By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

As daylight fades and temperatures drop, roofing contractors can strengthen safety culture by making mental health part of everyday crew conversations.

Editor’s note: Statistics and health information were checked against NRCA, CPWR and the National Institute of Mental Health.

When contractors prepare for winter, the conversation typically focuses on cold-weather safety, fall protection, equipment maintenance and changing schedules. Those priorities are essential, but the darker months also bring an important opportunity to talk about mental health.

Mental health and the construction industry

The construction industry has made meaningful progress in addressing mental health and suicide prevention, but the numbers show why this work must continue. The National Roofing Contractors Association reports that an estimated one in five adults live with a mental illness and fewer than half seek treatment. NRCA also notes that construction has the second-highest suicide rate among major U.S. industries. Research from CPWR, The Center for Construction Research and Training, found that the 2021 suicide death rate among construction workers was 46.1 per 100,000 workers, compared with 19.5 per 100,000 across all industries, making the construction rate 2.4 times higher.

Seasonal changes add another reason to keep mental health visible as winter approaches. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that many people experience mood changes when the days become shorter, while winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder often begins in late fall or early winter. Symptoms can include lower energy, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite and social withdrawal, all of which deserve awareness and compassion rather than judgment.

Resources for roofers

Roofing is already demanding work, and shorter days can affect people differently. Contractors do not need to diagnose employees or turn supervisors into counselors. They can create a workplace where checking in is normal and support is easy to find.  Most of all, it is normalizing that when employees ask for help it is a sign of strength.

A practical place to begin is the NRCA Suicide Prevention Toolbox Talk. The resource helps supervisors and crew leaders start conversations about stress management, self-care and healthy lifestyles while recognizing when someone may be struggling. It identifies potential warning signs such as withdrawal, hopelessness, decreased productivity, increased tardiness or absenteeism, extreme mood swings and comments that suggest a person feels like a burden.

The toolbox talk also reinforces a message every roofing company can use. People do not need to be mental health experts to make a difference, but they do need to pay attention along with showing concern and responding when something does not seem right. Asking a coworker how they are doing, listening without minimizing their experience and helping them connect with support can be an important first step.

Contractors can download the toolbox talk and use it during winter safety meetings, then return to the topic throughout the season. Mental health should not be limited to a single annual presentation or awareness week. Short, consistent conversations can help make support part of everyday company culture and remind employees that they are not expected to handle difficult moments alone.

NRCA also offers a broader Mental Health Resource Center created for the roofing industry. Contractors can find fact sheets, posters, hard hat stickers, educational programs, English and Spanish materials and connections to additional construction-focused organizations. NRCA member companies can also access free online suicide prevention training through the association’s partnership with LivingWorks.

Roofing and mental health safety

At The Coffee Shops, we strongly encourage roofing contractors to review these resources and make mental health part of their winter safety strategy. Just as companies inspect equipment, monitor weather and reinforce fall protection, they should regularly check on the people who make their businesses successful. A stronger safety culture protects the whole person, both on and off the roof.

We also encourage contractors to look at the broader value of membership in the National Roofing Contractors Association. NRCA provides advocacy, education, technical expertise and workforce resources while continuing to invest in the health and well-being of roofing professionals and their families. Its mental health and suicide prevention materials give contractors credible, practical tools they can bring directly to their teams.

Winter presents real challenges, but it also creates an opportunity to strengthen connections across a company. By adding mental health to toolbox talks along with watching changes in coworkers and sharing trusted NRCA resources, contractors can help build workplaces where employees feel valued and supported. And those workplaces are where focus, decision-making and productivity all thrive.

If someone is in immediate emotional distress or may be considering suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and call 911 when there is an immediate life-threatening emergency.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Outside education can help roofing companies fill knowledge gaps, strengthen fundamentals and build employee development into a more complete training system. 

Building a strong training program does not require a company to teach every skill internally. Service First Solutions emphasizes that industry education can complement in-house instruction by giving employees access to technical knowledge and perspectives they may not encounter within their own organization. 

Programs such as NRCA’s Roofing 101 can provide a foundation in roofing systems and industry fundamentals. The University of Wisconsin’s Low Slope and Metal Roofing Systems courses offer another opportunity for employees to deepen their technical knowledge. By identifying resources that align with specific roles and responsibilities, companies can use outside education to support the skills their teams need to develop. 

The value of these programs grows when companies make them part of an intentional training system rather than treating them as occasional events. Leaders can identify the skills needed for each position, select outside programs that support those needs and incorporate those opportunities into individual development plans. This approach also demonstrates a company’s investment in employee growth. 

Internal training remains essential because each organization understands its own processes and expectations best. Those company-specific lessons should continue to be taught from within. At the same time, outside expertise can strengthen a team by supplementing internal knowledge with additional technical instruction and industry perspectives. 

Service First Solutions also highlights several ways companies can continue developing their organizations, including intensive contractor visits, service-focused peer groups and total access consulting. Together with outside educational resources, these opportunities can help companies create a broader approach to employee development. 

Learn more about Service First Solutions and its training and consulting resources!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

NRCA leaders say persistent workforce challenges make industry engagement more important than ever. 

During a recent episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) leaders offered their insights regarding the state of federal advocacy and why roofing professionals should remain engaged despite an increasingly difficult political environment. 

When asked to describe the current state of advocacy in a word, NRCA Vice President of Government Relations Duane Musser shared “The one word I would use is challenging.” 

Duane explained that political polarization and a slower congressional process have made it harder to advance legislation, even when broad industry needs are clear. “We do, in this day and age, live in a challenging political and legislative environment in Washington, D.C. so our advocacy efforts have become more challenging.” 
 
 Still, he emphasized that despite the difficulties, their work is increasingly important, saying, “Advocacy has only become more important as the challenges grow.”  

A major focus continues to be workforce development. For NRCA, that means supporting policies that expand career and technical education (CTE), increase funding for Perkins grants and create more pathways into the skilled trades. According to the discussion, workforce issues have remained a central priority since Roofing Day in D.C. began in 2018. 

Brad Stine, NRCA's director of federal affairs, acknowledged the challenges and when asked for his own one-word assessment, Brad chose “potential.” 

“There's some potential there. We've seen an explosion of interest in apprenticeships. There's a lot of discussion on Capitol Hill, a lot of chatter, around the value of apprenticeships,” he shared. 

He pointed to growing bipartisan support for CTE programs and apprenticeships, noting that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle increasingly recognize the need to strengthen the skilled labor pipeline. As Congress continues to discuss workforce shortages, those areas remain opportunities for meaningful progress. 

The conversation also underscored the value of relationship-building. Heidi J. Ellsworth noted that engagement with elected officials often mirrors success in the roofing business itself, where trust and long-term connections drive results. Duane agreed, highlighting Roofing Day and political engagement through ROOFPAC as important tools for strengthening connections with policymakers. 

While progress may be difficult, NRCA's message was clear: advocacy remains one of the industry's most important investments. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about roofing industry advocacy and workforce development. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This association promotes professional roofing practices through contractor standards, education, industry advocacy and warranty protection. 

For more than 30 years, the New Brunswick Roofing Contractors Association (NBRCA) has served as a voice for the roofing industry in New Brunswick, Canada, with a focus on quality roofing systems, safe practices and protecting the public interest. Founded in 1969, the association represents professional roofing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants and quality assurance observers. NBRCA contractor members, supported by associate, consultant and observer members as well as trained employees, have installed more than four out of five roofs in New Brunswick’s commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. 

Membership requires contractors to complete an extensive screening and qualification process covering business and technical expertise, financial stability and a history of professional service. Contractor members must carry a New Brunswick business license, maintain a minimum of $2 million in roofing-related liability insurance and hold WorkSafeNB coverage. Members are also expected to meet safety and training requirements, maintain qualified staff, adhere to an established code of ethics and participate in continuing education. 

NBRCA is affiliated with the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in the U.S. NBRCA contractor members must also belong to CRCA, giving them the ability to offer clients the nationally recognized two-year CRCA Standard Form of Warranty. 

The warranty covers actual deficiencies resulting from a failure to substantially comply with approved plans, specifications and changes during its two-year term, subject to the warranty’s conditions. Clients receiving a CRCA warranty are also provided with the CRCA Roof Maintenance Guide. 

Through contractor qualifications, education, advocacy and warranty resources, NBRCA works to support professional roofing practices throughout New Brunswick. 

Learn more about the New Brunswick Roofing Contractors Association and its membership, standards and warranty resources!

By The Coffee Shops®.

New tariffs on Canadian imports could affect construction costs and supply chains, making it important for roofing contractors to monitor pricing, supplier updates and project planning.

Roofing contractors already are navigating a challenging business environment, and a new round of tariffs on certain Canadian imports could add another factor to monitor in the months ahead. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), new 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian products officially took effect August 22 after a brief delay from their original implementation date. The tariffs were announced July 20 and followed unsuccessful trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada.  

While the tariffs are not aimed specifically at the roofing industry, they cover a variety of goods that can influence construction and building supply chains, including cement and some building materials. For roofing contractors, that means the potential for cost fluctuations throughout the broader construction market, even if roofing products are not directly affected.  

The tariffs were implemented under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a trade measure used to address what the U.S. government considers discriminatory treatment of American industries. According to NRCA, the tariffs apply to covered goods regardless of whether they qualify under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, certain products already subject to tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 are excluded.  

For roofing businesses, the immediate impact may be less about specific products and more about overall market uncertainty. Changes in material pricing, transportation costs and supplier strategies often ripple through the construction sector when major trade actions are introduced. Contractors who rely on long-term estimates, fixed-price contracts or large project bids may want to keep a close eye on supplier communications and pricing trends in the weeks ahead. 

The announcement also serves as a reminder of how quickly economic and policy developments can influence the roofing industry. Whether it's tariffs, labor challenges or broader economic conditions, staying informed helps contractors make smarter purchasing decisions and better manage risk. 

As the situation develops, roofing professionals should continue monitoring updates from NRCA and their suppliers to understand whether these new trade measures could affect future project costs, material availability or business planning decisions. 

Learn more about tariffs on Canadian imports.

By Emma Peterson. 

Insights on navigating consolidation, managing risk and building the operational discipline needed to succeed in today’s roofing industry.  

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth and Trent Cotney sat down for a conversation about the current state of the roofing industry and how contractors can navigate a market that is increasingly less forgiving of error. Trent is a partner at the Adams and Reese law firm with over 30 years of experience counseling roofers, giving him a firsthand seat to how the struggles of contractors have shifted over the years.  

Looking at the industry today, Trent says that operational excellence is even more important than it has always been. He shared, “Having that operational excellence is always something that that we advocate for, but it’s even more key as our market tightens and there is less and less room for error.”  

What is causing this tightening industry? Trent points out how the competition and market landscape are constantly shifting due to consolidation. As he put it, “We're continuing to see consolidation among the industry that's created a lot of uncertainty. It goes two ways. One, you have your competitor down the street and if they join a bigger company and suddenly have a lot more market capability overnight, that’s hard to navigate.” He went on, “On the flip side, some of these consolidations are backfiring. There’s a handful of examples of people getting into the business and not understanding the nuances of roofing and suddenly there’s a gap in the market from a business closing down.”  

Trent’s best advice for navigating this highly uncertain market? Run a tight ship and lean on trusted resources. He explained, “In roofing, the market is tight. There will be 10 contractors that go under today and 20 new ones tomorrow, and that’s just how it is... How do you avoid being one that goes under? Get as much information you can.”  

Take the time to read articles from experts like Trent (which you can find here on RoofersCoffeeShop), check out the resources from industry associations like National Roofing Contractors Association and talk to your peers in the industry at events and gatherings. As Trent put it, “Find a really solid group of people that you can talk to and learn from. Even if they’re your competition in some spots, this is really a great industry. Most people want to help; I know I’m always happy to answer questions no matter if I’m on the road or sitting at my computer. That community is how you survive an unstable market like we have today.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more!  

By Emma Peterson. 

Monica Murphy shares why the relationships, education and opportunities gained through NRCA's premier legal event can have a lasting impact. 

On October 7 and 8, 2026, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be hosting their live LEGALCon event! This is the association’s premier legal event and aims to “equip roofing professionals with the insights they need to navigate the current complex business environment with confidence.” To learn more about the event and why contractors and professionals should attend, we spoke to Monica Murphy of Ray Nolan Roofing for a LEGALCon-focused episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Monica opened with some background information on the event, saying, “This is more than just a legal conference. Our scope covers everything from insurance and risk to AI and contract provisions.” As such, the event’s speaker list includes both attorneys and other industry leaders. She shared, “We have a lot of attorneys, a big one is Trent Cotney from Adams and Reese who is also the general counsel for NRCA. We also have non-attorneys, like Mark Graham with the NRCA who will be giving a technical update and Adrianne Anglin, also with the NRCA, who will be speaking on fleet safety.” 

In addition to the expanded scope, Monica and the NRCA team have worked to ensure that there are both formal and informal learning opportunities at the conference so that every attendee walks away with key knowledge and strategies that can be applied as soon as they return to their office. She explained:  

Attendees can of course get incredible information during their official talks, but sometimes you have questions that maybe wouldn't have been applicable to raise your hand during the seminar to ask in front of everybody. To make sure those questions also get answered, we've also planned breaks between each speaker where people can either network with your peers that are sitting around your table or to go ask the speaker that one-on-one question. 

Overall, LEGALCon 2026 is a two-day event that is a must-attend for anyone in the roofing industry. As Monica put it, “I really cannot express enough how valuable this event is... These roofing contractors, these speakers, we all want to help each other out and we all want to elevate our industry. And our business has really prospered because of opportunities that have come directly from LEGALCon.” 

If you haven’t already, register to attend LEGALCon 2026! The event is planned for October 7-8, 2026, at the Omni Hotel in Chicago, Illinois with registration closing on October 1, 2026. Want to learn more about the conference? Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording with Monica! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore this month’s most popular roofing stories.  

As we enter the final quarter of 2026, it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s happened so far! From the surge of AI tools to the constantly evolving landscape that is global geopolitics, there's a lot going on. To make it a bit easier, we highlighted the articles that resonated the most with our audience.  

For September 2026, our top ten list featured multiple articles focused on safety. One of these articles was written by Heidi J. Ellsworth, who is the CEO and president of The Coffee Shops®. Her article focused on Construction Suicide Prevention Week (which was September 14-18) and highlighted the importance of “creating a workplace where people know it is safe to speak up, supervisors know how to respond and everyone understands where immediate help is available.” The other safety article focuses more on the physical aspect of safety, specifically how maintenance and driver training are key to keeping your fleet of vehicles safe.  

The Coffee Shops’ talented writing team also made the list this month! One was Jesse Sanchez’s article about Polyglass’ new single-ply, insulation and waterproofing systems and how they protect “all six sides of the building envelope.” The other two articles from the editorial team came from me and focused on the state of the roofing industry market and an innovative solution to recycling construction waste.  

Read all ten of the top articles:

10 - METALCON announces inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees

9 - Customer reviews put roofing software on top

8 - An uneven but expanding market

7 - Keep your fleet safe on summer roads

6 - Master the market with metal

5 - Leadership takes the stage at MRCA

4 - Protecting all six sides of the building envelope

3 - How much wood could a Woodchuck divert?

2 - Don’t miss NRCA’s LEGALCon Live 2026

1 - Building a safer construction industry starts with a conversation

Por Jessica Bravo.  

Este septiembre conversamos sobre liderazgo, desarrollo profesional, grandes eventos de la industria y el orgullo de nuestra herencia hispana.  

Uno de los temas que destacó este mes fue el compromiso de National Women in Roofing (NWIR) con el desarrollo de futuros líderes a través de su programa BOOTS. Como asociación impulsada por voluntarios y dedicada a apoyar a las mujeres dentro de la industria del techado, NWIR depende de profesionales dispuestos a compartir su tiempo, experiencia y perspectivas. El programa BOOTS ofrece una oportunidad para involucrarse más profundamente en la organización mientras se desarrolla una trayectoria hacia posiciones de liderazgo, incluyendo roles dentro de la Mesa Directiva. Los interesados pueden conocer más sobre las vacantes disponibles y enviar su solicitud antes del 15 de noviembre. 

El desarrollo de líderes también sigue siendo una prioridad para National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Las iniciativas centradas en las personas continúan fortaleciendo el liderazgo, ampliando oportunidades para la fuerza laboral y promoviendo el bienestar de quienes forman parte de nuestra industria. Obtenga más información sobre la asociación en su directorio o visite su sitio web en www.nrca.net. 

Aunque el Western Roofing Expo (WRE) ya concluyó, las conversaciones y aprendizajes que surgieron durante el evento continúan generando valor. La educación, las conexiones y las novedades compartidas durante el show seguirán siendo tema de conversación durante los próximos meses. Mantente atento a RoofersCoffeeShop para conocer más historias, entrevistas y contenido destacado que surgió del evento. 

La industria se prepara para METALCON. Este año, el evento celebrará su 35.º aniversario del 7 al 9 de octubre de 2026 en el Orange County Convention Center de Orlando, Florida. Además de una amplia área de exhibición y un sólido programa educativo, los asistentes podrán participar en eventos especiales de networking, reconocimientos de la industria y diversas actividades diseñadas para celebrar a la comunidad del metal en construcción. Si planeas asistir, recuerda registrarte con anticipación y aprovechar los recursos y cobertura que compartiremos a través de MetalCoffeeShop En Español. 

Finalmente, septiembre también marca el inicio de una de las celebraciones más significativas para nuestra comunidad: el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Más allá de reconocer la cultura, las tradiciones y las contribuciones de los profesionales latinos, este momento nos invita a destacar el liderazgo, la perseverancia y el impacto que la comunidad hispanohablante tiene en la industria del techado.  

Ha sido un gran comienzo para septiembre y aún queda mucho por compartir. Seguiremos llevando hasta ustedes las historias, iniciativas y eventos que continúan fortaleciendo el futuro de nuestra industria. 

5 – Más allá de una celebración: Apoyando a la comunidad hispanohablante todo el año

4 – Honrando el pasado y construyendo el futuro en METALCON 2026

3 – Asegura tu agenda para WRE 2026

2 – Invertir en las personas es invertir en el futuro de la industria del techado

1 – NWIR busca a los futuros líderes de la industria a través del programa BOOTS

By The Coffee Shops®.

Explore the tools available to help protect one of your company's most valuable assets — Your people.

Roofing contractors are no strangers to prioritizing safety. Every day, companies invest time and resources into preventing falls, reducing jobsite hazards and protecting workers from physical injury. But as Suicide Prevention Month begins, industry leaders are being reminded that worker safety extends beyond hard hats and harnesses. Mental health deserves the same attention.

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is encouraging roofing professionals to use Suicide Prevention Month as a reminder of the importance of creating healthier, more supportive workplaces – both physically and mentally. And as part of its ongoing commitment to worker well-being, NRCA continues to partner with organizations focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness to make sure construction professionals have the resources they need to do that.

Resources roofing companies can put to work

One of the biggest barriers to addressing mental health issues is knowing where to start. The good news is that contractors do not have to build a program from scratch.

NRCA is a member of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), a coalition of organizations committed to promoting mental health and suicide prevention throughout the construction industry. The alliance's mission is to provide and share resources that support mental health awareness while working toward the goal of a zero-suicide industry.

These resources include educational materials, workplace posters, published articles and guidance for planning training sessions and awareness events. Together, these tools can help companies begin conversations around mental health and provide employees with information about where to seek support when needed.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week returns

For contractors looking to take a more proactive approach, Construction Suicide Prevention Week, taking place September 14-18, provides a natural opportunity to reinforce company culture, educate supervisors and remind team members that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The nationwide initiative is designed to raise awareness about the unique challenges construction workers face and the actions employers and coworkers can take to support one another.

A key event during the week is the Construction Suicide Prevention Week National Stand-Down on September 14. Similar to traditional safety stand-downs, the event provides an opportunity for companies to pause operations briefly and focus on education, awareness and discussion around mental health and suicide prevention.

NRCA is once again serving as a cornerstone sponsor of the initiative, reinforcing the association's belief that mental health is an essential component of workplace safety.

Supporting your team year-round

While September shines a spotlight on mental health awareness, contractors can make a lasting impact by continuing these conversations throughout the year. Simple actions such as supervisor training, sharing support resources, fostering open communication and encouraging employees to look out for one another can help create a stronger workplace culture.

NRCA also provides free suicide prevention training for member companies through its Be Tough Enough initiative, providing another valuable resource for businesses that want to equip their teams with practical knowledge and support strategies.

Building a stronger industry

Construction is a high-pressure environment with long hours, physically demanding work, financial stress, travel demands and seasonal uncertainty. While these challenges are often viewed as part of the job, this can all take a toll on workers. And for an industry that prides itself on physically taking care of its people, it has become clear that mental health deserves the same level of commitment. Suicide Prevention Month serves as an important reminder of the available resources and awareness initiatives that are there to help contractors encourage open dialogue,and can help create workplaces where employees feel supported in all ways.

To learn more about the resources available through NRCA, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, visit the NRCA website.