By Jenny Yu.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jenny Yu.  

Accelerate your business success at this year’s four-day event. 

The 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo returns to the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, from February 16-19, 2026, bringing one of the Southeast’s largest regional roofing trade shows to contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals. Hosted by the Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA), the multi-day event features nearly 100 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest roofing technology, safety tools, equipment and industry services. 

Attendees can expect an energized atmosphere where networking and product innovation drive the conversation. On Wednesday, February 18, keynote speaker Mike Metcalf, Jr., of D.E.C.K. Leadership will take the wheel. A NASCAR pit-crew coach, Mike will present “12 Second Culture,” a presentation that will inspire leaders to run their crews like a cockpit, prioritizing efficiency, teamwork and kindness. 

Wednesday is also Trade Show Day, where exhibitors will offer exciting hands-on demonstrations of the latest technological trends. One demonstration to pencil into your calendar is “Mastering TPO Hand Welding” with Johns Manville at 1:45 p.m. Pull up to booth #311 to learn the best practices of hand welding TPO membranes from their team of technical experts! 

Alongside the bustling exhibition floor, CRSMCA’s expo includes educational opportunities designed for professionals at every level. Thursday, February 19, is Education Day when the learning switches to full gear. Curated sessions will deliver actionable takeaways that help businesses sharpen operations and stay ahead of evolving market demands. Here are the three educational sessions you can’t miss:  

Session 1: How to build a profitable business that you can sell or take to the bank  

• Presenter: Matt Thompson, Splash Omnimedia 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Session 2: PVC - The other white sheet 

• Presenter: Mary Beth Reed, GAF 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

Session 3: Modern roofing technologies 

• Presenter: Hannah Safren, Polyglass 
• When: Thursday, 2/19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

Registration fees cover access to all education sessions, networking receptions, trade show entry and more! Sponsorship packages are still available, providing a variety of booth, advertising and branding opportunities. Sponsors include BITEC, Inc.® and KARNAK (Team Goodwill) and Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC), a Carlisle Architectural Metals company (Team Diamond). 

Register and learn more about the 2026 Carolinas Mid-Winter Roofing Expo!

By Jenny Yu.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By PAC-CLAD | Petersen.  

ColorGard 2.0 is designed with roofers in mind. 

PAC-CLAD | Petersen, a Carlisle company, launched its new ColorGard 2.0 snow retention system. An updated solution to deliver improved performance, ColorGard 2.0 features easier installation, more efficient components and safer application. Developed to prioritize safety, dependability and simplicity, the system minimizes the danger of rooftop avalanches without compromising the high-quality performance and clean aesthetics of metal roofing. 

ColorGard 2.0 is a solution that prevents rooftop avalanches, which pose a risk during winter months as accumulated snow and ice can slide off the roof, endangering people and property below. This new design simplifies the assembly process and significantly reduces installation time. Installers no longer are required to preassemble ColorGard 2.0 before getting on the roof — it is now a true lay-and play system for new construction and retrofit applications. 

“We’re excited to offer a next-generation snow-retention solution that is born specifically from contractor feedback,” said Mike Weis, vice president of sales for Carlisle Architectural Metals. “It’s aimed at making the installation process easier and quicker to provide labor savings. The true lay-and-play system functionality and ease of installation aligns directly with Petersen’s values, and we’re pleased to offer this innovative solution.” Designed to last the life of a roof with corrosion-resistant materials, ColorGard 2.0 is load-tested on 500+ roof profiles, ensuring safety and reliability. 

The new VersaClip 2.0 can be installed directly over splices, removing the need for in-field cutting. The ColorGard Crossmember 2.0 and VersaClip 2.0 offer improved functionality, while the included splice ensures continuous, unbroken snow retention with room for expansion and contraction. The ColorGard SnoClip 2.0 also utilizes the lay-and-play installation method and is held in place with a zip screw for permanent placement. ColorGard Clamps that attach the crossmember to the standing seam roof will remain unchanged. 

All 2.0 components will be clearly marked in material descriptions to differentiate them from original 1.0 parts. Additionally, a customer portal, hosted on the ColorGard website, will be available for selling of existing 1.0 inventory. This will provide distributors with the opportunity to manage stock before transitioning to the new system. 

Petersen will sell all existing inventory of the original ColorGard 1.0 system before making the switch to the new ColorGard 2.0 system. Petersen customers and distributors should plan accordingly. Contact a Petersen sales representative with questions or for further details. 

Original article and photo source: PAC-CLAD | Petersen

By Jenny Yu.  

How a leader in metal roofing is expanding its reach with new offerings.  

At The Coffee Shops™ Soundstage at METALCON 2024, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Mike Weis, vice president of sales for PAC-CLAD | Petersen, a Carlisle Company, about Petersen’s newest products. For 60 years, Petersen has been a leader in the architectural metal industry focused on manufacturing high-performing roofing products for commercial construction. Today, Petersen continues to innovate to support architects, contractors, building owners and designers.  

For example, over the last 10 years, Petersen has pushed to become more architecturally significant on the wall side of the industry. 

“Think about panels that used to be more industrial or agricultural,” Mike stated. “We’ve taken those profiles and products and turned them into something that architects and designers can use and use well to create a brand of their own with our products on the wall. We want to make sure designers look to us and say, ‘I really want to design my building around some of these products.’” 

Petersen prioritizes listening to the market and to their customers to learn what types of products they want to not only secure and waterproof a structure with but also make it visually and aesthetically pleasing. So, on top of expanding into walls, Petersen has developed  a new color palette. 

“We’ve expanded our color profiles, which we haven’t done in probably 30 years,” Mike shared. “We now have close to 50 different colors. For an architect, it’s like a toy box for them. They can select any color, any profile, they can mix and match. We are constantly trying to innovate and bring new things to market.” 

As the demand for metal continues to rise due to its sustainability, durability and flexibility, Petersen continues to meet the moment.   

“The roofing side of the business will always be our bread and butter,” Mike said, “but I love that we've come down off the eaves and we're now on the walls, that we can help create these beautiful projects. We love promoting our architects and our contractors and the work that they do. It's just really rewarding to be a part of these programs. 

Watch the full interview and don’t miss Petersen at METALCON 2025, Booth #3093, from October 21- 23, to learn about their innovations from this year. Register now for METALCON 2025 using this registration link and receive $30 off registration costs! Or use code 30MCS for the same discount! 

By Dani Sheehan.

With a mean age of just more than 23 years, this college town needed to meet the demands of increasing interest in recreational practice and playing spaces.

Auburn, Alabama, is a city on the rise. With its population nearly doubling since 2000 and a strong demand for recreational facilities as a college town, the city has made a serious investment in its parks and sports infrastructure. Part of this expansion was the newly upgraded soccer complex, an impressive facility designed to accommodate Auburn’s love for the world’s most popular sport. When it came to choosing materials that could match both the aesthetic and performance needs of the project, PAC-CLAD metal panels were a clear winner.

Designed by Chambliss King Architects and installed by Metal Roofing Solutions, the new soccer and multipurpose complex embraces a clean, industrial-inspired look that celebrates Auburn’s agricultural roots. The exterior walls are clad in ½-inch PAC-CLAD Corrugated panels in a sleek Silver finish, totaling 13,450 square feet. These panels not only provide a contemporary aesthetic but also deliver long-term durability in the face of Alabama’s varied climate.

For the roof, the project team chose Tite-Loc Plus panels, with 20,000 square feet of Bone White, 24-gauge steel providing both strength and weather resistance. The standing seam design ensures long-lasting protection against heavy rains, high winds and intense sunlight – all key considerations for a facility that will be used year-round.

With four new artificial turf fields, an indoor court and a modern support building featuring retail space and restrooms, this $8 million soccer expansion will serve athletes and fans alike. And thanks to the PAC-CLAD metal panels, it’s a project designed to stand strong for decades, proving that quality materials make all the difference.

Read more about the case study and browse PAC-CLAD architectural metal wall and roof systems for your next project.

By Dani Sheehan.

Contractors can leverage metal wall systems to expand their service offerings and meet the increasing demand for high-performance exterior solutions.

The new headquarters and production facility of Omega Yeast, a fast-growing yeast producer in Chicago, features metal wall panels that give the building a sleek, modern aesthetic while delivering exceptional structural benefits. This project highlights the versatility and advantages of architectural metal cladding, making it a compelling case if you’re looking to broaden your skill set and add exterior wall systems to your services and offerings.

About the yeast business

Chicago has a deep history in brewing, dating back to the 19th century when German immigrants established the city as a major hub for beer production. While the industry faded in the mid-20th century, the craft brewing movement has seen a resurgence, leading to an even bigger demand for high-quality ingredients. Unlike mass-market yeast producers, Omega Yeast sets itself apart by cultivating custom yeast strains tailored to the specific needs of craft brewers. Researchers have gathered strains from around the world, and this success has led to expansion.

About the new production building

Situated in Chicago’s Northwest Side, Omega Yeast’s new research and production space required a design that seamlessly integrated into a neighborhood characterized by both residential homes and elevated commuter rail tracks. The design team at Valerio Dewalt Train responded to this challenge by using PAC-CLAD metal wall panels from Petersen Aluminum Corporation (PAC) to blend the exterior facade behind landscaping while offering long-term durability to keep up with the needs of this established business.

The project features 6,015 square feet of PAC-CLAD 7/8” corrugated panels in Onyx and 1,080 square feet in Bone White, all fabricated in 32-gauge aluminum. The panels were installed by All American Exterior Solutions out of Lake Zurich, Illinois. The success of the exposed-fastener panels highlights the versatility of metal solutions beyond traditional roofing applications to meet the increasing demand for high-performance exterior solutions.

Learn more about the Omega Yeast project and explore PAC-CLAD's range of metal wall panel solutions to stay ahead of new industry trends and incorporate innovative materials in your modern commercial construction.

Photo source: alanblakely.com

By Emma Peterson.

PAC-CLAD panels and Sherwin-Williams' Fluropon finish help Eloy prepare for population growth.

Approximately 65 miles southeast of Phoenix, Arizona sits Eloy, a city known for its history as a railroad town and its current title as the skydiving capital of the world. Eloy began as a camp for workers on the first railroad line was built across southern Arizona in the 1870s. Today, it has grown far beyond its humble origins with a population estimated at 15,000 that is set to double this year (2025).

When planning for this population growth, it became clear that Eloy’s current city halls (yes, plural) would need to be reorganized. And that’s where the $7-million Eloy City Hall project began. The Smith Group out of Phoenix were brought in as the architects for the project. Their goal was to not only create a functional space that was far easier for citizens and staff looking for city departments to access, but also to create a design that reflects Eloy’s unique culture, history and environment.  

The final design features pillars in a sand-toned, cast-concrete that evokes images of the landscape around Eloy. They are then accented with a curving EIFS-based wall features and two primary canopies. These canopies were designed out of Petersen PAC-CLAD aluminum panels and finished with aged Copper Fluropon® coating from Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, giving the building a historic, railroad aesthetic. In addition to creating a pleasing aesthetic, these canopies offer important shade and reprieve from the intense Arizona sun. The use of Fluropon 70% PVDF coatings gives the building superior durability and color retention, ensuring that the Eloy City Hall will stand strong and rust-free in the Arizona climate for years.  

Photo credits: Alan Blakely

By Jesse Sanchez.

Metal roof panels add durability and charm to interstate welcome center.

Interstate travelers in Indiana now have a new, visually striking rest stop to enjoy along I-69 in Steuben County. The recently completed Pigeon Creek Welcome Center is the first project in the state’s ambitious 10-year, $600 million plan to modernize 21 of its interstate rest areas and welcome centers. Designed to reflect the region’s rural heritage, the welcome center’s architecture merges contemporary aesthetics with agricultural inspiration — an approach reinforced by its durable metal roofing from PAC-CLAD Petersen.

The facility, located in the northeastern part of the state, takes cues from Steuben County’s reputation as an outdoor destination. Known as “the land of 101 lakes,” the county is home to Pokagon State Park, a 1,260-acre recreational haven. The design team, which included Evansville-based Fosse & Associates Architects and the Indianapolis office of DLZ, sought to integrate these natural and historical elements into the welcome center’s appearance.

The goal was to create a space that felt both modern and connected to the area’s agricultural past. A key component of this aesthetic is the standing-seam metal roof, which features a curved main section complemented by a clerestory structure with a traditional gable roof. The result is a modern farmhouse feel that resonates with travelers and locals alike.

Metal roofing was chosen for both its durability and ability to enhance the structure’s rural charm. Supplied by Petersen, a Carlisle company, the PAC-CLAD panels include approximately 12,000 square feet of Tite-Loc panels in Classic Silver and 2,500 square feet of Flush panels in Bone White for the building’s fascia. The installation was handled by Millwood Roofing & Construction, based in Milford, Indiana.

Adding to the welcome center’s distinctiveness is a small on-site silo, prominently displaying an “Indiana Welcomes You” message. The combination of bold signage, barn-inspired design and high-performance materials ensures that the Pigeon Creek Welcome Center is both an inviting rest stop and a lasting tribute to the region’s character.

As Indiana continues its ambitious revitalization of highway rest stops, projects like Pigeon Creek set the tone for a new era of travel accommodations — where modern convenience meets local identity.

Learn more about how the Pigeon Creek Welcome Center seamlessly blends modern design with Indiana’s rural heritage!

By Dani Sheehan.

With the inclusion of metal wall panels in this fire station’s redesign, La Crosse is investing in its first responders and public safety.

Fire stations are a vital part of the community’s safety network, and just as we adapt to new technologies as society evolves, buildings can become outdated and unable to keep up with the demands of modern firefighting. Fire Station #2 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was originally built in 1957 and was long overdue for replacement.

City officials and architects sought a building solution that could withstand the unique challenges of a fire station while maintaining a polished, professional look.

A fire station built for a different era

Before its replacement, La Crosse’s Fire Station #2 had been in service for over six decades. While it had served the community well, the aging structure no longer met the needs of today’s firefighters. Like many older fire stations, it lacked modern living quarters, decontamination areas and the durability required for a facility that operates 24/7.

Firefighters don’t just work at the station, they live there for extended shifts, requiring comfortable sleeping, fitness and shower facilities. Additionally, exposure to hazardous materials in the line of duty means modern firehouses need dedicated decontamination areas, which was missing in the outdated structure.

Beyond these internal challenges, the exterior of the building also needed a serious upgrade. Fire stations are a symbol of safety and resilience in any community, and a deteriorating facade does little to inspire confidence. The city needed a design that was not only visually appealing but also tough enough to last for decades.

A modern and durable new design

To address these challenges, the city worked with Wendel Companies’ Eau Claire, Wisconsin, office to design a station that would meet both functional and aesthetic needs. The final design incorporated two styles of masonry, glass curtain wall and metal wall panels.

For the exterior cladding, the architects specified Petersen’s PAC-CLAD Modular AL panels, fabricated from 0.050-gauge aluminum. Approximately 3,700 square feet of these metal wall panels in three finishes – granite, sandstone and champagne – were installed by BlueWaters Companies of Ham Lake, Minnesota.  

La Crosse’s new Fire Station #2 is a forward-thinking facility designed to support firefighters and the community for the next 50 years. By incorporating PAC-CLAD metal wall panels, the station not only achieves a striking modern look but also ensures long-term durability and performance.

Learn how metal wall panels can elevate your next project by exploring Petersen’s PAC-CLAD exterior wall solutions and see how durability, design and performance come together.

Photo source: alanblakely.com