The Cool Surfaces Toolkit is designed to make trusted, science-based information on cool roofs, walls and pavements more accessible to a broad range of audiences. 

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) has released a new Cool Surfaces Toolkit microsite featuring informational resources about solar-reflective “cool” roofs, exterior walls and pavements. The Cool Surfaces Toolkit is accessible at coolrooftoolkit.org.

The purpose of the toolkit site is to provide a collection of educational content for members of the general public and practitioners such as architecture and design professionals; policy and program developers; roofing and construction contractors; teachers and educators; and more. It offers streamlined access to educational briefs, videos, courses and other publications separate from the CRRC’s primary website, coolroofs.org. It also includes a blog and hosts A Practical Guide to Cool Roofs and Cool Pavements: Primer, which was developed by the Global Cool Cities Alliance to provide detailed guidance on the use of cool roof and pavement materials.

A standout feature of the site is the Cool Surfaces Knowledge Base, a repository for cool surfaces and heat island information from around the world. The knowledge base catalogues over 600 peer-reviewed research and technical studies; codes, standards, policies and laws; government reports; case studies and demonstration projects; and sample program documents and implementation frameworks. It is updated regularly to include new publications. The knowledge base is searchable and can be filtered by a variety of criteria, including open access availability.

“Our hope for the microsite is that it opens doors for more audiences to utilize and benefit from the CRRC’s extensive collection of scientifically supported educational resources. There is something for everyone who has an interest in cool surfaces, whether they are a teacher looking for classroom materials, a policymaker in need of answers or a seasoned design professional,” says CRRC Communications Manager Audrey McGarrell. According to Kurt Shickman, chair of the CRRC Education Committee and ex-officio CRRC board member, “The CRRC draws on experts from across industry and academia to produce high-quality, balanced and accurate educational materials. The new microsite is a fantastic and intuitive way to find all of that knowledge and insight.”

The Cool Surfaces Toolkit is designed to make trusted, science-based information on cool roofs, walls and pavements more accessible to a broad range of audiences. Additional materials and updates will continue to be added over time as they become available. The site is now publicly available at coolrooftoolkit.org.

About CRRC

The CRRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that develops fair, accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the radiative properties of roofing and exterior wall products. The CRRC’s mission is to bring objective, scientific information related to cool surfaces to critical discussions and informed decisions about the impacts of heat islands, extreme heat and energy use in the built environment. Please contact the CRRC at info@coolroofs.org or (866) 465-2523 for more information on its programs.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Software, sustainability, safety and science all drive the construction industry’s future. 

In the article “Innovations Shaping the Construction Industry,” Dataforma highlights how digital tools, sustainability initiatives and advanced materials are reshaping the future of construction for contractors and trade professionals. As contractors face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs and meet evolving customer expectations, the company points to technology-driven solutions as a key factor in staying competitive. 

One of the biggest changes impacting the industry is the rise of digital construction management platforms. According to the article, cloud-based software helps contractors streamline scheduling, budgeting, invoicing and workforce management while improving communication between office teams and field crews. Features like real-time reporting, centralized document storage and mobile accessibility allow contractors to manage projects more efficiently from virtually anywhere. 

Dataforma also emphasizes the growing importance of sustainability in construction. Green building practices, energy-efficient systems and waste reduction strategies are becoming essential as regulations tighten and customers place greater value on environmentally responsible construction. Contractors adopting sustainable materials and systems can improve long-term building performance while reducing operating costs for clients. 

Advancement in material science is another area driving innovation. Dataforma notes that products such as graphene-enhanced concrete, engineered timber and self-healing materials are helping contractors build stronger, more durable structures with improved energy efficiency. Prefabricated materials and modern manufacturing methods are also contributing to faster project timelines and lower long-term maintenance costs. 

Finally, the article acknowledges that safety technology continues to evolve. Wearable devices, automated monitoring systems, drones and virtual reality training are helping contractors improve jobsite safety and reduce risks for workers. Combined with predictive analytics and real-time data, these tools allow companies to identify issues earlier and make faster operational decisions. 

As construction technology continues to advance, contractors that embrace digital transformation and smarter project management strategies may be better positioned to improve productivity, profitability and customer service in an increasingly competitive market. 

To learn more about the latest trends shaping construction, read the full article from Dataforma.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Roofing contractors are beginning to adopt specialized AI systems designed to support customer service, marketing and operational efficiency across multiple business functions. 

RoofClaw from Roofing Business Partner recently launched Version 2 of its AI platform, expanding its offerings with new support tools, onboarding features and a broader strategy focused on how roofing contractors can integrate the technology into daily operations. 

According to the company, the updated system builds on the original RoofClaw platform by adding a secondary AI support agent named Tony “The Wrench” Clawzini, a private client community and pre-installed onboarding software designed to streamline implementation. RoofClaw also introduced an $800 AI Readiness Session intended to help contractors evaluate how AI could fit into their business before committing to a larger system. 

The company said the launch coincided with onboarding sessions for two employees from the same roofing contractor; one focused on customer service and the other on marketing. The customer service agent was designed to manage inbound calls, qualify inspection requests and support booking workflows. The marketing-focused system was configured to assist with search engine optimization (SEO), advertising, social media and content production. 

The sessions also highlighted a growing challenge many contractors face with video marketing production. According to RoofClaw, many roofing companies understand the value of video content but struggle to consistently create it because crews and sales teams are focused on field operations rather than filming content. 

The company explained that its AI systems can potentially bridge that gap by connecting with jobsite photo platforms such as CompanyCam through application programming interface (API) integrations. Those images can then be used to help generate marketing content and AI-assisted videos without requiring contractors to record footage manually. 

RoofClaw additionally emphasized what it describes as a “two-machine model,” where separate AI systems handle different business functions rather than relying on a single generalized assistant. One machine focuses on customer-facing communication while another manages marketing and content workflows. 

Learn more about roofing AI systems and automation strategies!

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.  

Designed for stitching 26- and 29-gauge metal panels together, the T17 FASTLOK system features an engineered major thread design that helps bond panels securely in place. The fastener is specifically intended to resist panel separation and improve back-out resistance in most demanding weather conditions.   

According to Lakeside, the product’s T17 self-tapping cut point allows for fast penetration through multiple metal panels during installation. By locking adjoining panels together more effectively, the fastener helps contractors create tighter lap and stitch connections while reducing the potential for panel movement over time. 

The T17 FASTLOK also incorporates an EPDM washer designed to provide a positive seal against moisture intrusion. In addition, the fastener uses the company’s L3 Dura Protec™ coating system to help prevent red rust and improve durability in exposed applications. 

Manufactured from C1022 steel, the fastener is available in a #12 diameter configuration with both 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch head sizes. The FASTLOK has 8 threads on all the lengths, except for the 3/4", which has 14 threads per inch. It is also offered in a 1-1/2-inch version without a washer. 

For contractors, speed and reliability remain critical considerations on roofing projects. Lakeside says the T17 FASTLOK was engineered with installation productivity in mind while also helping improve panel retention in high-wind and extreme weather environments. 

As building owners increasingly prioritize roof longevity and performance, fastening technology continues playing an important role in the durability of metal roofing assemblies. Products like the T17 FASTLOK reflect the industry’s growing emphasis on secure panel attachment, corrosion resistance and efficient installation methods. 

Learn more about Lakeside Construction Fasteners’s metal solutions by visiting their directory on MetalCoffeeShop and request a quote today! 

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. 

Women We Admire is a membership organization and professional network comprised of women executives and leaders across the United States and Canada. Through its annual recognition programs, the organization celebrates women who are driving growth, fostering innovation and creating positive impact within their industries and communities. 

Heidi was recognized for her decades-long leadership in the roofing and building industries and for her role in helping grow The Coffee Shops into some of the industry's most influential media and community platforms. Heidi has spent more than 30 years advancing roofing sales, marketing, business development and industry engagement and is also widely known for her advocacy of workforce development, industry inclusion and education. 

Under Heidi’s leadership, The Coffee Shops have continued to expand their reach and influence. Over the past year, they've launched OutdoorCoffeeShop™, a digital community dedicated to the outdoor living and exterior construction markets. The new platform extends The Coffee Shops’ mission of connecting contractors, manufacturers and industry professionals through education, networking and business resources. 

They also expanded internationally with the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, bringing its established model of industry news, education and community engagement to roofing professionals across the United Kingdom. The expansion reflects the growing demand for accessible industry resources and opportunities to connect roofing professionals around the globe. 

In addition to leading The Coffee Shops, Heidi remains active throughout the industry through speaking engagements, board service and mentorship initiatives. Her work with organizations such as National Women in Roofing, National Roofing Contractors Association and Roofing Alliance has helped strengthen opportunities for professionals throughout the roofing sector. 

To learn more about the women recognized on this year’s list, visit Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of Oregon for the 2026 feature. You can also learn more about Heidi’s ongoing impact on the industry at her RoofersCoffeeShop directory! 

Por Jesse Sanchez, traducido por Alberto Torres.  

Redefiniendo el roofing al combinar ingeniería de alto rendimiento con colores inspirados en la naturaleza que transforman el atractivo visual en una impresión duradera. 

Para los propietarios que buscan elevar el atractivo exterior de su hogar sin comprometer el rendimiento, TAMKO Building Products

está presentando una propuesta convincente, no solo a través de la ingeniería, sino también del color. El fabricante con sede en Missouri está cambiando la forma en que se perciben las tejas asfálticas, con una identidad visual audaz inspirada en la propia naturaleza. TAMKO llamó la atención por primera vez en la década de 1970 al desarrollar la primera línea de colores para tejas inspirada en paisajes naturales. Décadas después, esa innovación sigue vigente y evolucionando rápidamente. Hoy, TAMKO continúa ampliando los límites con paletas de colores vibrantes y mezclas propietarias de gránulos diseñadas para imitar las variaciones tonales de la piedra, la corteza y la tierra. 

La serie de tejas Heritage®, uno de los productos insignia de TAMKO, ejemplifica esta combinación de forma y función. Incluye dos colecciones destacadas: America’s Natural Colors, inspirada en terrenos naturales con tonos como marrones cálidos y grises intensos, y la Classic Colors Selection, que ofrece tonos más tradicionales y equilibrados para un estilo atemporal. Pero la estética es solo parte de la propuesta. El rendimiento es igual de importante. Por ejemplo, las tejas Titan XT® ofrecen una garantía extendida contra vientos de hasta 160 MPH* y una clasificación de impacto Clase 3†, lo que representa una ventaja en regiones propensas a tormentas. Por su parte, las tejas StormFighter FLEX® llevan estas especificaciones aún más lejos, con una clasificación de impacto Clase 4‡ y flexibilidad de instalación en climas fríos hasta 25°F.** 

Lo que distingue a TAMKO no es solo su innovación en color o sus especificaciones técnicas, sino el paquete completo. El sistema TAMKO Complete® Roof System incluye un conjunto cuidadosamente coordinado de tejas, accesorios y componentes de impermeabilización diseñados para trabajar en conjunto, garantizando tanto armonía estética como durabilidad a largo plazo. ¿Quieres ver la diferencia? El Visualizer en línea de TAMKO permite a los usuarios “probar” estilos y colores de tejas utilizando casas prediseñadas o imágenes propias. Esta herramienta permite a los propietarios visualizar resultados reales antes de tomar una decisión. 

Por supuesto, hay otros factores a considerar antes de decidir, como verificar la disponibilidad de colores por región y revisar instalaciones reales. TAMKO recomienda consultar con profesionales certificados e incluso solicitar una muestra antes de la instalación. Ya sea que estés ayudando a tus clientes a diseñar su hogar ideal o buscando protección resistente en climas impredecibles, la línea de TAMKO ofrece más que solo tejas: ofrece confianza en cada capa. 

Explora la gama completa de productos, encuentra inspiración visual y obtén asesoría experta para tomar decisiones con confianza en tu próximo proyecto de roofing.

* La garantía contra vientos de 160 MPH requiere el uso de starter y cumbrera de TAMKO®. Consulta las instrucciones completas de aplicación para altas velocidades de viento para conocer todos los requisitos y restricciones. 

† Las tejas Titan XT® están clasificadas por UL conforme a UL 2218 Clase 3 de resistencia al impacto. Las pruebas UL 2218 utilizan una bola de acero que se deja caer, lo cual puede no reflejar completamente las condiciones reales en techos ante impactos de granizo u otros objetos impulsados por tormentas. 

‡ Las tejas StormFighter FLEX® están clasificadas por UL conforme a UL 2218 Clase 4 de resistencia al impacto. Las pruebas UL 2218 utilizan una bola de acero que se deja caer, lo cual puede no reflejar completamente las condiciones reales en techos ante impactos de granizo u otros objetos impulsados por tormentas. 

** Consulta la garantía limitada y las instrucciones de aplicación de TAMKO para conocer todos los requisitos. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A fabrication-focused platform shows how music is reshaping brand engagement and strengthening customer connection. 

In industrial sectors such as fabrication and welding, marketing has long centered on performance, durability and technical credibility. Those fundamentals remain essential, but companies are beginning to recognize that they are not always enough to capture and hold attention. As competition intensifies, a more layered approach is emerging, one that pairs technical value with emotional resonance. That shift is evident in how platforms like Fabrication Nation approach audience engagement. Rather than presenting products as standalone offerings, the site integrates classic and modern rock music into the browsing experience, aligning sound with the daily rhythm of blue-collar work. The result is not simply a digital catalog, but a platform that reflects the identity and culture of its audience. 

This approach draws directly from lifestyle marketing, where connection is built through shared experience rather than information alone. By pairing industrial brands with music that evokes familiarity, grit and camaraderie, the platform creates a setting where products feel contextually relevant. Companies such as Carell Industrial Solutions and Eagle Bending Machines are positioned within that experience, allowing visitors to engage with them in a way that feels both natural and memorable. 

From there, the impact extends beyond initial engagement. Music shapes the tone of the interaction, encouraging users to spend more time exploring content while reinforcing recall. A familiar track playing alongside product listings transforms a routine visit into something more immersive, strengthening the association between the platform and the brands it features. 

That dynamic reflects a broader evolution in industrial marketing. Differentiation is no longer defined solely by product specifications or price points. Instead, it is increasingly shaped by how well a brand aligns with the values, habits and identity of its audience. 

By merging music with product promotion, Fabrication Nation demonstrates how a traditionally straightforward industry can adopt more nuanced strategies. In doing so, it offers a model for how cultural alignment, when executed with intention, can deepen engagement and leave a lasting impression. 

Learn more about how music-driven marketing strategies are helping industrial brands build stronger emotional connections and stand out in competitive blue-collar markets!

By Emma Peterson. 

How a strong relationship with an HOA can create a reliable workstream. 

From making sure that roof materials are approved by the organization to coordinating work schedules with HOA requirements, finding out that a client’s home is in a neighborhood with an active homeowners association (HOA) can often cause some headaches for roofers. But headaches aren’t all HOAs offer; they can also be a great opportunity. To learn more about working with HOAs, Karen Edwards hosted Scott Kim, owner of WGM Contracting, and Brian Ricci, project manager at Adco South Roofing & Waterproofing, for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

For Scott and his team in Virginia, the key to working with HOAs is to keep education at the center. He explained, “When we work with HOAs, we always have an education mindset. We want to be able to teach them about their roofs and what the best investment in their community is... a great example is how we talk to them about the long-term savings of investing in more expensive products, like DaVinci composite, that will last 50 some-odd years rather than the seemingly more economical asphalt that’ll only last 25 years.” 

By showing this deep investment and care, Scott and the WGM team have built strong bonds with multiple HOAs in the area, a fact that has been greatly beneficial for them when it comes to leads. Scott explained:  

We work closely with multiple HOAs in our area and not surprisingly, they talk to each other. And that was key to securing one of our big projects, Chapel Crossway. We got a letter from the HOA there talking about a project where we redid seven roofs in another HOA. Those homeowners were delighted in our work, and that got around to the Chapel Crossing HOA in a domino-effect.  

This domino-effect, the word-of-mouth referral that got work coming to Scott’s team, is one of the big reasons building strong relations with HOAs can be beneficial for roofers. Brian, all the way on the opposite coast in California, has also seen the HOA domino-effect of consistent work. He explained, “80-90% of our work at Adco South is done with HOAs. Often it's townhomes, condos and places with shared walls where the roofs connect, and the decision making is done by an HOA. And we’ve been able to really build a relationship with these places and communities that have gotten us reliable work.” Brian went on to give an example, “We had one, the Zuma Bay Villas in Malibu, where we worked on 17 buildings (90 different units). It went really well, and they keep coming back to us for other projects.”  

Overall, both Scott and Brian’s stories are great examples of how HOAs can be more than a headache – they can be a powerful lead generator and source of reliable work.  

Learn more about working with HOAs by Listening to the episode or Watching the recording.

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. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Brian Cook, COO of Dataforma, and Gabriela Fornino, e-commerce change manager at QXO, about how customer demand helped drive the collaboration and what the integration means for contractors managing increasingly complex operations. 

Brian said the idea grew naturally from conversations with contractors already using both platforms. “Knowing that we worked with such a large number of commercial roofing contractors, it was a natural fit,” Brian explained. “Within a few months we had an agreement and we were moving.” 

The integration allows contractors to create requests for pricing, generate purchase orders and manage project costs directly within Dataforma without switching between systems or manually reentering information. 

Gabriela said the goal was to eliminate repetitive tasks while maintaining the relationships contractors value with their suppliers. “We took it and cut steps in half that people were taking in Dataforma previously,” Gabriela said. “It’s not replacing any relationship that you have or the amount of communication that you would have with the team over at QXO. It’s just doing it in a different channel and format.” 

The integration also gives contractors access to QXO’s product catalog and pricing tools during the estimating phase, helping teams develop tighter project estimates before converting them into purchase orders. 

Brian noted that user feedback played a critical role throughout development. “My whole role now at Dataforma is constantly talking to our contractors and asking, ‘What do you need?’” Brian shared. “If you don’t have eyes on it, by the time it goes out, you’re missing 10 or 15%.” 

For QXO, contractor input was equally important. “If it’s a product for contractors, it has to be made in part by contractors,” Gabriela said. “Unless it’s efficient in the hands of the user who’s going to be using it day in and day out, that’s what matters most.” 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the Dataforma and QXO integration and how it can help contractors improve efficiency and streamline operations. 

By Dani Sheehan. 

From modified bitumen to single ply and restoration, learn how BITEC’s four-pillar approach helps you continue evolving with the market. 

In commercial roofing, contractors are balancing building performance, environmental conditions, restoration opportunities, warranty expectations and evolving customer demands, all while navigating a growing range of roofing technologies. That’s why BITEC® developed its four pillars of roofing, a framework designed to simplify roofing system selection while helping contractors match the right solutions to the right buildings. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Shane Millwood of BITEC to discuss how the company’s product portfolio has evolved over the last four decades and why clarity is so important. 

A simpler way to understand roofing systems 

“You can look at it from a marketing aspect,” Shane explained. “But more importantly [the four pillars] really simplify BITEC’s offerings to the contractors.” 

These pillars organize the company’s solutions into distinct categories: 

• Advanced Bitumen Technology (ABT) 
• StrongHold™ single-ply systems 
• Storm Breaker™ coatings 
• Repair Boss™ service and repair products 

Together, the structure gives contractors a clearer understanding of where each system fits and how to better align products with building performance goals. More importantly, it reinforces BITEC’s broader philosophy that no single roofing system is right for every building. 

As Shane emphasized, roofing decisions should never be one-size-fits-all. Instead, contractors need to evaluate environmental conditions, building use and owner expectations before recommending a system. Rather than promoting a single solution, each pillar represents roofing systems designed for different applications and performance needs. BITEC’s ABT pillar includes APP, SBS and self-adhered modified bitumen systems, as well as built-up roofing and coal tar solutions. Meanwhile, the StrongHold™ line offers TPO, PVC and KEE single-ply membranes designed for different environmental demands.  

He noted that roofing selection is not only about climate, but also about what happens inside the building itself. “It could be just what’s underneath that roof system, what they’re actually doing and what’s coming out and getting on that roof,” he said, pointing to environments like restaurants or industrial facilities where grease and chemical exposure can influence system performance. 

Evolving with the market 

The four pillars of roofing also highlight how BITEC has evolved alongside broader industry trends. Historically, the company was heavily focused on modified bitumen and asphaltic systems. “What we’ve seen across our roofing industry is that the asphaltic side is not as dominant in the market as it used to be,” Shane said. “There’s more single ply in the industry than anything else. So, what did that tell us? As a company, we had to enter the single ply market.” This is the evolution that led to the acquisition of Viking Products Group and the addition of StrongHold™ single-ply systems to BITEC’s portfolio. 

Still, Shane made it clear that modified bitumen and multi-ply roofing systems remain a critical part of the commercial roofing landscape. “If you’ve got a building that’s got a billion dollars' worth of gear inside of it, you want to protect it,” he said. “That redundancy becomes very helpful in those situations.” 

BITEC’s expansion hasn’t stopped at membranes and systems. The company’s Storm Breaker™ coatings line reflects the rapid growth of roof restoration in the commercial market, while Repair Boss™ products help contractors improve efficiency in their service departments. 

Taken together, the four pillars showcase a manufacturer adapting to contractor needs, changing markets and the growing demand for lifecycle-focused roofing solutions. Listen to the full podcast episode to hear more about how BITEC can help you navigate complex roofing decisions.