By Emma Peterson. 

Staying ahead of joint employer rules, bid liability, cost escalation language and more.  

For many contractors, managing the legal and operational side of their roofing businesses often takes a back burner to their passion for their trade and craft. However, this can cause problems down the road as navigating the legal landscape of business ownership is crucial to adhering to regulations and building long-term success. To help contractors manage this side of their business, Trent Cotney, a partner at Adams and Reese specializing in roofing litigation, releases a monthly newsletter summing up legal and regulatory changes affecting roofing. Here’s a summary of what he covered in his May 2026 newsletter.  

1 – NLRB withdraws the 2023 joint-employer rule 

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has formally withdrawn the 2023 joint-employer rule. In this rule’s place, the 2020 standard is returned. This standard is much narrower and requires “evidence that one entity exercises substantial direct and immediate control over essential employment terms of another employer’s workers.” 

What this means for contractors: Overall, this is a contractor-friendly change. The narrower rule adds certainty to employment conditions that should make employment of subcontractors easier. However, contractors must still be vigilant about employment lines on the jobsite and field crew still must communicate through each subcontractor’s designated supervisor. 

2 – Florida court holds that invitation to bid does not create a subcontract 

The Florida Second Court of Appeal just addressed the case of Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. v. Keathley, No. 2D2025-1900. This case centered on the question of whether a general contractors could claim workers’ compensation immunity for a worker’s injury that occurred “while visiting a project site before submitting a subcontractor bid.” The court found that because the invitation to bid did not create any contractual obligation, did not specify binding scope and did not guarantee work, the contractor could not claim the compensation immunity.  

What this means for contractors: This case is a good reminder that “pre-bid communications, job walks, site visits and invitations to bid do not automatically create subcontractor status or workers’ compensation immunity.” As such, general contractors must be careful about requiring site-access language and proof of insurance for anyone visiting a site prior to contract awarding.  

3 – Allocating risk when asked to install material and systems 

Contractors are often asked to install products that they did not “select, design, manufacture or test for compatibility with existing conditions.” This can cause issues when it comes to warranties, as manufacturers often warrant their own products but not the whole system.  

What this means for contractors: To avoid issues related to this, contractors should include a manufacturer system compatibility clause that makes it clear the contractor is not responsible to failures caused by “product incompatibility, design decisions, concealed conditions, manufacturer limitations or owner-directed substitutions.” This is an example of that type of clause: 

Contractor shall be responsible for installing the materials, products, components, and systems within Contractor’s scope of work in accordance with the Contract Documents and applicable manufacturer installation instructions made available to Contractor. Contractor does not warrant, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the compatibility, integration, performance, chemical interaction, physical compatibility, adhesion, fastening performance, thermal movement, moisture tolerance, structural suitability, code compliance, or long-term performance of any material, product, component, assembly, substrate, existing condition, adjacent system, or owner-selected item that Contractor did not design, manufacture, specify, select or expressly approve in writing. 

*Read the whole provision.

4 – Navigating project costs with rising material prices 

In the era of tariff changes, freight distributions, supply chain volatility and regulatory constraints, it is not uncommon for project costs and schedules to shift after a contract has been signed. This creates a legal question of who bears the risk when project costs change after a bid. 

What this means for contractors: Contractors must be careful to make adjust their contracts so that they do not “assume a stable market that no longer exists.” What does this mean? Include things like price escalation clauses, regulatory-change provisions, substitution rights and/or material availability protection.  

And even if you have all these provisions, documentation remains key. Contractors should record everything from quotes to communication expressing availability changes. As Trent puts it, “Without that record, even a strong contract clause may be difficult to enforce.” 

Check out the full May 2026 Cotney brief.

By Emma Peterson. 

A conversation with Trent Cotney on why proactive policies and operations matter more now than ever. 

Going into 2026, there was a lot of commotion to keep track of, from uncertainty about tariffs to immigration changes and beyond. And now, one quarter into the year, there are even more geopolitics and economic factors to track. It can feel like a lot, which is why we spoke with Trent Cotney, who is a partner at the Adams and Reese law firm as well as the general counsel for leading associations like National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), for a Coffee Conversations® all about operating in our current market, which Trent describes as “a sort of intersection of regulatory pressure and economic volatility.”  

Trent’s main advice for contractors? Be proactive. He elaborated, “What I want our contractors to do is look at how to be proactive rather than reactive. One of the things I've seen over the years is that almost every single legal issue that a roofing contractor has is a symptom of an operational failure somewhere.” An example of this is OSHA fines. When contractors receive these, there’s probably a safety procedure that failed somewhere along the way. Or when it comes to customer issues, maybe you need to look at your process of vetting customers or your contract provisions to make sure you’re better protected.  

By proactively investing in these things and making sure that your procedures, operations and policies are all in place and secure, you can save your money in the long run. Trent explained, “Shoring up your policies, procedures, operations, contracts and all that can be a lot. But it will save you money in the long term as you won’t be throwing money away on lawyers and OSHA fines and all that reactive stuff.”  

Trent also recommends being proactive in your interactions with the rest of the market. In other words, get involved, make sure you know what’s going on so that you can prepare accordingly. He gave an example of what this might look like, “I encourage everybody to get involved in associations because that’s how I kind of keep my thumb on the pulse of the industry. I wouldn't be able to understand what's going on out there if I wasn't involved in associations. I really think that not only is it the external voice of our industry, but it is, it really helps you understand what you should be looking out for.” 

Listen to the whole recording or Watch the episode to learn more about operating in a proactive manner.  

By Emma Peterson. 

The latest Cotney Brief shares April 2026 construction law insights and updates. 

For contractors working in roofing and construction, the Cotney Briefs are an invaluable resource to keeping up with legal and regulatory changes affecting the industry. These briefs are written by Trent Cotney, a lawyer and partner at Adams and Reese law firm. Here’s what the April 2026 brief highlighted.  

1 – Compliance stakes raise with an E-Verify law 

Ohio recently enacted House Bill 246, otherwise known as the E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act. Originally signed in December of 2025, this law “covers nonresidential construction contractors, subcontractors at any tier and labor brokers that hire employees for covered nonresidential construction projects.”  

What does it mean? The covered employers must run new employees through E-verify unless a limited exception applies. If the employee receives a final nonconfirmation, the employer must terminate employment. 

What this means for contractors: If you are performing nonresidential construction work in Ohio, it is crucial to review your hiring processes to confirm E-Verify compliance and ensure that your record keeping is accurate as to avoid violations, which can lead to “monetary penalties, disqualification from public contracting, and in some cases license consequences for knowingly employing unauthorized workers.” 

2 – Duty to inquire court case 

In a case between Korte Construction Co. And the Secretary of the Army, a Federal Circuit court was asked to look at an issue of Korte needed to install chilled water improvements as part of a project. Korte argued that this improvement was not shown in the drawings as they were not detailed enough and they are not required to do this. Opposingly, the Army was seeking a refund of roughly $493,000 for the lack of chilled water improvements. 

At the core of this issue is solicitation. As Trent wrote, “The main issue was whether the solicitation, read as a whole, required Korte to perform the chilled water work. A related issue was inconsistency between the specifications and drawings which created a patent ambiguity.” The recent result of this case? The Federal Circuit found that the specifications and drawings together unambiguously called for the chilled water improvements and that Korte’s interpretation was “not reasonable.”  

What this means for contractors: This case is a reminder of the importance of reading solicitations (specifications, drawings, etc.) as a whole rather than individuals. Further, it highlights the importance of raising the issue of inconsistent, incomplete and/or unclear plans prior to a bid.  

3 – Water intrusion contract provision 

Water intrusion is one of the most common and expensive issues in the roofing industry. It is also a frequent source of dispute as most contracts don’t properly address temporary dry-in obligations.  

What this means for contractors: In order to avoid these disputes, contractors should consider adding a provision to their contracts that specifically addresses water intrusion and temporary dry-in obligations. Trent recommends something like this:  

Contractor shall take commercially reasonable measures to provide temporary dry-in and protect only those portions of the Work directly opened or disturbed by Contractor during performance of its scope. Contractor’s obligation is limited to the exercise of reasonable care under the circumstances then existing, taking into account the stage of construction, weather conditions, available access, project sequencing, occupancy constraints, and the condition of the existing structure. Contractor does not guarantee or warrant that the Project, the building envelope, or any portion of the premises will remain watertight or free from water intrusion during the course of construction.* 

*Read the whole provision.

4 – What softening confidence means legally 

The current uneven economy is having ripple effects in the roofing industry. Where some projects are growing in popularity, such as data centers, others are weakening due to recession concerns. In fact, “In AGC’s 2026 outlook, contractors reported noticeably dampened expectations compared with the prior year, driven in part by concern over the broader economy and the possibility of a downturn.” 

What this means for contractors: To navigate this softening confidence, contractors should treat this time as a contract discipline moment. In other words, this is the time to "review price escalation language, clarify tariff and procurement risk, tighten notice and claim procedures, preserve suspension and termination rights, and confirm that payment, delay, and force majeure provisions match present market conditions.” 

Read the full brief online.

Darrick O’Dell brings over two decades of knowledge and experience in construction litigation.

Adams & Reese announces the addition of Darrick O’Dell as counsel in the firm’s Construction Practice Group in Nashville. 

With more than two decades of trial and courtroom experience, O’Dell has built a reputation for combining deep industry knowledge with strategic, business-minded guidance that drives practical results. His practice focuses on construction litigation, large-loss property damage claims, insurance coverage disputes and general liability defense. Clients turn to O’Dell for his extensive experience and wide-ranging perspective, which allows him to anticipate risk, manage exposure and provide efficient client-focused representation.

“At Adams & Reese, we hire top-level talent whose skills and knowledge strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding results for the diverse range of clients and companies we represent,” said Gif Thornton, managing partner at Adams & Reese. "Darrick’s seasoned experience in construction law and in high-stakes litigation makes him a tremendous asset to our Construction Practice Group. We are pleased to welcome him to the team, where he will provide trusted legal guidance to our clients in Nashville, across Tennessee and beyond.” 

Prior to joining Adams & Reese, O'Dell served as primary counsel on numerous multi-million-dollar cases, representing insurance carriers, self-insured businesses and contractors in high-exposure litigation matters in both jury trials and binding arbitrations. His comprehensive construction law experience spans complex defect claims, large-loss property damage, coverage analysis and contractor liability. O’Dell also served as outside general counsel for a national roofing and remodeling contractor, overseeing contract negotiation and drafting, employment compliance and litigation management across multiple jurisdictions nationwide. 

Among his notable career achievements, O'Dell obtained the dismissal of a two-million-dollar lawsuit against a general contractor through summary judgment by invoking the workers' compensation exclusive remedy defense. He also secured complete defense judgments in two consecutive jury trials, occurring within two weeks of each other, regarding a products liability case and a commercial vehicle collision matter. Additionally, he obtained the dismissal of a five-million-dollar defamation case and, in doing so, secured a significant judgment for attorney fees under the Tennessee Public Participation Act.

"Adams & Reese shares my commitment to delivering both practical and strategic counsel to clients, and I am truly excited to join this great Nashville team," said Darrick O'Dell. "The firm's depth of resources and collaborative culture will allow me to continue providing the hands-on, client-focused representation that has been the hallmark of my practice.” 

O'Dell has lived in Nashville since 1993 and is a member of the Nashville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association and the DRI Association of Lawyers Defending Businesses. He received his J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is admitted to practice in the Tennessee State Courts and before the United States District Courts throughout Tennessee.

About Adams & Reese LLP

Adams & Reese LLP is a multidisciplinary law firm with a legacy of providing comprehensive legal services to clients across a wide range of industries. With nearly 350 attorneys and government relations advisors strategically located in 20 major cities throughout the southern and western United States, the firm serves multinational corporations, regional businesses, governmental entities, institutions and individuals in matters spanning more than 50 practice areas including corporate transactions, financial services, litigation, government relations and regulatory compliance, construction, aviation, energy, liquor and hospitality, real estate and intellectual property, among other practice areas. Founded in 1951, Adams & Reese has expanded its capabilities to meet the demands of an evolving and increasingly complex legal landscape, advising clients through challenging markets, economic cycles and landmark cases. The firm’s attorneys and government relations advisors have built a strong reputation for delivering innovative, results-driven legal counsel that is tailored to serve each client’s objectives and needs. For more information or to see a list of services, visit www.adamsandreese.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

This IIBEC education session is a great opportunity for contractors and other professionals interested in the legal landscape of construction. 

In just a couple weeks, March 12-15, 2026, over 1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other professionals working in the building envelope industry will convene in Sacramento, California for the 2026 International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention and Tradeshow.  

This event is not only a great opportunity to network with your peers in the industry and explore an extensive expo hall full of the latest advancements in building science technology, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn from industry leaders in education sessions designed to help you grow professionally! One such session is the “State of the Industry: A Look at Contract Provisions and Other Emerging Trends” led by Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. 

Trent is one of the leading construction lawyers in the field. With over 25 years of legal experience, Trent is licensed in nine different states and serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). 

In his IIBEC education session, which will be hosted Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Trent will share an up-to-date overview of the industry’s legal landscape and guide attendees through an exploration of “how recent legal developments, regulatory changesand market conditions are reshaping risk allocation, project delivery and compliance strategies.” Participants will walk away with actionable strategies that equip them to:  

• Navigate contract provisions confidently: Whether it’s scope of work, indemnification, payment terms or dispute resolution provisions, Trent’s session will help attendees recognize and navigate these key elements of a contract.  
• Analyze and respond to emerging trends: You will walk away with a better understanding of current and anticipated policy trends, such as those related to labor and immigration.  
• Evaluate risk management options: Attendees of the session will learn about evolving contract language as related to risk management for owners, general contractors and subcontractors. 
• Adapt their businesses to new market realities: Ultimately, this session will give you the skills needed to adapt your business to reflect new market realities. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for you to get a better understanding of your industry and boost your career, but Trent’s session has been approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective!  

If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered to attend the 2026 IIBEC Convention and Expo! And if you’re interested in learning more about Trent’s session or any of the other education opportunities at the show, check out the full schedule online.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Tariffs remain part of the operating environment, even as the legal justification behind them evolves. What does this mean for your business? 

In a recent 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the president exceeded his authority by imposing sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). At the time this was written, the Court found that while the law allows economic action during national emergencies, it does not explicitly authorize broad tariff programs which require Congressional approval under the Constitution. 

Shortly after the ruling, the administration clarified that tariffs were not eliminated, only the use of IEEPA for that purpose. Existing tariffs remain in place, and a new 10% global tariff was immediately announced under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.  

For the roofing industry, we want to explore how trade policy uncertainty amidst this latest ruling continues to shape pricing, contracts and planning decisions as we move through 2026. 

How this affects the roofing industry 

The Supreme Court decision narrowed the legal pathway used to justify certain tariffs, but it did not remove tariff authority altogether. We asked Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese LLP, how this might affect the industry in the coming months. He replied, sharing: 

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling was not unanticipated and impacts the current tariff structure under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Roofing contractors should recognize that the Administration will propose alternative means to support a tariff program through sections contained in the Trade Act of 1974, Trade Expansion Act of 1962 or Tariff Act of 1930. The ruling does inject uncertainty into the extent and amount of tariffs and the impact of tariffs that were already assessed under the IEEPA. Regardless, from a legal perspective, we encourage contractors to include price acceleration provisions in their contract to account for tariff activity. 

Construction is especially sensitive to trade policy because so many commonly used materials rely on imported inputs. The rising uncertainty in the wake of this ruling requires us to be cautious about assuming near-term price relief. Even if certain tariffs are refunded, the timeline is vague, and pricing rarely comes down quickly, especially once inventory, supplier contracts and freight costs are already set. 

Why this moment still matters 

While continued tariff activity may feel like more of the same, there is constructive movement for the roofing industry: 

• Trade policy is now more clearly tied to defined statutory authority, rather than emergency powers 
• That clarity can lead to more predictable decision-making over time 
• Contractors who understand where tariffs can and cannot come from are better positioned to manage risk 

What you can do 

1 – Build protection into contracts  

Proactive contract language is one of the most effective tools contractors can have. Including price escalation or acceleration clauses allow contractors to adjust pricing when material costs change due to tariffs or other external factors, helping protect margins on longer-term projects. 

2 – Continue planning for cost variability 

Tariffs are only one factor influencing roofing costs, alongside labor availability, freight, insurance and compliance requirements. Smart contractors will continue to carry contingencies in bids, lock pricing where possible and avoid over-committing on long lead-time materials without flexibility. 

3 – Communicate clearly with customers 

This ruling provides a helpful framework for customer conversations. You can explain that: 

• Pricing volatility is driven by global trade dynamics 
• Legal clarity helps planning but there is still risk 
• Your role includes managing uncertainty on behalf of your customer 

The Top Lawyers list is based on peer surveys and recognizes leading attorneys in Florida across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. 

Adams & Reese has 14 attorneys selected among Tampa Magazine's 2026 Top Lawyers. The Top Lawyers list is based on peer surveys and recognizes leading attorneys in Florida across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Adams & Reese attorneys were honored in several practice areas, including construction, commercial litigation, corporate transactions, financial services, labor and employment and real estate law.

Adams & Reese Tampa Magazine's 2026 Top Lawyers honorees include:

• Richard Asfar: Appellate Practice
• Benjamin Bard: Employee Benefits (ERISA), Labor Law (Management)
• Virgil "Tray" Batcher: Litigation Construction
• Benjamin Briggs: Employment Law (Management)
• Trent Cotney: Arbitration, Construction Law
• Jacqueline Feliciano: Business Organizations Law (LLCs & Partnerships), Corporate Law
• Tiffany Love: Community Association Law
• Andrew McBride: Litigation Real Estate, Real Estate Law
• Donald A. Mihokovich: Ethics & Professional Law
• Brian Oblow: Mediation
• Eric Partlow: Commercial Litigation & Transactions (UCC Law)
• Chantal Pillay: Banking Finance Law, Litigation Banking & Finance
• Kyle Rea: Administrative & Regulatory Law
• Louis Ursini III: Banking Finance Law, Family Law (Mediation)

To view the complete list of Tampa Magazine's Top Lawyers, visit their website.

In this Coffee Conversations®, Megan Ellsworth is joined by Trent Cotney of Adams & Reese for a timely discussion on the state of the roofing industry. The conversation explores how immigration policy and economic conditions are influencing labor availability, project planning and contractor decision-making. They break down the importance of Roofing Day in Washington, D.C., and why industry advocacy matters now more than ever. Megan and Trent will also take a look at how artificial intelligence is beginning to impact roofing operations and what contractors should understand as technology continues to evolve. This conversation offers a clear look at the forces shaping roofing in 2026 and why staying informed matters now more than ever. 

Register today!

By Emma Peterson. 

Trent Cotney breaks down the legal changes and predictions from January 2026.  

Everyone is hitting the ground running this year, and that includes legal institutions and structures! It is important to make sure you are staying up to date on all the changes that are happening, which is why the Cotney Briefs are such a powerful resource. Written by Trent Cotney, a partner with Adams and Reese, the briefs cover the most important legal news contractors need to know about. For the first month of 2026, Trent covered the latest legal updates industry professionals should know about.  

1 – California contract requirements tighten 

California’s AB 1327 (Aguiar-Curry) has added a new consumer protection requirement in relation to home improvement contracts. Contractors now must include “a valid email address in the contract and allow homeowners to cancel the agreement via email.” Failure to do so can lead to issues with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). 

What this means for contractors: If you operate in the state of California, you should immediately update your contract templates to be compliant with this requirement. You should also ensure that your company’s internal processes can accept and track cancellations that are sent electronically. 

2 – Reduction of construction attorney fees in a Florida court 

The Nova Southeastern University, Inc. v. Garratt-Callahan Co. case centered on a dispute “over biological growth and performance issues in its chilled-water/ice-tank system.” When settlements were made with two out of the three defendants in the case, NSU sought to recover the construction attorney fees for all three under the argument that the claims were “inextricably intertwined.” The court only affirmed a return of 15% of the fees sought, as they determined that the claims were not “inextricably intertwined.” 

What this means for contractors: Winning your case does not guarantee the recovery of attorney fees. In this case, the court rejected the plaintiff’s request for all fees recovered due to “the claims against the settling defendants [being related to work] performed different services, at different times, under different scopes of work, and without a common core of facts.” 

3 – Defining contractual boundaries 

It is common for contractors to be asked to review design plans and offer feedback to the designer. However, this is leading to contractors “increasingly being pulled into claims alleging design defects, code violations or professional negligence based on informal input provided during the construction process.” 

What this means for contractors: To avoid any liability, it is key to include a provision in your contract that makes it clear you are not providing professional design services. Trent recommends including a statement similar to the following in your contracts to prevent such situations: 

Contractor is not a licensed architect or professional engineer and does not provide architectural or engineering services. Any plans, specifications, drawings, details, recommendations, shop drawing or suggestions provided by Contractor are offered solely for the purpose of facilitating construction and are not intended as professional design services. Responsibility for the adequacy, accuracy and code compliance of all design documents rests exclusively with the project owner and/or the owner’s licensed design professionals. Contractor shall not be responsible for errors, omissions or deficiencies in the plans, specifications or other design documents provided to Contractor. 

4 – An expanding global market 

As Venezuela and Cuba re-engage with the global market, opportunities for international work will begin to appear. Trent predicts that there will be two waves to the work that will emerge:  

1. Pre-existing structural repair: The first wave will likely prioritize repairing what is already there. He shared, “Decades of deferred maintenance have taken a toll on housing stock, industrial facilities, ports, hospitals, schools and energy-adjacent infrastructure. Roofs leak. Mechanical systems fail. Water intrusion and corrosion are widespread.” 
2. Foreign-backed projects: The next wave will be more focused on new construction. Trent predicted, “Early capital is more likely to flow through joint ventures, multinational developers, NGOs, energy companies or government-adjacent entities operating with foreign financing.” 

What this means for contractors: The markets in Venezuela and Cuba are long-term opportunities for contractors who position themselves correctly today. Right now, the focus for contractors should be on relationship-building and preparation for operation in imperfect conditions (remote sites, supply struggles, evolving regulations, etc.). 

Read the entire brief from January and more online.

Record-breaking exhibitor numbers, expanded programming to compliment growing verticals and innovation define the 2026 event.

The International Roofing Expo, (IRE) the leading destination for residential and commercial roofing and exteriors professionals, concluded its largest edition to date. Thousands of craftsmen gathered for three days of product discovery, access to the newest technological advancements and design innovations, solidifying the event’s position as the ultimate hub for advancing the roofing and exteriors industry.

A record-breaking year for IRE

The 2026 edition of IRE set a new benchmark as the largest show in the event’s history, spanning more than 230,000 net square feet and featuring 700+ exhibitors. The event attracted a strong international audience, with attendees from Canada, Mexico, China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia and beyond, eager to gain insights into the North American roofing market, which holds a major share of global revenue.

Innovative exhibitors and first-time features

This year’s event welcomed over 180 new exhibiting companies, introducing groundbreaking products and solutions to meet the growing demand for roofing materials. The debut of the First Look Area showcased a curated selection of startups and emerging companies, including RAM Companies, Cool Roof Distribution, Roofs In A Box, Zuper and more. Returning industry leaders such as ABC Supply, GAF, QXO, Atlas Roofing Corporation, Owens Corning, SRS Distribution and Polyglass USA Inc. reaffirmed their commitment to innovation and excellence.

Empowering professionals through education

IRE 2026 delivered a robust educational program with over 165 sessions including conference, expo hall education and hands-on demonstrations, covering critical topics such as workplace safety, financial management, legal and regulatory compliance, leadership, business strategies, sales and service techniques, technical skills and sustainability. These sessions provided actionable insights to empower attendees with the tools needed for personal and professional growth.

The General Session panel brought together industry leaders from Roofing Contractor, BNP Media, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and Adams and Reese LLP. Panelists including NRCA leadership and renowned legal expert Trent Cotney discussed the state of the roofing industry, offering perspectives on current challenges, future opportunities and the evolving market landscape.

Strengthening the roofing community

IRE continues to champion initiatives that foster inclusivity and community engagement within the roofing industry: The Hispanic Contractors Program, providing networking and educational opportunities to empower Hispanic professionals in the sector. Roofers in Recovery returned for its second year, contributing vital mental health resources and support to industry professionals. The 17th annual Community Service Day, sponsored by Sika, Atlas, Roofing Contractor, Centimark, Reliable Onsite Services, Western Elite, Farrell Roofing and in partnership with Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada, saw volunteers repair homes for local residents, with materials generously donated by GAF.

“This year’s International Roofing Expo was a testament to the strength and growth of the roofing and home improvement industry,” says Rich Russo, show director, International Roofing Expo. “With record-breaking exhibitor participation, new initiatives and a strong presence of decision-makers, IRE 2026 proved to be the centerpiece of the innovation and collaboration that drive this industry forward.”

Expanding the exteriors segment

The Pro Contractors Pavilion returned as a key feature on the show floor, serving as a dedicated space for collaboration between home improvement professionals and roofing contractors. This expansion fostered new business opportunities and strengthened industry partnerships.

“If you are in the roofing industry, IRE is a great place to make connections, meet new people and learn about new products. If you [have] a business and want to understand what your market is doing, it is a great place to check...out [the landscape], check out what your competition is up to and learn more,” remarks Danielle Wells, president, Progressive Materials.

Looking ahead to 2027

The International Roofing Expo will return to Las Vegas, February 16-18, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For updates and information on next year’s event, visit www.theroofingexpo.com.

About International Roofing Expo

The International Roofing Expo® is the premier event for both the commercial and residential roofing and exterior construction industries. The IRE brings the professional community together to help them stay current on trending knowledge and to see the largest selection of products and services. The event helps professionals improve their business through education, exhibitions and networking. The International Roofing Expo is owned and operated by Informa Markets. The official show sponsor is NRCA and the official show publication is Roofing Contractor. For more information, please visit www.theroofingexpo.com.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets, a subsidiary of Informa plc (LON:INF), creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com.