By The Coffee Shops®.

New roof profiles and color options are giving contractors more ways to pair the performance of metal with familiar residential designs.

For contractors, expanding the metal conversation can start by giving homeowners something familiar. In a recent MetalCast™, Scott Campbell, vice president of sales for IKO Metals, joined Karol Weyman to discuss the evolution of DECRA and how three new stone-coated steel profiles are broadening the design options available to homeowners. DECRA has been sold in the United States since 1987, and Campbell said its history was an important part of bringing the brand together with IKO Metals. Today, DECRA manufacturing is based in Ennis, Texas, following a move from its previous California facility.

That evolution is now continuing with three profiles: Spanish tile, Mediterranean tile and farmhouse shake. Each draws on a recognizable roofing aesthetic while using stone-coated steel. “The Spanish tile is, it's a traditional Spanish clay look,” Campbell said. “It has a large sweeping curve, very traditional to the Spanish home.”

The Mediterranean profile offers a lower scallop inspired by European designs, while farmhouse shake recreates the appearance of traditional shake. For homeowners who like the natural look of shake but want a metal option, Campbell sees an opportunity to combine familiar aesthetics with a longer-lasting, lower-maintenance material.

Color is another important part of the expansion. IKO Metals looked at trends from its asphalt product line when developing the new palettes, including more reds for Spanish tile and earthier tones for shake. Campbell said the profiles are launching with at least five colors each.

The products also use fine IKO granules, drawing on capabilities from IKO's asphalt business to create detailed finishes and tight interlocking connections. Together, the profiles and colors are designed to help contractors approach metal roofing with a wider range of residential looks.

As Campbell explained, that flexibility can help bridge the gap for homeowners who want metal without giving up the appearance of more traditional roofing materials.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about DECRA by IKO Metals' new profiles, colors and contractor resources.

By The Coffee Shops®.

The event will bring education, innovation and networking to Mississauga, Ontario.

The Canadian Roofing Expo will return January 19-20, 2027, at the International Centre’s Hall 5 in Mississauga, Ontario. The biennial event brings together roofing professionals to explore products, technologies, techniques and educational opportunities shaping the industry. As Canada’s only tradeshow and educational forum dedicated to all aspects of roofing systems and technologies, the expo serves professionals across the roofing, construction and property management industries. Attendees include architects, building inspectors, contractors, engineers, property owners, property managers, roofing consultants and specifiers. Those attending can also meet the event sponsors including Polyglass, SOPREMA,
Carlisle Syntec Systems and Tremco.

Following the success of the rebranded Canadian Roofing Expo in 2025, organizers are planning an expanded and redesigned experience for 2027. Feedback from attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and industry partners has helped shape enhancements intended to increase opportunities for education, networking and business development.

The redesigned tradeshow floor will feature additional exhibitors, interactive displays and improved traffic flow. Educational sessions will be located directly on the show floor, with optimized scheduling intended to minimize overlap and help attendees participate in more learning opportunities. Make sure to stop by booth 200 and meet the The Coffee Shops team! Don't forget to check out our TCS clients also attending: ServiceTitan, Sika, IKO and Malarkey.

The 2027 expo will also introduce an attendee passport program featuring daily prize drawings. Enhanced food and beverage offerings will be delivered through participating exhibitor booth spaces, while expanded networking receptions on the show floor will create additional opportunities for industry professionals to connect.

Throughout the exhibition, attendees will be able to discover innovative roofing products and technologies from both returning and new exhibitors. Private on-site meeting rooms will also be available for organizations that want to conduct staff meetings or business discussions during the event.

Representatives from the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association and participating provincial roofing associations will be available to discuss issues, trends and opportunities affecting the industry.

The 2025 expo featured more than 150 exhibitors, sponsors, educational sessions and demonstrations. In 2027, the event will once again give attendees access to live demonstrations, industry education and valuable professional connections.

Grab your spot now!

Honoring two decades of growth and commitment.

In late September, IKO Midwest put focus on its people with a special 20th Anniversary Gala to mark two decades of contributing to the city of Kankakee, Illinois, as well as recognizing some of its longest-serving employees. The manufacturing plant, which produces architectural and performance shingles and waterproofing products for the roofing sector, has been a proud member of the city for more than 20 years.

Held at the historic Majestic Theatre in downtown Kankakee, employees and guests were feted with an evening of entertainment and camaraderie. Plant Manager Marc Bretveld welcomed the mayor of Kankakee, special guests and several IKO employees who traveled to participate in the celebration.

“Through continuous investments in our facilities, IKO has actively created meaningful career opportunities for local families. Driven by a true passion for giving back, IKO, a family-owned company, also celebrates and supports numerous organizations in and around Kankakee,” stated Bretveld. “The vast majority of our IKO Midwest team members also proudly live right here in Kankakee County. We are woven into the very fabric of this wonderful community.”

During the evening, Larry Frantz, one of nine employees who have been at the plant since its opening 20 years ago, shared some of his memories from the past two decades, while Guy Tremblay, vice president of North American operations at IKO Industries, marked the occasion by presenting a commemorative crystal award for the plant to display.

About IKO

IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Learn how IKO roof accessories work with shingles to provide layered protection, reliable performance and a finished appearance. 

A dependable roof is more than a layer of shingles. Each component has a specific role in protecting the home, managing moisture and reinforcing vulnerable areas. IKO® designs its accessories to work with its shingles as a unified roofing system, with the company controlling the creation of nearly all its roof accessories to maintain quality control. 

Protection begins with a watertight seal. StormShield® Ice and Water Protector serves as a secondary barrier against wind-driven rain and moisture that can penetrate the shingle layer. Its self-adhesive backing helps create watertight seals in critical areas, while the membrane can also be used around dormers, vent stacks, skylights, doors and windows. GoldShield™ Premium Ice and Water Protector provides IKO’s highest level of protection against ice and water infiltration, and GoldSeam™ roof sealing tape protects vulnerable areas from leaks, water infiltration and rot. 

Above the deck, Stormtite Synthetic Underlayment adds another layer of leakage protection. Its non-breathable material sheds water and acts as a vapor retarder. Stronger than traditional felt, it is designed to resist slips, tears and shredding from foot traffic. Built-in ultraviolet stabilizers allow it to remain exposed for up to 30 days. 

At the roof’s perimeter, Leading Edge Plus™ roof starter shingles form a tight seal that helps protect against wind damage and blow-off. EdgeSeal® roof starter bonds the drip edge, ice and water membrane and first course of shingles to create a unified barrier along eaves and rakes. 

IKO Hip and Ridge 12™ and Hip and Ridge Class 4 cap shingles complete the system by covering vulnerable hip and ridge areas while adding dimension. UltraHP® and UltraHP IR ridge cap shingles provide a textured, high-profile alternative to cut-up shingles without cutting or folding. 

Build better with the complete IKO system.

Launch builds on IKO’s $60 million investment in its Ennis, Texas, metal roofing facility, which opened last year

IKO North America is officially launching IKO Metals at the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas, bringing DECRA’s stone-coated steel roofing portfolio under the IKO Metals brand. DECRA, a long-established brand in stone-coated steel roofing, became part of IKO through its 2018 acquisition of Roof Tile Group. The launch portfolio, DECRA by IKO Metals, includes three profiles inspired by traditional tile and shake, combining the look of traditional roofing materials with the strength and durability of stone-coated steel.

The launch builds on IKO’s investment in metal roofing, including the opening last year of its $60 million, 205,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ennis, Texas.

“The launch portfolio gives IKO a foundation to serve customers looking for the distinctive appearance of tile and shake without moving away from the performance characteristics of steel. These three profiles are the first step in expanding IKO’s metal roofing offering,” said Vince Carrier, product development manager, IKO North America.

Available across the U.S. and Canada, the launch portfolio gives homeowners, contractors and distributors new design options in a steel roofing system. It includes:

• Mediterranean Tile features a low-profile, scalloped design that carries the aesthetic of Old-World clay tile in stone-coated steel.
• Farmhouse Shake features the wide profile and textured appearance of hand-split cedar shake, recreated in stone-coated steel with deep shadow lines.
• Spanish Tile features the sweeping curves and timeless character of Spanish clay tile in stone-coated steel.

“DECRA has nearly 40 years of experience in stone-coated steel roofing, this launch builds on that foundation,” said Scott Campbell, vice president, sales, U.S., IKO. “These new profiles combine that experience with IKO’s proprietary roofing granules, updated colors and designs that are easier to install. And they’re just the beginning of what we’re building in metal.”

All IKO Metals roofs have a Class 4 impact-resistance rating, the highest level of impact resistance, a Class A fire rating and are designed to withstand freeze-thaw conditions. They are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty providing warranty coverage and warranted coverage for wind speeds of up to 120 mph and hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter. The Lifetime Limited Warranty provides coverage during the original owner’s ownership of the single family detached home on which the IKO Metals roof was installed and is transferable one time to a new owner within the first 20 years after installation. Please see Lifetime Limited Warranty here for full terms, conditions and limitations.

About IKO

IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

From vertical integration to performance-driven roofing systems, IKO delivers value across residential and commercial markets. 

For 75 years, IKO Industries has built its reputation on manufacturing high-performance roofing products designed to withstand demanding conditions while delivering long-term value. Family owned since 1951, the company has grown into a global manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing products, insulation and waterproofing solutions, with facilities located throughout North America and beyond. 

What sets IKO apart is its commitment to vertical integration. Rather than relying heavily on outside suppliers, IKO manufactures many of the key components used in its roofing systems. From processing limestone to coloring granules and manufacturing packaging materials, the company maintains control over much of its production process. This approach helps ensure consistency, quality and innovation while providing contractors and property owners with reliable roofing solutions. 

On the residential side, IKO has long been known for its asphalt shingle offering and will now be introducing a new line called IKO Metals at the WRE 2026 in Vegas. IKO Metals is available in three distinct profiles, Spanish Tile, Mediterranean Tile, and Farmhouse Shake profiles . IKO Metal shingles are stone-coated steel, which means they use a steel core protected by an aluminum-zinc alloy coating and finished with IKO-manufactured roofing granules to provide the strength of steel with the appearance of traditional roofing materials. IKO’s commercial roofing division offers a comprehensive portfolio of systems, including modified bitumen, insulation, vapor barriers and single-ply solutions. Among its latest offerings is the IKO Innovi™ TPO roofing system, which combines advanced thermoplastic membrane technology with compatible insulation products to create fully integrated roofing assemblies. Manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, Innovi TPO is engineered to provide durability, ease of installation and dependable long-term performance. 

Contractors attending the Western States Roofing Expo will have an opportunity to learn more about IKO’s full portfolio of residential and commercial roofing solutions, as well as the innovations driving the company’s continued growth. Stop by booth 111 and connect with the IKO team at the show to explore product offerings, discuss project needs and discover how IKO continues to deliver on its legacy of expertise and performance. 

New product offers versatility and high performance. 

IKO Commercial is pleased to announce the availability of ArmourCool SA – HD Cap, a reflective peel-and-stick cap sheet designed for commercial roofing applications requiring high reflectivity, flame-free application and versatility.

ArmourCool SA – HD Cap combines the strength of a premium-quality, flame-free cap sheet with high-solar-reflectance granules to provide a high-performance solution for commercial roofing projects. Its self-adhering design offers a flame-free application, while compatibility with various IKO base sheets provides added flexibility when specifying roofing systems.

Key benefits include:

• High reflectivity: High-solar-reflectance granules are embedded into the surface to help support energy-saving performance while providing protection against ultraviolet radiation
• Flame-free application: The self-adhering underside features a removable silicone-treated release film, providing application options without the use of an open flame
• Versatile application: ArmourCool SA – HD Cap can be used with various IKO base sheets, offering flexibility when specifying commercial roofing systems

“ArmourCool SA – HD Cap gives roofing professionals another versatile option when specifying commercial roofing systems,” said Kyle Linhares, product manager, Commercial Canada at IKO North America. “It offers the flexibility needed to meet the demands of today’s commercial roofing projects, helping our customers specify with confidence.”

ArmourCool SA – HD Cap satisfies the requirements of CSA A123.23 Type C, Grade 1 and is now available across Canada.

About IKO Commercial

IKO Commercial is a division of IKO Industries Inc., a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industries for residential and commercial markets. IKO Commercial’s portfolio includes roofing systems, building envelope solutions, bridge deck waterproofing, as well as complementary accessories and components. www.iko.com/comm/

The roofing company installed Drift Solar Snow Fence products below solar panels on the roofs of three buildings at the affordable housing complex in their hometown of Longmont, Colorado.

Bulldog Roofing has won the “Outstanding Commercial Rocky Mountain Snow Guards Project” category in the 2026 “Show Us Our Snow Guards Contest” for their work on The Ascent at Hover Crossing apartment complex. The roofing company installed Drift Solar Snow Fence products below solar panels on the roofs of three buildings at the affordable housing complex in their hometown of Longmont, Colorado.

The Ascent at Hover Crossing comprises of 75 apartment units plus an Early Childhood Education Center that serves local families in need. The 2.4-acre site also includes a standalone building with a community room, fitness space, mail room, leasing office, maintenance and storage area and an adjacent outdoor area with a playground and gathering space with barbecue equipment.

The structure is designed to meet National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Bronze standards for sustainability and is 100 percent electric. And, the City of Longmont-owned onsite 211kW rooftop solar project provides residents with reduced electric costs.

Solar panels demand snow retention

Bulldog Roofing installed the TPO roofing, IKO Nordic™ Performance Shingles, metal roofing, coping, gutters and downspouts on the project. Once the solar panels were installed, the need for snow retention was identified and coordinated between project ownership, architect Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP and Bulldog Roofing.

“We were looking at solar panels on three-story high structures potentially shedding snow and ice from their slick surfaces,” says Adam Gazdik, director of operations for Bulldog Roofing. “Our company recommended Drift Solar Snow Fences from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards as a solution. We use their snow retention products on about a dozen projects a year and the Drift Solar seemed like the perfect resolution to a potential wintertime problem.”

The 12-inch tall Drift Solar system is designed specifically for placement below solar panel installations. Aluminum four-pipe fence-style brackets are bolted directly to roof support structures flush at the eave with the tubing side facing down slope. Ice screen must be added to impede the movement of the snow.

When it came to choosing the color for the snow fence, the architectural firm designated a black color to complement the solar panels.

“For our team, the biggest challenge of this project was that both the roofing system and solar panels had already been installed by the time it was decided to add the snow retention system,” says Gazdik. “We installed the Drift Solar Snow Fence product based on placement direction from the project architect. From our standpoint, locating the structural trusses for proper attachment was the most difficult part, especially because there was limited space to work around the existing solar panels.

“While this is was our first time installing the Drift Solar Snow Fence, we certainly hope it won’t be our last. It’s a smart product that fills the need for snow retention when solar panels are used, and for this particular project, it’s helping keep residents and guests at Ascent at Hover Crossing safer during the winter months.”

Throughout the day, students explored how products are made, touring Blair Rubber Company's facility and taking part in activities designed to bring manufacturing concepts to life.

What started with Play-Doh and a clear PVC pipe gave 43 middle school students a hands-on introduction to the world of manufacturing during a Summer Kids Manufacturing Camp held at Blair Rubber in Seville, Ohio. Organized by Medina County manufacturing economic development, the camp brought students ages 13 to 15 to Blair Rubber Company for a day of hands-on learning and industry exposure.

The experience comes at a time when Ohio's manufacturing industry is looking to introduce the next generation to career opportunities in the sector. According to the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, manufacturing accounts for 16.5% of Ohio's private economy and supports more than 687,000 jobs across the state. Ohio manufacturers are also projected to need approximately 35,000 new workers each year to meet expansion and replacement demand, making early career awareness and workforce development increasingly important.

"Events like this give students an opportunity to see manufacturing in action and learn about the many different career paths available within our industry," said Neil Bateman, plant manager, Blair Rubber Company. "We were excited to welcome these students to our facility, introduce them to our team and give them a hands-on experience that they could take with them. We hope this is the beginning of a continued effort to help young people in our community explore careers in manufacturing."

Throughout the day, students explored how products are made, touring Blair Rubber Company's facility and taking part in activities designed to bring manufacturing concepts to life. One demonstration by Blair’s maintenance team used Play-Doh and a clear PVC pipe to show how rubber linings protect industrial equipment — including railcars — from corrosion and wear.

“Students had the opportunity to visit manufacturers across Medina County and experience modern manufacturing firsthand. We planned for 20 students, but nearly 60 signed up, demonstrating the strong interest among students and families in learning more about manufacturing careers.” said Jake Altman, economic development projects director, Medina County Economic Development Corporation

By connecting classroom concepts with real-world applications, the camp helped students better understand the variety of careers available in modern manufacturing — from skilled trades and maintenance to engineering, operations and production. Blair Rubber plans to continue supporting similar workforce development initiatives, helping introduce more students to manufacturing careers and strengthening the future workforce in northeast Ohio.

About Blair Rubber

Blair Rubber Company (An affiliate of IKO) is a U.S.-based manufacturer of corrosion-resistant rubber linings and conveyor belt splice products, serving applications in industries including mining, water treatment, chemical processing and oil and gas. The company also provides technical expertise related to chemical compatibility, applications and installation procedures.

About IKO

IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

As a family owned and operated business, IKO reflects on their successes thus far and what the future holds! 

As IKO Industries celebrates their 75th anniversary serving the roofing industry, Jack Gottesman, the marketing and brand director of IKO, joined us for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® to discuss the brand’s legacy and what the future holds.  

From the very beginning of the conversation, Jack noted that the last seven decades of success wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal customers that keep IKO going. “Contractor loyalty is the fuel that’s powered us through our 75 years, and that is what’s going to carry us through the next 75,” he noted. Working with those customers and continuing to prioritize meeting their needs, providing them with the best tools for success. 

“We’re providing them the tools that they need to succeed because if God forbid something goes wrong, the homeowner doesn't know where to find me, but they are calling that contractor first. And so, we need to make sure that they have all the tools and the best products in the world so that they are equipped to make people happy all across God's green earth!” 

In keeping to that promise of superior service, IKO has led with integrity and good faith since the very beginning. Having fled Nazi-occupied Europe, the Koschitzky family placed down roots in Calgary, Canada. There, Isidore Koschitzky founded the brand in 1951. Since then, IKO has been a family owned and operated brand. Four generations have led the business, honoring the family name by keeping the promise to serve their customers with the highest quality materials.  

“While the company started in Calgary, today, the company has more than 25 production plants across the globe. We’re very blessed to work with thousands of people from all different capacities; whether that be manufacturing, product development, sales or marketing,” Jack shared. The sheer scope and scale of IKO’s production makes them the largest manufacturer of shingles in the world! 

One could say that’s quite an impressive legacy to have after 75 years of operation, but IKO doesn’t plan to stop their growth anytime soon. Jack shared, “We’ve had a number of new plants opening in 2026, and even still, the earlier generations of the family are involved and active in the groundbreaking of new developments. We’re keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry.”  

As the brand looks forward to the next 75 years and beyond, customer satisfaction, innovation and honoring their commitment to product quality remains at the forefront.  

Listen to the conversation or Watch the episode to learn more about IKO’s legacy and their path forward!