By Emma Peterson. 

From major industry announcements and scholarship awards to emerging market trends and wildfire preparedness, these were the RCS articles that got the most clicks this August.  

August was a month of announcements here at The Coffee Shops®! For our team, we launched a new microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.ca) designed specifically for the Canadian market. Similar to our U.K. microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.uk), this site will not only bring together contractors in its dedicated region but also strengthen the global roofing community.  

In addition to our big announcement, our site saw a lot of announcements and quite a few of them made our August 2026 top article list. For example, one of our R-Club members, Excel Roofing and Siding, sent out an announcement of a name change to Excel Slate and Copper. This change was designed to “better reflect the company’s long-standing expertise in slate roofing, copper craftsmanship and historic home restoration.”  

Another example was the Roofing Alliance’s announcement about the 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship. “A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships.” 

And coming in first and second on our August 2026 top 10 article list were two announcements, both from industry associations. In second place was an article about the Colorado Roofing Association’s new advisory about wildlife code requirements. As for first place, that went to the he Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s announcement of the results of metal roofing market study conducted by FMI Consulting. 

The top 10 August articles 

10 - Excel Roofing and Siding becomes Excel Slate and Copper

9 - Why the most successful roofing contractors plan further ahead by John Kenney. 

8 - TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs by The Coffee Shops® 

7 - When the economic signals don’t agree by John Kenney. 

6 - Becoming a ROOFEREE by Emma Peterson. 

5 - The secret to managing commercial roofing projects by Emma Peterson. 

4 - The Roofing Alliance announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship recipients.

3 - Heavy-duty adhesives for every jobsite by The Coffee Shops®. 

2 - New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements by Alex Tolle. 

1 - New market survey forecasts strong growth, significant potential for residential metal roofing in U.S. 

By Alex Tolle.

Roofing professionals can learn how Colorado’s changing wildfire resiliency code may affect project reviews, inspections and everyday contracting considerations.

The Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) and International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) are bringing roofing professionals together for a live panel discussion on Colorado’s changing fire codes. The New Fire Codes: What Roofers Need to Know seminar will take place September 10, 2026, offering contractors and other industry professionals an opportunity to hear about an important change affecting roofing work across the state.

The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code is changing how roofing projects are reviewed and inspected. The seminar is intended for commercial and residential contractors as well as suppliers and consultants who want to better understand the code’s implementation and practical considerations. 

During the discussion, roofing industry leaders and building officials will address implementation, common questions and considerations for contractors. Fire officials and legal counsel have also been invited to participate, bringing additional perspectives to a conversation focused on helping the roofing community prepare for the changes.

The panel discussion is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. at MCA The Cube, located at 8371 Northfield Blvd. in Denver. Attendees can also stay for a networking reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m., creating time to continue conversations and connect with other professionals following the educational program. 

With roofing projects facing new review and inspection requirements, the seminar provides a timely setting for professionals to ask questions and hear practical insights about the code changes. Registration is currently open for the September 10 event. 

Learn more about the new Colorado fire codes and register for the CRA and IIBEC panel discussion.

By Alex Tolle.

The Colorado Roofing Association has released a member resource and announced an upcoming panel discussion with IIBEC to help roofing professionals understand the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.

As communities across Colorado adopt and enforce the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), roofing contractors may encounter new project requirements and varying interpretations among municipalities. To help members navigate these changes, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) Building Code and Standards Committee has developed a new educational advisory focused on the code’s implementation.

The member-only resource explains:

• When the CWRC may apply to roofing projects and outlines practical considerations for contractors preparing to work under the new fire codes
• New structure-hardening and defensible-space requirements
• Recommendations for coordination with local building and fire departments and communication with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Documentation and compliance considerations
• Best practices intended to help contractors reduce inspection issues and project delays

It is important to note, that this advisory is a general educational resource. It is not a substitute for adopted codes, local amendments, project-specific requirements or guidance from the appropriate AHJ. Because code adoption, amendments and interpretations may differ by jurisdiction, CRA encourages contractors to verify the requirements for each project with the applicable AHJ. Members should also review the complete advisory for its legal disclaimer and limitations.

And the advisory isn't the only thing the CRA team is doing to help contractors navigate the new code. CRA will be collaboriating with the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) to host a panel dicsussion on September 10, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at MCA The Cube in Denver. The discussion, titled Fire Code: What Roofers Need to Know, will see roofing industry leaders, building officials, fire officials and legal counsels discuss code implementation, common questions and practical considerations for contractors.

Learn more about the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code by downloading the CRA advisory and exploring the upcoming CRA and IIBEC panel discussion.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Impactful conversations are reshaping jobsite safety and workforce wellbeing across the roofing industry. 

For years, the roofing industry carried an unspoken rule: Push through, stay tough and keep moving, with little room for conversations around stress or mental wellbeing. Mental health was rarely acknowledged as part of the job, let alone something that could directly impact performance or safety. But that mindset is shifting as contractors, crews and industry leaders begin to recognize a critical truth: Mental health is not separate from the work, it is embedded in it. 

Every day, stress and burnout show up in subtle but important ways, from missed details and slower reaction times to lack of focus and disengagement. These are not just operational challenges; they are often early warning signs that something deeper is affecting the workforce. That growing awareness is exactly why the upcoming webinar, “From the Ground Up: Mental Health, Safety and Total Worker Wellbeing in Roofing,” is so timely and relevant.  

Promoted by the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), this live online session reflects the association’s commitment to supporting its members not only through technical education but also through initiatives that strengthen workforce culture and long-term business success. By bringing this topic to the forefront, the association is helping normalize the conversation and encouraging roofing professionals at every level to take a more proactive approach to mental health as part of overall safety. 

Led by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Director of Safety and Risk Management Adrianne Anglin, the session is designed to be practical, direct and grounded in real-world experience. Rather than offering abstract concepts, it focuses on what roofing professionals are seeing on jobsites and in offices today, and how those realities connect to stress, burnout and mental wellbeing. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how these challenges present themselves in everyday work environments, along with the early signs to watch for before they escalate into safety concerns or performance issues that can impact entire crews. 

Equally important, the webinar will address one of the most common barriers in the industry: knowing how to talk about mental health in a way that feels natural and productive. Many professionals want to support their teams but are unsure how to start the conversation without creating discomfort or resistance. This session will offer practical guidance on how to check in with team members, what to say and how to build trust so that employees feel supported rather than singled out. It also emphasizes that creating a culture of awareness does not have to slow down operations or add unnecessary complexity but instead can be integrated into existing safety practices in a way that strengthens both performance and morale. 

Attendees will also walk away with simple, actionable strategies that can be applied immediately, whether they are managing a crew, running a business or working on the roof. These include ways to support coworkers without disrupting workflow, recognize when someone may need help and reinforce a jobsite culture where safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. The roofing industry has long been a leader in advancing safety standards and expanding that focus to include mental health is a natural and necessary evolution, especially as labor challenges continue and the demand for skilled workers grows. 

Webinar details

Date: April 30, 2026 
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. 
Location: Live on Zoom 
Cost: Free for Colorado Roofing Association members (2 CIUs) 

To register, visit the Colorado Roofing Association website and secure your spot for this important session. You can also learn more about the association, its events and ongoing education by visiting the CRA directory. 

Whether you join from your truck, bring your office team together or share it with your crew on the jobsite, this is one hour that can have a lasting impact on how your organization approaches safety and performance. Taking the time to invest in your people ultimately strengthens every part of the business, leading to better outcomes, safer jobsites and a more resilient workforce. 

Register today and take the next step toward building a healthier, safer roofing industry. 

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

We are saddened to share the passing of one of our members in CRA and the roofing community, Justin Dunn.

Justin was a dedicated professional in the roofing industry. Most recently, he worked with Interstate Roofing and previously with Bear Brothers Roofing. He regularly attended CRA seminars and events and built many friendships in the roofing community.

Those who knew Justin remember him as an awesome guy, a good friend and a great individual who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was known for his personality and the positive energy he brought to those around him.

Justin deeply loved his fiancée Lauren, his children and his family. We extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones, friends and colleagues as our community mourns this loss.

Support his family

For those who would like to support his family, a GoFundMe has been established to help ease the burden on his children and loved ones: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-justin-dunn-help-his-family

With our deepest condolences, may Justin rest in peace. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a good friend, longtime CRA member and colleague in the roofing industry. 

Our deepest sympathy & condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Alfredo M. Ramos passed away at home, surrounded by family, on February 16, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

He devoted 38 years to the roofing industry, beginning his career in 1974 with Doyle Roof Masters in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After relocating to Fort Collins, Colorado, he continued his work with B&M Roofing and later with The Douglas Colony Group, retiring in 2012. In retirement, he remained active as a consultant for his son’s business, The Ramos Roofing Company.

Beyond his profession, Alfredo had a lifelong passion for horses, a love that began in his youth. He enjoyed traveling in his later years and treasured time spent with his family.

Alfredo was a devoted husband, father and patriarch. He is survived by his wife, Amada; his sons, Alfredo Ramos Jr. and Ismael Ramos; his daughters, Gina, Elizabeth and Maura; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A man devoted to family and roofing. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial information

Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 with details as follows:

Mass

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr.

Lafayette, CO 80026

Reception

1:30 p.m.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

715 Cabrini Dr.

Lafayette, CO 80026

Reception will begin immediately after the graveside.

Obituary/share condolences: Click to view full obituary notice.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Colorado Roofing Association warns roofing contractors of real estate scams.

Roofing contractors are being warned of a growing scam trend that targets homes listed for sale. According to the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), fraudulent individuals are posing as property owners or their representatives to authorize roofing work on homes that are listed for sale. Once the work begins or is completed, these fraudsters disappear without paying, leaving contractors unpaid and homeowners unaware that any work was authorized in the first place.

The scam typically unfolds when a contractor is contacted via email or text message by someone claiming to be a relative of the homeowner or the representative of a company that owns the home. These contacts may include urgent requests for roof repairs or replacements, often using pressure tactics to rush the job, when, in reality, the person has no legal right to request the work. After the work is performed, contractors are left chasing payments from clients who turn out to be fictitious or unrelated to the actual ownership of the property.

What makes these scams particularly effective is the timing. When a home is listed for sale, there is often urgency surrounding inspections and repairs. Fraudsters take advantage of this urgency to convince contractors that their work is needed immediately, and that payment will follow once the sale goes through. In some cases, the actual homeowner or real estate agent may not be aware that a contractor has even been on the property.

To protect against these scams, roofing professionals are advised to take a few critical steps. First, always verify the identity of the person requesting the work. If the property is listed, contact the official listing agent and check public property records to ensure that the person making the request has authority. It is also essential to require signed contracts that clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms and the name of the authorized property owner. Never begin work based solely on text or email correspondence, especially if the client avoids phone calls or refuses to meet in person.

Avoid starting work without a deposit and be cautious of clients who resist traditional business practices such as written agreements or proof of ownership. Always communicate through official channels and keep detailed records of all correspondence and agreements. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local authorities and notify your local association or similar industry associations so that other professionals are warned.

These fraudulent individuals continue to develop their tactics, and it is just not in Colorado. Awareness and due diligence remain the best defense. By staying informed, verifying client identities and following secure business practices, roofing contractors can protect themselves while ensuring that legitimate homeowners and agents are served with professionalism and trust.

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of a good friend, longtime CRA Member and colleague in the roofing industry.

The family of Guy E. Smith announced his unexpected passing on December 26, 2024 at the age of 65. He died at home of a sudden heart attack. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family, friends and former associates and co-workers.

Born in Clovis, New Mexico, Guy moved to Colorado in 1990 and became the owner/president of GBS Enterprises Roofing. He started his career on a tear-off crew over 40 years ago and worked his way up to become the successful owner of his company, which he founded in 1998 and ran for 35 years. A long-time member of the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), Guy was a respected figure in the state’s roofing community.

Outside of roofing, he had a passion for anything with a motor, including tractors, motorcycles and boats. He cherished family moments at Ute Lake and loved grilling steaks for his loved ones. Most recently, he enjoyed his vacation home in Cape Coral, Florida.

Guy was a loving father, husband and patriarch, leaving behind his wife Barbara, son Taylor (Taris), daughter Savanah, stepchildren Andrea (Adam) and David (Carly) and many grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers David (Teri) and Larry, stepmother Yvonne, stepsister LaRonda and numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy was a dedicated Christian, finding peace in Bible reading, which he shared with his son Taylor daily. His spiritual growth in his final year brought great comfort to his family. Guy always gave a friendly hello and made everyone feel welcome. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

A service will be held on Friday, January 10th, at 2:00 p.m. at Summit Church in Sedalia, Colorado. For those unable to attend in person, Guy’s service will be live-streamed at the following link: Guy Smith Service Live-Stream. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Guy's name to Compassion International, an organization he and Barbara supported for years.

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC has agreed to donate time and labor to the organization’s ‘Roof Over Your Head’ program. 

Everybody needs a roof, but when the roof you have needs repairs and you’re low on funds, this can be a difficult situation. With some asphalt roofs costing around $9,000 — and more if you include labor — this is not feasible for many homeowners. That’s why the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) and Habitat for Humanity have created the ‘Roof Over Your Head’ program to give back to their community with no-cost roof repairs and replacements. Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC, is one of many roofing companies that has donated their time to the cause. 

The mission of the ‘Roof Over Your Head’ program is to help families in Colorado who are in need of roof replacements. The goal of the program is to connect Habitat for Humanity building projects with local contractors who will help families get a roof over their heads. Bob Behrends Roofing has donated time and expertise to help a Loveland resident get a new roof installed with GAF shingles.  

Bob Behrends Roofing, LLC is a well-known roofing contractor in the Colorado region. They are a Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor of Owens Corning and a TAMKO MasterCraft Pro Certified Contractor. They have also worked with Owens Corning for their Roof Deployment Program, which helps military families across the nation get new roofs at no cost to them. 

Doug Kerstetter, an estimator and warehouse manager at Bob Behrends, has stated that their company loves giving back to a community that has done so much for them. "We appreciate our local communities supporting us," he said. “Helping those in need, is our way of giving back." 

Photo credit: Colorado Roofing Association

By Cass Jacoby. 

The 22nd Annual Colorado Roofing Association Trade Show is happening January 26, 2023! 

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be at the Colorado Roofing Association  (CRA) Tradeshow this January 26, will you? This year's CRA Trade Show will be held at the Arapahoe County Events Center in Aurora, Colorado. The tradeshow is a great way for members of the roofing industry to get connected, find new products and services and meet potential customers. It is completely free to attend, and registration is open! 

The CRA show is a great opportunity to make contacts with over 1,000 installers, builders, architects, manufacturers and applicators of roofing products and services.  New and veteran roofers alike can benefit from seeing what is cutting edge at this tradeshow. 

CIUs (Continuing Involvement Requirement for Members) are required for current and new contractor CRA members.  Continuing education allows contractors to advance and improve in their profession.  Attending the show will earn a member one CIU per person, and partaking in the trade show seminar earns CRA members two CIUs per person. 

 You won’t want to miss this event! From 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. come see new roofing materials, installation techniques, solar and PV products/ applications, safety products and business management solutions! Be sure to sign-up and save your spot for these workshops: 

• 11:30 a.m. --  CertainTeed Impact Resistance 

• 1:00 p.m.  -- CRA Membership! What's in it for me? 

• 1:30 p.m. -- Experience Titan presented by TAMKO 

• 2:00 p.m. – Maximize Efficiency with Roofing Software with AccuLynx 

Admission to this show is free!  A complimentary lunch buffet and refreshments will also be available to all attendees and vendors.   Registration for the trade show closes at 8:00 p.m. (MST) on January 25, 2023.  

Register today and save your spot for the premier roofing tradeshow of Colorado!  

Learn more about CRA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit coloradoroofing.org. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is putting her Master degree to work writing about movies and dancing with her plants.