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Articles by Jenny Yu
Sealant delivers moisture-cured, watertight seals
By Jenny Yu. Chem Link by SOPREMA demonstrates how M-1® combines safety, flexibility, and ease of use on the jobsite. At the 2026 National Frame Building Association (NFBA) show, Chem Link by SOPREMA highlighted its flagship M-1 sealant and adhesive product, showcasing the performance features that continue to make it a go-to solution for contractors working in demanding environments.
3 solutions designed to save time on the jobsite
By Jenny Yu. SOPREMA's roofing solutions are designed to help contractors complete projects faster and more efficiently. Labor shortages, tight project schedules, and increasing pressure to do more with fewer crew members continue to challenge roofing contractors across the country. As contractors look for ways to improve productivity without sacrificing quality, labor-saving roofing solutions can play an important role in streamlining installation and reducing time on the roof.
Quality matters: Reducing risk while improving performance
By Jenny Yu. Learn how new approaches to tapered insulation and membrane technology are helping contractors work more efficiently. Building owners and roofing contractors face a variety of challenges when it comes to long-term roof performance and effective water management.
Vacuum insulated panels address constraints in complex reroofing projects
By Jenny Yu. As buildings undergo re-roof cycles, VIP technology offers a practical solution for achieving code compliance without major structural modifications. As building codes continue to demand higher thermal performance, roofing contractors are increasingly challenged to meet insulation requirements on existing structures that were never designed for today’s standards.
Leveraging contractor challenges to create innovative solutions
By Jenny Yu. Versico Roofing Systems’s approach to product development focuses on labor savings, risk reduction and direct contractor feedback. For roofing manufacturers, innovation often begins with a simple question: What challenges are contractors facing in the field? According to David French, Vice President of Product Management and Design Services for Versico Roofing Systems, customer feedback remains one of the most important drivers behind the company’s product development strategy.
Breaking the stigma: Roofers in recovery are not alone
By Jenny Yu. Through meetings, fundraising and education, Roofers in Recovery brings resources and a community of support directly to roofing professionals. Mental health and addiction remain challenging topics in many trades, including roofing. Organizations like Roofers in Recovery are working to change that by creating support networks, hosting recovery meetings and encouraging open conversations across the industry.
Giving voice to roofers in state legislature
By Jenny Yu. As a commercial roofer, Montana Roofing Association member and representative of the Montana state legislature, Morgan Thiel is all about service. For Morgan Thiel, work doesn’t end at the finished roof. It’s only the beginning.
Why retrofit roofing makes sense during peak project season
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.
Trust but verify: Bringing a human touch to AI roof measurements
By Jenny Yu. Instant Roofer pairs AI-generated reports with human verification to help contractors move from lead qualification to contract-ready accuracy. Speed matters in roofing sales. The faster contractors can qualify leads, build estimates and move prospects through the sales process, the more business they will generate. But when it comes time to generate contractsand ordering materials, speed alone is not enough. Accuracy matters, too. That is where Instant Roofer comes into play.
Celebrating 35 years of retrofit roofing innovation
By Jenny Yu. Roof Hugger reflects on 35 years of engineering and industry partnerships while reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable, contractor-focused solutions. For 35 years, Roof Hugger has helped shape the metal-over-metal retrofit market, building a reputation for engineering expertise, rigorous testing, and long-term performance.
A complete tool ecosystem for modern jobsite performance
By Jenny Yu. MalcoEdge delivers solutions that help contractors improve accuracy, speed and jobsite consistency. As contractors face demand for faster installations and more reliable performance, Malco Tools is providing what they need with MalcoEdge™: a purposeful lineup of refrigeration tools designed to support modern HVACR challenges.
Your success is my success
By Jenny Yu. A Florida roofing contractor shares how leadership, accountability and culture transformed a startup into a multimillion-dollar business. Growing a roofing company from a single pickup truck to a $15 million operation is no easy feat, but Jason Blair, founder and owner of Aastro Roofing in Boca Raton, Florida, did just that.
How a clean job can turn into a valuable marketing strategy
By Jenny Yu. Modern debris management like Equipter helps roofing contractors protect properties, build stronger reputations and generate long-term business growth. In today's roofing market, the customer experience extends far beyond the quality of the finished roof. Contractors are increasingly recognizing that jobsite cleanliness plays a critical role in customer satisfaction, online reputation and future business opportunities.
Being good stewards of the planet, one roof at a time
By Jenny Yu. Learn how this company is setting the standard for sustainability, innovation and care in the roofing world. For CertainTeed and its parent company Saint-Gobain, “green” is more than just a buzzword. As one of the leading manufacturers of building materials, CertainTeed is also leading the industry in its sustainability efforts. Jonathan Schulz, district sales manager for commercial roofing at CertainTeed, shared, “Being a good steward of the environment is a pillar for Saint-Gobain.
Beyond the barn: Barndominiums enter a new era of growth
By Jenny Yu. Industry leaders say demand for flexible, durable and lifestyle-focused steel buildings continues to expand into residential, commercial and luxury sectors. The barndominium market continues to gain momentum across residential, commercial and mixed-use construction, creating new opportunities for architects, builders, contractors and suppliers focused on metal building systems.
Shaping the future of roofing resilience
By Jenny Yu. RICOWI’s investigations continue to influence roofing codes, standards and installation practices nationwide. The recent Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues Inc. (RICOWI) Spring 2026 Conference in Sacramento reinforced the organization’s growing role in advancing roofing resilience, technical research, and code development across the industry.
Reasons to recycle: Turn sustainability into opportunity
By Jenny Yu. Industry experts will share practical strategies for creating value for customers while supporting environmental goals. An upcoming RoofersCoffeeShop® Read Listen Watch® titled “How Roofers Win With Recycling” will explore how contractors can turn recycling from an afterthought into a strategic business advantage.
Bend and hem metal on-site
By Jenny Yu. Van Mark's industrial-grade brakes combine portability, durability and precision for demanding metal roofing applications. As metal roofing and architectural metal projects continue to grow in complexity, contractors are looking for tools that improve efficiency without sacrificing precision.
“Everything we do is community.”
By Jenny Yu. The RCAW Regional Trade Show brought together contractors, manufacturers and suppliers for a day of learning, engagement and collaboration. Despite snowy conditions outside the Muckleshoot Casino, energy remained high inside as roofing and construction professionals gathered for the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) Regional Trade Show that took place earlier this spring.
Refined ruggedness, cool elegance
By Jenny Yu. Western States Metal Roofing showcases popular architectural finishes with Corten and Charcoal Gray. As a leading manufacturer of metal roofing materials, Western States Metal Roofing (WSMR) centers its product design and engineering to meet and anticipate consumer trends. Two standout finishes that the company highlighted in a recent newsletter are Corten ® and Charcoal Gray.
Three generations of roofing success
By Jenny Yu. Aetna Roofing Corporation continues to grow in the Northeast while preparing the next generation of leadership. Nearly 60 years after its founding, Aetna Roofing Corporation continues to build on its family legacy while preparing for the future under third-generation leadership.
New workforce initiative aims to strengthen roofing's talent pipeline
By Jenny Yu. Owens Corning and Futures Inc. team up to create the Roofing Career Network: the first standardized workforce development system for roofing nationwide. The roofing industry continues to grapple with a persistent workforce shortage, prompting manufacturers, contractors and industry partners to rethink how they attract and develop talent. During a recent Coffee Conversations®, Karen Edwards spoke with Jon Gardner of Owens Corning® and Geoff Cramer of Futures Inc.
Winning and learning: How a culture of continuous education can address workforce challenges
By Jenny Yu. The Malco Group highlights training and mentorship as essential to addressing the industry's labor shortage. Nobody in the industry gets to where they are alone, and with an ongoing labor shortage, participating in hands-on mentorship and training programs are more important than ever.
Build a brand that stays top of mind and top of the Google search list
By Jenny Yu. Roofing professionals share strategies for adapting to changing homeowner behavior and digital marketing trends. With rising lead generation costs, constant Google algorithm updates and increasing competition for homeowner attention, roofing contractors are being forced to rethink how they build long-term growth.
The shift toward roof restoration solutions
By Jenny Yu. Industry experts discuss how increased awareness and tight labor markets are driving a shift toward coating restoration systems. Roof coating restoration is gaining momentum as building owners and specifiers look for cost-effective, less disruptive ways to extend roof life. In a recent episode of CoatingsCast™, industry experts from KARNAK and Clarity Roof Consulting discussed how accessibility to information and evolving project expectations are driving this trend.
Refocusing on functionality, aesthetics and customer success
By Jenny Yu. Dataforma’s new sales module provides a cohesive, all-in-one system for commercial contractors to achieve greater efficiency. For the past 23 years, Dataforma has provided software for commercial contractors to help manage their businesses. In a conversation with The Coffee Shops™, Dataforma’s COO Brian Cook discussed how the company is revitalizing its approach to provide a more streamlined, cohesive experience to meet contractors’ needs.
Meet OSHA standards with the right roofing equipment
By Jenny Yu. Proactive debris management strategies help contractors meet compliance requirements while boosting productivity. Roofing contractors are facing increased pressure to meet evolving safety regulations as enforcement from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues to intensify. According to Equipter, compliance today goes far beyond hard hats and harnesses, with added focus on heat illness prevention, jobsite organization and detailed reporting requirements.
Resist panel separation with this fastener
By Jenny Yu. Lakeside Construction Fasteners’s T17 FASTLOK™ system is engineered to help contractors secure metal panels more effectively. In the metal roofing industry, panel separation and overlapping gaps are common challenges contractors face. That’s why Lakeside Construction Fasteners, an international fasteners supplier and manufacturing company, developed its T17 FASTLOK™ fastener.
Heidi J. Ellsworth named one of Oregon’s Top Women Leaders for 2026
By Jenny Yu. The honor highlights Heidi's leadership in advancing the roofing and outdoor industries. The Coffee Shops™ are proud to share that our President, Heidi J. Ellsworth, was recently recognized by Women We Admire as one of the Top Women Leaders of Oregon for 2026. The annual list honors accomplished women leaders who are making significant contributions across industries while demonstrating leadership, innovation and a commitment to advancing their professions.
New integration streamlines workflows for commercial roofing contractors
By Jenny Yu. Dataforma and QXO team up to reduce manual processes and strengthen supplier communication. Commercial roofing contractors have long asked for tighter integration between business management software and supplier ordering systems. Now, a new integration between Dataforma and QXO aims to simplify that process by connecting estimating, purchasing and project management workflows in one platform.
Why more homeowners and contractors are turning to metal roofing
By Jenny Yu. As homeowner interest in metal roofing continues to grow, contractors can leverage new tools and resources to establish themselves in the metal space. As demand for metal roofing continues to rise, contractors are finding new opportunities to expand their offerings, increase margins and deliver long-term value to homeowners.
3 things to look for in a hiring partner
By Jenny Yu. Specialization, immediate access to talent and speed are three factors to consider to ensure your business is properly and efficiently staffed. When labor is tight, partnering with a staffing agency can be a smart solution. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Kristin Case, managing partner at Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions, explained her top three insights for roofing contractors looking to partner with a staffing agency.
Gain margins and control the jobsite with rollformers
By Jenny Yu. Understanding panel profiles, production needs and equipment configurations can help contractors make informed equipment investments. In a recent Lunch & Learn titled “How to Choose the Right Rollformer,” Karen Edwards spoke with MetalForming (MF) Business Development Director Chad Rowe about the factors contractors should consider when choosing between portable and in-plant rollforming systems.
75 years strong: A legacy of innovation and excellence
By Jenny Yu. IKO’s milestone celebration underscores decades of Proven Performance and a continued commitment to contractors. Celebrating a milestone moment at the industry’s largest event, IKO Industries marked its 75th anniversary at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), highlighting a legacy built on performance, innovation and long-standing customer trust.
Snag an extra tool bag with this spring promo!
By Jenny Yu. Buy one, get one free: take advantage of Veto Pro Pac’s Spring Promo before June 15! Spring is here, and Veto Pro Pac, part of The Malco Group, is helping you prepare for the busiest season of the year! With its 2026 Spring Promo, running March 1 through June 15, Veto Pro Pac offers a two-tier incentive: customers who purchase qualifying bags receive a free bonus bag, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting contractors with high-performance gear at a great value.
Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond
By Jenny Yu. NRCA leaders discuss the 2026 Roofing Day and ongoing advocacy efforts. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. and how ongoing engagement with lawmakers is shaping the future of the roofing industry. Duane underscored the importance of maintaining a strong presence on Capitol Hill.
Speed and simplicity: The installation solution contractors need
By Jenny Yu. All Weather Insulated Panel’s OneDek system provides the innovation needed to address the industry’s challenges. According to Gary Sweeney, the director of low slope roofing for All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP), the commercial roofing industry can sometimes be slow to adapt to new innovations. “The commercial roofing industry is very old school,” Gary told Megan Ellsworth in a recent episode of MetalCast™.
Synthetic shingles provide aesthetics, durability and sustainability
By Jenny Yu. Brave Roof Tile solutions help contractors address harsh climate conditions and evolving customer expectations. At the 2026 Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) PNW Regional Tradeshow, contractors gathered to explore new products, connect with regional peers and address evolving challenges across the Pacific Northwest.
Leveraging contractor insights to accelerate innovation
By Jenny Yu. Dataforma’s latest updates show how contractor-driven design can improve functionality, speed and user experience. At a time when roofing contractors expect software to evolve quickly, Dataforma is leaning heavily into customer-driven development and AI-powered innovation. During a recent CoatingsTalk™ hosted by Karen Edwards, Dataforma leaders shared how direct contractor collaboration is reshaping the company’s development process.
Avenues to stay engaged and informed
By Jenny Yu. Learn how the Metal Construction Association is working to help contractors and manufacturers navigate evolving standards and market demands. As metal roofing continues to gain market share across residential and commercial construction, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is expanding its efforts around workforce development, code advocacy and resilient building practices.
One partner, every solution
By Jenny Yu. By combining tools, pumps, chemicals, refrigeration and worksite solutions, The Malco Group is redefining what it means to be a true partner to the trades. The modern jobsite demands more than individual products — it requires integrated solutions that improve efficiency, simplify material purchasing and support contractors across multiple trades.
Focusing on partnerships and performance
By Jenny Yu. By prioritizing customer service and distributor relationships, ASC is building long-term value for contractors and partners. ASC Building Materials is doubling down on a values-driven strategy centered on distribution partnerships and customer-first service, positioning itself for continued growth in the competitive roofing market.
Hit the FRSA road early: Don’t miss this metal roofing event!
By Jenny Yu. The MetalVue Roadshow is set to provide contractors with the knowledge, resources and confidence to develop metal roofing businesses that last.
The lead gold mine ready to be unearthed
By Jenny Yu. Roofing companies can improve long-term growth by optimizing CRM systems and automating referral processes. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Rebecca Mayo of gFour Marketing joined host Megan Ellsworth to discuss how contractors can take full advantage of their CRM systems, automation tools and AI to ensure a resilient business. Rebecca emphasized that many contractors are overlooking one of their most valuable business assets: their CRM database.
Keeping up with metal demand
By Jenny Yu. Explore how contractors can overcome common barriers and transform their workflows with the proper training and resources. In a recent Lunch & Learn titled “Building Better Metal Roofing Installers,” host Megan Ellsworth spoke with John Sheridan, MCS Influencer and owner of Sheridan Metal Resources, about the importance of training for metal roofing contractors to improve profitability, craftsmanship and long-term resiliency in a crowded market.
Elevate your business with the power of referrals
By Jenny Yu. One industry expert advises contractors on how to separate themselves from the competition at IRE 2026. At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Karen Edwards spoke with Rebecca Mayo, director of partnerships at gFour Marketing, about the company’s mission to help home improvement contractors turn happy customers into raving fans. “We are a company that helps you supercharge your referrals,” Rebecca stated.
A vision for the built environment
By Jenny Yu. At IRE, AWIP showcases innovative building solutions and purposeful partnerships. All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) is bringing engineering-driven innovation to the forefront of commercial construction, and that was on full display at the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Charles Schafer, AWIP’s Eastern region sales manager, shared how insulated metal panels are reshaping building performance, timelines and partnerships.
Making businesses feel more human
By Jenny Yu. Roofing Business Partner helps contractors align technology and processes for stronger scalability and customer satisfaction. As roofing companies grow, many discover that adding new technology alone does not solve operational problems. Disconnected systems, inconsistent processes and lackluster employee adoption often create issues that impact both production and customer experience. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J.
Lightweight slate redefines what’s possible
By Jenny Yu. READYSLATE’s redesigned slate system delivers durability, sustainability and efficient installation. At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had a chance to visit the READYSLATE® booth and speak with Jason Rynd of the Vermont Slate Company, READYSLATE's manufacturer. Jason highlighted a growing shift toward lightweight, high-performance alternatives in roofing. “There’s nothing else like it in the market,” Jason said of READYSLATE.
Amplifying the voice of roof coating contractors
By Jenny Yu. RCMA’s contractor program helps contractors grow their roof coating businesses through education, networking and advocacy. When Cody Wilson, president of Unicote Industrial Roofing Corporation, learned of the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA)’s new contractor membership program at the end of 2025, he was eager to join. “We were pretty excited about it, so we jumped on right away,” Cody shared.
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