many opportunities to learn, network and grow at events during this year’s WRE that we don’t have time to dive into every single one of them! Here are some of the other events happening around the show:  

Sunday, September 27, 2026 

• The Davis Memorial Foundation will be hosting their annual welcome party and auction from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This year the event is sponsored by GAF and, like the tournaments, auction proceeds support the scholarship fund!  

Monday, September 28, 2026 

• There will be a Spanish Lunch and Learn hosted from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is the first of two luncheons and will focus on maximizing commercial claims. It is sponsored by SRS Distribution and GAF and will feature Victor Maya of Advantage Roofing as a guest speaker.  
• Polyglass will be hosting a demonstration on the exhibit floor from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
• At 2:30 p.m. TAMKO Building Products will take the demo stage. 
• Then from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. the team from Johns Manville will be hosting a demonstration. 

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 

• Open the day with a table talks with National Women in Roofing (NWIR)! The event kicks off at 7:00 a.m. and promises attendees an hour and a half of engaging round-robin-style discussion. Registration is only $55 and includes breakfast.
• The second Spanish Lunch and Learn will be hosted from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Day two is sponsored by CertainTeed and will see Imelda Pereze dive into the idea of good, better and best.  
• There will be more expo floor demos, kicking off at 2:30 p.m. with one sponsored b us here at RoofersCoffeeShop! This expo will feature a discussion between the incoming and outgoing WSRCA presidents, Ron Lloyd and Stan Robinson respectively.  

Learn more about these events and the rest of the show at westernroofingexpo.com/wsrca-western-states-commercial-residential-roofing-waterproofing-contractors-association-schedule-events/. And if you haven’t already, make sure to get your tickets for WRE 2026!

Launched in 2026, Project Honor was created by East Coast Roofing in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.

What:

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer and East Coast Roofing, Siding & Windows has completed the first roof installation through East Coast Roofing’s initiative, Project Honor, which is focused on providing free roof replacements to veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses of veterans across South Jersey.

Michael Vonschondorf, a 100% service-connected disabled U.S. Navy veteran, is the first veteran to receive a roof through the East Coast Roofing initiative. He served from 2003 to 2011, including deployments aboard the USS Russell and to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

After returning home, Michael continued dedicating himself to others through community service, which has included leading art classes for veterans, first responders, at-risk youth and disabled children. For years, however, his own family lived beneath a roof in severe disrepair, with major deterioration and holes that posed safety concerns.

“This donation means more to my family and me than words can express,” said Michael Vonschondorf. “After years of living with a roof in dangerous condition, having a secure home gives me peace of mind that my family is safe.”

Through Project Honor, East Coast Roofing is installing a full GAF-certified roofing system at no cost to the family, with GAF donating the complete roofing system and warranty.

Launched in 2026, Project Honor was created by East Coast Roofing in recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Over the course of the year, the company plans to provide 25 free roof replacements to veterans, active-duty service members and widows or widowers of veterans throughout South Jersey. The program operates through a nomination and selection process led by a volunteer committee of veterans and active-duty military personnel, who evaluate applicants based on need, service, family circumstances and roof condition.

“Project Honor is built on a simple idea; gratitude should be demonstrated through action. This program is about more than replacing roofs, it’s about showing up for the people who have served our country and finding meaningful ways to give back,” said Shawn Stiteler, owner and president of East Coast Roofing. “We are honored to partner with GAF to provide Michael’s family with a safe, reliable roof and we hope this initiative inspires others across the industry to find meaningful ways to support veterans and military families in their own communities.”

This collaboration is part of GAF’s social impact initiative, GAF Community Matters, which is focused on making a positive difference as neighbors and partners in the community by leveraging roofing expertise, resources and products to help build resilient communities.

The tool serves as a living, continuously updated repository, ensuring that industry professionals always have instant access to GAF's most current sustainability data to streamline their project certification workflows.

GAF has unveiled its newly updated Spec Advisor, an interactive digital tool designed to help architects, designers and roofing professionals effortlessly navigate product sustainability documentation. This powerful resource maps out exactly how GAF products contribute to major green building rating systems—now updated to include LEED v5 and Green Globes, alongside WELL and the Living Building Challenge. By offering an intuitive interface where users can simply hover over a document name and click to download directly from the gaf.com library, Spec Advisor eliminates the paperwork chase. The tool serves as a living, continuously updated repository, ensuring that industry professionals always have instant access to GAF's most current sustainability data to streamline their project certification workflows.

For more information or to try the tool, visit www.gaf.com/specadvsior.

By Emma Peterson. 

Strategic material staging and supplier partnerships can be the difference between a profitable project and costly delays. 

In roofing, the old adage that “time is money” couldn’t be truer. As Ashley Pietsch of Integrity Insurance and Bonding puts it, “After years of working alongside roofing contractors, I have seen that the owners who achieve long-lasting growth are the ones who master time management and embrace delegation.” 

In response to the emphasis the industry places on the importance of time, contractors are incorporating new digital programs and roofing tools to help improve their efficiency in both the field and the office. But one area that is often forgotten when it comes to streamlining the roofing process happens between the two – material staging, sequencing and timing.  

Getting materials to the jobsite might seem simple in comparison to trying to accurately quote a project or install products tens of feet in the air, but it is more complex than you might assume at first glance. As Nick Fryer writes for Roads and Bridges, “Jobsite staging doesn’t just shape where equipment and materials get stored. It also affects the overall workflow. Done poorly, it can lead to several issues that quietly drain construction budgets.” These issues can include material damage, safety hazards and frustrated crew members.  

What can you do to avoid these material staging issues? Partner with the right supplier. As the writers behind RoofCon put it, “The movement of materials from delivery to installation represents one of the biggest opportunities for efficiency gains in roofing projects. Creating a smooth flow requires careful coordination between suppliers, delivery crews and roofing teams.” 

This type of coordination is something that the team at SRS Distribution prioritizes. Their team is well-aware of the often-limited space contractors are working with on their projects and have a variety of strategies already in place to help with staging and sequencing materials:  

• Supportive team: SRS Distribution territory managers are always ready to help! Whether it’s consultations on products, sales insights or helping you figure out how to stage a jobsite, they are there for you. 
• Extensive product selection: Your local branch will already be well stocked with the best commercial products from manufacturers like Carlisle, Johns Manville, GAF, Elevate and Versico. And if they don’t have it on site, they can get it there from one of their 200+ other locations!  
• A powerful delivery network: At SRS Distribution, they have their own fleet of trucks and knuckle booms that keep project deliveries on track! Some SRS Distribution locations are even equipped with will-call programs that make sure that contractors get the right products when they need them. 

Overall, working with a supplier like SRS Distribution that understands the limited space on jobsites and the importance of properly staging materials is key to saving time and money on your projects.  

Find an SRS Distribution branch near you!

The contest includes five distinct award categories highlighting achievements that range from technical complexity to community impact.

GAF, a Standard Industries company and North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, has announced the launch of the  2026 GAF Roof of the Year contest, designed to recognize outstanding roofing projects completed by contractors certified by GAF across the United States.

GAF announces 2026 Roof of the Year contest to recognize outstanding roofing projects completed by GAF-certified contractors.

Building on GAF's commitment to elevating industry standards, the GAF Roof of the Year contest invites contractors to showcase projects that exemplify excellence in roofing. Submissions will be accepted from July 1, 2026, through October 16, 2026, across five distinct award categories highlighting achievements that range from technical complexity to community impact. For each of these categories, one grand prize winning contractor and four contractor runners-up will be selected, giving these professionals the opportunity to earn industry-leading recognition while showcasing their work to homeowners, peers and communities nationwide.

"Exceptional roofing projects represent more than technical skill, they reflect the pride, professionalism, and dedication contractors bring to every job," said Jim Durkin, chief customer experience officer at GAF. "The GAF Roof of the Year contest highlights the craftsmanship and innovation that define the best in our industry and celebrates the contractors inspiring confidence in homeowners across the country."

Roof of the Year award categories

To highlight the breadth of skill and expertise across the industry, the contest is organized into five award categories:

• Best Use of Premium Products: Projects that showcase design, curb appeal and the visual impact of GAF premium shingles. Must be GAF Certified, Certified Plus or a Master Elite contractor.
• Most Challenging Roof: Technically complex projects that demonstrate advanced skill, problem-solving and roofing expertise. Must be GAF Certified, Certified Plus or a Master Elite contractor.
• Helping Others in the Community: Projects that support homeowners and strengthen communities through meaningful acts of service and impact. Must be GAF Certified, Certified Plus or a Master Elite contractor.
• The Gold Standard: Complete GAF roofing systems covered by a Golden Pledge^® Limited Warranty, representing the highest level of workmanship and protection. This category is exclusive to GAF Master Elite^® contractors.
• Best Metal Roof: Projects featuring a complete TimberSteel™ metal roofing system that showcase durability, craftsmanship and performance. Must be a GAF Metal Certified contractor.

Supporting contractor success

Each grand prize-winning contractor will receive $10,000 in co-branded paid media support from GAF to help promote their business within their local market. In addition, each homeowner associated with a grand prize-winning project will receive a $10,000 cash award, while homeowners whose projects are selected as runners-up will receive $1,000.

Grand prize and runner-up contractors will also receive recognition through digital badges that can be used to share their achievements with customers and local communities along with a case study featured on GAF.com.

For more information about the GAF Roof of the Year contest, including eligibility requirements, award categories and submission details, visit www.roofoftheyear.com.

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com

By Emma Peterson. 

We had a great time sharing stories and photos over social media with our roofing community!  

National Roofing Week is an annual event hosted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) that aims to raise awareness of the roofing professionals who keep our communities safe and secure. The event also acts as a way to build community with other professionals, both near you and across the country.  

Participation in National Roofing Week is primarily conducted online by posting photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. And NRCA has created themes for each day of National Roofing Week to guide posts.  

Sunday – Kickoff  

The week kicked off with posts about the importance of roofers. NRCA started everything with a post sharing the schedule for the week and some highlights from last year’s National Roofing Week! Here at The Coffee Shops™ we joined in the fun on all our social media pages, making sure to thank the coating installers, roofing professionals and contractors who make our community amazing. 

Monday – Signature projects 

For the Monday theme, NRCA invited National Roofing Week participants to share photos showcasing their company’s signature residential and commercial projects. There were too many amazing projects posted to put them all here, but some that stood out to us came from QXO, Sika and Eagle Roofing Products!  

QXO’s post was a carousel of some of their customers projects, including one from Toitures Scott, one from Nedlaw Group and one from RUHS in California. Likewise, Eagle Roofing Products’ post showcased signature projects featuring their concrete roof tiles from across the country.  

As for Sika, they took the opportunity to shine the spotlight on their 2025 Sika Project of the Year award winners, which includes stunning projects like the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center project in Los Angeles, California and the South Station Tower project in Boston.  

Tuesday – Charitable projects 

The next day of National Roofing Week was all about giving back, and the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Oregon Council stole the show with a free roof!

The replacement went to a community member in need, which is an incredible reminder of the power our industry has to do good.

They put it best in their post:  

Seeing contractors, manufacturers, distributors and industry partners come together with a shared purpose — without competition, without agendas, and focused solely on helping someone else — is truly inspiring. For one day, company names and logos took a back seat to teamwork, generosity and service. 

Projects like this showcase the heart of our industry. The relationships we build, the willingness to lend a hand, and the collective impact we can make when we work together are some of the best parts of being in roofing. 

NWIR extended huge thanks to industry partners, like Malarkey Roofing Products, ABC Supply, SRS Building Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing and Raindrop Roofing NW, for making this incredible charitable project possible. 

Wednesday – Employee appreciation 

The midpoint of the week was all about the people who get things done – the employees that keep our industry moving. For this theme, the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag was flooded with pictures and appreciations for hardworking workers around the country. 

Drexel Metals posted some behind-the-scenes of their team hard at work, captioning it, “To everyone who continues to show up ready to learn, teach and push the industry forward: thank you. Your commitment is what drives stronger partnerships, better projects and continued progress year after year.” 

IKO Industries and CertainTeed also posted, shouting out the ROOFPROS who get the job done every day and recognizing the “craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication of the teams who help bring CertainTeed products and solutions to life” respectively.  

Thursday – Training and learning 

For Thursday, NRCA chose training as the theme, inviting contractors and companies to share the ways they keep learning and growing on the job. For this theme, GAF joined the party, sharing an incredible milestone from their GAF Roofing Academy – since 2020, the tuition-free program has helped more than 3,000 individuals find employment in the roofing industry!  

And this is just one of the many stories added to the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag! The Durable Restoration Company posted about the hard work their craftspeople put into their apprenticeship program and QXO shared how they connect their team with everything from stand downs to plant tours. 

Friday – Celebration 

And you can’t have National Roofing Week without taking the time to celebrate the amazing industry we are all a part of! For this theme, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) took their followers on a trip down memory lane, sharing the “conferences, tournaments, regional events and industry gatherings where Texas roofing professionals connect, learn and celebrate together.”  

Drexel Metals also posted, sharing a common sentiment of thanks related to the power of the industry, “From the shop floor to the jobsite, your dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration are truly what make a lasting impact. We’re proud to be part of an industry built on innovation, resilience and strong partnerships.” 

Saturday – Wrap up 

Overall, this year’s National Roofing Week was a resounding success. From everyone that posted to event sponsors like International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance and SOPREMA, it was all made possible thanks to the incredible roofing community.  

The Coffee Shops crew already can’t wait for next year’s roofing week! As Atlas Roofing put eloquently in their final #NationalRoofingWeek2026 post, “This week gave us the opportunity to celebrate the people, organizations and partnerships that make the roofing industry such a rewarding one to be part of. Here’s to another year of collaboration, innovation and success.” 

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Un vistazo a las conexiones, conversaciones y el sentido de comunidad que se vivieron en FRSA 2026. 

A principios de junio, Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) celebró su esperada Convención y Expo. Considerado el evento regional de roofing más grande de Estados Unidos, reunió a cientos de expositores y miles de asistentes en el Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center de Kissimmee, Florida, para tres días de educación, networking y diversión. 

El evento comenzó con una Recepción de Bienvenida patrocinada por nuestros amigos de Adams and Reese, que incluyó comida y barra libre. Fue una excelente manera de marcar el inicio de la convención y prepararse para los días de actividad que estaban por venir. ¡Y vaya que fueron días ocupados! 

Hubo innumerables sesiones educativas y oportunidades de aprendizaje, entre las que destacaron la sesión Table Talks de National Women in Roofing (NWIR) y el Almuerzo de Negocios de FRSA. Además, los asistentes pudieron disfrutar de eventos como el Beer Bust, patrocinado por Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply y GAF, así como de la tradicional Foundation Auction. Por supuesto, también estuvo presente la amplia área de exhibición comercial, donde empresas líderes como GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries y Progressive Metals, mostraron sus productos y servicios para que los asistentes los exploraran entre sesiones y actividades. 

The Coffee Shops™ también estuvo presente con varios miembros del equipo operando un escenario de entrevistas (patrocinado por TAMKO) ubicado en el lobby de la expo. Una de ellas fue Jessica Bravo, coordinadora de nuestro programa En Español quien compartió un poco sobre su experiencia: 

FRSA es una de mis ferias comerciales favoritas del año. Como se lleva a cabo durante el verano, tiene un ambiente muy familiar y siempre es agradable ver a tantas familias asistir juntas. Este año tuve la oportunidad de ayudar a operar el escenario de entrevistas. Sentada detrás del equipo, con audífonos conectados a los micrófonos, pude escuchar conversaciones y entrevistas realmente interesantes durante todo el evento. 

Nuestra presidenta, Heidi J. Ellsworth, también compartió algunos de los momentos más destacados de la semana, "El escenario patrocinado por TAMKO sirvió como punto de encuentro para las conversaciones de la industria durante todo el evento, albergando más de 30 entrevistas con contratistas, fabricantes, distribuidores, líderes de asociaciones y profesionales del roofing de toda Norteamérica. Además, realizamos dos ediciones completas de Coffee Conversations, donde paneles de expertos analizaron tendencias, desafíos y oportunidades clave que actualmente impactan a la industria del roofing." 

Si deseas ver algunas de esas conversaciones, están disponibles bajo demanda en el canal de YouTube de RoofersCoffeeShop®.

By Emma Peterson.  

A look at the connections, conversations and community at FRSA 2026. 

At the beginning of June, the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) held their much-anticipated Convention and Expo. The biggest regional roofing show in the United States, the event saw hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees come together at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida for three days of education, networking and fun!  

The show kicked off with a Welcome Reception sponsored by our friends at Adams and Reese and featuring food along with an open bar. It was a great way to set the tone for the show and get ready for the business of the next few days. And the next few days were busy! 

There were countless education sessions and opportunities to attend, with highlights including the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s Table Talks session and the FRSA Business Luncheon, along with plenty of events to keep you busy, like the Beer Bust, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply and GAF and the annual Foundation Auction. Not to mention the extensive trade show floor, featuring leading companies like GenFlex, Gaco, Elevate, MetalVue, Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, H.B. Fuller, Marco Industries and Progressive Metals, that was waiting for attendees to explore between events and sessions. 

The Coffee Shops™ was in attendance with several crew members running a soundstage (sponsored by TAMKO) in the expo lobby. One such crew member, Jessica Bravo, our En Español program coordinator, shared a bit about the experience: 

FRSA is one of my favorite trade shows of the year. Since it takes place during the summer, it has a great family friendly atmosphere and it's always nice to see so many families attending together... This year, I had the opportunity to help run the soundstage. Sitting behind the equipment with headphones connected to the microphones, I was able to listen in on some truly great conversations and interviews throughout the event. 

Our president, Heidi J. Ellsworth, shared some highlights from the week, saying, “The TAMKO-sponsored sound stage served as a hub for industry conversations throughout the event, hosting more than 30 interviews with contractors, manufacturers, distributors, association leaders and roofing professionals from across North America. In addition, two full-length Coffee Conversations brought together expert panels to discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the roofing industry today.” 

If you want to check out some of those conversations, they are available on demand via the RoofersCoffeeShop® YouTube channel!

By GAF. 

Tuition-free roofing education programs are helping military veterans transition into stable careers while supporting workforce development across the industry. 

GAF is helping address two ongoing challenges at once: the roofing industry’s demand for skilled labor and the difficult transition many military veterans face when entering civilian careers. Through the GAF Roofing Academy, veterans across the country are receiving tuition-free, hands-on roofing training designed to create long-term career opportunities while helping contractors strengthen their workforce pipelines. 

From boots to roofs 

According to the Department of Labor, approximately 200,000 veterans transition into civilian careers each year, and many struggle to find the sense of purpose they experienced in the military. Meanwhile, roofing is in dire need of talent. Last year alone, the construction industry called for 500,000 additional workers beyond the normal pace to meet labor demand, according to Associated Builders and Contractors. 

GAF Roofing Academy is working hard to solve both challenges. For military veterans like Brian Hall and Jacob Radford, attending the tuition-free GAF roofing training program successfully fueled their transition into a career path offering more than just financial growth. 

"In the military, you're serving people, protecting them, and making sure they have what they need. Roofing feels like an extension of that, just in a different way," explains Brian, who served 23 years in the military — including 14 years deployed overseas. "Now, I'm serving families by protecting their homes. For me, it's about honesty, quality work, and giving people peace of mind. That sense of purpose is the same as what I had in the military. It's about helping others, just with a hammer and shingles instead of a uniform." 

What is the GAF Roofing Academy? 

The GAF Roofing Academy — an in-person, hands-on, tuition-free training course — provides technical understanding of the diverse career paths available in roofing and experience with roofing best practices. From those new to roofing to those experienced in roofing and looking to advance their careers, all are welcome. 

Brian, who attended with his wife, Camelia, explains, "We knew roofing at a basic level, but the training gave us confidence in the details — from correct nailing patterns and cuts to understanding commercial roofing, like TPO." 

Beyond hands-on practice with residential and commercial roofing, graduates can gain skills with in-home sales and restoration. Students can also learn about insurance and warranties. 

"You don't need prior experience or knowledge to join," explains Jacob. "GAF Roofing Academy is almost like a roofing bootcamp; you'll learn a lot in a short time and come out better after it." 

Jacob recently returned from deployment and wanted what roofing can offer. "It's not just a job; it's a career where you can keep advancing and learning. Roofing contractors like myself can continue to hone their skills. That sense of long-term opportunity is what drew me in." 

Roofing training — from basic skills to advanced education — builds community resilience, bolsters the roofing industry labor needs, and opens up well-paying career pathways for often underserved talent pools, including women, justice-involved individuals, veterans, and other minorities in the roofing industry. 

Here are some fast facts about the impact of GAF Roofing Academy since opening in 2020: 

• 460+ classes conducted 
• 5,400+ individuals trained 
• 3,000+ individuals successfully placed into jobs—including veterans embracing their new career after service 

All are welcome and encouraged to get involved with no prior roofing experience required. The program has built a pipeline to employers eager to employ skilled, trained roofers. Plus, veterans are uniquely equipped to succeed in the industry. 

"My military experience taught me discipline, resilience, mental fortitude, and how to adapt quickly," explains Jacob, "all qualities that transfer directly into roofing." 

How does GAF support vets? 

Financial opportunity 

The GAF training program provides viable career path options, plus awareness of a career that can fulfill a veteran's inherent call to service that many civilian jobs can't fill. For many, a career in roofing is life-changing. 

Financially, the tuition-free training offers military veterans a long-term path forward that represents stability and economic opportunity. And that economic potential starts early, with the average starting roofing salary around $40,000 — which is more than the national average annual salary of other entry-level jobs. Veterans do not need to apply any of their benefits to receive the training tuition-free, and that's just the start. 

For military veterans like Brian, graduating from GAF Roofing Academy strengthened his upward career path. The training "walked us through the business side: sales, insurance, warranties," shares Brian, a project manager at Action Exteriors. "Before the training, I didn't fully understand what GAF warranties meant, but now, I can explain them to customers with confidence. That knowledge has directly improved our sales and given us tools to help clients in a more professional, trustworthy way." 

The roofing industry has a clear message, says Jacob. "There's always demand. If you're eager to learn and work hard, you'll have a stable career path with room to grow. That stability made my transition from the military to civilian life advantageous and a direct path to success." 

Protect and serve 

Some veterans experience loss after transitioning out of the military because that sense of purpose inherent to their daily work is missing. "Roofing is about more than shingles and nails," says Brian, "it's about earning a homeowner's trust, and my military background gave me the tools to do that." 

Additionally, transitioning from military service to a routine job can be challenging for veterans accustomed to action and problem-solving. "Both careers demand resilience and problem-solving under pressure," says Brian. 

"In the military, you can't always predict what's coming next, and you need to adapt quickly. Roofing is the same way; every project, every roof is different. You might run into improper manufacturing, storm damage, or unique installation challenges. The ability to assess the situation, stay calm, and find a solution carries directly over. And like the military, roofing isn't a nine-to-five—it's a lifestyle. You've got to love the pace, the physicality, and the satisfaction of helping people." 

Built for success: Department of Defense & GAF Roofing Academy 

GAF Roofing Academy has been approved by the Department of Defense to partner with its SkillBridge training program, which means GAF has an even broader scope to provide industry-leading roofing training to veterans seeking secure, long-term careers in the industry. This designation supports military veterans and the industry by creating a national pipeline for employers in need of the qualities vets can bring to the job. The result has been meaningful, with 43% of service member graduates to date being placed in stable, good-paying jobs. 

With this approval, GAF can offer tuition-free training to eligible service members, helping them seamlessly transition into the roofing industry. This positions the GAF Roofing Academy to: 

• Expand reach to highly skilled, disciplined candidates with a strong work ethic 
• Increase participation among veterans and transitioning service members in GAF programs 
• Strengthen GAF commitment to workforce development and support for our veteran community 
• Elevate national visibility and strategic alignment with GAF certified employers eager to hire trained, job-ready veterans 

GAF has partnered with organizations like The Army Career Skills Program, Medical Evaluation Board Career Skills Program, NextOp, Work for Warriors, Veterans Affairs, Colorado Veterans Project, and Team Rubicon to bring the GAF Roofing Academy training to service members across the country. 

Built for the future 

"Roofing gave me a chance to not only start a second career but to do it alongside my wife, Camelia," says Brian. "Now, instead of missing milestones, we're building something together every day. That's been the most rewarding part — working as a team, growing the business, and having the freedom to spend time with our son and even take vacations." 

For Jacob, "roofing represents an opportunity to build something meaningful, no matter where I am. I'm all about stability and growth potential, and roofing offered both. What really appealed to me is this industry rewards effort; your success is based on the work you put in." 

Veterans, ready to start or up-level your roofing career? Contact the GAF Roofing Academy to learn more or find a training near you. 

"I'd say don't hesitate," says Brian. "The trades and roofing, in particular, give you an opportunity to take the skills you already have—discipline, focus, teamwork—and put them into a career where your success is really up to you." 

Original article source: GAF

GAF has 30 manufacturing locations across the country, including in Baltimore, where it has been a dedicated part of the local community for nearly 60 years.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer, recently hosted a GAF Roofing Academy in Baltimore, successfully training more than 80 local residents during a week-long course at the North American Trade Schools. The program provided participants with hands-on and classroom residential and commercial roofing installation instruction, equipping them with the foundational skills needed to launch long-term careers in the roofing industry. 

GAF Roofing Academy is a tuition-free, national training program that aims to help individuals of any background and education level - with an emphasis on untapped talent pools, including veterans, justice-involved individuals, women and other under-represented groups in the roofing trade. Since the program launched in 2020, it has trained more than 5,300 individuals, including more than 200 in the greater Baltimore area, with over 3,000 placed into jobs nationwide.

“The GAF Roofing Academy is about more than just learning roofing techniques, it’s a catalyst for growth across communities,” said Kimberly Santiago-Vega, program manager for the GAF Roofing Academy. “This program opens doors not only to new careers but also positions students to help build up their communities. During the week, participants gained hands-on skills, earned credentials, connected with employers and built relationships that empower them to launch careers and strengthen Baltimore’s community.”

Upon completion of the class, participants received a GAF Roofing Academy certificate and were connected directly with local contractors for job opportunities, including interviews for potential full-time employment. Graduates also had the opportunity to earn their OSHA 10 certification at no cost outside of training hours.

“We are thrilled to partner with GAF and witness local students gain practical skills and industry credentials that set them up for success,” said Justin Mathis from the North American Trade Schools. “GAF understands what it means to support their community. By offering this training, they are giving people opportunity, which is greatly needed in Baltimore.”

Alongside the job fair, GAF held a graduation at Patterson Park for students, contractors, local organizations and local leaders to interact and network. As a part of the event, a ceremonial diploma was presented on behalf of the Mayor’s office in honor of the graduates of this year’s GAF Roofing Academy.

“We are proud to support initiatives like the GAF Roofing Academy, which empower Baltimore residents to gain valuable skills and contribute to the growth and resilience of our community,” said MacKenzie Garvin, esq., director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. “Programs like this not only open doors to meaningful careers but also strengthen the fabric of our city by investing in our people.”

GAF has 30 manufacturing locations across the country, including in Baltimore, where it has been a dedicated part of the local community for nearly 60 years. The company is committed to fostering opportunities for residents by supporting workforce development efforts such as the GAF Roofing Academy. These initiatives empower Baltimore residents to gain valuable skills, pursue rewarding careers and help build more resilient communities throughout Maryland. In addition, GAF works alongside contractors and local organizations, such as Friends of Patterson Park and Habitat for Humanity and has donated enough material to roof hundreds of homes and beautification projects in public spaces across central Maryland. 

About GAF

GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, business owners and roofing professionals with its innovative solutions and focus on exceptional service. GAF's leadership extends to its commitment to strengthen its communities and industry through investments in career development, sustainable products and local community resilience. Learn more at www.GAF.com.