By The Coffee Shops®. 

A metal-over-metal system helped protect daily operations while reducing tear-off, labor and debris. 

For busy retail facilities, roofing work must protect more than the building. It must also protect access, inventory and daily business. At White Cap Supply’s in Tampa, Florida, Roof Hugger’s metal-over-metal retrofit system allowed the store to remain fully operational throughout a major reroofing project. 

The building’s aging, previously coated trapezoidal standing seam metal roof was more than 20 years old and rusting through in places. Steven Pinto, owner of SteelCor in Sarasota, Florida, recommended a Roof Hugger retrofit system designed around the existing roof profile, a game changing solution for the business owners. “One of the key reasons we won this project was our ability to complete the re-roof without disrupting White Cap’s daily operations,” Steven says. “By using Roof Hugger, we kept the store fully operational and provided an extra layer of protection for the building and its clients.”   

Steben partnered with Bryan Stephens, owner of All Weather Roofing (AWR), to install Roof Hugger sub-purlins over the original panels. The approach eliminated tear-off costs and landfill fees while minimizing labor and debris. It also maintained continuous protection for the building and its contents during construction. Additional benefits included a thermal break, insulation benefits and added hurricane resistance from the double-layer roof system. 

Working with SteelCor Buildings, AWR installed 52,300 square feet of McElroy Metal 24-inch, 24-gauge Galvalume MasterLok standing seam trapezoidal panels. The project was completed in three weeks.  

For White Cap Supply, the retrofit delivered a new code-compliant roof without sacrificing the dependable access its contractor customers needed. “Roof Hugger allowed us to avoid unnecessary tear-off, cut time and give the owner a more durable energy-efficient system custom-fitted to the existing profile,” Bryan says. 

Learn more about how metal-over-metal retrofit systems can preserve building operations while reducing project costs and adding structural resilience.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Roof Hugger experts explain how structural attachment, drainage, longevity and future rooftop needs can shape retrofit decisions. 

When recovering an existing metal building roof, contractors and building owners must consider more than the initial installation price. In one episode of MetalCast™, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with DJ Highnote and Dale Nelson, vice president and president of Roof Hugger respectively, about how metal-over-metal retrofit systems can address structural performance, water movement and long-term building needs. 

One of the primary distinctions discussed was how the new system attaches to the building. DJ explained that a metal-over-metal retrofit can actually strengthen the roof system because of how it is installed. “When you're doing a metal over metal retrofit, you're getting an actual structural attachment to the structure underneath the panels,” he said. This approach can also be engineered to address wind uplift, snow loads and the condition of the building’s purlins. 

Water management is another important consideration. Dale explained that metal buildings are designed to channel water along the roof panel ribs and move it quickly toward the gutter or eave. A flat recovery surface can change that drainage pattern, potentially directing water toward areas where the framing deflects. “Sheet flow is never how metal buildings are designed,” Dale said. “They’re designed for channeled flow.” 

Dale and DJ also encouraged contractors to evaluate expected service life and future use of the roof. While other options like thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as potentially less expensive initially, they said metal can provide a longer service life. That difference becomes especially relevant when building owners plan to add photovoltaic panels, which can be mounted externally on a metal roof without penetrating the roof panel. Energy performance can be incorporated into the retrofit design as well. Depending on the building and its location, the cavity between the existing and new roofs may be insulated, ventilated or designed with both strategies.  

Together, these considerations give contractors an opportunity to discuss retrofit value in terms of structural attachment, drainage, safety, energy performance and future rooftop investments. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about metal-over-metal retrofits. 

Por Emma Peterson., traducido por Alberto Torres.  

METALCON celebra su 35.º aniversario con exhibiciones especiales, eventos para establecer conexiones, premios de la industria y celebraciones para toda la comunidad. 

En 2026, METALCON celebra 35 años como uno de los principales eventos para los profesionales de la construcción con metal. Este año, el evento contará con una variedad de actividades especiales para celebrar este importante aniversario y, al mismo tiempo, ayudar a los profesionales de la industria a prepararse para otros 35 años impulsando el futuro de la construcción con metal. Aquí te presentamos algunos de los eventos que podrás disfrutar este año, del 7 al 9 de octubre de 2026 en el Orange County Convention Center en Orlando, Florida. 

Steel on the Move Experience 

METALCON no es el único que celebra un aniversario este año. ¡U.S. Steel celebra 125 años de innovación en 2026! Para conmemorarlo, la compañía creó una experiencia especial llamada Steel on the Move Experience, que llegará a METALCON. 

Esta exhibición ofrece una experiencia interactiva que presenta “la historia del acero y su papel esencial en la construcción de la infraestructura, los productos y las comunidades que hacen posible nuestra vida cotidiana.” Estará ubicada en el centro del área de exhibición, facilitando que todos los asistentes puedan visitarla y explorar sus atractivas exhibiciones, contenido interactivo e historias inspiradoras. 

¡Conoce más!

Premios METALCON Top Product Awards 2026 

¡Los premios anuales de productos están de regreso por sexto año! Estos premios reconocen los productos, tecnologías y soluciones innovadoras que los expositores presentan en METALCON. ¡Y TÚ decides quién gana! 

Así que asegúrate de llenar tu formulario de votación mientras recorres el área de exhibición, que este año contará con más de 250 stands. Las votaciones cierran el 7 de octubre de 2026 a las 5 p.m. ET, y los ganadores serán anunciados durante el evento el 8 de octubre de 2026 a las 2:30 p.m. 

¡Conoce a los nominados!

Forge: Donde las mujeres de la industria del metal construyen lo que viene 

Este es el único evento de esta lista que requiere un boleto por separado, lo que significa que debes registrarte además de tu registro general para METALCON. ¡Pero vale la pena dedicarle tiempo y pagar los $35 de entrada! 

Forge se llevará a cabo un día antes del inicio oficial de METALCON y estará enfocado en las increíbles mujeres profesionales que están impulsando el futuro de la industria del metal. Desde quienes comienzan sus carreras hasta las profesionales con años de experiencia, este evento ofrece la oportunidad de compartir un espacio con mujeres que entienden exactamente lo que haces y todo el esfuerzo que te ha llevado hasta donde estás hoy. 

Los asistentes podrán disfrutar de una conferencia magistral de Rita Goodroe; un panel de discusión con Bryce Batts, Kate Glantz, Erin Hoffman y Amanda Turner; actividades para establecer conexiones y una recepción patrocinada por National Women in Roofing (NWIR). Es un evento que no te puedes perder si buscas conversaciones significativas, nuevas perspectivas sobre liderazgo y conexiones auténticas que continúen mucho después de METALCON.

Conoce más.

Oktoberfest 

METALCON se trata de reunir aprendizaje, diversión y comunidad, y pocas actividades representan mejor esa combinación que su experiencia Oktoberfest. La celebración comienza oficialmente el miércoles 7 de octubre en The Backyard, con un reto en un simulador de golf patrocinado por HELIX Metalforming y John Stortz & Son. El resto de las actividades se llevarán a cabo en diferentes stands de los expositores por toda el área de exhibición. 

¡Consulta el programa!

Networking rápido 

Con tantas sesiones educativas y actividades, puede ser difícil encontrar tiempo para establecer nuevas conexiones de manera espontánea. Por eso, METALCON ha organizado un evento de networking rápido para la noche del miércoles 7 de octubre. Esta es una gran oportunidad para “conocer contratistas, fabricantes, arquitectos, especialistas en fabricación, proveedores y líderes de la industria mediante conversaciones breves y estructuradas, diseñadas para generar relaciones profesionales y oportunidades de negocio.” 

Cada ronda durará solo unos minutos, así que asegúrate de llevar tus tarjetas de presentación y tener preparada una buena presentación breve sobre quién eres y lo que haces. 

Celebración del 35.º aniversario de METALCON 

Y por último, pero definitivamente no menos importante, METALCON realizará una celebración especial por su 35.º aniversario el miércoles, justo después del evento de networking rápido. 

Esta fiesta celebra a la comunidad que ha crecido alrededor de METALCON desde su primer encuentro en 1991. También reconocerá a las 10 empresas especiales de Legacy 10, que han participado en todas las ediciones de METALCON. Estas empresas incluyen: 

1. AkzoNobel: Ha sido un expositor de confianza de METALCON desde el principio, presentando sus avanzadas pinturas y recubrimientos a los asistentes del evento. 
2. ATAS International: Durante más de 60 años, ATAS International ha fabricado sistemas metálicos de alto rendimiento para techos, muros, plafones y perímetros, y durante más de la mitad de ese tiempo ha apoyado a METALCON. 
3. Atlas Bolt & Screw: El equipo de Atlas describe METALCON como “mucho más que una feria comercial” y ha demostrado su compromiso con la creación de relaciones duraderas con contratistas, fabricantes y socios de la industria al participar en cada edición. 
4. AZZ Precoat Metals: Como uno de los principales proveedores de soluciones de recubrimiento de bobinas en Norteamérica, AZZ se ha reunido con sus clientes año tras año en METALCON. 
5. Englert: Durante 35 años, para ser exactos, Englert ha utilizado METALCON como una oportunidad para conectarse con arquitectos, contratistas y tomadores de decisiones que utilizan sus sistemas de techos metálicos, canaletas y productos para el manejo del agua de lluvia. 
6. Metal Construction News: Como una publicación líder de la industria, su equipo ha estado presente en cada edición de METALCON brindando apoyo de medios y cobertura. 
7. McElroy Metal: Como fabricante de productos especializados para la construcción con metal, tiene sentido que McElroy Metal haya participado en cada una de las ediciones de METALCON dedicadas a esta industria. 
8. Metal Rollforming Systems: Cuando se les preguntó por qué su equipo ha considerado una prioridad asistir a METALCON durante los últimos 35 años, respondieron de manera sencilla: “Estas conexiones nos permiten mantenernos al día con las tendencias del mercado.”
9. PPG: Durante décadas, PPG ha estado frente a sus clientes y detrás de escena apoyando a METALCON mediante iniciativas como el Design District. 
10. Roof Hugger: Roof Hugger ha estado presente desde el inicio de METALCON. Su compromiso a lo largo de los años representa el espíritu de colaboración que caracteriza al evento. 

En general, esta celebración es una de las actividades que no te puedes perder en METALCON 2026. Contará con comida, bebidas, entretenimiento y muchas oportunidades para convivir con la comunidad de la industria. 

Obtén tus boletos hoy 

No pierdas la oportunidad de participar en estos increíbles eventos, además de recorrer la extensa área de exhibición y aprovechar el programa educativo de METALCON. El evento se llevará a cabo del 7 al 9 de octubre de 2026 en el Orange County Convention Center en Orlando, Florida. Todos los eventos mencionados anteriormente están incluidos con tu registro, excepto Forge, que requiere un boleto adicional. Se recomienda registrarse con anticipación. 

¡Regístrate hoy para METALCON y utiliza el código 30MCS para recibir $30 de descuento en tu pase!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

From withstanding harsh weather to holding heavy machinery loads, testing is vital to the discovery of a product's capability. 

In an episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with DJ Highnote and Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger to discuss the importance of purlin strengthening in metal roofing systems. 

Purlin strengthening is when horizontal metal roof beams are reinforced in order to increase the roof's load capacity. This is done through the introduction of sub-purlins, like those from Roof Hugger, which can add significant capacity to metal building roofs. DJ explained how, with more building owners wanting to add roof structures like solar panel systems, it was important to be able to properly calculate a roof's strength, and the strength purlins can add, particularly to retrofit jobs, in a structurally correct way. "We, in a way, enhanced the industry, creating a retrofit market that didn't exist prior to Roof Hugger," Dale added. 

Roof Hugger's retrofit sub-purlins are specifically designed to fit over the ribs of existing roof panels, notching perfectly as needed, adding the strength a system might need to withstand substantial loads - all while paying attention to the correct needs of a structure. Dale shared, “[Our work] was really revolutionary in a way, because not only were we structurally correct, but properties were correct for screw down panels, too." 

As things progressed and Roof Hugger continued to see the importance of testing and measuring the strength and capabilities of their materials, particularly being able to bring the receipts and model projects that show the work, calculations and data. DJ noted, "The credibility of being able to show the calculations and work has been amazing. Being able to strengthen the purlins and show it; that people can now [with our help] install solar on their roof."  

With a little bit of extra work to determine the exact calculations behind their products, a belief in the system they offer, Roof Hugger was able to bring about a new, revolutionary way of strengthening metal roofing systems for good. The right, tested product can mean the difference between one system withstanding harsh weather and heavy installations and another collapsing against the slightest challenge.  

Listen to the conversation or Watch the video to learn more about Roof Hugger's purlins.  

By Emma Peterson. 

METALCON is celebrating its 35th anniversary with special exhibits, networking events, industry awards and community celebrations!  

2026 marks 35 years of METALCON – the leading event for metal construction professionals. And this year’s show has a variety of special events planned to both celebrate this milestone and help professionals across the industry prepare for another 35 years of shaping the metal industry’s future. Here’s a shortlist of the events to expect from this year’s show, which is planned for October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!  

Steel on the Move Experience 

METALCON isn’t the only one celebrating an anniversary this year, U.S. Steel is celebrating 125 years of innovation in 2026! And to honor it, they have created a special Steel on the Move Experience that is coming to the METALCON show.  

This exhibit is an immersive experience that showcases “the story of steel and its essential role in building the infrastructure, products and communities that power everyday life.” It will be located at the center of the exhibit hall, making it easy for all attendees to stop by and explore the engaging displays, interactive content and inspiring stories.  

Learn more!

The 2026 METALCON Top Product Awards 

The annual product awards are back — this is its sixth year! These awards celebrate the innovative products, technologies and solutions that exhibitors at METALCON bring to the table. And the results are decided by YOU!  

So, make sure you fill out your voting form as you explore the expo floor (which will host more than 250 booths this year!). Voting ends on October 7, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET with announcements of the winners hosted at the show October 8, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. 

See the nominees!

Forge: Where women in metal shape what’s next 

This is the only event on this list that is separately ticketed (meaning you need to register for it in addition to your general METALCON registration), but it’s well worth the time and the $35 ticket!   

Hosted the day before the METALCON show kicks off, the Forge centers around the incredible female professionals who are pushing the metal industry forward. It offers everyone from emerging professionals to industry veterans a chance to sit in a room of women who understand exactly what you do and how hard you’ve worked to get where you are today. 

Attendees can look forward to a keynote from Rita Goodroe; a panel discussion featuring Bryce Batts, Kate Glantz, Erin Hoffman and Amanda Turner; networking activities and a reception sponsored by National Women in Roofing (NWIR). This is a must-attend for those looking for meaningful conversation, leadership insights and genuine connections that extend well beyond METALCON.  

Learn more.

Oktoberfest 

METALCON is all about bringing learning, fun and community together and no event is better representative of this than their Oktoberfest expo experience! The event officially kicks off on Wednesday, October 7 at The Backyard with a golf simulator challenge sponsored by HELIX Metalforming and John Stortz & Son. The rest of the celebration will happen at various exhibitor booths across the expo floor.  

See the schedule!

Speed networking 

With all the education sessions and other events happening, it can be hard to find time for spur-of-the-moment networking, which is why METALCON has set up a speed networking event for Wednesday night (10/7/2026). This is a huge opportunity to “meet contractors, manufacturers, architects, fabricators, suppliers and industry leaders through short, structured conversations designed to spark real relationships and business opportunities. 

Each round will last just a few minutes, so make sure you bring your business cards and strong elevator pitch!  

METALCON 35th anniversary bash 

And last but certainly not least, METALCON will be hosting a special 35th anniversary bash on Wednesday, right after the speed networking event!  

This party celebrates the community that has grown around METALCON since the first gathering back in 1991. It also puts the spotlight on METALCON’s special Legacy 10 companies who have been at every show! These companies include:  

1. AkzoNobel: AkzoNobel has been a trusted METALCON exhibitor since the very beginning, showcasing their advanced paints and coatings to the attendees of the show. 
2. ATAS International: For more than 60 years, ATAS International has manufactured high-performance metal roofing, wall, ceiling and perimeter systems and for over half that time they’ve been supporting METALCON. 
3. Atlas Bolt & Screw: The Atlas team describes METALCON as “more than a trade show” and have been showcasing their commitment to building lasting relationships with contractors, manufacturers and industry partners by attending every show.  
4. AZZ Precoat Metals: As one of North America's leading providers of coil coating solutions, AZZ has met their customers at METALCON year-after-year. 
5. Englert: For years (35 to be precise) Englert has used METALCON to meet the architects, contractors and decision makers who use their metal roofing, gutter systems and rainware products in the field. 
6. Metal Construction News: A leading industry publication, their team has been at every METALCON show providing media support. 
7. McElroy Metal: As a manufacturer of metal-specific products, it only makes sense the McElroy Metal has been at every one of METALCON’s metal-dedicated shows. 
8. Metal Rollforming Systems: When asked why their team has made it a priority to attend METALCON all 35 years, the Metal Rollforming Systems team put it simply, “These connections allow us to stay ahead of market trends.” 
9. PPG: PPG has been in front of customers and behind the scenes supporting METALCON through initiatives like the Design District for decades now. 
10. Roof Hugger: Since METALCON’s inception, Roof Hugger has been there. Their longstanding commitment exemplifies the collaborative spirit that defines the event. 

Overall, this bash is a must-attend of the 2026 show as it boasts a full schedule of food, drinks, entertainment and community that you won’t want to miss.  

Get your tickets today 

Don’t miss your chance to attend these incredible events, as well as explore METALCON’s extensive expo floor and education programming! The show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. All events listed above are included in your registration except for the Forge, which is a separately ticketed event. Advance sign-up is encouraged.  

Register for the show today and use code 30MCS for $30 off your show pass!

By The Coffee Shops™.  

Understanding common retrofit approaches and the risks they can create. 

Building owners looking to extend the life of an existing metal roof are often presented with several retrofit options. Not all approaches provide the structural performance needed to withstand wind uplift, snow drift loads and other demands placed on a modern roofing system. Roof Hugger emphasizes that proper installation and structural design play a critical role in long-term roof performance. 

One common mistake is the use of hat sections installed over existing metal roof ribs. Because only one screw may connect directly to the existing purlin while another fastens into thin metal panels, the system can lack sufficient pull-out strength. Long attachment screws may also be exposed to movement that can contribute to fastener fatigue over time. 

Another frequently seen concern is the use of wood purlins over existing roof ribs. In addition to similar attachment concerns, pressure-treated wood can be corrosive when it comes into contact with metal roofing components. Increased fastener requirements can also add labor and material costs. 

Stand-off clip systems can also present an issue. These systems may face challenges when building codes require tighter purlin spacing in roof corners and edge zones. In those situations, additional structural support may be needed to address higher wind-load requirements. 

Coatings and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) systems must also be carefully considered. Coatings do not address updated code requirements for wind or snow loads, while TPO systems require careful attachment design and do not add structural strength to an existing roof. In addition, TPO systems have a shorter service life than metal roofing systems, reducing their long-term value. 

Ultimately, retrofit decisions should be evaluated not only on initial cost but also on structural integrity, code compliance and long-term performance. 

Learn more about metal retrofit roofing approaches and the structural considerations involved.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

How to determine which option is right for the job, and what each option has to offer.  

When contractors meet with building owners to discuss an aging metal roof, the conversation often comes down to two possibilities: recover the roof with a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) system or retrofit it with a new metal roof. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi Ellsworth sat down with Roof Hugger founding partner, Dale Nelson, to discuss the strengths, limitations and long-term implications of each approach. 

Dale unpacked why TPO holds appeal for many building owners. “One of the big positives of TPO is that it's less expensive,” he said. He went on to explain that TPO can be a practical option for low-slope roofs and buildings with numerous penetrations, various rooftop equipment or complex design needs. He also noted that these systems can incorporate insulation and provide a reflective surface that contributes to energy efficiency. 

Still, Dale believes that contractors should help owners understand that cost is only one part of the equation. “TPO is going to last you 18 to 25 years,” he said, while adding that metal roofing systems can deliver significantly longer service lives. “Metal is simply going to outlast any other roofing material out there, so it's an investment no question.” 

The discussion also touched on sustainability and future flexibility. Dale contrasted the average 70% recycled content of steel roofing with that of TPO which is around 4½%.  He highlights the ability to add photovoltaic systems to standing-seam metal roofs years later in a building's life cycle. “It's a solar-ready roof,” he noted. 

For contractors, the key takeaway is understanding a building owner's goals before recommending a system. Budget, expected ownership timeline, roof configuration and future building value can all influence the decision. 

Ultimately, Dale encouraged contractors and owners to look beyond initial installation costs and consider potential TPO overloading, code compliance, long-term performance, maintenance requirements and lifecycle value when evaluating roofing options. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the video to learn more about TPO and metal retrofit roofing options. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Roof Hugger introduced retrofit roofing as an alternative to metal tear offs and coatings. 

Founded 35 years ago, Roof Hugger has made a name for themselves fabricating metal retrofit solutions. To learn more about the story of how this innovative company came to be, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Roof Hugger president Dale Nelson for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

The story of Roof Hugger begins in 1991 with Dale and his partner Red McConnohie. Dale recalled:  

Red had this idea that we could make some kind of bracket that, when installed, would allow you to put a new metal roof over the old one. So, we came up with the concept of this Z shape with little notches in it that matched the configuration of the old roof. And it allowed us to put new metal panels right on top of the old one.  

Once the concept was proven (which Dale and Red did by testing it on one of Red’s own properties), they brought in Terry Wolfe to help them make sure they were engineering everything in the best way possible. Dale shared, “We were fortunate early on to have very good engineering guidance from Terry. He was incredibly helpful in getting us to understand metal panel design, which we had to understand fully so that we could design our retrofit assembly accordingly.” 

This may appear to be a lot of work and fuss for one product, but the Z clamp that the Roof Hugger team created was more than just another product, it was a revolutionary innovation. Dale explained, “Traditionally, there were two ways to repair or replace an old metal roof – tearing it off or coating it. And both methods have their downsides. Tear offs are often very wasteful and time consuming while coatings struggled to address deep structural problems. What we did with Roof Hugger was create a third option – retrofitting. There wasn’t really a retrofit industry before us.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how Roof Hugger’s metal retrofit solutions work. 

Ten companies have been committed to METALCON and the industry from the beginning.

When the industry gathers in Orlando for METALCON this fall, the Legacy 10 will be honored for exhibiting at every show, dating back to 1991.

With that kind of long-term commitment comes worthy recognition. The Legacy 10 will be honored in a variety of ways leading up to and at the show, scheduled for October 7-9 at Orange County Convention Center.

AkzoNobel, ATAS International, Atlas Bolt & Screw, AZZ Precoat Metals, Englert, Metal Construction News, McElroy Metal, Metal Rollforming Systems, PPG and Roof Hugger make up the Legacy 10. To learn more about the Legacy 10 visit www.metalcon.com/legacy10.

“These companies have supported METALCON from the very beginning and, in many ways, helped build the event into what it is today,” says Judy Geller, VP trade shows, METALCON. “Their continued commitment reflects not only the value of face-to-face business, but also their investment in advancing the metal construction industry.

“There is an abundance of marketing options for the manufacturers and suppliers in our industry. So, the long-term consistent commitment to METALCON by these industry leaders makes METALCON and our industry stronger.”

“We were an early member of the Metal Construction Association, a half-owner of the tradeshow,” says Dale Nelson, president of Roof Hugger. “Tom Black set up an educational program for attendees and we were quick to volunteer to show folks it was possible to retrofit an existing metal roof.”

Roof Hugger has annually been a participant in live demonstrations at METALCON, including solar panels being installed on metal roofing.

“For a company like ATAS International, exhibiting at METALCON is important because it places us at the center of the metal construction industry’s most influential gathering,” says Lee Ann Slattery, FCSI, CDT®, CCPR, LEED AP BD+C, sales support manager at ATAS. “METALCON is recognized as the largest international event dedicated exclusively to metal construction and design, bringing together architects, contractors, distributors, fabricators, manufacturers and building owners from around the world.”

Trade shows attract decision makers and METALCON specifically welcomes these architects, specifiers, roofers and builders.

“For Atlas Bolt & Screw, METALCON has always been more than a tradeshow,” says Don Bratcher, vice president of sales for OEM, Atlas Building Products. “It’s a critical touchpoint with the people and the industries we serve. As a longtime exhibitor, we find METALCON a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with contractors, fabricators, manufacturers and industry partners who rely on fastening solutions every day.”

METALCON attendees cover the full metal construction ecosystem: contractors, designers, fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers and professionals, the entire gamut of customers for exhibitors.

“It allows us to put the Englert brand directly in front of a highly targeted, qualified audience of architects, contractors and metal construction professionals,” says Jonathan Giacchi, B2B marketing manager, Englert. “METALCON provides a captive audience of decision makers who are actively evaluating products and solutions, making it one of the most efficient channels to build brand awareness, reinforce market positioning and influence specification and purchasing decisions.”

Trade shows provide suppliers and customers with an opportunity to shake hands and open up about business challenges.

“Our focus is on knowing what our customers need and delivering solutions as timely as possible,” says Bill Griffin, president and co-owner of Metal Rollforming Systems. “It’s important for MRS to exhibit at METALCON so we can have face-to-face conversations, allowing us to really get a deeper understanding of what our customer’s challenges and priorities are. These connections allow us to stay ahead of market trends and provide solutions for the evolving priorities of the industry.”

Exhibitors recognize the opportunity to provide hands-on product education at METALCON.

“We have a booth at METALCON because the mix of potential customers is different than other roofing trade shows,” says Charlie Smith, national recover manager at McElroy Metals. “The attendees are specifically in the metal roofing business in one way or another. Other shows include contractors who do low-slope single-ply or steep slope shingles. I like that METALCON is focused on metal roofing.”

In addition to cultivating new business, METALCON exhibitors show up to support the industry, providing attendees with the greatest selection of products and services under one roof.

“PPG and METALCON have partnered for 35 years and we are honored to be among the Legacy 10 companies that have been part of the show’s story from the beginning,” says Steve Rutkowski, senior manager-coil & appliance, PPG Industrial Coatings. “Our ongoing support and lead sponsorship of the Design District, reflect our commitment to collaboration, industry leadership and the community of manufacturers, architects and designers. We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our products for building products and architectural products that push design and performance forward. As METALCON marks 35 years, PPG is proud to celebrate a legacy of partnership that has helped advance innovation, strengthen the industry and support people who continue to shape metal construction.”

Ten companies have been committed to METALCON and the industry from the beginning. Ten companies that have never missed a show: The Legacy 10. Their commitment has helped transform the metal construction industry over the past 35 years. They have played a significant role in advancing the performance, durability, efficiency and design possibilities of metal construction products while driving broader adoption across commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets.

To explore each Legacy 10 company, view historical photos and learn more about their lasting impact on METALCON and the metal construction industry, visit www.metalcon.com/Legacy10.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors can help building owners maximize roofing investments through engineered retrofit solutions. 

Warmer weather signals the start of peak construction season, bringing a wave of reroofing and maintenance projects for contractors across the country. While many building owners focus on immediate roofing needs, contractors have an opportunity to guide conversations toward solutions that deliver long-term value rather than short-term fixes. 

One option gaining attention is metal roof retrofit systems that allow building owners to upgrade aging roofs without the cost and disruption associated with a full tear-off. Roof Hugger's engineered retrofit system is designed specifically for this purpose, providing a structurally correct attachment surface for a new metal roof over an existing metal roof. 

For contractors, retrofit projects can offer significant advantages. Because the existing roof remains in place, building operations can often continue with minimal disruption. This helps reduce downtime for facility owners while eliminating many of the logistical challenges associated with tear-off projects. 

The benefits extend well beyond installation efficiency. Roof Hugger retrofit systems are designed to support long-term building performance by extending roof service life, improving structural performance and creating opportunities for enhanced energy efficiency. Contractors can also help owners incorporate additional insulation into the retrofit assembly, supporting efforts to keep buildings cooler during summer months and warmer during colder weather. 

As energy costs remain a concern for many commercial property owners, retrofit systems can become an important part of broader building improvement strategies. Roof Hugger systems can also support solar integration, allowing owners to prepare their facilities for future renewable energy investments while maximizing the value of their roofing project. 

Sustainability is another factor driving interest in retrofit solutions. By avoiding a complete tear-off, contractors can help reduce the amount of roofing material sent to landfills while providing a cost-effective upgrade path for aging facilities. 

Perhaps most importantly, contractors can position retrofit roofing as a long-term investment. A properly engineered retrofit metal roofing system can provide service life exceeding 60 years, helping owners focus on lifecycle value rather than repeated repair and replacement cycles. 

As construction season ramps up, contractors who bring long-term solutions to the table can help building owners improve performance, increase energy efficiency and protect their facilities for decades to come. 

Learn more about how you can take advantage of Roof Hugger roofing solutions!