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 Jenny Yu.  

Heidi J. Ellsworth has been elected as one of the new NRCA directors. 

Here at The Coffee Shops™, we are proud to share that our president and CEO, Heidi J. Ellsworth, has been elected as one of the new National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) directors. The announcement was made as part of the NRCA's 139th Annual Convention, held from January 18 to 22, 2026, in Las Vegas.  

“It is a true honor to be nominated and selected to serve on the NRCA board of directors,” Heidi shared. “What the NRCA does for the roofing industry is critical to advancing professionalism, supporting contractors and protecting the long-term strength of our trade. The association’s leadership of technical services along with their commitment to career technical education and advocacy continues to move the industry forward. I am excited to contribute at a higher level.” 

With over 30 years of service to the industry, Heidi has developed the experience, connections and leadership skills that make her an invaluable voice and advocate for the roofing community. From holding positions with Malarkey Roofing Products®, Carlisle Construction Materials and Eagleview to serving on the boards of Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), METALCON and the International Roofing Expo (IRE), Heidi is more than ready to help guide NRCA through an evolving landscape. 

“Having been actively involved with NRCA for more than 20 years, I look forward to supporting not only the U.S. market but also the organization’s growing global initiatives,” Heidi said. “RoofersCoffeeShop® has a long history of supporting NRCA by amplifying its educational efforts, promoting workforce development and elevating the issues that matter most to roofing professionals.” 

NRCA’s board of directors focuses on strategy and accountability, keeping the interests of its members at the forefront of its work. Heidi will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2029, starting June 1, alongside eleven other newly appointed board members.  

“By standing together as one voice, we can expand opportunities and build stronger businesses for our contracting community while also better serving the consumers,” Heidi expressed. “Everyone needs shelter, and I am proud to be part of an industry that provides the ultimate protection — the roof.” 

Learn more about the mission of the NRCA and its vision for the future of roofing.

The foundation continues to support vocational career paths through SkillsUSA grants. 

The Davis Memorial Foundation, a leading roofing industry foundation that is committed to promoting education, announced the 2025 recipients of the Davis SkillsUSA Grant: Valley Academy of Career and Technical Education in Cottonwood, Arizona, and MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas. Each school has been awarded a $2,500 grant to support student participation in SkillsUSA roofing competitions. 

The Davis SkillsUSA Grant was created to help remove financial barriers that limit student participation in hands-on trade competitions while introducing young people to rewarding, long-term careers in the roofing and construction industries. As the first roofing foundation to offer dedicated SkillsUSA grants, the Davis Memorial Foundation continues to lead the industry in workforce development initiatives. 

Valley Academy of Career and Technical Education, located in Cottonwood, Arizona, is a public charter school focused entirely on career-driven, hands-on education. While the school is not currently teaching a formal roofing curriculum, Valley Academy is highly engaged with SkillsUSA and has demonstrated strong interest in launching roofing education opportunities. The program benefits from active contractor support and industry relationships that are helping lay the groundwork for future roofing instruction. MacArthur High School in Irving, Texas offers comprehensive Career and Technical Education pathways that introduce students to construction fundamentals, jobsite safety and workforce readiness. The school has an active roofing curriculum and a well-established SkillsUSA program, making it a strong candidate for the Davis SkillsUSA Grant.  

Students supported by the Davis SkillsUSA Grant will have opportunities to participate in 2026 SkillsUSA regional and state competitions, which serve as qualifiers for national competitions. In California, regional leadership and skills contests will be held during the winter and early spring, with top competitors advancing to the California State Leadership & Skills Conference in Ontario, California in April 2026. Arizona students will compete in the Arizona SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference in Phoenix, where state champions will qualify for national competition. The culmination of the SkillsUSA competitive year is the 2026 National Leadership & Skills Conference, taking place in June 2026, where top students from across the country will compete on the national stage in more than 100 skilled and leadership event categories. 

By providing grant funding to vocational and CTE programs, the Davis Memorial Foundation enables schools to send their most talented students to local, regional, state and national SkillsUSA competitions. These experiences allow students to showcase commercial roofing skills, connect with industry professionals and gain valuable exposure to career opportunities. 

“This grant program is extremely important to the Trustees of the Davis Memorial Foundation and the membership of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association,” said Davis Memorial Foundation Chairman Chuck Chapman, president of Tecta America Arizona. “We believe supporting CTE programs and SkillsUSA competitors is critical to the future of roofing. These students represent the next generation of skilled professionals, and we are proud to help provide the funding that allows them to participate and succeed.” 

For more information about the Davis SkillsUSA Grant, eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit www.wsrca.com. 

About the Davis Memorial Foundation 

The Davis Memorial Foundation was established in honor of Larry and Mary Davis, who dedicated their lives to advancing education within the roofing industry. Tragically lost in a 1995 airplane accident, their legacy lives on through the foundation's commitment to fostering education and industry growth. The foundation continues to support future leaders by funding scholarships, grants and initiatives that promote career advancement in roofing and related trades. The Davis Memorial Foundation invites schools, industry professionals and supporters to participate in this transformative initiative to cultivate the next generation of roofing experts. Donations to the program are always encouraged. 

By Emma Peterson. 

We sat down with roofing industry leaders to hear their thoughts about 2025 and predictions for 2026.  

For the last Coffee Conversations® of 2025, we hosted a panel of professionals from all sides of the roofing industry to reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026. This powerful conversation, sponsored by SRS Distribution, is a great resource for any professional moving forward in the roofing world this year. Keep reading to hear some insights from each professional.  

Trent Cotney 

Trent is the construction team lead at Adams and Reese, as well as the general counsel for industry associations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association, Western States Roofing Contractors Association and Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.  

When asked about the roofing industry in 2025, Trent highlighted the importance of preparation in relation to challenges like immigration and tariffs. He explained, “What you're starting to see coming out of 2025 and moving into 2026 is contractors embracing the idea that preparation is key.” Whether that looks like organizing tax forms or adding supply clauses to contracts, contractors are improving when it comes to preparation in the last year according to Trent. 

This is a testament to the resilience of roofers, which Trent sees as a key force in the new year. He explained, “There's nothing more resilient than roofing... There will always be issues, struggles and hardships, but we’ve proven this year that we can course correct as they crop up. I see nothing but positivity for 2026.” 

Elizabeth Hurst 

In her role at Sherwin-Williams, Elizabeth examines external market indicators in order to help the Sherwin-Williams sales team stay competitive. She talked about the larger economic picture of the roofing industry sharing what she saw in 2025: “There a lot of uncertainty around things like tariffs that changed the game... But in response I saw a lot of leaders in the industry fall back on the adage of control what you can control.”  

In other words, Elizabeth shared about the same resilience that Trent was talking about. She explained, “A lot of leaders were investing in a growth mindset because they trusted that it was all going to work out. Their perspective was, ‘It's going to shake out, as long as I do what I need to be doing and focus on what I need to focus on.’” And that perspective is what will carry our industry through whatever 2026 throws at us and beyond. 

Steve Little 

As for Steve, he is not only the owner/head coach of K-Post Roofing and Waterproofing, but also a founding partner of National Roofing Partners, which includes over 200 contractors across the United States.  

In both these ventures, Steve has seen firsthand how contractors have risen to the challenges that Trent, Elizabeth and Patrick mentioned. He shared an example: “It's very challenging right now, but we’re seeing a lot of contractors adapt. For example, capital projects were down. In response, a lot of contractors invested in the service side of the business with coatings and other options that extend the life of the roof.”  

Additionally, as we continue to face labor challenges, whether that comes from the pre-existing shortages or more recent immigration policy changes, Steve has seen the industry come together to adapt. He explained, “The Roofing Alliance and NRCA have really come together through SkillsUSA to introduce young people to roofing. There’s also the program at Clemson’s Center for Roofing and the Merit Shop apprenticeship will launch soon...On the immigration side, Congress is working on a Dignity Bill that would allow for a seven-year work permit, which would be huge for our economy and immigrant workers... So there’s a lot to be hopeful about in the new year.”  

Patrick Garcia 

And last but not least, Patrick is responsible for “digital engineering, AI and innovation” for both SRS and Heritage. He had similar insights to Elizabeth, sharing, “This year had a variety of challenges, from labor shortages to cost pressures, but these challenges also offered opportunities.” The main opportunity? A chance to step back and truly think about and improve the collaboration between manufacturers, distributors and contractors. 

Looking ahead at 2026, Patrick hopes this collaboration continues to develop and grow. He shared, “Today, we have a more connected, data-driven ecosystem across distribution contractors and manufacturers. And as we face challenges, this connection is driving deeper conversations about creating a win-win-win mindset wherein, if the manufacturers win, the distributor wins and the contractors win... If we can achieve that, we move the whole industry forward to a more connected, inclusive and resilient future.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more expert insights as we move into the new year.

By Dani Sheehan. 

See why more contractors are turning to restoration solutions like high-performance silicone coatings. 

Live from the Western Roofing Expo (WRE) 2025 soundstage, EVERROOF® National Sales Manager Todd Farr broke down why fluid-applied restoration systems continue gaining momentum, and why silicone coatings are exploding in popularity this year. For contractors looking to extend roof life, deliver stronger ROI for building owners and add profitable restoration work to their service offerings, there’s never been a better time to lean into coatings. 

For many building owners, cost is the biggest factor in deciding between repair, restoration or replacement. Todd explained that EVERROOF helps contractors offer meaningful value without sacrificing performance. “They’re looking for a resource to extend the life of the roof,” he said. “You have a complete tear-off, a layover and then below that you have your fluid-applied restoration systems. That’s usually going to be your most economical solution if the substrate qualifies.” Restoration provides a higher-margin opportunity overall: less labor, fewer disruptions and the ability to offer 10-, 15- or 20-year systems backed by a proven manufacturer. 

If 2025 had a headline product category in coatings, silicone would be it. Todd pointed to newly released data from the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA), showing a 2,200% increase in silicone usage in Q1 2025 versus Q1 2024. “People are keying in on the fact that silicone is such a great restoration product,” Todd explained. “It resists ponding water, it’s UV resistant, you don’t have to use as much product and you can use it on a variety of substrates. It’s just a win-win across the board.” 

Silicone also supports energy efficiency goals, thanks to its solar reflectance and glossy finish. “It's going to save on HVAC costs and building maintenance across the board,” Todd shared. “Building owners love it.” With silicone’s versatility, installation efficiency and growing market demand, contractors have a strong opportunity to diversify services and meet customers where the trend is headed. 

Watch the full interview to hear Todd’s breakdown of product performance and what’s next for EVERROOF.

Portfolio debuts at Western Roofing Expo, featuring Polyglass HRA and new partnerships with DuPont™ Styrofoam™ Brand insulation & Belgard Commercial pavers and pedestals.

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc., a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems, today announced the launch of Drizone™ Commercial Systems, a new way of delivering complete waterproofing assemblies for commercial construction. By organizing both proven and new products into application-specific portfolios, Drizone helps architects, specifiers and contractors simplify complex building design challenges.

A portfolio approach to complex designs

Drizone Commercial Systems is structured as a portfolio organized by application type, giving specifiers and contractors clarity in selecting the right waterproofing approach for each condition. The three system families are:

• Drizone™ Dek — Horizontal deck waterproofing for plaza, amenity, green and blue roofs. Drizone Dek systems emphasize durability, versatility and long-term moisture management performance on exposed horizontal surfaces.
• Drizone™ Trak — High-performance surfacing systems for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. From stadium seating and balconies to parking garages, Drizone Trak systems combine primers, base coats, reinforcement layers and wear coats into monolithic, traffic-rated assemblies built for durability and slip resistance.
• Drizone™ Hydrix — Next-generation systems for horizontal and vertical below-grade structures and water-containment. Drizone Hydrix resists hydrostatic pressure, water migration and chemical exposure, protecting foundations, pits, vaults and cisterns with watertight performance where failure is not an option.

Spotlight on Drizone Dek

The launch highlights Drizone Dek assemblies featuring the new Polyglass Hot-Applied Rubberized Asphalt (HRA) membrane. Already a trusted technology in the industry, Polyglass now offers HRA as a cornerstone for waterproofing plaza and amenity decks to green and blue roof applications, supported by Polyglass Uncured Neoprene Flashing for flexible detailing at walls, penetrations and drains.

Drizone Dek assemblies also integrate newly approved partner components — DuPont™ Styrofoam™ Brand XPS insulation and Belgard Commercial pavers and pedestals — creating spec-ready systems that reduce ambiguity and ensure long-term performance.

A typical Drizone Dek assembly may include: structural concrete → PG 100 primer → Polyglass HRA → Mapeseal LMR Fabric reinforcement → Polyglass HRA → Polyglass' protective Membranes → Mapedrain HS Plus/HSW → DuPont™ Styrofoam™ Brand XPS insulation → Belgard pedestal system → Belgard pavers. A full cutaway rendering and technical details are available for design teams.

Example of Drizone™ Dek System using new products

Advancing the Seal the Envelope™ promise

Drizone is the latest expression of Polyglass’ Seal the Envelope promise to provide holistic solutions across all six sides of the building envelope. By grouping solutions into application-based systems, Drizone extends that commitment to commercial environments where compatibility and coordination across multiple components and transitions are critical.

Industry impact

“Drizone is about how we are continuing to expand our Seal the Envelope approach into commercial projects, by delivering assemblies that address real-world design conditions with proven products, new technologies and trusted partner components,” said Mark Franciosi, director of technical services at Polyglass.

Through Drizone Commercial Systems, Polyglass is simplifying specification. With the launch of Drizone Dek, HRA membranes are aligned with approved insulation and wide range of overburden options to enhance any architectural style. This system-first approach helps project teams deliver durable, serviceable decks and terraces with confidence.

Bring Drizone to your next project

Drizone systems, application matrices and technical data are available now. For project-specific guidance or pricing, contact Polyglass or visit the Drizone Commercial Systems page for details.

About Polyglass U.S.A., Inc.

Polyglass U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing systems. Known for its self-adhered modified bitumen roofing systems based on the company’s patented ADESO® Technology and CURE Technology®, Polyglass also produces a full line of premium roof coatings and roof maintenance systems. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Polyglassprovides quality products and adds value through innovation. For more information about the premium products and services offered by Po yglass, call 800.222.9782 or visit polyglass.us.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Build lasting businesses when you focus on improving quality, invest in training and foster meaningful relationships. 

Uncertainty isn’t new in the roofing industry – interest rates fluctuate, homeowner spending tightens and project timelines shift. Even as customers become cautious and competitors focus on cutting costs, periods of uncertainty signal opportunity for the contractors who stay committed to growth. In a live Coffee Conversations during the Western Roofing Expo (WRE), sponsored by General Coatings Manufacturing Corp and EVERROOF, the message was clear: tough times can sharpen your business if you stay focused on quality, training and relationships. 

Stay true to quality 

Economic uncertainty pushes many property owners to chase the lowest bid, but contractors know that short-term savings often lead to long-term failures. “People start buying on price and they’re sacrificing that quality for the price,” emphasized Stan Robinson of Pacific West Roofing and president of Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). “It just creates a wave of more work later because something’s going to fail because of quality of workmanship.” Stan believes it’s an opening for strong contractors to differentiate themselves. When competitors cut corners, your consistency becomes your best marketing strategy. 

Invest in your team and technology 

Rather than waiting out the market, Seth Pietsch of Integrity Insurance and Bonding sees slower months a chance to recalibrate and build for the future. “Right now, with it being a little slower than normal, it’s a really good time for us to reassess how we’re running our processes and procedures,” he explained. “We’re investing in new technology, making things easier on our staff and giving them the education and training they need. Training they may not have had time for when everyone was running full speed.” 

Will Lorenz, president of General Coatings, shared a similar approach from a manufacturer’s perspective. For General Coatings, staying close to customers has been key to weathering market changes. He shared, “We focus on quality and relationships. We’re spending a lot of time face-to-face out in the field with people, walking them through how our systems should be installed properly. We even doubled our tech service force this year because our reputation really comes down to how well the contractor had done the work.” 

Being proactive with technical support and training not only improves job performance but builds trust that lasts far beyond the scope of a single project. 

Building resilience together 

For Elise Blackman, marketing manager for Polycoat Products, the signs of recovery are already taking shape. “Even from my perspective as a first-time homebuyer, the first question you ask when viewing a home is, ‘How’s the roof?’ With interest rates hopefully starting to decline, people will be hungry to buy again, and that just opens more opportunity for roof replacements and upgrades.” Her optimism highlights an important takeaway: preparation now will position you to capitalize when demand rebounds. 

Uncertainty may always be part of the business, but how the industry responds defines its future. Listen to the full webinar to see how these leaders are building a more stable future through craftsmanship, education and connection. 

By WSRCA.

These individuals volunteer their time to make membership with WSRCA a worthwhile investment, and the roofing community a better place!

For decades, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) has served the roofing industry through sharing education, creating spaces for communication, hosting the Western Roofing Expo and more. All of these initiatives and programs are made possible through the support of our members and the work of the volunteers that make up our officers and board of directors. To highlight the incredible people who are dedicating their time to make our organization and industry a better place, we wanted to introduce them to you! 

WSRCA officers

• President: Stan Robinson, Pacific West Roofing LLC
• Senior vice president: Ron Lloyd, Kokua Roofing Service
• Immediate former president: Kris Hitesman, Capitol Roofing Service
• Vice president - 1 year: Hillary McPartlon, McPartlon Roofing
• Vice president - 1 year: Austin Barnhardt, Quality Roofing and Sheet Metal
• Vice president - 2 years: Stephanie Baird, Bliss Roofing, Inc.
• Vice president - 2 years: Scott Riopelle, Interstate Roofing
• Executive director: Joel B. Viera, Western States RCA

WSRCA board of directors

WSRCA committees

Please join us at the IIBEC Chapters of Region V Technical Seminar on October 1, 2025 at the Paris Hotel in conjunction with the WSRCA 2025 Convention. The program include five (5) sessions and provides 6.0 IIBEC and/or AIA learning units which. 

The cost of this program is $250.00 for IIBEC members and $300.00 for non-members. 

Registration for this program includes breakfast and lunch and admission to the Western Roofing Expo trade show on both Monday (9/29/25) and Tuesday (9/30/25). 

Event sponsor:  $1,000 table top in the event room all day and an opportunity to speak with the RoofersCoffeeShop podcast about the event and themselves. 

Topics and speakers include:

• Unburdening Overburden Considerations for Commercial Roofing, presented by Matt Braun, P.E., Design Manager at GAF/Siplast.
• Sloping: When it all goes downhill, presented by Erica Reynolds, Associate, PE, RA, FMPC at Walker Consultants
• Designing Low Slope Roofing for Climate Change, presented by Robert Hemphill, RBEC, RRC, RWC, REWC and Kimberly Agustin, RRO, at Salas O’ Brien Engineers.
• Code Updates: Learn about important roofing related building codes that affect both steep and low slope roofing projects, presented by Daniel J Cupit – Roofing Consultant and Expert, Professional Construction Services.
• What Does a Building Enclosure Consultant Need to Know About CLT? Presented by Darbi Krumpos, CDT, BECxP, CxA+BE, SOCOTEC Consulting, Inc.

Register today!

You won't want to miss this special Coffee Conversations, sponsored by General Coatings, coming to you LIVE from the Western Roofing Expo! Join us on day one of the show, Monday, September 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. P.T., as we meet with industry leaders and experts from the Western region of the U.S. Guests include manufacturers, distributors and leading contractors who will share their insights and wisdom live from the trade show floor. The topics will center around what's hot across the country and in the western U.S. as well as what’s to come for the rest of year and into 202. Watch from the comfort of your home, on your mobile device or in person from outside our soundstage at the Western Roofing Expo Booth 12. Join us for this great Coffee Conversations LIVE from the Western Roofing Expo!

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