By Karen L. Edwards.

Cameras and laser scanning offer different ways to identify roof damage, drainage issues and changes in roof conditions.

A photograph can tell an inspector a lot about a roof. A three-dimensional scan can reveal something entirely different. Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are exploring how both approaches, combined with artificial intelligence, could help automate portions of the roof inspection process.

During the 2026 RICOWI Fall Seminar, Dr. Nolan Hayes shared research originally developed to improve construction quality control that could have significant applications for roofing.

Much of the work centers around a simple question: What can technology identify that contractors and inspectors currently look for manually? The answer depends largely on the sensor collecting the information.

Using lasers to map a surface

One technology Nolan's team has worked with is LiDAR, or light detection and ranging. Laser scanners collect enormous numbers of individual points that represent the geometry of a surface. Together, those points form what is known as a point cloud.

The challenge isn't necessarily collecting the data. It is figuring out what to do with millions of individual data points once they have been collected. Oak Ridge researchers developed artificial intelligence algorithms that can automatically identify the surface they want to analyze and then evaluate its geometry.

The technology wasn't originally developed for roofing. The team initially used it to evaluate concrete slabs for flatness and levelness. After collecting a 360-degree scan, the system could isolate the slab surface and produce visual information showing high and low areas.

The researchers soon recognized another potential application. Low-slope roofs are also surfaces where elevation differences matter.

Following the water

After modifying the algorithm, the team tested the technology on local roofs and demonstrated its ability to visualize drainage paths across a low-slope roof. That could give inspectors a different way of examining areas where water could collect.

The technology could also be adjusted to look for certain types of physical damage, including rips and tears in a roof membrane. There is an important limitation, however.

Laser scanning is particularly useful when there is a geometric characteristic associated with the problem. Because the system is measuring the shape and elevation of the roof surface, it can identify something such as a depression in the roof or another physical change in its geometry. It is a very different source of information than a photograph.

Teaching AI to recognize damage

Cameras offer another path toward automated roof inspection. Instead of measuring detailed surface geometry, images can be analyzed using AI models trained to recognize visible damage.

Dr. Hayes explained that these models could potentially identify conditions such as tears, hail damage, blistering or missing roofing material. The concept isn't substantially different from other computer vision applications — show the model enough examples of what it needs to recognize and teach it to distinguish those features in new images.

But there is a catch. Roofing needs the data.

“The only thing limiting us from training these models is just a bunch of pictures,” Dr. Hayes said, explaining that developing the model would require thousands of examples of both roof damage and defects.

That makes industry data an important part of advancing automated visual inspections. Artificial intelligence needs examples from which to learn, especially when roofing includes so many different materials, assemblies, damage types and conditions.

Camera or LiDAR?

One technology isn't necessarily a replacement for the other. They provide different types of information.

A camera is well suited to capturing visible conditions. If a defect can be visually recognized in an image, a properly trained AI model could potentially be taught to find it.

LiDAR adds information about geometry. That opens the door to evaluating elevation changes, roof depressions, drainage paths and other characteristics that may be difficult to quantify from a standard photograph. There is also a major cost distinction.

Dr. Hayes said laser scanning systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars, while camera-based inspection could utilize anything from a phone or simple camera to a more sophisticated industrial camera depending upon the precision required. The right technology would therefore depend on what information the inspector needs.

Looking at roofs over time

Perhaps one of the most interesting opportunities isn't identifying a defect during a single inspection. It is comparing inspections.

Dr. Hayes described a scenario in which a roof is scanned and then scanned again six months later. The datasets could be compared to determine whether the membrane had changed or degraded in particular areas.

That transforms inspection data from a snapshot into something closer to a history of the roof. And that may ultimately represent one of the biggest opportunities for automated roof inspection.

AI can help identify what is happening today. Digitally recorded inspection data could help the roofing industry understand what happened between yesterday and today, too.

By Karen L. Edwards.

New technologies could help contractors create faster, more consistent and digitally traceable records of roof conditions.

Roof inspections provide critical information about a roof’s condition, but the process still relies heavily on the person conducting the inspection. New technologies being explored at Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help change that.

During the 2026 RICOWI Fall Seminar, Dr. Nolan Hayes, a research and development associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, discussed how artificial intelligence (AI), laser scanning and other technologies could make roof inspections more objective, quantifiable and digitally traceable.

Dr. Hayes has a background in construction management and engineering, with research that spans construction automation and robotics, AI-driven design, automated quality assurance, advanced materials, sensing technologies and long-term building durability. His work is focused on applying technologies already being used in other industries to construction.

Taking subjectivity out of the equation

Roof inspection is still largely a manual process. An inspector may physically walk the roof taking measurements and photographs, or a drone may be used to collect images. Either way, Dr. Hayes explained that people remain heavily involved in collecting and interpreting the information.

That introduces variability. Each inspector brings experience and judgment to an inspection, but the thoroughness of one inspection may differ from another. Documentation can vary, too.

“What you would really probably like is a way to quantify and make a digitally traceable inspection recording,” Dr. Hayes said.

Such a record could document what was observed and connect individual areas of damage with their specific locations on the roof. Dr. Hayes believes that is where the industry is heading.

Learning from French fries

One of the more unexpected examples Dr. Hayes used to illustrate the opportunity came from the food industry. Quality control in food manufacturing was once highly manual. On a French fry production line, for example, people could visually inspect fries traveling along a conveyor and manually remove the defective ones.

Modern manufacturing facilities can automate much of that process. Cameras collect images while machine learning and artificial intelligence identify products that don't meet quality standards.

Dr. Hayes sees similarities between the old manufacturing process and today's construction quality control.

Someone may still use a tape measure and checklist to verify that a building component or assembly meets specifications. Once those components reach the construction site, inspection remains heavily dependent on people.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers are looking at how automated quality-control concepts can be transferred into construction. The goal is not simply automation for automation's sake. It is about collecting better information.

Creating a roof's digital record

For roofing, one of the biggest opportunities may be the ability to create a digital record of exactly what existed at the time of an inspection. Photographs, laser scans and other data could be retained and revisited later. That becomes especially valuable when conditions change.

Dr. Hayes described how scans taken at different times could potentially be compared to identify areas where a roofing membrane has deformed or degraded. Instead of relying solely on photographs or notes from a previous inspection, an inspector could compare detailed datasets from different points in the roof's life.

The same concept could have applications following severe weather. Rather than simply documenting that damage exists, digital inspection data could potentially pinpoint where the damage occurred and quantify characteristics of the roof surface.

From inspection to report

Automation could also shorten the time between collecting roof information and producing a usable report. Dr. Hayes described a future workflow in which inspectors arrive at a building, scan the roof and process the information in the field using a tablet or laptop.

Depending on the roof's size, he suggested data collection could take minutes. Automated analysis could then identify areas of concern and generate information showing where damage is located. The result could be a more consistent inspection process and faster access to information.

For roofing contractors, inspectors and insurers, the real value may be less about replacing the person inspecting a roof and more about giving that person better data. A digital roof record provides something that handwritten notes and individual observations can't always offer: a detailed picture of existing conditions that can be quantified, stored, compared and revisited.

As these technologies continue developing, roof inspection may increasingly become more than documenting what someone sees on a particular day. It could become a record of how a roof changes throughout its life.

Por Karen L. Edwards, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Desde reparaciones de emergencia hasta recubrimientos reflectantes, descubre cómo estos miembros de la comunidad de RCS están utilizando KARNAK. 

Hace unos meses, les pedimos a los visitantes de The Coffee Shop que compartieran con nosotros su experiencia con KARNAK. Queríamos saber cómo utilizan los productos y cómo estos les han ayudado a resolver problemas y restaurar techos. Sigue leyendo para descubrir lo que aprendimos. 

En una entrevista, Ernie Martinez, de Mason City Roofing, compartió su experiencia con un problema muy complicado en un techo que pudo reparar con KARNAK 19 Ultra, permitiendo que el techo resistiera durante el invierno hasta que el propietario tuviera los fondos necesarios para reemplazarlo. Ernie es un fiel seguidor de KARNAK y también es miembro del Cuerpo de Marines de los Estados Unidos. Lee su historia aquí. 

Como diría Ernie, KARNAK 19 Ultra Flashing Cement es un producto muy eficaz. Es la nueva generación de cemento elastomérico para tapajuntas, libre de asbesto, que puede utilizarse tanto en condiciones húmedas como secas. Incluso puede utilizarse para realizar reparaciones bajo el agua. Formulado científicamente con una combinación de asfalto reforzado con caucho, fibras minerales y solventes refinados, KARNAK 19 Ultra se fabrica con una consistencia espesa y flexible para facilitar su aplicación con llana. 19 Ultra proporciona un recubrimiento elastomérico duradero y de gran resistencia, con excelente adherencia y alta resistencia al agua y a las condiciones climáticas. 

William Anifantis, de Greenwood RoofServices en Milford, Massachusetts, nos comentó que sus productos favoritos son Karna-Flex, un sellador elastomérico de caucho termoplástico ideal para reparaciones, y 298 Alumin-R, un recubrimiento de aluminio con caucho SBS. 

Pete Shulack, de Bell Enterprises en Whitehouse Station, Nueva Jersey, nos comentó: “Llevamos más de 40 años en el negocio y hemos utilizado productos KARNAK casi exclusivamente. Hemos obtenido excelentes resultados con el recubrimiento Envirolastic [535QS Enviro-Lastic] y con las reparaciones realizadas con Karna-Flex. Mis trabajadores ahora lo llaman ‘flex seal’ porque funciona mejor que el producto que aparece en la televisión.” 

KARNAK Karna-Flex es una excelente opción para realizar reparaciones sobre superficies debidamente preparadas de metal, concreto, EPDM, TPO y la mayoría de las membranas de PVC, así como sobre espuma de poliuretano aplicada por aspersión y superficies de techo de madera contrachapada. Su facilidad de aplicación, excelente adherencia, elasticidad y durabilidad hacen de Karna-Flex un sellador ideal para reparaciones. 

Mark J. Sobeck, de Mark J. Sobeck Roof Consulting en Wilkes-Barre, Pensilvania, nos contó que originalmente estaba en contra de la idea de utilizar recubrimientos. “Conocí los productos KARNAK en 1976 gracias al vendedor Dave Sharp. Estaba completamente en contra de los recubrimientos, pero él me convenció de utilizar los recubrimientos y las telas de refuerzo de KARNAK para ayudar a proteger temporalmente varias fábricas de cigarros que habían dejado de operar. Para mi sorpresa, funcionaron extremadamente bien y desde entonces he seguido especificando productos KARNAK. En mi opinión, son los mejores productos de asfalto y los más duraderos del mercado.” 

Conoce más sobre los recubrimientos reflectantes, selladores y cementos de KARNAK en su Coffee Shop Directory o visita el sitio www.karnakcorp.com. 

By Karen Edwards. 

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and serves as a timely reminder that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it is a necessity.  

For roofing and exterior contractors, the demands of the job often place physical performance, customer needs and project deadlines at the center of daily life. While those responsibilities are important, they should never come at the expense of emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

The construction industry is built on resilience. Contractors work through challenging weather conditions, labor shortages, economic pressures and demanding project schedules. While that resilience is something to be proud of, it can also create a culture where stress, exhaustion and burnout are accepted as part of the job. Over time, those pressures can take a serious toll on overall health. 

The hidden toll of working in construction 

Physical health is often the most visible concern. Long hours, repetitive movements, heat exposure and physically demanding work can lead to injuries and chronic health issues. However, the less visible challenges can be just as impactful. Anxiety, depression, stress and feelings of isolation affect people across every level of the industry, from field crews to business owners. 

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five adults live with a mental illness. Statistics such as these remind us that mental health challenges are not isolated issues. They affect coworkers, friends, family members and entire teams. Creating awareness is the first step toward creating meaningful change. 

Industry associations are making a difference 

The good news is that awareness around mental health and wellness continues to grow throughout the roofing industry. Organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and National Women in Roofing (NWIR) have recognized the importance of supporting the whole person, not just the professional. 

Through educational resources, networking opportunities, wellness initiatives and conversations focused on mental health, these associations help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. By bringing wellness into everyday industry conversations, they are reinforcing the message that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Suicide prevention starts with awareness and action 

Suicide prevention has become an increasingly important topic throughout the construction industry. Talking openly about mental health challenges, recognizing warning signs and knowing where to find help can literally save lives. The strongest teams are not the ones that ignore struggles; they are the teams that look out for one another and create environments where people feel comfortable asking for support. 

Self-care does not have to be complicated. It can start with getting enough sleep, taking breaks during the workday, staying hydrated, exercising regularly or making time to connect with family and friends. It can also mean reaching out to a trusted colleague, mentor or mental health professional when life feels overwhelming. 

This September, let Self-Care Awareness Month serve as a reminder that your health matters. The success of a business begins with the well-being of the people who make it run. By prioritizing physical health, supporting mental wellness and taking advantage of resources available through industry organizations such as NRCA and NWIR, contractors can build not only stronger companies but healthier, safer and more resilient lives.

Por Karen Edwards, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Septiembre es el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autocuidado y sirve como un recordatorio oportuno de que cuidar de nosotros mismos no es un lujo; es una necesidad. 

Para los contratistas de techado y exteriores, las exigencias del trabajo suelen colocar el desempeño físico, las necesidades de los clientes y los plazos de los proyectos en el centro de la vida diaria. Aunque estas responsabilidades son importantes, nunca deben ser a costa del bienestar emocional, mental y físico. 

La industria de la construcción está basada en la resiliencia. Los contratistas trabajan bajo condiciones climáticas difíciles, escasez de mano de obra, presiones económicas y exigentes calendarios de proyectos. Aunque esa resiliencia es motivo de orgullo, también puede crear una cultura en la que el estrés, el agotamiento y el desgaste emocional se aceptan como parte del trabajo. Con el tiempo, estas presiones pueden afectar seriamente la salud en general. 

El costo oculto de trabajar en la construcción 

La salud física suele ser la preocupación más visible. Las largas jornadas, los movimientos repetitivos, la exposición al calor y el trabajo físicamente exigente pueden provocar lesiones y problemas de salud crónicos. Sin embargo, los desafíos menos visibles pueden tener un impacto igual de significativo. La ansiedad, la depresión, el estrés y los sentimientos de aislamiento afectan a personas en todos los niveles de la industria, desde las cuadrillas de trabajo hasta los dueños de empresas. 

El Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental estima que una de cada cinco personas adultas vive con una enfermedad mental. Estadísticas como esta nos recuerdan que los problemas de salud mental no son situaciones aisladas. Afectan a compañeros de trabajo, amigos, familiares y equipos completos. Generar conciencia es el primer paso para lograr un cambio significativo. 

Las asociaciones de la industria están marcando la diferencia 

La buena noticia es que la conciencia sobre la salud mental y el bienestar continúa creciendo en toda la industria del techado. Organizaciones como la Asociación Nacional de Contratistas de Techado (NRCA) y National Women in Roofing (NWIR) han reconocido la importancia de apoyar a la persona en su totalidad, no solo al profesional. 

A través de recursos educativos, oportunidades de networking, iniciativas de bienestar y conversaciones enfocadas en la salud mental, estas asociaciones ayudan a reducir el estigma y alientan a las personas a buscar apoyo cuando lo necesitan. Al incorporar el bienestar en las conversaciones diarias de la industria, refuerzan el mensaje de que pedir ayuda es una señal de fortaleza, no de debilidad. 

La prevención del suicidio comienza con la conciencia y la acción 

La prevención del suicidio se ha convertido en un tema cada vez más importante dentro de la industria de la construcción. Hablar abiertamente sobre los desafíos de salud mental, reconocer las señales de advertencia y saber dónde encontrar ayuda puede literalmente salvar vidas. Los equipos más sólidos no son aquellos que ignoran las dificultades; son aquellos que se apoyan mutuamente y crean entornos donde las personas se sienten cómodas pidiendo apoyo. 

El autocuidado no tiene por qué ser complicado. Puede comenzar con dormir lo suficiente, tomar descansos durante la jornada laboral, mantenerse hidratado, hacer ejercicio con regularidad o dedicar tiempo para convivir con familiares y amigos. También puede significar acercarse a un colega de confianza, un mentor o un profesional de la salud mental cuando la vida se siente abrumadora. 

Este mes de septiembre, permita que el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autocuidado sea un recordatorio de que su salud importa. El éxito de una empresa comienza con el bienestar de las personas que la hacen funcionar. Al priorizar la salud fisica, apoyar el bienestar mental y aprovechar los recursos disponibles a través de organizaciones de la industria como NRCA y NWIR, los contratistas pueden construir no solo empresas más fuertes, sino también vidas más saludables, seguras y resilientes. 

The board supports the RT3 mission and leads the organization in its efforts to educate and advance technology in the roofing industry. 

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced Brad Strawbridge, founder & CEO of Capital City Roofing and co-founder and CEO of BuilderLync as its newest board member.

“The roofing industry is at a technology inflection point, and most contractors are still watching from the sideline. RT3 is the room where that gets changed,” said Strawbridge. “As a new board member, I am excited to help shape the next three years of contractor technology, not just sit in on the conversations about it.

Karen Edwards, RT3 executive director, commented, “Brad is bringing his passion for technology and love of the industry to the organization. We are excited to have him be part of our leadership team.”

Other board members continuing their service include:

• Wendy Marvin, Matrix Roofing & Home Solutions, president
• John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group, treasurer
• Jon Gardner, Owens Corning, board member
• Rich Carroll, Carroll Consulting Group, board member
• Jeremy Dickmann, Apollo Primm Commercial Roofing, board member 

RT3 also extends its gratitude to Thomas Basch, Infinity Home Services, for his commitment to the organization during his term on the board.

Follow RT3 on social media for continuing updates and listen to the RT3 podcast on your favorite listening platform.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry. RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses. With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. Learn more at www.rt3thinktank.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Get industry insights, education opportunities and more this June in Rosemont, Illinois. 

The Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s annual summer meeting is returning to Rosemont, Illinois this June! Taking place June 23-24, 2026, this meeting is meant to help your team stay ahead with industry insights, practical education and high-value networking opportunities.  

This year, the keynote speaker will be Johnny Quinn, sharing a talk all about Unstoppable Momentum. There will also be a new dual-track education system that allows your team to “choose their own education adventure." One track focuses on the business and technical side of roofing with information about codes, standards and a report from the Metal Roofing Alliance.  

The other track is perfect for your marketing and sales specialists and features to sessions hosted by The Coffee Shops™ own Karen Edwards! In one, Karen will moderate a panel all about hiring and retaining talent featuring Amy Staska from National Roofing Contractors Association alongside Mandy McIntyre and Maureen Greeves from Tremco WTI. The other session, a panel titled “Modern Marketing That Moves Metal,” will see Karen discussing how marketing has shifted from relationship-driven to relationship plus digital visibility with Sean McFarland and Mark Carlisle. 

These sessions are great examples of the type of expert insights you will have access to by attending the 2026 MCA Summer Meeting. And you will also have the opportunity to go beyond just listening to these experts speak, as MCA has organized powerful networking opportunities that allow attendees to “build relationships across the metal construction supply chain in a relaxed setting.” An example of these networking opportunities is the Chicago Dogs vs. Cleburne Railroaders baseball game outing on Tuesday, June 23 (additional $25 fee at registration). 

Ready to boost your professional development and set your team up for success in the second half of the year? Get registered to attend the 2026 MCS Summer Meeting (and take advantage of discounts when multiple attendees register from the same company).

By Karen L. Edwards. 

What happens above the ceiling line can impact moisture control and long-term health inside the home. 

Indoor air quality conversations often center on air purifiers, HVAC upgrades or cleaning routines, but some of the most consequential factors are hidden well above eye level. At GAF, roofing and ventilation experts consistently see how overlooked attic and appliance ventilation can influence moisture movement, structural durability and the air families breathe every day. From everyday activities that generate unseen humidity to exhaust systems that never make it outdoors, the roof plays a far more active role in indoor health than most homeowners realize, making proper ventilation a critical and often misunderstood part of the equation. 

Where does trapped moisture come from? 

Moisture is generated from people, appliances, plants and daily activities. One person in the home breathing can produce three pints of water in one day. By that metric, a family of four could generate up to 12 pints of moisture or the equivalent of 1.5 gallons, daily. Cooking a meal can also generate a pint of water and running appliances, like the dishwasher, can contribute to moisture entering your living space. 

GAF Senior Product Manager Jeff Avitabile explains that, without proper ventilation, this moisture can make its way into your attic, leading to issues. "If you're not evacuating and getting the moisture from your dryers, your bathroom, your kitchen and other living activities out of the living space properly, it will typically collect in your attic. This leads to issues, like mold, mildew and building material rot." 

When mold forms in the attic, it releases spores that travel through the air and can be breathed in by occupants of the home, which can have serious health consequences. 

Michael Russo, product manager at GAF, reinforces the dangers of mold. "Without proper roof ventilation, homeowners are at a greater risk of suffering health issues if mold does develop. Plus, it's very expensive to hire specialists for mold remediation." 

Talk to your contractor about proper ventilation 

Avitabile explains that many homeowners don't even know if their ventilation is doing the job it was intended to do or whether it was properly installed. "If you have a bathroom being remodeled, unfortunately, a lot of contractors will just evacuate the heat and moisture from the shower into your attic space and then, your attic ventilation system can't keep up." 

The team at GAF has seen cases where they've been called out because a homeowner thinks their ridge vents are not functioning properly, only to discover that there's a bathroom fan exhaust that's pumping moisture into the attic. 

He shared the importance of talking to your contractor about proper ventilation, saying, "If you're having home alterations like a bathroom or kitchen remodel, it's a great time to ensure proper ventilation with your contractor." When you're discussing the plans with your contractor, be sure to ask: "Are you going to properly vent this to the outside through the roof and not into my attic?" 

When and why to replace venting systems 

If you're replacing your roof, that's the perfect time to think about replacing your roof ventilation. 

"If you're replacing a roof, we recommend replacing the rooftop attic vents and the bath and dryer appliance vents," says Avitabile. "There are folks out there who will try to reuse one, but we recommend replacing the entire system whenever you're replacing the roof." 

Replacing roof ventilation during a roof replacement, when installed by a GAF-certified contractor, can bring additional benefits, as one warranty covers both the roof and the vents. 

"When a certified contractor installs them as part of a GAF enhanced warranty, the vents pick up all the enhanced warranty coverage," explains Avitabile. "You're dealing with one contractor and a system of products designed to function effectively together on the roof—all backed by one manufacturer." 

If you're not replacing your roof but undertaking any type of remodel or construction project, make sure to have the conversation with your contractor about potentially replacing ventilation and, at the very least, about where any new exhaust vents will be placed. 

If your remodel includes the installation of new household appliances such as bathroom & kitchen fans or clothes dryers, GAF has you covered with the Master Flow™ Bath & Dryer Rooftop Appliance Vent and by ensuring those new appliances are properly exhausted through the roof. Proper ventilation of appliances, like clothes dryers, reduces the risks of clogged or blocked vents, which can increase the risk of fire. 

Original article source: GAF

By Karen Edwards. 

It was a fabulous day of learning, networking and community.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® recently had the privilege of attending the CertainTeed Business Builders Workshop at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, held at the start of January. What an incredible experience it was — an immersive day dedicated to growth, education and meaningful industry connection. 

This exclusive, invitation only event gathered CertainTeed credentialed contractors from across the region for a full day of hands-on learning. Contractors had the chance to meet one-on-one with CertainTeed’s preferred vendor partners to explore services, tools and solutions designed to support their businesses. Alongside these conversations was an impressive schedule of educational sessions centered around high impact topics including AI, sales training and even podcasting, a session which was taught by myself along with RoofersCoffeeShop President & CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Together, we guided contractors through the ways in which being a podcast guest can boost their brand’s visibility, how to find the right shows to participate in and what to consider when starting a podcast of their own — from equipment and platforms to publishing strategies. The room was energized, with plenty of great questions and lively discussions. 

Throughout the day, our team livestreamed from the RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channel, interviewing vendor partners and contractors about the value of these learning opportunities. We even recorded two live Roofing Road Trips® podcast episodes from the Superdome field. The first episode featuring Stephen Spence from Project Map It and Antonio Brown from Roof Gecko, a contractor based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  

Be sure to visit the full playlist to hear from the contractors in attendance to learn why this event was so important for their businesses. Many regional contractors don’t always have the time or resources to attend larger national events like the International Roofing Expo, and events like CertainTeed’s Business Builders Workshop helps bridge that gap by bringing practical, high value training right to their local communities. 

And there’s good news: this wasn’t a one-time event. CertainTeed is hosting additional workshops every month through the spring of 2026, and RoofersCoffeeShop will be there at each one, bringing live videos and podcasts directly to the industry. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and ring the bell for notifications so you can catch every livestream!  

Overall, the CertainTeed Business Builders Workshop was an inspiring kickoff to 2026. Our team is excited to continue traveling to each event this year, sharing stories, insights and training with contractors across the country. Don’t miss out — tune in, follow along and see firsthand what makes these workshops such an impactful experience. 

By Karen L. Edwards. 

A smarter way to bid on new builds is reshaping the game for roofing pros. 

There’s no slowdown in sight for residential construction, and with every new development comes an opportunity for roofing contractors ready to scale up. But bidding on these developments can be tricky: overlapping deadlines, model variations and margin-tight estimates threaten to bury a bid before it ever gets submitted. Enter GAF Takeoff™, a precision-driven solution designed to cut through the noise and help contractors compete where the volume of bids is high and the pressure is even higher. Here's how it's changing the playbook for roofing pros chasing bigger wins. 

Eliminating guesswork with GAF Takeoff™ 

While the high-demand residential market provides ample opportunity, the volume can create new challenges for some roofing professionals. On each job, contractors are charged with several important tasks, such as determining the roof measurements, calculating the materials needed and developing an accurate estimate. On big jobs, this becomes even trickier. 

GAF recognizes the challenges inaccurate measurements can create for roofing contractors, leading to the development of GAF Takeoff™. This new service aims to help eliminate the guesswork associated with bidding on roofing jobs for new construction projects. 

With GAF Takeoff™, roofing professionals can turn 2D building plans and architectural drawings into a 3D rendering, within two hours*. This can help contractors quickly respond to prospective clients with more accurate quotes. The information received includes detailed key roof measurements for eaves, hips, rakes, ridges, valleys and perimeters, plus a bill of materials that lists suggested products and required quantities. The service also gives users a PDF report and a DXF file for importing into CAD programs. 

Roofing an entire housing development with a few clicks 

New residential developments typically have many homes — but only a handful of models to choose from. This presents a great opportunity for roofing professionals. By securing GAF Takeoff™ reports for each model and using those reports to develop accurate estimates for each home style, contractors can more easily bid on large projects. Once the property manager or homebuyer selects a home model, an estimate can be delivered promptly with a quick refresh of material pricing. 

Additionally, general contractors or builders constructing the homes can enjoy peace of mind that a subcontractor using the GAF Takeoff™ service will present the most accurate bid on the roof. After all, every touchpoint counts toward the customer experience. 

Benefits of GAF Takeoff™ 

The latest GAF service is a game changer for contractors looking to enter the new construction market or grow their work in major remodeling situations and new residential developments. GAF Takeoff™ is available for single-family homes, one of the fastest-growing segments in residential construction**. 

This new service has several benefits for residential roofing contractors looking to take on big jobs. 

Accuracy 

The detailed 3D model allows all parties to rest assured that each roof measurement is correct. Accurate measurements can translate to more precise estimating and more exact material ordering, helping contractors deliver on their original pricing. 

Time savings 

With a 3D model possible in under two hours, contractors can expect to spend less time preparing estimates and deliver bids to the builder more quickly. In addition to convenience, this can help enhance the customer's overall experience. 

Cost-effectiveness 

GAF Takeoff™ is competitively priced and its accuracy enables correct material ordering, reducing waste and saving money. 

Enhanced decision-making 

The GAF service's detailed reports and 3D modeling offer all parties clear insight into the project, enabling contractors and property owners to make informed choices. This can help expedite decision-making and support discussions about important issues like material staging and safety requirements. 

Exploring the suite of GAF business services 

As North America's largest roofing manufacturer, GAF is committed to providing business services that help contractors succeed. From creating measurement and property reports to gaining insight on building codes and property data to preparing insurance scopes of work, GAF offers services that improve efficiency and accuracy, save time and increase profitability. 

Curious to learn more about the newest GAF service offering? Dive deeper into the functionality of GAF Takeoff™ and explore how it can support you in taking on more work in new residential developments. 

*Terms and restrictions apply. Visit here for details. 

**GAF Takeoff™ reports are available in the U.S. and Canada for single-family homes only. Submitting a commercial or multifamily blueprint will result in order cancelation. 

Original article and photo source: GAF