By Marco Industries. 

Industry color forecasts offer valuable insight into customer preferences and can help contractors position their offerings more effectively. 

Each year, design leaders unveil their picks for the colors expected to shape trends across industries, from fashion to construction. While the selection process may seem mysterious, the impact is anything but, especially for contractors and suppliers like Marco Industries who understand how color influences customer decisions and product demand. 

For 2026, Pantone has named “Cloud Dancer” as its Color of the Year, a soft white tone expected to guide design preferences in the months ahead. As the authority behind the Pantone Matching System, Pantone sets the global standard for color consistency across materials and applications, making its annual selection a meaningful signal for manufacturers, contractors and brands alike. 

Other big names in the color word have declared their own 2026 colors of year. They are: 

• Sherwin-Williams: Universal Khaki (part of their collection with earthy, natural hues). 
• Behr: Hidden Gem (a smoky, mysterious jade green). 
• Dutch Boy: Melodious Ivory (a creamy beige for comfort and nostalgia). 
• Valspar: Warm Eucalyptus (a serene, restorative green). 
• Minwax (Stain): Special Walnut (a warm, rustic brown for wood). 
• Graham & Brown: Divine Damson (a rich, moody red). 

And don’t think roofing is excluded. Owens Corning announced that the 2026 Shingle Color of the Year is Evergreen Mist, “a nature-inspired, versatile blend of soft greens, grays and earthy tones designed to harmonize with various home styles, from traditional to modern, offering a serene, timeless look for your roof.” 

What do all these color-promoting announcements mean to you? Maybe nothing directly. We’re not saying you’re going to be overrun with phone calls requesting the shingle color of the year — or any of the other colors of the year — but don’t ignore the importance color has to your potential customers. 

Like it or not, you are in an image industry. People care what their new roof is going to look like and how it adds to (or takes away from) the rest of their home. So be proactive and talk up color and style when selling. Whether it’s the color of shingles you are able to provide to your customers, one of the many colors of metal roofing that are available or even color choices in accessories like Roofboot™ flashing from Marco (download the catalog here), show that you know and care about more than simply how long the roof will last. 

The bottom line: it’s a new year, and you have a new chance to get out there and drum up new business. Why not take advantage of color to start the conversation? 

Original article source: Marco Industries

By Marco Industries. 

Fall often delivers the most consistent conditions for roofing, but success still depends on climate and material selection. 

Roofing contractors rarely agree on the ideal time of year to schedule roof installations. Here at Marco Industries, we know that climate, material choice and regional weather patterns all play a role in determining when a roof project goes smoothly and when delays are likely. Asphalt shingles are still the most prevalent material used in residential projects, but metal, tile and low-slope membrane systems are growing in popularity and respond differently to weather shifts. This makes timing all the more essential to deliver a job well done. Many in the industry say the fall season strikes the best balance of mild temperatures and predictable weather for most materials.  

Spring often kicks off the roofing season as warmer temperatures begin to take hold. For shingle roofs, this means materials can start sealing properly, and homeowners are ready to fix issues caused by winter storms. Spring is also a good time for installing metal roofs, as moderate temperatures make it easier to handle panels and avoid expansion-related complications. However, spring is also known for unpredictable weather — frequent rain delays, slick surfaces and wind gusts can interrupt even well-planned projects. Wet conditions also complicate installations for tile and membrane systems, which require dry surfaces to ensure adhesion and performance. 

Summer, especially early summer, offers reliable weather and longer daylight hours, which can help projects move faster. This is typically when shingle and metal roofing projects hit their peak. Asphalt shingles adhere well in warm temperatures, and metal roofing installations benefit from consistent conditions that limit thermal movement during installation. That said, the peak summer heat can introduce new challenges. Asphalt shingles can become too soft, making nailing less precise, and high temperatures can cause metal panels to expand, complicating fastening. For crews, working in extreme heat creates safety concerns and reduces efficiency. Tile roofing can also be tricky in the summer, as some underlayment materials become more difficult to handle when hot. 

Fall consistently emerges as the most favorable season for a wide range of roofing materials. The moderate temperatures are ideal for asphalt shingles, allowing proper sealing before winter. Metal roofing installations benefit from reduced thermal expansion, making panel alignment and fastening more accurate. Membrane systems for low-slope areas or additions can also be installed more easily in dry, mild conditions. Homeowners are especially motivated in the fall, eager to get their roofs in shape before the cold sets in. The only downside is the compressed timeline — shorter days and increased demand mean crews must work efficiently to complete projects before winter arrives. 

Winter is the slowest and most limited season for roofing. For shingle roofs, cold temperatures prevent sealing, and brittle shingles are more likely to crack during handling. Snow, ice and freezing rain create dangerous conditions for crews and make it hard to maintain jobsite cleanliness. However, winter isn’t off-limits for all materials. Metal roofing can still be installed in winter, as long as proper precautions are taken with thermal movement and panel storage. Membrane systems like TPO or EPDM can also be installed during winter if adhesives are stored properly, and temperatures meet manufacturer minimums. Still, winter work requires significant planning and typically focuses on emergency repairs or time-sensitive builds. 

So, what’s the best season for roofing? While the answer depends on your climate, workload and materials, fall generally provides the best combination of temperature, weather stability and homeowner readiness. The key for contractors is to understand how each material interacts with weather conditions and to adapt scheduling, crew training and communication accordingly. A well-timed roof installation not only boosts performance — it also cuts down on callbacks and keeps your customers happy. 

Of course, you work when there’s work. And we do, too. So, call us whatever the season for the best ventilation and accessories for roofs available today. Visit www.MarcoIndustries.com to learn more or contact us directly via email or by calling 1-800-800-8590. 

Original article source: Marco Industries

By Emma Peterson. 

From an action‑packed expo floor to standout speakers and special events, here’s what to expect at this year’s NFBA show.  

Join more than 1,000 post-frame professionals at the 2026 National Frame Builders Association (NFBA)’s annual conference and expo! This year’s show will be hosted from February 25 to 27 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in Oklahoma and is sponsored by leading companies like Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and McElroy Metal. It's the 58th year NFBA has hosted the show and promises to be a hub for professionals wanting to “find new products, learn best practices and network with colleagues.” 

Explore the expo 

Always a highlight of the show, the expo floor at this year’s conference is full of innovative products and engaging manufacturers. MetalCoffeeShop® will be there in the foyer, so make sure to stop by and say hello to our incredible team!  

Additionally, a lot of our industry friends will be at the show, including but not limited to Everlast Roofing (Booth 645), Dripstop (Booth 937), K-9 Fasteners (Booth 232), MARCO Industries (Booth 201), MetalForming (Booth 903), Progressive Metals (Booth 745) and S-5! (booth 743).  

Check out the full expo floor map!

Level up your learning 

And the expansive expo is just the tip of the iceberg of what the NFBA conference has to offer attendees! On Tuesday (February 24), NFBA will be hosting certification testing in room 104, which is a great opportunity to take your skills and reputation to the next level.  

Then, on Wednesday (February 25) and Thursday (February 26), there will be 13 hours of educational breakout sessions per day. These sessions cover everything from business management to technical skills. Some of our industry friends are even leading some sessions, like Paul and Emily Marshall (two of our incredible MCS Influencers who you might also know as Mr. and Mrs. Post Frame).  

You can find the full schedule of education sessions online.

Exceptional events 

And, throughout the entire three days of the show, there are a variety of special events. Some of the highlights include:  

• Keynote speaker: Wednesday morning (10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.) will see Dr. Anirban Basu of Sage Policy Group deliver a powerful keynote all about the economic state of the industry. His talk will “deliver timely economic outlooks, industry-relevant analysis and forward-looking insights to help attendees better understand what’s ahead — and how to prepare their businesses for it.” 
• 2026 Women in Post Frame Meet & Greet: Later that day (February 25), NFBA will be hosting their much-anticipated Women in Post-Frame Meet & Greet at the Petroleum Club (transport provided for registered attendees). This casual event is a great way to make connections with other professionals who understand the experiences you have had.  
• Awards Luncheon: On Thursday, February 26 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., NFBA will host their annual awards luncheon. This ticketed event recognizes “exceptional performance-based accomplishments by [NFBA] members” with awards like Building of the Year, Excellence in Safety and the Bernon G. Perkins Award. 
• 2026 NFBA Foundation Auction: Closing the night on Thursday (7-10 p.m.) is the NFBA Social and Foundation Auction. The goal of the Foundation is to raise awareness of the post-frame industry by supporting education and industry advancements. This year’s theme is rodeo, so grab your hat and boots and get ready for a fun night in support of a good cause.  
• Friday fun: The last day of the show (February 27) will have a variety of expo floor competitions as well as the grand prize drawing. Whether you’re participating or cheering on from the crowd, the Screw-Driving Competition (10 a.m.) and the Nail-Pounding Competition (11 a.m.) are can’t miss events.  

If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered for this year’s NFBA conference and expo!

By Marco Industries. 

The changes reflect OSHA’s effort to make compliance more accessible and affordable for small roofing companies. 

For roofing contractors, maintaining a safe job site has always been a balancing act between protecting workers and avoiding costly fines. Until recently, small businesses often struggled with the high price of compliance, where even minor violations could result in steep penalties. That’s changing thanks to new guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that could mean significant savings for smaller employers. 

The U.S. Department of Labor has updated OSHA’s Field Operations Manual — the rulebook inspectors use when conducting job site visits and issuing penalties. The changes aim to reduce financial strain on small roofing companies while continuing to promote safe work practices. Our team at Marco Industries gathered the highlights, including expanded penalty reductions for small employers, new incentives for fixing hazards immediately and additional rewards for companies with strong safety records. 

1 – Expanded penalty reductions for small businesses 

In the past, OSHA offered a 70% penalty reduction to businesses with 10 or fewer employees. That helped some small crews but left out many growing companies. 

With the new update, that same 70% reduction now applies to businesses with up to 25 employees. That means if you’ve got a few extra crew members on the books, you’ll still qualify for a major discount if a violation occurs. 

For many roofing contractors, this is a big win. It recognizes that small businesses come in all shapes and sizes — and that even if you’re not a tiny operation, you shouldn’t be penalized like a national corporation. 

2 – Incentives for fixing hazards right away 

OSHA is also offering a 15% penalty reduction for employers who immediately correct a safety hazard once it’s identified. That means if you act quickly — before OSHA has to chase you down — you’ll be rewarded with a lighter fine. 

This is especially helpful for roofing companies, where hazards can pop up fast, and conditions can change daily. If you’ve got systems in place to identify and fix problems quickly, it’ll now pay off in more ways than one. 

3 – Clean safety record? Get a 20% discount. 

OSHA is also recognizing the value of a clean safety history. If your company has never been inspected by federal OSHA or an OSHA State Plan, or if you were inspected in the last five years and didn’t have any serious, willful or failure-to-abate violations, you now qualify for a 20% penalty reduction if something does come up. It’s a reward for doing things right — and an incentive to keep up the good work. 

These updates are already in effect. If your company is under inspection now and OSHA hasn’t issued penalties yet, the new rules apply. However, any fines that were issued before July 14, 2025, will still follow the old structure. 

If you haven’t done a recent safety check or walkthrough of your job sites, now’s a good time to do it. You might also consider brushing up on your OSHA basics or investing in a short training session for your crew. A little effort up front can go a long way toward preventing fines — and now, even if you do get dinged, the penalties won’t hit as hard. 

Remember, safety first. But a close second is surely getting the best quality products you can buy, like those from Marco. Visit our website to learn more.  

Original article source: Marco Industries

By Marco Industries.  

Learn how these emerging technologies are redefining safety, efficiency and profitability. 

It wasn’t long ago that the idea of inspecting a roof without climbing a ladder seemed impossible. Today, drone technology makes it easier and more efficient to evaluate roofs from the ground with high-resolution imagery and precise accuracy, thanks to rapid advancements in technology.  

Robotics and AI are poised to take the roofing industry to the next level. In the first two parts of our roofing revolution series, our team at Marco Industries unpacked the powerful possibilities 3D printing, self-healing materials and smart roofs will contribute to the industry. In this final article of the three-part series, we will explore how these two technologies are reshaping roofing from the ground up.  

Robotics 

Robots are doing much more than starring in science fiction movies these days. More than 4.2 million industrial robots are operating in factories worldwide — a 10% increase over last year. Typically, robotics are well-suited for simple repeated tasks. This machinery handles the repetitive, menial aspects of production, allowing human workers to focus on the more complex tasks. 

In the roofing industry, robotic technology is expected to play a role in many different capacities — sometimes functioning automatically and sometimes with human input. Certainly, robotic involvement in the manufacture of roofing materials will continue to increase. Robots will be leveraged to use high-powered imaging technology to carry out inspections on dangerous or hard-to-reach areas. Installation has even been targeted, with robotic systems in development that will, according to its developer, “be able to install shingles with greater speed and precision than human workers.” 

Artificial intelligence 

Much more complicated and philosophically challenging, is Artificial Intelligence, or “AI.” This hot-button topic has its share of both proponents and opponents. And it’s easy to see why. We’ve all heard the horror stories, but we’ve all probably also benefited from AI in one way or another, even if we didn’t know it. Regardless of which side of the AI fence you are on, one thing is certain: it’s not going anywhere. 

Drones, which we’ve already mentioned, are getting more capable by the day, thanks to AI. AI-powered drones can quickly and accurately scan roofs, identifying damage, estimating repair costs and generating reports, reducing the need for risky manual inspections. AI image recognition is the reason for this. AI algorithms can analyze images to identify shingle types, colors and damage, enabling efficient material ordering and repair planning. Remote measurement is also an AI-driven capability used in drones, improving safety and saving time and labor costs. 

One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to quickly and efficiently analyze data and then use those results to make predictions for improvement. Using AI-powered tools, roofers can now analyze previous projects and have the tool create helpful data reports. AI can pick up on patterns in those past jobs and use this information to make informed recommendations for your business. Maintenance, for example, is an opportunity area. AI’s predictive nature will allow the technology to map out a detailed timeline of optimal maintenance intervals. By switching from reactive to proactive maintenance, you can cultivate an ongoing revenue stream rather than waiting for roofs to become damaged before engaging in repairs. Using AI to identify potential roof issues long before they escalate into major problems will help keep customers happy, too. 

Smart roofers will end up leaning on AI for better lead generation and more efficient customer service. AI-powered tools can help roofers identify and target potential customers, generating leads and streamlining the sales process. AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries, schedule appointments and provide information, improving customer satisfaction and efficiency. Even project management will benefit from AI. In fact, studies predict that about 80% of today’s project management functions will be run by AI by 2030. 

The future isn’t coming. It’s here. And roofing will change forever because of it. Our advice? Get on board. Innovation has always driven our industry, and it always will.  

Original article source: Marco Industries

By Marco Industries. 

While skylights can boost natural light, it’s important to communicate the potential risks. 

Skylights can be an attractive feature for homes and commercial buildings, often marketed for their ability to brighten interior spaces and boost visual appeal with lots of natural light. However, beneath the aesthetic benefits, skylights present a range of potential problems that every roofing contractor should understand and communicate to clients. From chronic leaks to energy inefficiency to safety risks, skylights often create more complications than they’re worth.  

Our team at Marco Industries wants contractors to weigh the costs and challenges before recommending or installing a skylight. 

1 – Leaks 

You guessed it. Leaks are the scourge of skylights, and probably their most well-known negative. Even the average person could name this one. The problem is that seals and flashing can deteriorate over time, giving water an opportunity to slip in. Rain, snow, sleet and debris all make it worse and can accelerate the degradation of your skylight seals. 

Skylights have an additional risk in colder climates. They transfer heat to the roofing material that surrounds them, causing accumulated snow to melt. This results in ice dams which will eventually cause leaks as well. 

Improper installation is also a leading reason why skylights leak. This is a headache for building/homeowners, but it’s also a profit thief for the company responsible for the installation. Leaks caused by improper installation will result in costly callbacks and unsatisfied customers who could easily impact your reputation in the market and sour future business. 

2 - Light exposure 

This may be a surprise as natural lighting is often the number one benefit cited for installing skylights. Unfortunately, there really can be too much of a good thing. In both homes and commercial buildings, the risk of letting in too much light may be greater than you think. The resulting glare and additional UV exposure can negatively impact those living and working in the bright areas while flooring, furniture, artwork and other valuable items can be damaged by the excessive amount of light. 

3 - Energy inefficiency 

A large percentage of your roofing efforts — proper ventilation, sealing, material choice and more — are aimed at improving the energy efficiency of the structure you are working on. Skylights can quickly negate any gains you’ve made. They let heat escape in colder months while letting more heat in during hotter times of the year. It’s just inherent in what they are — windows to the sky — so it’s only natural that they don’t provide the same effective barrier to heat transfer that your other roofing materials do. The impact on heating and cooling costs will certainly be felt. 

4 – Falls 

Many people, homeowners and commercial maintenance workers alike, assume skylights are designed to bear their weight. They are not. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration puts skylights in the same category as other open holes. Standing or sitting on them — or accidentally falling onto them — could cause serious injury or even fatalities. 

5 - Breakage 

There is no doubt modern skylights are better than they used to be in all areas. But they can’t escape the fact that they are holes in the roofing system and are simply more vulnerable than traditional roofing materials. One such drawback is the risk of breakage. Flying debris, hail and other storm-related assaults can more easily crack skylights than punch a hole through the rest of the roof. As the weakest part of the roof, a skylight can also be more susceptible to failure from heavy snowfall and ice. 

By now, you’re thinking we’re anti-skylights. We’re not. They can be beautiful additions to a home or building when designed, placed and installed correctly. But they still come with risks, and that’s what should be considered. Make sure people who are asking you about skylights are aware of the possible hidden costs, from increased roof maintenance and utility costs to the safety concerns skylights can add to a home of building. 

Here at Marco, we don’t offer skylights, but we do offer plenty of solutions that will help with the energy efficiency of your roofing system. Check out the entire Marco Weather-Tite™ System and www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact us directly, you can email us or give us a call! 

Original article and photo source: Marco Industries

By Marco Industries.  

With smart home adoption on the rise, roofs are getting smarter, too. 

Smart homes devices are shifting from novelty to near necessity. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home are now standards in millions of households, allowing users to dim lights, play music, set kitchen timers and get weather updates with a simple command. Apps can remotely control air conditioning, lock doors and monitor security cameras in real time, all from a smartphone. These once-futuristic features are quickly becoming the new standard for how we manage comfort, safety and efficiency at home.  

Roofing is set to become part of this connected ecosystem. In part one of our roofing revolution series, our team at Marco Industries explored the possibilities 3D printing and self-healing materials can have in shaping the industry. For part two, we are excited to highlight smart roofing as the next frontier in residential and commercial building innovation. 

Smart roofing 

One example of “the-future-is-here” technology making waves in our industry is smart roofing. Smart roofs integrate sensors, cameras and connectivity to monitor and control various roof aspects. They can detect leaks, blocked drains, heavy snow loads and more. They can track roof temperature fluctuations and control the humidity, temperature and airflow of the building. They can remotely control skylights and integrate with solar panels, sensing the peak times to convert this light into electricity. 

Smart roofs often use IoT technology in order to sense and react to environmental conditions that can affect the home. IoT — the Internet of Things — refers to the network of physical objects, or “things,” embedded with sensors, software and network connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data over the internet. This allows for communication and interaction between people, processes and things, creating a seamless and connected physical and digital world. For smart roofs, this is accomplished through interactive sensors that cover the roof. They communicate, relaying information to one another in order to adjust the roofs settings such as ventilation and absorbing solar energy. 

In addition to solar-integrated systems and sensor-equipped materials to detect leaks, damage, insulation gaps and more, smart roofs can also incorporate other technologies. For instance, cool- or white-roofing technology uses reflective coatings or materials to “bounce away” more solar energy than a regular roof. By reflecting this energy rather than absorbing it, the roof helps keep interiors cooler which saves on energy costs. 

Green roofing systems are also on the rise. This smart-roof choice uses a layer of plants to trap rainwater, insulate buildings and lower urban temperatures. This eco-friendly option can reduce building cooling costs by up to 70% and indoor air temperatures by 27°F compared to conventional roofs. They can retain up to 70-90% of precipitation in the summer. Proponents say green roofs can increase property values by 7-11% and have a lifespan of 40-50 years. 

Phase-changing materials (PCMs) are another smart-roof technology that’s making waves. Studies have shown that PCMs can reduce internal surface heat flux by approximately 12-17%. By absorbing and releasing heat, they help maintain stable indoor temperatures, keeping indoor spaces comfortable year-round without excessive HVAC use, which reduces energy consumption and cost and eases the load on a community’s utility grid by reducing peak demand for heating and cooling. 

Ideally, smart roofing systems would be part of an entire smart home. Here, these innovations could integrate with other smart elements to give the home or building owner access to full performance data of the structure, allowing them to monitor and adjust settings accordingly. But even on their own, smart roofs are a great benefit to a building’s sustainability and will help save costs over time. 

Thanks to technology, roofs are no longer simply passive protection for structures. Today’s smart roof is a tech-heavy system that actively contributes to a home or building’s safety, efficiency and longevity. 

This is the second of a three-part series. Next up: robotics and AI.  

Original article source: Marco Industries

By Jenny Yu.  

This vent is up for METALCON’s 2025 Top Product Awards. 

Marco Industries’ new Metal Roofing Gooseneck Vent is in the running for a METALCON 2025 Top Product Award, marking a notable recognition for the company’s latest innovation.  

The Metal Roofing Gooseneck Vent is engineered specifically for metal roofs to help prevent leaks, protect property and assure ventilation, ideal for promoting superior airflow through kitchen and bathroom exhausts. Constructed from rugged 26-gauge Galvalume metal, it is compatible for roof pitches from 3/12 to 12/12, making it versatile for many roof designs. Available in 4-inch, 6-inch and 10-inch sizes and offered in a variety of colors, the vent includes a built-in water-tight damper duct that is quick to open and close while reliably keeping rodents, birds, debris and the elements out.  

The Metal Roofing Gooseneck Vent also passed the Standard TAS 100 Wind-Driven Rain Test, which proves its ability to protect underlying roof components from moisture and the entire structure from leaks. The product comes with a 25-year prorated warranty, underscoring its quality, durability and long-term performance.  

The METALCON Top Product Awards spotlight innovation in the metal industry every year for the past five years. The Metal Roofing Gooseneck Vent joins other standout nominees, including MetalCoffeeShop®’s Metal Coffee Conversations™. The top three award winning products will be determined via public online voting and will be announced live at a special onsite ceremony on October 22, 2025, the second day of METALCON. 

You can also see the Metal Roofing Gooseneck Vent in person at Marco’s booth at METALCON, booth 6068. Ask the team your questions and explore Marco’s line of high-performing metal roofing solutions! 

Learn more about how you can see Marco Industries’ Metal Roofing Gooseneck Vent at METALCON, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite metal innovations before the awards ceremony!

By MARCO Industries. 

In a summary of the new legislation, the NRCA breaks down the pros and cons for the industry. 

On July 4, 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBB Act) officially became law, introducing major changes to tax codes and federal spending. While the legislation has sparked much debate, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) assessed that the act is “overwhelmingly positive” for the roofing industry.  

The OBBB Act is a massive piece of legislation, spanning 887 pages. The NRCA broke it down in a summary. From long-awaited tax provisions to increased expensing limits for equipment and property, the bill includes updates that meet NRCA priorities. Our team at MARCO Industries pulled some highlights that we believe are most relevant to roofing contractors. 

• A 20% tax deduction was made permanent (Section 199A), providing relief for pass-through businesses by enhancing cash flow. It is retroactive to January 1, 2025. 
• Income thresholds were set and the top individual rate of 37% was made permanent. 
• Estate tax exemption was made permanent and increased to $15 million, protecting family businesses from one generation to the next. 
• Bonus depreciation was made permanent at 100%, restoring full expensing for investments in machines, equipment and vehicles. 
• The Section 179 Cap was raised from $1 million to $2.5 million to allow full expensing of nonresidential real property. 
• Section 1031 (Like-kind exchanges) was made permanent which, though an indirect benefit, maintains the ability to defer capital gains taxes through property exchanges. 
• Pell grants were improved to include training and certification programs, and Section 529 was expanded to include tuition savings plans that include training and certification programs. 

Not all the provisions of the OBBB Act are considered good news for roofing, though. Several cuts to clean energy tax provisions have drawn criticism, with NRCA officials stating, “We are disappointed that the final bill includes the phase-out or termination of several energy tax provisions, including solar credits.” 

Roofing companies are also advised to take notice of the historic funding boosts to immigration enforcement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency, which will likely lead to stricter employment verification and the potential for increased ICE raids. This, of course, could make the labor shortage in roofing even worse. 

Naturally, there’s much more to dig into. You can read NRCA’s summary here, or the entire bill here. 

For even easier reading, check out the lab-tested, field-proven ventilation solutions and other superior products from MARCO at www.MarcoIndustries.com. 

Original article source: MARCO Industries 

By Marco Industries. 

As roofing equipment and materials become smarter and more adaptive, the trade is evolving faster than ever before.  

In the ever-accelerating world of technology, change is no longer measured in centuries. While it took humanity millions of years to master fire for cooking and heating, today, everyday tools like smartphones, cloud storage and AI have quickly redefined how we live, all in the past two decades.  

While industries like automotive, healthcare and aerospace often dominate tech headlines, the roofing sector is also undergoing its own revolution. New materials and advanced manufacturing techniques are beginning to reshape how we think about roof design, performance and sustainability.  

In this three-part series, our team at Marco Industries will explore key innovations — starting with 3D printing and self-healing materials — that could soon transform the future of roofing as we know it.  

3D printing 

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD or digital 3D model. In the 1980s, 3D printing techniques were used primarily only to produce functional or aesthetic prototypes. Think “rapid prototyping.” By 2019, however, the precision, repeatability and material range of 3D printing increased to the point that some 3D printing processes became viable as an industrial-production technology. They could produce very complex shapes or geometries that would be otherwise infeasible to construct by hand, including hollow parts or parts with internal truss structures to reduce weight while creating less material waste. 

Could this technology find its way into roofing? Absolutely. 3D printers capable of constructing entire houses, including their roofs, are being developed as you read this. In fact, they’ve already produced an entirely 3D-printed house, printed in concrete. What could that do to the possibilities for design and customization in roofing? Roofs no longer bound by traditional shapes and materials? You can bet on it. 

Self-healing materials 

Roofs must perform in a variety of harsh environments. They are exposed to the elements 24/7/365, without a break. That kind of wear and tear adds up. As a result, maintenance is vital to ensure the roof doesn’t become compromised. Extensive damage including granule loss, cracks, water penetration and UV degradation will diminish a roof’s performance. That’s where self-healing materials can help. 

Made from thermoplastics, self-healing shingles allow for the roof itself to continuously repair small-scale scratches and wear. As the shingles heat up during the day, polymers in the thermoplastics separate, which create new bonds as the shingle cools down. This “heals” small scratches or damage to the shingle itself. Experts say that while this process can’t prevent significant damage or make the roof immune to weather conditions, it’s an exciting step towards slowing down the natural erosion of roofing elements. 

Roofing has evolved tremendously over time. Early roofing relied on natural materials like animal hides, mud and vegetation. Greece and Babylon used flat earthenware roof tiles between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. The Romans brought variations of the Greek clay tiles to England as early as 100 BC. Around 735 AD, thatched roofs were developed and used. Wood shingles were introduced 300 years later. Today, we’re seeing a whirlwind of technological advances that are impacting roofing and will have a profound effect on our industry in the years to come. Our advice: pay attention and be ready. 

This is the first of a three-part series. Next up: smart roofing and cool roofing.  

Original article source: Marco Industries