By Jenny Yu.  

At IRE, Carlisle Architectural Metals shares how metal material performance, design and resilience are shaping the future. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Heidi J. Ellsworth met with Mike Weis, vice president of sales for Carlisle Architectural Metals (CAM). CAM brings together five established metal brands under one umbrella. “CAM is comprised of five different brands. Five different metal brands,” Mike explained. “Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), Drexel Metals, Metal-Era, Hickman Edge Systems and Citadel Architectural Products.” While CAM serves as the parent organization, Mike emphasized that each brand maintains its own identity. “We are still very brand focused because every one of the brands provides its own value and has its own niche and its own market focus.” 

With over 25 years working in the industry, Mike has witnessed the exponential rise of metal in the roofing industry firsthand. “The significance of it is substantial,” Mike stated. “You can talk about sustainability, performance, visual aesthetics, design solutions, ease of install, longevity of product — so many reasons why metal has become more impactful to the architectural industry.” 

One of the main factors driving the accelerated adoption of metal is the extreme weather taking place nationwide, from fires on the west coast to hurricanes on the east coast. “If you think about Florida down in the southeast, all that hurricane work, you have to design a structure that can withstand that,” Mike said. He added that rigorous testing remains critical, noting, “That’s why testing is so important. We’re always going to invest in testing and always try to make sure that we’re helping create a safe building, that we’re providing a safe solution.” 

Along with impressive durability and weather-resistant properties, with metal, you don’t have to sacrifice design and aesthetics for performance. “There’s this new digital print technology that’s out there,” Mike explained. “You can create wood grains, you can create marble-looking finishes, you can produce a weathering aspect. Architects are really driving this. They like to make sure they're maintaining the original design intent of some of these buildings. You can do so many things with metal.” 

As contractors move beyond traditional roofing into full building envelope solutions, Mike emphasized that metal is here to stay. “Metal is going to continue to grow,” Mike said. “Carlisle is investing in the right way, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about how CAM is helping lead the industry into the realm of metal.

By Jenny Yu.  

In a time of market uncertainty, this company unites five leading brands to fuel momentum across its architectural metals portfolio. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Carlisle Architectural Metals’ (CAM) Vice President of Growth, Brad Van Dam, about the latest trends in the industry and how contractors can stay competitive in both commercial and residential roofing. The CAM portfolio brings together some of the most established and trusted brands in the metals industry, including Hickman Edge Systems, Metal-Era, Drexel Metals, PAC-Clad Petersen and Citadel Architectural Products, with roughly 17 facilities across the United States. 

“It's really cool to see CAM putting the effort into growing these five brands and the overall architectural metals group,” Brad shared. “I’m very proud to be a part of that. My job is to grow it as the vice president of growth. I like to say, my job title is not vice president of decline. So, how do we get it going, regardless of what the market is doing and all the craziness around us? How do we continue to grow this business and grow for our people and our culture?” 

This growth is anchored in the appeal and performance of metal. “It hits on a lot of the key points that are important in the market — sustainability, durability, ease of installation,” Brad said. “Aesthetically, people like the look of metal. It’s clean, it’s sleek, it’s newer, it really gives you that feel of something unique and strong.” 

Brad acknowledged that market uncertainty, from tariffs to interest rates, continues to shape the behaviors and decisions in the industry, or what Brad calls “the pulse.” Yet, he maintained that those challenges have also opened new opportunities. “Data centers, large warehouses, some multifamily — those segments have done better during this uneasy market — really have shined for a lot of contractors. Those veins of strength add a lot of momentum,” he stated. 

From CAM’s perspective, their mission remains clear. “It’s full steam ahead,” Brad said. “How do we help customers? How do we focus on the customer? What are the ways that we can bring more value to those we’re dealing with?” 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how CAM is meeting the shifting needs of an evolving roofing market. 

By Citadel Architectural Products. 

Check out the distinct style and clean aesthetic of this project using Citadel Architectural Products. 

Milwaukee’s Eastside is alive with growth and transformation as it welcomes new structure developments to the area. Among the newest arrivals is Rhythm Apartments, a contemporary project crafted by Eppstein Uhen Architects, a local Milwaukee company. Situated along vibrant Water Street, this modern residence offers compact studio and one-bedroom units within a building finished in Citadel Architectural Products’ ProCore™ panels. 

The new project was installed by Wenger Construction of Campbellsport, Wisconsin. They selected 5,460 square feet of ProCore in Slate Grey, Reserve White, Silver Grey and Barrel Oak colors to adorn the apartment building’s facade, distributed by S&S Sales Corporation, Milwaukee.  

Bryan Schneeberg, vice president of Siding & Sheet Metal Operations for Wenger Roofing & Sheet Metal (a division of Wenger Construction), says the building owner led the product selection because he liked the Barrel Oak option. He adds, “We have used this system several times, and we like it because it’s easy to install.” 

ProCore is a lightweight cladding option with a fluted, 7-mm-high density polypropylene core. The two-piece, low-profile aluminum moldings snap around the panel edge and fit close to the face. The system is designed to be completely sealed to keep all moisture away from the structure, and its plastic core offers extra protection from incidental moisture. 

“Metal wall panels are on several buildings in the neighborhood, but no other building on Water Street has this panel and this distinct style,” Schneeberg says. “The Citadel panels give Rhythm Apartments a clean look that really stands out.” 

The street-facing façade of the building features private balconies that connect residents to all that Water Street has to offer, with its many bars, restaurants and stores. There are 110 units in the six-story building with space-saving features like large built-in cabinets and a dining room table that converts into a bed. The complex includes a fitness center, entertainment lobby, outdoor space and indoor parking. 

Original article and photo source: Citadel Architectural Products