By Megan Ellsworth. 

Global connections, technical insight and industry leadership make membership valuable. 

For roofing contractors, manufacturers, associations and technical experts looking beyond their local markets, membership in the International Federation for the Roofing Trade offers a direct connection to the global roofing community. 

The IFD serves as an international voice for the roofing trade, bringing together national associations, industry partners and research organizations to share knowledge, strengthen standards and support sustainable building practices. That global perspective matters in an industry shaped by changing codes, new products, workforce challenges and rising expectations for performance. 

One of the strongest reasons to join is access to technical exchange. Through the congresses and connection forums, members can learn how peers in other countries are solving common problems. Those insights can help businesses improve installation practices, understand emerging technologies and prepare for future market demands and changes. 

Membership also creates opportunities for collaboration. IFD events and forums connect contractors, manufacturers, distributors and association leaders who may not otherwise meet. Those relationships can lead to stronger partnerships, better training ideas and a broader understanding of how the roofing industry is evolving around the world. 

The organization’s commitment to young professionals is another important benefit. By supporting training, continuing education and the World Championship for young roofers, the IFD helps elevate craftsmanship and attract the next generation to the trade. For members, that focus supports long-term workforce development and pride in skilled roofing careers.  

There are membership paths for professional organizations, cooperation partners, industry partners and scientific members, making the IFD accessible to a wide range of roofing stakeholders. Whether the goal is technical knowledge exchange, international visibility, stronger industry relationships or a seat at the table in conversations shaping the future of roofing, IFD membership offers value that extends well beyond a single company or country. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Purpose-built cutting and bending tools allow crews to adapt to job-site conditions, address labor challenges and deliver consistent results. 

Metal contractors, fabricators and installers are being asked to accomplish more with fewer people while maintaining the craftsmanship building owners expect. In an upcoming MetalTalk™ episode on October 21 at 11 a.m. PT, Karol Weyman will sit down with Austin Cash, The Malco Group’s product development manager, to explore how smarter field fabrication can help crews increase productivity, improve quality and respond to ongoing labor challenges. 

Bringing fabrication capabilities to the job site 

On-site fabrication gives contractors greater flexibility when plans and actual field conditions do not align. Rather than relying entirely on shop-fabricated custom pieces, crews can produce the flashing, trim and finishing details they need at the job site. 

Field fabrication is particularly valuable when crews need to make precise modifications or create custom components. With the right tools available, installers can complete these details efficiently while maintaining the accuracy required for professional metal work. 

Increasing cutting speed while maintaining precision 

Consistent cutting is essential to reducing material waste and avoiding time-consuming rework. Clean edges also improve the fit and finish of completed assemblies, contributing to both installation quality and the final appearance of the project. Austin will discuss how drill-powered tools can help crews increase production speed while creating accurate, repeatable cuts.  

Improving profitability through field bending 

Field bending tools allow contractors to fabricate custom flashing and trim on-site, as needed. Producing pieces on demand can reduce trips to the shop and help crews complete critical details more quickly and accurately. 

Contractors looking to expand their field fabrication capabilities can explore metal benders that simplify custom work, as well as tool kits and seamers designed to support faster installations. 

Register now and save your spot at this MetalTalk™ webinar and learn how to level-up your worksite!

By Emma Peterson.

A new two-track education format, a keynote from Aaron Davis and expanded networking opportunities await lightning protection professionals in Charleston.

If you’ve been to any of the last three Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) shows, you know that they’ve been theming their shows around the industry cycle of “innovate, inspire, elevate and ignite.” And for this year’s show, which will be hosted at the Emeline Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina from February 16–18, 2027, the theme is IGNITE!

What does that mean?

INNOVATE (2024) kicked off the cycle with new ideas and new approaches. Building on that, the 2025 INSPIRE-themed show highlighted getting both newcomers and veterans of the industry more involved. And then, just last year, the ELEVATE-themed show celebrated the results of everyone’s innovations and involvement! Now, the IGNITE-theme of this year’s show will bring it all together, to recognize what’s working and fuel the next cycle! As LPI puts it:

For three years, we've been building something and we saw it pay off [with] more awareness of our industry, stronger member engagement, adjacent industries reaching out and growing interest from the technical community. IGNITE 2027 is where that cycle comes full circle. We'll look at what's working, celebrate the people and companies who made it happen and put all of that energy [towards the future]... Each phase builds on the last. IGNITE doesn't end the cycle. It powers the next one.

What can you expect from this year’s IGNITE show? The keynote will be presented by Aaron Davis. Aaron’s talk, “What Does It Take to Perform like a Champion?” highlights “how a positive, champion-minded attitude can transform the way they work, lead and live.” Attendees will get to hear how he went from mopping floors alongside his father at age eight to a 1994 national championship sports team, business ownership and surviving cancer.

Further, there are some exciting new formats that the LPI team created based on 2026 attendee feedback. These include the creation of two education tracks (one for business growth and one for technical training), a new networking event (a night at the South Carolina Aquarium) and a power lunch that closes the conference. As they put it, “After the 2026 conference, you told us what mattered most: understanding what’s happening across the industry, finding ways to improve your business and above all, the chance to reconnect with old friends and meet new people. IGNITE 2027 is built around all three.”

Learn more and get registered for IGNITE 2027!

By Jesse Sanchez.

Six projects across Europe show how natural slate, restoration work and skilled craftsmanship come together long before the scaffolding comes down.

A finished natural slate roof can make a project look effortless, but the work leading up to that moment is anything but simple. Across Europe, six projects highlighted by READYSLATE® offer a closer look at natural slate installations still taking shape, revealing how architecture, setting and the demands of each individual building influence the work happening behind the scaffolding.

Restoring history in Ghent

The Château de Gérard le Diable brings natural slate to an imposing medieval structure at the heart of Ghent, Belgium. The project is already at a later stage, with slate tiles noticably taking a prominent place across the building’s roofs. As the project moves closer to completion, the combination of historic architecture and ongoing restoration illustrates the careful work involved before a landmark can be fully revealed.

Slate along the Danish coast

In Svendborg, Denmark, a private home overlooking the sea presents a very different slate application. Natural slate covers clean, simple rooflines that complement the home’s coastal setting. Although the roof is close to its finished appearance, work continues on the surrounding outdoor areas, showing how the roof becomes part of a larger architectural composition.

Work continues behind the covering

The Hôtel de la Marine in Bordeaux, France, remains largely concealed beneath scaffolding and protective sheeting. Located on one of the city’s historical squares, the building has not yet revealed the full impact of its transformation. Natural slate is part of the ongoing work taking place behind the covering, making this project a reminder that some of the most important stages happen well before the finished roof is visible.

A home emerging in Ireland

Another private residence is gradually nearing completion in Ireland. Scaffolding remains in place on this countryside estate, but its natural slate roof is already almost completely visible above the garden and surrounding greenery. The project shows how slate can become a defining architectural element even while construction activity continues around it.

A seaside landmark under restoration

The Grand in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, is a major restoration project underway. Facing the beach and seafront promenade, the large building remains mostly hidden behind scaffolding as work progresses. Its location, unique design details and size make the transformation difficult to miss, no matter the phase of work being done.

The Rotunda approaches the finish line

Beside the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, The Rotunda is much closer to showing its completed appearance. Natural slate is already visible across the building’s notable circular roof, even as machinery and equipment continue to move around the building site.

Together, these six projects demonstrate why slate roofing cannot be reduced to the final photograph. Every building brings its own architecture, surroundings and stage of construction, requiring work that responds to the individual project. The finished roof may receive the attention, but the progress behind the scaffolding reveals the craftsmanship and attention that make the final result possible.

Learn more about READYSLATE and natural slate roofing solutions for projects where craftsmanship and architectural character matter!

GLP Clean Energy is pleased to partner with MaxSolar and its subsidiary Energy Partners, with the Greenvolt Group as a co-shareholder, to deliver new projects in Germany.

GLP, a leading global business builder, owner, developer, and operator of logistics real estate, digital infrastructure, renewable energy and related technologies, announces that GLP Clean Energy, its renewable energy business in Europe, will begin installing new large-scale rooftop solar projects in Germany in the first half of 2025. All ten projects are expected to be installed and commissioned by the end of the year.

In 2025 two projects have commenced – the first in Mannheim with a solar PV capacity of 1.4 MW and at Frankfurt West with a solar PV capacity of 2.8 MW. The next installation to start is in Schifferstadt which will feature a solar PV capacity of 1.9 MW. This site will feature 4,442 solar modules, covering an area equivalent to three football pitches. Notably, the roof is evenly split between solar PV and green roofing, thus combining renewable power generation with natural cooling and biodiversity to enhance environmental sustainability.

Across all ten projects, the total installed capacity will be 23 MW. Several power purchase agreements (PPAs) have already been signed with the occupiers of the buildings, and others are in advanced discussions. All ten buildings will offer prospective tenants access to cost-effective, sustainable and secure solar power.

Decarbonising the energy used to power logistics operations and real estate is critical to meeting climate targets and reducing energy costs. With the Europe Union raising its renewable energy sources target to approximately 45% by 2030, there is growing pressure on real estate developers and managers to accelerate the deployment of clean energy solutions.

To support this effort, GLP Clean Energy is pleased to partner with MaxSolar and its subsidiary Energy Partners, with the Greenvolt Group as a co-shareholder, to deliver these new projects in Germany. MaxSolar is a leading provider of integrated, innovative energy solutions, headquartered in Traunstein, Bavaria – Energy Partners offers tailored solutions for comprehensive energy projects as a one-stop shop in the C&I sector.

Stefano Fissolo, senior director, GLP Clean Energy, said: “Delivering on-site solar at scale in logistics is a complex task that requires deep expertise in both commercial and technological solutions. We are pleased to be working with MaxSolar, part of Greenvolt, a leader in energy solutions, to deliver these projects in Germany. Only through bold collaboration and decisive action can the logistics real estate industry drive towards a sustainable future.”

Christoph Strasser, chief executive officer, MaxSolar, said “We are delighted to be working with GLP Clean Energy on delivering these renewable projects. Germany aims to be largely greenhouse gas neutral by the middle of the century and through projects like these, we can actively face up to this major challenge and contribute to a new future with sustainable energy generation.”

About MaxSolar GmbH and Energy Partners GmbH

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Traunstein, MaxSolar GmbH develops cross-sector energy concepts and covers the entire value chain of renewable energy – from planning and installation to operation. By combining photovoltaic, wind energy, storage solutions, electromobility, and heat supply, innovative concepts are created that intelligently connect all sectors. In addition, MaxSolar offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for a long-term and predictable supply of green electricity. With a project pipeline of 7.5 gigawatts and five locations across Germany, MaxSolar operates both regionally and nationally.

MaxSolar’s subsidiary Energy Partners GmbH offers tailored solutions for comprehensive energy projects as a one-stop shop. Through the conclusion of Onsite and Offsite Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), the company enables industrial and commercial customers (C&I) to secure a long-term supply of affordable and green electricity. Additionally, the construction of photovoltaic systems, energy storage solutions, and electric vehicle charging stations supports the achievement of ESG goals and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. With its AI-powered energy management system “EPSherpa,” the company connects all energy components, unlocking further potential for savings.

By Emma Peterson. 

This CoatingsTalk™ episode takes you inside the Polyschool program to explore how practical training experiences help roofing professionals develop lasting skills and confidence. 

The CoatingsCoffeeShop® crew is heading to Florida on October 28, 2026, for a special CoatingsTalk™ recorded live from the Polyglass Polyschool facility! This on-site webinar brings you into the room with a panel of technical experts for a discussion of the power of hands-on training and how initiatives like Polyschool are helping build stronger crews across the industry. 

Meet the panel 

The panel features three industry leaders – Ali Spingler, Marie Ferrer and Kelsey McMenamy. Ali is a district sales manager at Polyglass, a role which puts her in direct partnership with “roofing contractors, builders, distributors and architects across Southwest Florida.” Amongst that community, Ali has become known as a trusted source of product knowledge with a problem-solving strategy that ensures her partners don’t just get products – they get results.  

As for Marie, she is Polyglass’ national technical training manager. This role sees her managing the Polyschool program as well as leading the company’s team of technical training specialists who “facilitate within the USA and Internationally, workshops and tradeshows to external customers while driving revenue to the bottom line.”  

And last but not least, Kelsey is an engineer and sales representative at Building Envelope Associates where she independently represents a variety of cutting-edge product lines, including but not limited to Polyglass’ modified bitumen roof systems and coatings. 

What the panel will cover 

The live webinar will open up with an introduction into Polyglass and their Polyschool program. This will cover everything from how the program began focused on sales team support to how they developed their “Tell, Show, Do, Apply” training approach.  

From there, the panel will walk through what a hands-on training actually looks like. This section will not only explore the logistics of the events, such as the format of learning and the attendee capacity, but also highlight what systems are taught (torch, fleeceback and self-adhered).  

The conversation will conclude with discussion of best practices, how training helps contractors in the field and where to find more information about Polyschool.  

Make sure to register for the webinar, which will be hosted live on October 28, 2026.

By Emma Peterson. 

SRS Distribution’s support for contractors extends beyond material supply, helping teams improve efficiency, manage risk and deliver stronger project outcomes. 

In this modern day and age, roofing distributors play a much larger role than just stocking shelves – they act as strategic partners. When contractors have proper distributor support, it becomes easier for them to keep projects on time, control their margins and serve their customers.  

How does a partnership with a distributor do all this? Take a look at a few examples of what SRS Distribution’s commercial teams do to support their customers:  

• Planning assistance: Before your project even starts, the SRS commercial team is ready to offer assistance. From helping you specify the best products for your scenario to figuring out jobsite delivery timelines, they offer contractors incredibly valuable support that make your job easier. 
• Crew support: SRS also hosts training events throughout the year that give your team the opportunity to stay informed on the newest roofing technologies and industry standards. These events cover everything from sales tools to equipment introductions. 
• Product delivery: Not only do SRS Distribution locations stock a variety of high-quality products from leading manufacturers like Carlisle, Johns Manville, GAF, Elevate and Versico, but they also are connected to one of the nation’s largest distributor network complete with a professional delivery fleet. This means that no matter what you need, whether it’s weather-resistant materials or high-tech products, they’ll get it to you.  
• Installation advice: Still have questions after the products are delivered to the job? SRS’ team is still there for you! They are well-trained on giving installations insights as well as guiding you through things like submittals and warranty paperwork. 

At the end of the day, it’s this type of above and beyond support that helps contractors keep projects on track even as supply chains and regulations make managing a business harder. 

Learn more about how a distributor like SRS supports their contractors.

The award-winning media kit brings The Coffee Shops’ connected communities to life through immersive storytelling and innovative design.

The Coffee Shops®, the award-winning digital communities where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, has earned a Platinum Award in the 2026 MarCom Awards competition for its 2027 Media Kit. The Platinum distinction recognizes entries judged among the most outstanding in quality, creativity and resourcefulness. 

The 2027 The Coffee Shops™ Media Kit was created as more than a traditional collection of advertising opportunities and audience statistics. Built around a first-person point of view, the publication invites advertisers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, associations and industry partners to experience the company’s connected digital publishing ecosystem from inside the story. 

“Winning a Platinum MarCom Award is an exciting validation of the creativity, strategy and collaboration of The Coffee Shops team behind the creation of the media kit,” said The Coffee Shops CEO and President Heidi J. Ellsworth. “We wanted readers to feel the energy of our communities and understand how our brands work together to create meaningful connections across the construction trades. This recognition celebrates the talent of the designers and writers that brought that vision to life.” 

The vision was developed and executed by Joshua Smith, principal designer at The Coffee Shops. “Each spread in the media kit presents a distinct first-person experience inspired by RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and AskARoofer®,” said Smith. “Custom illustrations, iconography, clean infographics and modular layouts guide readers through the personality of each community while maintaining a cohesive visual identity across The Coffee Shops network.” 

The media kit also serves as a comprehensive strategic communications resource, presenting audience demographics, multimedia offerings, sponsorship programs, partnership opportunities and integrated marketing solutions in a highly visual format. It demonstrates how organizations can build long-term relationships with industry professionals through editorial storytelling, podcasts, webinars, videos, social media, education and cross-platform campaigns. 

The 2026 MarCom Awards competition attracts more than 6,000 entries from the United States, Canada and 41 countries around the world. Winners are selected from more than 300 categories spanning print, web, video and strategic communications. 

MarCom Awards honors excellence in marketing and communication and is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP), an international organization of creative professionals. Judges evaluate entries for creativity, execution, message effectiveness and overall impact, with each project considered on its own merits. 

Download the 2027 Media Kit here. 

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four sites, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop™, CoatingsCoffeeShop™, OutdoorCoffeeshop™ and AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

About MarCom Awards 

MarCom Awards honors excellence in marketing and communication while recognizing the creativity, hard work and generosity of industry professionals. Since its inception in 2004, MarCom has evolved into one of the largest, most-respected creative competitions in the world. Each year about 6,000 print and digital entries are submitted from dozens of countries. 

MarCom is administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization, founded in 1995, consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, digital and web professionals. AMCP administers recognition programs, provides judges and rewards outstanding achievement and service to the community. Entrants are not charged entry fees for work they create pro bono for nonprofits. In the past few years alone, AMCP has contributed more than $350,000 to charitable causes. 

By Christine Mockenhaupt, NWIR chair

NWIR leadership invites members to request topics for on-going education. 

It’s hard to believe I’ve already been at Maven for more than four months. I knew moving from distribution to the contractor side of the business would come with a learning curve, but I don’t think I realized just how much I would learn. And I love it! 

I’ve spent most of my career in the roofing industry, so I certainly didn’t come into this knowing nothing. But being on this side of the business has given me a completely different perspective. I’m seeing firsthand what goes into a job from the time the customer signs a contract until the final cleanup, and I’m learning something new almost every day. There have definitely been times over the last four months when I’ve thought, “How did I not know this?” 

It’s also made me realize how easy it is to get comfortable with what we know. We become really good at our jobs, we know our part of the business, and sometimes we don’t realize how much there is to learn about what happens on the other side. That’s had me thinking a lot about education within NWIR. 

We have members at completely different points in their careers and working in very different parts of the roofing industry. What would actually help you? I don’t want to assume I know the answer. What do you want to learn? Is there something about the roofing industry you’ve always wanted to understand better? Is there something that would make you better at your job or help you get to wherever you want to go next? Maybe there’s something you deal with every day at work and wish you understood better. 

I want to hear it. 

As we’re thinking about education for NWIR and what we can offer our members, your answers matter. We want to create opportunities that are worth your time and give you something you can actually use when you go back to work. So send me a message. Tell me what you want to learn, even if you think it’s something no one else will ask for. Chances are, you’re probably not the only one. Four months into this new adventure, I’ve realized I still have A LOT to learn, and I’m pretty excited about that. 

Keep connecting… with purpose. 

NWIR members can send Christine their topics of interest here. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

The synthetic underlayment combines a no-glare surface, high traction and durable water control to support crews across demanding roofing conditions. 

A roofing underlayment has to do more than cover the deck. For crews working through changing weather and bright jobsite conditions, AnchorDeck™ Classic™ from Sentry Building Innovations is designed to provide reliable water control, durability and a surface that supports confident installation. 

A key benefit is its bold black-and-white, no-glare facer. Designed to reduce harsh reflection in bright roofing conditions, the surface helps crews maintain clear visibility while working across the roof. AnchorDeck Classic also features an innovative high-traction walking surface that provides excellent walkability, pairing visibility with traction for demanding jobsite conditions. Its no-glare surface also supports clear jobsite visibility without sacrificing the durability crews expect from a synthetic underlayment. 

As a critical water-control layer within the roof system, AnchorDeck Classic helps protect the roof deck from weather exposure before the final roof covering is installed. Its durable synthetic construction resists stretching around fasteners and helps reduce blow-offs when correctly installed according to product instructions. 

The underlayment is designed for use under asphalt shingles, residential metal roofing applications, synthetic shingles and primed cedar shakes. It can be installed on slopes of 2:12 and greater, with specific installation requirements based on roof slope and exposure conditions. For extended exposure, the product has an 180-day ultraviolet exposure rating. 

AnchorDeck Classic is also designed for all-temperature, all-weather performance, remaining flexible from minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. The product carries a 30-year limited warranty and meets performance requirements that include CAN/CSA 123.3, ASTM D226 Type I and II and ASTM D4869 Types II and IV. 

For contractors preparing for the next project, AnchorDeck Classic brings together no-glare visibility, high traction, deck protection and durability in one synthetic underlayment designed for the realities of roofing work. 

Learn more about AnchorDeck Classic and explore how it can support your next roofing project!