Por Alberto Torres.

En octubre, nuestros lectores exploraron estrategias para mejorar la productividad, proteger las ganancias y construir negocios más sólidos y sustentables dentro de la industria del roofing.

El crecimiento de una empresa no depende únicamente de conseguir más proyectos, sino también de cómo se administran los recursos, se toman decisiones y se mantiene la disciplina operativa. Durante octubre, estos temas captaron la atención de nuestros lectores y destacaron la importancia de fortalecer las operaciones diarias para alcanzar el éxito a largo plazo.

Uno de los temas que más sobresalió durante el mes fue la importancia de mantener la disciplina operativa. En el artículo Por qué la pérdida gradual de disciplina operativa cuesta más de lo que la mayoría de los contratistas imagina, John Kenney de Cotney Consulting Group explica cómo, en una industria donde cada minuto y cada recurso cuentan, mantener procesos organizados y expectativas claras puede marcar una gran diferencia. Las pequeñas desviaciones en las operaciones diarias pueden acumularse y afectar la productividad, los costos y la rentabilidad de una empresa.

La importancia de contar con una estrategia empresarial también despertó interés entre nuestros lectores. Andres Beltrán, fundador de Build Lead Win y conferencista de SRS Para Latinos, abordó este tema en El crecimiento sostenible no sucede por accidente. Andres nos recuerda que expandir un negocio requiere planificación, liderazgo y decisiones bien fundamentadas. Además, destaca que, más allá de aumentar las ventas, los contratistas deben desarrollar sistemas y equipos capaces de respaldar ese crecimiento sin comprometer la calidad de sus servicios.

En otro de los artículos escritos por John Kenney, se destacó la importancia de proteger las ganancias. En Las pequeñas decisiones que protegen los márgenes del roofing, John habla sobre cómo las decisiones cotidianas pueden influir en los resultados financieros de una empresa. Desde la administración de materiales hasta la coordinación de los equipos, prestar atención a los detalles puede ayudar a reducir gastos innecesarios y mantener la rentabilidad de cada proyecto.

Otro tema que llamo la atención de nuestros lectores fue la importancia de comenzar bien el día en el lugar de trabajo. En el artículo La primera hora en el lugar de trabajo predice cómo se desarrollará todo el proyecto, John Kenney nos explica cómo lo que sucede durante la primera hora puede marcar la diferencia en el resto de la jornada. También nos recuerda que una buena comunicación, tener los materiales listos y saber cuáles son las responsabilidades de cada trabajador ayudan a que los proyectos se desarrollen de manera más organizada, eficiente y segura

Finalmente, la sustentabilidad continúa ganando terreno en nuestra industria. Durante METALCON 2026, representantes de empresas y organizaciones como Central States, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Westlake Royal Building Products y Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion compartieron perspectivas sobre el valor a largo plazo de los sistemas de roofing de metal y su contribución a una construcción más sustentable. Algunas de las conversaciones se concentraron en características específicas que pueden influir en el desempeño ambiental, desde el contenido reciclado utilizado en los productos hasta la posibilidad de reciclar los materiales al final de su vida útil.

Octubre nos dejó una lección importante: el éxito en la industria del roofing se construye a través de decisiones inteligentes, una buena planificación y el compromiso de mejorar continuamente. Desde las operaciones diarias hasta la incorporación de nuevas soluciones, cada paso representa una oportunidad para fortalecer nuestros negocios.

5 – Posicionando el roofing de metal como una opción sustentable

4 – La primera hora en el lugar de trabajo predice cómo se desarrollará todo el proyecto

3 – Las pequeñas decisiones que protegen los márgenes del roofing

2 – El crecimiento sostenible no sucede por accidente

1 – Por qué la pérdida gradual de disciplina operativa cuesta más de lo que la mayoría de los contratistas imagina

By The Coffee Shops®.

Warmer neutrals, bronzes and subtle color shifts are giving contractors new ways to help customers create distinctive exteriors.

Color can change the character of an entire exterior, making it an important consideration for contractors when helping customers navigate metal roofing choices.

In a recent Read Listen Watch® (RLW) webinar, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Brynn Wildenauer, senior architectural color designer for Sherwin-Williams, about the company’s Shift Forecast and where metal roofing colors are headed.

The forecast brings together Sherwin-Williams’ color research and identifies 18 colors across different industries and applications. Rather than focusing only on what is popular today, it looks ahead. Brynn explained that the forecast “really just kind of captures where we see color going in the next three to five years and beyond.”

One of the clearest shifts is a move away from the stark, high-contrast exterior palettes that have dominated in recent years. “The market is now kind of pushing or moving towards either lightening that up or adding some color into roofing,” Brynn said. “We've seen bronzes pop off recently.”

Coppers, browns and textured finishes are also gaining attention while familiar neutrals remain part of the market. This movement gives contractors an opportunity to introduce customers to colors that feel fresh without requiring an extreme departure from traditional roof palettes.

The Shift Forecast reflects that evolution. Brynn pointed to browns, bronze and updated greens as particularly relevant to roofing. One forecast color, Builder, takes the familiar Hartford green in a slightly different direction by making it darker and grayer. Equilibrium offers another option with what Brynn described as “a green slate.”

Underlying these changes is a broader interest in warmth, individuality and colors that connect more naturally with their surroundings. For contractors, understanding that movement creates a foundation for the next step: helping customers confidently turn color inspiration into a real exterior.

Listen to the recording or Watch the webinar to learn more about emerging metal roofing color trends.

By The Coffee Shops®.

One builder's journey shows how education, lifestyle goals and smarter planning continue to drive interest in post-frame construction.

As homeownership becomes increasingly complex, a growing number of prospective homebuyers are taking untraditional routes to owning a home. On a recent episode of MetalCast™ sponsored by Sherwin Williams, Karen Edwards sat down with Emily Marshall of MR and MRS Post Frame to discuss how homeowners and contractors are approaching building decisions in a changing market.

Emily's story began in 2019 when she and her husband, Paul, documented the construction of their own post-frame barndominium. What started as a personal project evolved into a construction business, content platform and educational resource for both industry professionals and do-it-yourself builders.

Since then, the market has undergone significant changes. Rising project costs have become one of the biggest concerns for both builders and customers. "We're all very aware that the pricing of things has really changed over the last seven years," Emily said. "That's been one of the largest pain points."

At the same time, many contractors continue to face workforce challenges. "There is also the crisis that a lot of companies are seeing while finding skilled labor. Trying to find folks that want to come on and work with you and actually put a lot of pride in their work," Emily noted.

Despite these obstacles, Emily sees a common motivation connecting professional builders and DIY customers. "Most people are seeking freedom," she said. According to Emily, that desire helps explain the continued popularity of barndominiums and rural building projects. Many clients are looking for more space, greater flexibility and a lifestyle that better aligns with their personal goals. "Barndominium is really indicating the type of lifestyle that somebody wants to have more than anything else," she explained. That growing interest in rural living and personalized building projects is also shaping what comes next for Emily's business: a new project designed to showcase how thoughtful planning influences every stage of construction.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about post-frame construction, barndominium trends and rural building design.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

How Sherwin-Williams simplifies color selection with curated palettes and design inspiration tools. 

Choosing a metal roof is a significant investment, and for many homeowners, selecting the right color can feel overwhelming. In a recent MetalCast™ podcast, Karen Edwards sat down with Brynn Wildenauer, senior architectural color designer for Sherwin-Williams' coil and extrusion division, to discuss how color selection tools can help contractors guide customers through the decision-making process with greater confidence. 

According to Brynn, one of the biggest challenges homeowners face is how overwhelming the process can be. "A lot of customers and residential homeowners get decision fatigue when they have that whole picture of a home. They have to make so many decisions," she noted. Between roofing, siding, trim and accent colors, the number of options can quickly become intimidating. To help simplify the process, Sherwin-Williams has developed curated color palettes that narrow choices and provide homeowners with practical starting points instead of presenting endless options. 

The inspiration tool, which has been in development for several years, offers coordinated color schemes for a variety of home styles. Contractors can use the resource as either a printed guide or a digital presentation when meeting with customers. Each palette pairs popular metal roofing colors with complementary exterior paint colors available through Sherwin-Williams stores, creating a complete exterior design package. 

Rather than asking homeowners to imagine how dozens of products and finishes might work together, the tool provides visual examples that can be customized to suit individual preferences. A homeowner may appreciate the overall look of a palette while swapping one roofing color or accent color for another. The goal is to make color conversations more approachable and efficient. "We're trying to push the boundaries a little bit and inspire people, but also make it much easier to think about the total package," Brynn said.  

Brynn also emphasized the importance of evaluating colors together rather than making separate decisions over time. Reviewing roofing, siding, stone and trim selections in natural light can help homeowners better understand how colors interact and create a more cohesive final appearance. 

For contractors, the conversation also extends beyond aesthetics. Brynn highlighted the importance of understanding coating performance and long-term color durability. Sherwin-Williams conducts extensive testing on its factory-applied coatings and notes that color retention is a key part of product development, helping homeowners feel more confident in their long-term investment. 

The company is also seeing color trends shift toward richer chromatic hues, including blues, greens and terracotta-inspired shades, while stark whites and deep blacks are giving way to warmer and more subtle alternatives. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about color confidence for metal roofing. 

October 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/ 2:30 p.m. ET

You won't want to miss this special Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by MetalVue by Sherwin-Williams, coming to you LIVE from METALCON 2026 in Orlando, Florida! Join us on day two of the show as we meet with industry leaders and experts from the metal industry. Guests include manufacturers, service providers and contractors who will share their insights and wisdom straight from the trade show floor. You can watch from the comfort of your home, on your mobile device or in person from outside our soundstage at booth #408. The topics will center around what's hot across the country including what is to come for the rest of 2026 and into 2027. Join us for this great Coffee Conversations LIVE from METALCON on October 8, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/ 2:30 p.m. ET! 

Get notified!

Por The Coffee Shops®. 

Expertos de la industria explorarán cómo el roofing de metal contribuye a la sustentabilidad, el valor a largo plazo y la resiliencia en la construcción residencial. 

La sustentabilidad es cada vez más importante para los propietarios de viviendas y profesionales de la construcción al evaluar diferentes opciones de roofing. El jueves 8 de octubre, en METALCON, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) presentará “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice”, una sesión enfocada en las ventajas ambientales, de desempeño y a largo plazo del roofing de metal. 

La sesión analizará cómo el roofing de metal puede ayudar a reducir el consumo de recursos, disminuir los costos durante su ciclo de vida y mejorar la eficiencia de los edificios. Los asistentes conocerán cómo características como el contenido reciclado, la reciclabilidad, la durabilidad, la larga vida útil y el desempeño de ahorro de energía contribuyen a la sustentabilidad general de un techo. 

La conversación también definirá qué es la sustentabilidad y por qué es importante para los propietarios de viviendas. Los presentadores abordarán características específicas del roofing que pueden influir en el desempeño ambiental, desde el contenido reciclado utilizado en los productos de roofing de metal hasta la posibilidad de reciclar el material al final de su vida útil. 

Más allá de los materiales, la sesión explorará los beneficios ambientales relacionados con el roofing de metal, incluyendo aplicaciones solares, captación de agua y posibles ahorros en los costos de calefacción y enfriamiento. Los speakers también explicarán cómo se desempeña el roofing de metal durante eventos climáticos extremos, como granizo, vientos fuertes y huracanes. 

El panel de presentadores reúne experiencia en los sectores de metales, roofing, manufactura, ventas y sustentabilidad. Los speakers incluyen a Melissa Dunson, vicepresidenta de ventas de Central States; Renee Ramey, directora ejecutiva de MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction de Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director de ventas de Westlake Royal Building Products; y Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager del equipo de Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion. 

Los asistentes se llevarán recomendaciones prácticas para comunicar las ventajas sustentables del roofing de metal a propietarios de viviendas, desarrolladores, arquitectos, propietarios de edificios y facility managers. 

Asegúrate de agregar esta sesión a tu calendario para conocer cómo posicionar el roofing residencial de metal como una solución de construcción sustentable, duradera y de largo plazo. 

Por The Coffee Shops® 

Asegúrate de incluir estas sesiones y expositores en tu lista de prioridades para METALCON.  

Del 7 al 9 de octubre en Orlando, Florida, la industria se reunirá para tres días de educación, innovación y networking. Con más de 60 sesiones educativas y 250 expositores, es importante que los asistentes planifiquen su agenda con anticipación. Desde nuevos productos y servicios hasta soluciones innovadoras, no querrás perder la oportunidad de conversar con estos socios de The Coffee Shops®: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings y muchos más. Además, no olvides visitar el stand 408 para conocer al equipo de MetalCoffeeShop®.

Conferencia Magistral: Nada Puede Detenerte 

El exlanzador de las Grandes Ligas Jim Abbott compartirá su extraordinaria historia, desde Flint, Michigan, hasta lanzar un juego sin hit ni carrera en el Yankee Stadium. Nacido sin mano derecha, Jim encontró formas creativas de perseguir sus metas mientras aprendía la importancia de la responsabilidad y la confianza. Su inspiradora conferencia explora cómo la mentalidad adecuada puede transformar la adversidad en crecimiento personal, ayudando a los asistentes a reconocer sus propios desafíos como oportunidades para desarrollar resiliencia y adaptarse al cambio. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Conferencia Magistral: Construyendo en la Incertidumbre: Perspectivas del Mercado para las Industrias de la Construcción y el Diseño 

¿Qué factores económicos influirán en la construcción y el diseño durante los próximos 12 meses? El execonomista en jefe del American Institute of Architects, Kermit Baker, analizará los indicadores que afectan la actividad de los proyectos, el crecimiento de los distintos sectores y las prioridades de los clientes. Los asistentes obtendrán una perspectiva basada en datos sobre las tendencias del mercado, las diferencias regionales y las oportunidades emergentes que les ayudarán a tomar decisiones informadas en un entorno de constante cambio. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Perspectiva de la Industria: Actualizaciones de Códigos para la Construcción Metálica: Qué Cambió y Qué Significa 

Los cambios en los códigos pueden provocar retrasos en permisos, rediseños y problemas de cumplimiento cuando no se conocen o se interpretan incorrectamente. Los expertos Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh y Bob Zabcik analizarán las actualizaciones recientes y futuras que afectan a la construcción metálica. La sesión abordará aspectos relacionados con el diseño, las especificaciones, la fabricación y la instalación, ayudando a los asistentes a comprender los requisitos actuales y prepararse para las tendencias que podrían influir en futuros proyectos. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Perspectiva de la Industria: 2027, el Futuro de la Construcción Metálica 

Líderes de la industria examinarán las fuerzas económicas, regulatorias, de materiales y de obra que darán forma a la construcción metálica rumbo a 2027. Los panelistas Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan y Benton Trotter conectarán la realidad actual del mercado con los desafíos y oportunidades que se avecinan. Los asistentes explorarán cómo las condiciones de suministro, la evolución de los códigos y las presiones en la construcción están influyendo en los costos, los métodos de entrega y las prácticas del sector. 

¡Regístrate hoy!

Las sesiones educativas son solo una parte de la experiencia. Los asistentes también podrán recorrer una enorme área de exhibición para establecer contactos, descubrir nuevas soluciones y aprender directamente de profesionales de toda la industria. Asegúrate de incluir el stand 408 de MetalCoffeeShop® en tu recorrido. 

Mientras visitas la expo, también encontrarás a varios socios de The Coffee Shops®, entre ellos Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope y muchas otras empresas destacadas del sector.

No te pierdas el evento metalero del año. Regístrate para asistir a METALCON y utiliza el código 30MCS para obtener $30 de descuento en tu pase. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry experts to explore how metal roofing supports sustainability, long-term value and resilience in residential construction. 

Sustainability is increasingly important when homeowners and construction professionals evaluate roofing options. On Thursday, October 8 at METALCON, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) will present “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice,” a session focused on the environmental, performance and long-term advantages of metal roofing. 

The session will examine how metal roofing can help reduce resource consumption, lower lifecycle costs and improve building efficiency. Attendees will learn how attributes such as recycled content, recyclability, durability, longevity and energy-saving performance contribute to a roof’s overall sustainability. 

The discussion will also define sustainability and understand why it matters to homeowners. Presenters will address specific roofing characteristics that can affect environmental performance, from the recycled content used in metal roofing products to the material’s recyclability at the end of its service life. 

Beyond material considerations, the session will explore environmental benefits associated with metal roofing, including solar applications, water catchment and potential heating and cooling cost savings. Speakers will also cover how metal roofing performs during extreme weather events such as hail, high winds and hurricanes. 

The presenter lineup brings experience from across the metals, roofing, manufacturing, sales and sustainability sectors. Speakers include Melissa Dunson, vice president of sales at Central States; Renee Ramey, executive director of MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction for Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; and Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager for the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion team. 

Attendees will leave with practical guidance for communicating metal roofing’s sustainable advantages to homeowners, developers, architects, building owners and facility managers. 

Make sure to add this session to your calendar to learn about positioning residential metal roofing as a sustainable, durable and long-term building solution. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

Make sure these sessions and exhibitors are on your METALCON short list.

METALCON is just around the corner happening October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida! With over 60 education sessions and 250 exhibitors, it’s important for attendees to plan their schedules carefully. From new products and services to innovative solutions, you won’t want to miss the chance to talk to these Coffee Shop partners: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and more! Don’t forget to stop by booth 408 to meet the MetalCoffeeShop team!

Featuring an impressive lineup of industry experts and motivational speakers, the METALCON headline sessions just scratch the surface of the learning opportunities.

Keynote: nothing Can Stop You

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott shares his remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to throwing a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium. Born without a right hand, Jim developed creative ways to pursue his goals while learning the importance of accountability and trust. His inspiring keynote explores how mindset can transform adversity into personal growth, helping attendees recognize their own challenges as opportunities to build resilience, adapt and celebrate the experiences that shape who they are.

Register today!

Keynote: Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries

What economic forces will shape construction and design during the next 12 months? Former American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker examines the indicators influencing project activity, sector growth and client priorities. Attendees will gain a data-driven view of shifting pipelines, regional market differences and emerging opportunities. The session provides a forward-looking framework to help industry professionals anticipate risks, align business planning with changing conditions and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What it Means

Code changes can lead to permit delays, redesigns and compliance gaps when they are missed or misunderstood. Industry experts Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh and Bob Zabcik will break down significant recent and upcoming updates affecting metal construction. Covering design, specifications, fabrication and installation, the session will help attendees understand current compliance requirements, distinguish the roles of standards organizations and prepare for emerging trends that could influence future projects and business decisions.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: 2027 the Future of Metal Construction

Industry leaders examine the economic, regulatory, material and jobsite forces expected to shape metal construction through 2027. Panelists Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan and Benton Trotter will connect current market realities with the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will explore how supply conditions, evolving codes and construction pressures are influencing project costs, delivery methods and building practices, gaining practical insights for managing risk and positioning their businesses for the next 12 months.

Register today!

The formal sessions are just one way to learn. Attendees will also enjoy a massive exhibition hall where they can network and learn from each other. Make sure our MetalCoffeeShop booth 408 is on your list too!

While you’re in the hall, don’t miss our Coffee Shops partners including: Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope and more!

Don’t miss the metal event of the year! Register for METALCON and use code 30MCS for $30 off passes!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

How to guide customers, strengthen sales conversations and prepare for future metal roofing demand. 

In an upcoming Read Listen Watch®, Megan Ellsworth meets with Brynn Wildenauer of Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings to discuss the emerging color trends shaping the future of metal roofing. Drawing from the latest SHIFT™ color forecast, Brynn will explore the colors gaining momentum and the factors influencing customer preferences. 

Color is becoming an increasingly significant part of the roofing conversation. Customers are not only considering the performance and longevity of their roofing systems. They are also thinking about curb appeal, architectural character and how a roof will complement the rest of a home or building. Contractors who can confidently discuss these considerations have an opportunity to provide a more complete and valuable customer experience. 

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings brings a valuable forecasting perspective to this conversation through its SHIFT color forecast. During the RLW, Brynn will explain the company’s forecasting process, highlight relevant colors and examine the architectural, cultural and lifestyle influences driving changing preferences. 

Contractors will learn about current residential, commercial and regional color trends, as well as whether property owners are becoming more adventurous with exterior design. Brynn will also discuss how contractors can incorporate color into the sales process, help customers avoid common selection mistakes and present color as part of the complete roofing solution. 

The conversation will look beyond today’s popular options to examine what roofing professionals should watch over the next five years. Attendees will hear how manufacturers and contractors can collaborate to educate the market, introduce new options and prepare for future demand. Do not miss this opportunity to strengthen your color knowledge and gain insights that can help you guide customers with confidence.  

Register now for Color Trends Contractors Need to Know to discover how emerging design preferences can help differentiate your business and support success in the growing metal roofing market.