The Two Best Resources for Metal Roofing

By Dani Sheehan. 

With so many resources within reach, it is easier than ever to get into the growing metal market! 

At this year’s Florida Roofing Expo, Heidi J. Ellsworth caught up with Renee Ramey, executive director of Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), and Jeff Henry, executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), to get the inside scoop on the latest initiatives across the metal industry. MRA and MCA are partner associations on MetalCoffeeShop™ and between the two, you can find just about anything you need to know about metal roofing.  

Renee has been involved with the MRA for over 20 years and describes the association, saying, “We exist to promote and educate quality metal roofing to homeowners.” Jeff, on the other hand, has about 15 years' experience with MCA and adds, “MCA of course, promotes the use of metal in the building envelope, roofing and wall products. While MRA focuses on the residential side we address the other side of the industry – commercial, industrial, institutional.”  

The MRA tends to be busier through the first part of the year as they prepare for the busy summer season, but even now there has been a big push on their marketing and education. Renee says, “We’re just trying to come up with and address any new issues that hit the residential market to dispel any myths and make sure people have accurate information...It’s where homeowners come to get information and where contractors can get connected to homeowners.” 

MCA is also busy preparing for METALCON 2023 later this year. Jeff says, “It’s been very high [excitement] both from the exhibitor perspective and advanced registration from an attendee perspective is way ahead of previous years.” You can join in on the excitement by submitting photos showcasing your work ahead of the show! MCA has a submission form for their design awards on commercial metal construction, and MRA and MetalCoffeeShop™ have a joint photo contest for contractors to highlight their residential, metal roofing projects. Both are a great way to celebrate the growth of the metal industry, and a great way to break the ice when you’re networking at METALCON!