By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Construction Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that every company can help employees find support before a crisis becomes a tragedy. 

The construction industry knows how to protect people from physical hazards. We hold safety meetings, conduct jobsite inspections, require fall protection and make sure crews understand the procedures that can save their lives. During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, September 14-18, 2026, we must bring that same commitment and consistency to mental health and suicide prevention. 

This year's theme, "Building on Progress," recognizes that progress is being made while reminding us that the work is far from finished. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to identify construction as one of the industries with the highest suicide rates, making this an issue every roofing and construction company must be prepared to address. 

For company owners and leaders, the first step does not require becoming a mental health professional. It begins with 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. 

One of the most important resources we can share is 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline gives employees and employers an easy-to-remember number they can use when they or someone they know needs emotional support. 

The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week across the United States and its territories. Employees can call or text 988 or chat online to connect with a skilled crisis counselor for free, confidential and judgment-free support. 

A person does not need to be actively considering suicide to reach out to 988. The Lifeline can also help people experiencing depression, anxiety, substance-use concerns, financial worries, relationship problems, loneliness or other forms of emotional distress. Employers, supervisors and coworkers can also call 988 when they are concerned about someone and need guidance on how to help. 

Construction companies should make 988 as visible and familiar as every other emergency and safety resource. Put it on jobsite posters, safety boards, hard-hat stickers, employee handbooks, company intranets and payroll communications. Include it in new-employee orientation and regularly remind employees that using 988 is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Most importantly, talk about it often enough that employees remember it when they need it. A phone number only helps when people know what it is, understand when to use it and believe they will not be judged for reaching out. 

This is where toolbox talks can make an immediate difference. Construction companies already use these short conversations to address fall protection, heat stress, personal protective equipment and other jobsite hazards. Mental health and suicide prevention deserve a place in that same safety routine. 

A toolbox talk can explain what 988 is, identify warning signs that someone may be struggling and remind employees to check on one another. It can also give supervisors the language they need to begin a difficult conversation with care and respect. Employers do not have to wait until someone is in crisis to make mental health part of their safety culture. 

The resources available through Construction Suicide Prevention Week make these conversations easier. Companies can register their participation, take the pledge and access toolbox talks and other materials that can be shared with crews. The 2026 pledge asks participants to learn at least one new way to seek help for someone in need, including learning about 988, company Employee Assistance Programs and toolbox-talk resources. 

Roofing companies should also visit the National Roofing Contractors Association's Be Tough Enough website. NRCA has developed roofing-specific mental health and suicide prevention resources, including a toolbox talk, suicide prevention fact sheet, break room poster, educational programs, hard-hat stickers and its powerful "Be Tough Enough" video. Many of these resources are available in both English and Spanish, helping companies bring this vital message to their entire workforce. 

The message behind Be Tough Enough is one our industry needs to embrace. Real toughness includes being willing to say you are struggling, asking someone if they are okay and standing beside a coworker as they connect with help. NRCA's materials give contractors practical ways to make those actions part of everyday business. 

I also encourage roofing and construction leaders to learn from Mandy McIntyre, a dedicated advocate for mental health in our industry. Mandy has worked tirelessly to help companies move beyond awareness by developing people who can recognize when someone may need support and help connect that person with appropriate resources. 

Through Mental Health First Aid, individuals can learn how to notice signs of mental health or substance-use challenges, approach a person with care and guide them toward professional help. Mandy's Mental Health First Aider resources are designed for the roofing and construction community, helping trained employees bring practical tools and greater understanding back into their businesses. 

Having trained Mental Health First Aiders within a company does not replace professional care. It gives employees trusted people who are prepared to listen, respond without judgment and help someone take the next step. Just as employees are trained in CPR or first aid, mental health training prepares them to respond when the warning signs are emotional rather than physical. 

At The Coffee Shops®, we are committed to spreading the word about suicide prevention and the lifesaving support available through 988. As part of that commitment, we will host two special Coffee Conversations, sponsored by Tremco, during Construction Suicide Prevention Week. 

On September 15, 2026,  we will be joined by Mandy McIntyre of Tremco for an English-language Coffee Conversation focused on mental health, suicide prevention and the actions companies can take to support their employees. On September 17, 2026, we will present a Spanish-language Coffee Conversation with Lorna Rojas of Tremco, ensuring this important information reaches Spanish-speaking roofing professionals, crews and their families. 

These conversations are intended for owners, managers, safety professionals and every person who works in roofing and construction. We encourage companies to watch as a team, share the programs with employees and use them to begin ongoing conversations within their organizations. We are grateful to Tremco for sponsoring both programs and helping us bring this message to English- and Spanish-speaking members of our industry. 

During Construction Suicide Prevention Week, please visit ConstructionSuicidePrevention.com, explore NRCA's resources at BeToughEnough.org and bring a suicide prevention toolbox talk to your company. Share 988 with your employees, participate in The Coffee Shops' upcoming Coffee Conversations and consider Mental Health First Aid training for members of your team. 

We build businesses, roofs, buildings and communities together. We must also build workplaces where people look out for one another, where difficult conversations are welcomed and where every employee knows they do not have to struggle alone. 

If you or someone you know needs emotional support, call or text 988 or visit 988Lifeline.org. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911. These resources should be shared now, before someone needs them, because one conversation and one connection to help can save a life. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

What roofing contractors should be watching.

While the construction industry continues to expect growth in the months ahead, the latest data suggests that confidence is beginning to soften. For roofing contractors, this serves as an important reminder to keep a close eye on backlog, sales pipelines and market trends as conditions continue to shift. According to the latest report highlighted by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), construction industry leaders were less optimistic in July, with two of the three key measures in Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Construction Confidence Index declining from the previous month. 

Confidence is cooling, but growth is still expected 

The good news is that all three components of ABC’s Construction Confidence Index remained above 50 in July, which indicates contractors still expect growth over the next six months. However, the decline in sales expectations and staffing confidence shows that many contractors are becoming more cautious about the near-term market outlook.  

July's report showed: 

• Profit margin expectations increased slightly from 52.4 to 52.7. 
• Staffing expectations fell from 62.7 to 62.3. 
• Sales expectations dropped from 63.6 to 61.2. 

Although these numbers remain in positive territory, the downward movement suggests contractors are becoming less certain about future opportunities and market momentum. 

Backlog takes a significant hit 

Perhaps the most concerning data point for many roofing contractors is the decline in backlog. ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator fell from 8.8 months in June to 8.0 months in July, reaching its lowest level since January. The backlog figure was also down compared to July 2025. 

Backlog is one of the clearest indicators of future workload, and a shrinking backlog can signal slowing demand or increased competition for projects. 

For roofing contractors, strong backlog management becomes even more important during periods of uncertainty. Companies that consistently monitor lead generation, bidding activity and project scheduling are often better positioned to navigate softer market conditions. 

The data center boom is creating a divide 

A major theme in the report is the growing gap between contractors involved in data center construction and those serving other market segments. ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu noted that contractors working on data center projects are experiencing substantially stronger backlog levels than contractors operating elsewhere in the construction industry. 

According to the report: 

• Contractors not working on data centers averaged 7.5 months of backlog. 
• Contractors with data center work averaged 11.4 months of backlog.  

This trend demonstrates how certain construction segments continue to outperform the broader market. For commercial roofing contractors, facilities supporting technology infrastructure, manufacturing and large-scale industrial development may represent valuable opportunities as investment continues in those sectors. 

Challenges for small and mid-sized contractors 

The report also highlights concerns for small and mid-sized construction companies. Backlog among firms generating between $30 million and $50 million in annual revenue dropped to its lowest level since March 2020.  

Many roofing contractors operate within this size range and may feel pressure from: 

• Increased competition for available work 
• Tighter profit margins 
• Rising labor costs 
• Ongoing material price volatility 
• Uncertainty surrounding future economic growth 

These challenges reinforce the importance of operational efficiency, strong customer relationships and proactive business development efforts. 

What roofing contractors should do now

While the report does not indicate a downturn is imminent, it does suggest that the market may be transitioning from the strong growth conditions many contractors have enjoyed in recent years. Roofing companies can use this period to strengthen their positions by: 

• Maintaining a healthy sales pipeline 
• Diversifying project types and customer segments 
• Focusing on recurring maintenance and service programs 
• Improving estimating accuracy and margin management 
• Investing in customer retention and referral strategies 
• Contractors who remain disciplined during periods of slowing confidence are often the best positioned to capitalize when new opportunities emerge. 

Looking ahead 

The latest ABC data paints a picture of cautious optimism. Growth is still expected, but contractors are becoming more measured in their outlook as backlog declines and some market segments lose momentum. For roofing contractors, the message is clear: stay focused on pipeline development, monitor market trends closely and continue building resilience into your business strategy. 

Those who adapt early and remain proactive will be in the strongest position regardless of where the market heads next. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Join the RoofersCoffeeShop® crew and our giveaway winners at this year’s Western Roofing Expo!  

Just last week, our 2026 Western Roofing Expo (WRE) ticket giveaway closed, and five lucky winners were chosen! This giveaway was organized in partnership with Western Colloid and each winner received one Full Pass for entry to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA)’s 2026 show ($500.00 value), which runs September 27-29 at the Paris Las Vegas. What is included in this pass?  

• Access to a premier regional roofing and waterproofing expo that sees over 200 exhibitors and countless attendees. 
• Entry to the annual luncheon sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products and featuring motivational speaker Shereen Thor. 
• The opportunity to attend educational sessions, including en Español content, that will help you level up your business operations and technical skills. 
• Invitation to the legislative luncheon where Craig Brightup (WSRCA political correspondent) and Chad Collins (chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association board) as they share key updates and news. 

The lucky winners of the giveaway are Marlin Fisher, the VP of field service and director of estimating at Capital 360; Buzz Lynds, sales development specialist at SureSeal Roofing Products; Jesse Pelayo, president and cofounder of TopCal Roofing; Jebran Enriquez, project coordinator at JJA Roofing & Contracting; and Dylan Trent, National Roofing.  

This giveaway might be over, but you still have time to register to attend WRE 2026! 

Get your tickets today!

By The Coffee Shops®.

The EmpowerAll Scholarship Program is open for IRE 2027.

For many roofing professionals, attending the International Roofing Expo® (IRE) is a career-changing experience. From discovering the latest products and technologies to connecting with industry leaders and peers, the event offers valuable opportunities for education, networking and professional growth. To help make that experience accessible to more roofing professionals, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) created the EmpowerAll Scholarship Program.

A unique opportunity for roofing professionals

Today's roofing industry faces ongoing challenges ranging from workforce development and succession planning to technology adoption and operational efficiency. Industry events like IRE provide firsthand access to solutions, educational resources and peer insights that can help contractors address these challenges.

For roofing contractors looking to develop future leaders within their organizations, the EmpowerAll Scholarship Program presents a valuable opportunity. The program aims to help individuals working in management roles or in the field who have never attended the IRE before attend the show so that they can experience new ideas, industry best practices and valuable professional connections firsthand.

Not only does this help the individual recipient grow in their career, it is a powerful way for roofing companies to strengthen engagement, build leadership skills and help prepare the next generation of industry professionals.

What the scholarship includes

The EmpowerAll Scholarship removes many of the financial barriers that can prevent roofing professionals from attending industry events. Awardees of the 2027 scholarship will receive:

• An IRE Super Pass for the 2027 show which will be held February 16-18, 2027, in Las Vegas. This includes access to educational sessions, the expo hall, keynote presentations, the NRCA Industry Awards, reception and the welcome party
• Two nights of hotel accommodations (February 16-17)
• Round-trip airfare reimbursement up to $600
• Connections with NRCA staff and an industry mentor

This comprehensive package allows recipients to focus on learning, networking and making the most of their time at the roofing industry's largest annual event. Specifically, the opportunity to be paired with NRCA staff and an industry mentor helps ensure that scholarship recipients maximize the value of their experience and build meaningful industry relationships. These connections often extend well beyond the event itself, creating lasting professional networks that can support long-term career growth.

Apply today

Now is the time to apply to the scholarship program for a chance to attend IRE 2027 and access education, mentorship, networking and professional development opportunities that can have a lasting impact on both individual careers and roofing businesses.

EmpowerAll scholarship recipients will be recognized during the NRCA Industry Awards and Reception, where they will receive their certificates and be acknowledged among roofing industry professionals, making now the perfect time to submit an application and take the next step toward professional growth at IRE 2027.

Learn more and apply today! 

By Alex Tolle.

When a Southern California camp serving children with cancer needed some help, nearly 70 roofing professionals joined forces to deliver five brand new cabin roofs.

On August 18, 2026, roofing professionals gathered at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times in Southern California to install new roofs on five of the camp’s 14 cabins. The work was made possible by volunteers who contributed their time and professional expertise, along with companies that provided the labor and materials needed to complete the installations. Participating companies included Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, Gabella Construction, GAF, Howard and Sons Inc., QXO and Shell Roofing Solutions.

About the camp

The project helped protect a place where children with cancer can step away from hospitals and treatments and spend time simply enjoying being kids. As described on their website: 

Camp programs provide children with cancer and families the opportunity to pause, connect with others who are facing similar challenges, and renew a sense of hope. We help youth build courage and independence, and experience a sense of belonging in a healing, medically safe environment. Learn which program is right for you.

About the project

Together, the participating professionals addressed more than one-third of the camp’s cabins in a single day. Their contributions supported the camp’s ability to continue providing children with a special place to get away from the medical environments that are often part of their daily lives.

The project continued the longstanding partnership between Ronald McDonald House and the Roofing Alliance. Since 2017, Roofing Alliance and National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) members have donated millions of dollars in roofing materials and labor to assist Ronald McDonald House programs across the country.

Reflecting and looking forward

For contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other roofing professionals, efforts like this show how industry knowledge can serve communities beyond the jobsite. Every volunteer and participating company played a role in protecting the facilities that help make the camp experience possible.

This day of service represented the roofing industry at its best: Professionals coming together, sharing their talents and making a meaningful difference for children and their families.

Learn more about how the Roofing Alliance and NRCA members support Ronald McDonald House programs through donated roofing materials and labor.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Proposed legislation would create a payroll tax credit designed to reduce the cost of registered apprenticeship programs for roofing contractors and other employers. 

Finding and retaining skilled workers remains a major challenge for roofing contractors, making long-term workforce development an important industry priority for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Proposed federal legislation could help reduce some of the upfront costs associated with training the next generation of roofing professionals. 

On April 30, Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Rep. Nathanial Moran, R-Texas, introduced the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act in both chambers of Congress. The legislation would create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers that hire and train workers through Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) certified by the Department of Labor. 

Under the proposal, employers could receive a payroll tax credit equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to an apprentice during their first two years in a program, along with certain program-related training expenses. The incentive is intended to offset costs associated with wages, supervision, classroom instruction and other investments required to develop skilled workers. 

For roofing contractors, registered apprenticeships offer a structured approach to bringing new employees into the industry while developing the skills, safety practices and technical knowledge needed for long-term careers. Apprentices also have the opportunity to earn wages while combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. 

NRCA endorsed the WAGES Act, citing its potential to reduce upfront costs that can prevent roofing contractors and other employers from establishing registered apprenticeship programs. Addressing members’ workforce needs remains NRCA’s top advocacy priority, and the organization plans to work to expand support for the legislation in the Senate and House during the remainder of the 119th Congress. 

As contractors continue looking for sustainable ways to recruit, train and retain skilled employees, the WAGES Act places renewed attention on apprenticeship as a pathway for building the roofing workforce. 

Learn more about the WAGES Act and its potential impact on registered apprenticeship programs!

By The Coffee Shops®.

NRCA has released new recommendations for the design, preparation and application of roof coating systems. 

Roof coatings have become an increasingly important solution for extending the service life of existing roof systems, improving reflectivity and delaying costly replacements. Recognizing the growing role coatings play in the roofing industry, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has released an updated edition of its NRCA Guidelines for Roof Coatings. 

The NRCA’s coating guidelines have always offered contractors “valuable information about the application of various types of roof coating systems, preparations necessary for their successful performance and quality control guidelines for on-site evaluation.”  

The updated edition emphasizes the importance of proper roof evaluation and preparation before any coating application begins as successful coatings projects depend on assessing the condition of the existing roof, identifying necessary repairs and ensuring the substrate is suitable for the selected coating system. The document also provides quality control recommendations to help contractors verify coating performance during installation and throughout the project lifecycle.  

As more building owners look for restoration-focused solutions that maximize the value of existing roofing assets, having access to current industry standards and application practices through the NRCA guidelines is a powerful resource for contractors, consultants and installers.   

Access the 2026 updated edition today through NRCA. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This six-course initiative helps contractors develop Hispanic field leaders and improve communication, safety and retention. 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and The GLO Group have launched the Executive Leadership Bilingual Pilot Program, a six-course initiative focused on strengthening communication between roofing executives and Hispanic field teams. The program was created to help contractors address language differences, cultural disconnects and inconsistent leadership development that can affect productivity, safety, retention and profitability. Its curriculum is intended for owners, executives, operations leaders, human resources professionals and managers responsible for leading diverse teams. 

“One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that communication challenges are simply a language issue. In reality, they're a leadership issue,” said Monica Vornbrock, co-founder and chief innovation and transformation officer of The GLO Group. 

Monica is co-facilitating the program with Lorna Rojas, a specialist in human resources, recruitment, Hispanic training and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety practices and Chris Navarro, NRCA’s manager of membership sales and Spanish relations. 

The interactive courses will address leadership development, psychological safety, cultural trust and the use of modern tools. Topics include “Leadership in Two Languages: Elevating Hispanic Supervisors,” “Psychological Safety and Cultural Trust in Roofing Environments” and “Modern Tools, Traditional Values: AI + People-Centered Leadership.” 

Participants will learn strategies for developing Hispanic supervisors, reducing communication breakdowns, improving employee retention and creating greater consistency across multilingual crews. The program also examines how people-centered leadership can support the adoption of technology, systems and artificial intelligence. 

NRCA and The GLO Group will introduce the curriculum during a complimentary live webinar Thursday, August 20, at 1 p.m. CT. The session will include an overview of the six courses, introductions to the facilitators and a live question-and-answer period. 

Learn more about the Executive Leadership Bilingual Pilot Program and register for the free webinar through The GLO Group!

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore the articles that generated the most interest this month. 

In the last month, over 250 articles have been published on RoofersCoffeeShop.com. That’s a lot of reading to keep up with, especially for busy contractors who are going between the office and the field. To make it easier to keep up, we’ve looked at those hundreds of articles and picked out the most popular ones to showcase.  

In this list, there are a couple of articles authored by Heidi J. Ellsworth, the president of The Coffee Shops™. In one article she highlights how the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is expanding mental health support through suicide prevention training, made possible through a collaboration with LivingWorks. The other article dove into the importance of awards and recognition during the current artificial intelligence boom.  

Our friends over at Cotney Consulting Group also contributed a few articles on our top 10 list, including one about crystalline silica exposure and another about creating an operational preparedness plan to navigate the current global political environment.  

Our number one article of the month showcased FMI Corporation’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and was written by Emma Peterson, senior content developer for The Coffee Shops™. This was not the only article of Emma’s that made the list, as her articles about turning data into business strategies, taking on leadership roles and the development of the metal roof retrofit industry were also featured. 

July 2026’s top articles 

10 - Eagleview warns emergency managers: A below average hurricane season is not a safe season by Eagleview. 

9 - NRCA expands mental health support with free suicide prevention training by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

8 - NRCA Gold Circle Awards: Why recognition matters more than ever in the age of AI by Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

7 - When global events reach the rooftop by John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

6 - Building the metal roof retrofit industry by Emma Peterson. 

5 - Finding opportunity in every position by Emma Peterson. 

4 - ARCA’s Lotería Night brings fun and connection to the roofing community by Alex Tolle. 

3 - Connecting the dots between data and strategy by Emma Peterson. 

2 - The silica citation nobody sees coming by Cotney Consulting Group. 

1 - Construction growth expected in the next year by Emma Peterson. 

A coalition of industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada has completed its Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing for the second quarter of 2026.

The survey is an industrywide effort spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

Sixty-eight percent of survey responses came from roofing contractors, and 32% of responses came from roof consultants. 44% of respondents indicated they primarily work on low-slope roof systems; 44% indicated they primarily work on a blend of low-slope and steep-slope roof systems; and 12% indicated they primarily work on steep-slope roof systems.

Participants who identify as roofing contractors were asked to report the number of squares of reroofing material installed by their companies during the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. 35% of respondents reported the volume of reroofing materials installed increased, 28% reported no change and 37% reported a decrease in materials installed year-over-year.

37%  of all survey respondents indicated their customer inquiries increased. 32% of respondents reported no change in activity, and 31% indicated a decrease. Project contracts increased for 38% of respondents, 32% reported no change in activity and 30% indicated a decrease in project contracts.

Additionally, two indices offer insight regarding customer inquiries and project contracts across market segments. The indices are based on a 0 to 100 scale. A score of 50 or higher suggests expansion or optimism; a score below 50 indicates contraction or pessimism.

• The customer inquiries index score for the total industry decreased to 53.5 compared with 57.1 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 31.8, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 60.2, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 52.4.
• The project contracts index score for the total industry increased to 54.3 compared with 52.9 for the first quarter of 2026. The score for the steep-slope reroofing market is 40.9, the score for the low-slope reroofing market is 63.3, and the score for the blended low- and steep-slope reroofing market is 48.8.

As of July 2026, 30% of respondents reported no project backlogs, 32% indicated project backlogs of one to two months, and 24% indicated backlogs of three to four months. 14% of respondents reported project backlogs of five or more months.

The complete results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are available to those who participate in the survey via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics. Any contractor or consultant who wants to participate in the next quarter’s survey can sign up for a notification at http://bit.ly/37ank7D.