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<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>Preserving the past with modern metal solutions</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/preserving-the-past-with-modern-metal-solutions</link>
<description>preserving-the-past-with-modern-metal-solutions</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/cam-preserving-the-past-with-modern-metal-solutions.png'
            alt='Preserving the past with modern metal solutions'
            title='Preserving the past with modern metal solutions'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Drexel Metals.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>A Florida restoration project shows how Drexel Metals&rsquo; innovative solutions can protect historic structures without sacrificing their original character.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Preserving historic architecture while meeting modern performance demands is no easy task, but <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/drexelmetals">Drexel Metals</a> demonstrates how it can be done in its case study, &ldquo;<a href="https://www.drexmet.com/case_studies/preserving-a-historic-cade-allen-residence/">Historic Cade Allen Residence: Preserving history with metal</a>.&rdquo; As a leading provider of engineered metal roofing and architectural systems, Drexel Metals is known for delivering durable, energy-efficient solutions across a wide range of applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this project, the company&rsquo;s expertise is applied to a historically significant residence, where maintaining architectural integrity was just as critical as improving long-term performance. By carefully balancing aesthetics with durability, the team proved that metal roofing can replicate the timeless look required by preservation standards while delivering superior longevity and protection.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Project preview: Cade Allen&rsquo;s Foster Grove House&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Cade Allen, an early 20th-century developer and homebuilder, left a lasting mark on St. Petersburg, Florida, specifically the historic Allendale neighborhood, with his distinctive architectural style and commitment to quality workmanship. His works are typically characterized by meticulous exterior stonework (he started as a mason and carpenter) and Mediterranean and Spanish Revival-inspired design elements, like vaulted wood-beam ceilings and arch-top windows and doors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of his earliest projects, the Foster Grove House, is one of several Cade Allen residences in St. Pete that meet the strict local standards to be designated as a historic landmark. In fact, it was the very first home that Allen occupied with his own family. It came with the purchase of a sprawling 160-acre citrus grove, which Allen purchased from the Foster family in 1923. Allen and his sons would spend the next 30+ years building 40 houses on the citrus grove property and surrounding area to create what we now know as the Allendale neighborhood. Because of its historical significance, the Foster Grove House required careful preservation and oversight during a summer 2025 renovation project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further, this re-roofing project represents a turning point for how historic homes in hurricane-prone regions can be preserved. &ldquo;As far as I know, this is the first designated historic home in Florida that has received approval to have asphalt shingles replaced with metal roofing,&rdquo; said Jeremy Wood, general manager at GMR Metal Roofs. GMR installed the house&rsquo;s new metal roof, which was fabricated by Innovative Sheet Metals, a Drexel Metals Plus Member, using Drexel Metals&rsquo; coil. &ldquo;It sets a precedent for future projects, showing that we can protect historic structures better with a metal roof without sacrificing their character.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.drexmet.com/case_studies/preserving-a-historic-cade-allen-residence/"><strong>Read the full case study to learn more about how advanced metal systems like Drexel Metals can extend the life of historic structures.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Texas contractors are invited to explore what’s working in roof coatings</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/texas-contractors-invited-to-explorewhatsworking-in-roof-coatings</link>
<description>texas-contractors-invited-to-explorewhatsworking-in-roof-coatings</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/hje-ntrca-texas-contractors-invited-to-explorewhatsworking-in-roof-coatings-customer.png'
            alt='Texas contractors invited to explore what’s working in roof coatings'
            title='Texas contractors invited to explore what’s working in roof coatings'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>For Texas contractors looking to expand services, strengthen margins and better serve property owners, this is a timely opportunity to gain insights and make valuable industry connections.</h2>

<p>As Texas contractors look for new ways to increase profitability, extend roof&nbsp;life&nbsp;and meet growing demand from property owners, roof coatings have begun to gain momentum. In response,&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/north-texas-roofing-contractors-association" target="_blank">North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA) </a>is bringing together leading manufacturers and experts to share real-world insights&nbsp;on&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;working in today&rsquo;s coatings market in new in-person forum.</p>

<p>This forum,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntrca.com/post/lunch-learn-roof-coatings-forum" target="_blank"><em>Lunch &amp; Learn: Roof Coatings Forum</em>,</a> will be&nbsp;taking place on Wednesday, June 10 in Euless, Texas. According to an invitation from Kristen Harford, executive director of NTRCA, this educational event is designed to provide practical,&nbsp;experience-driven&nbsp;perspectives from a strong lineup of manufacturers, including ASC,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/bitec-inc" target="_blank">Bitec</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/polyglass-2" target="_blank">Polyglass</a>. Rather than focusing on one product approach, the forum creates a unique opportunity to hear multiple viewpoints in one setting, helping contractors better evaluate solutions for their businesses and customers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The discussion will center around key topics shaping the coatings segment today, including opportunities to improve profitability, strategies for roof restoration/life extension and the latest technologies influencing the industry. Attendees will also gain a clearer understanding of how coatings deliver value to property owners,&nbsp;an increasingly important selling point as building owners look for cost-effective alternatives to full roof replacement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beyond the presentations, the format is designed for engagement. Contractors will have direct access to manufacturer representatives, the ability to ask&nbsp;questions&nbsp;and the chance to explore tabletop displays and product samples. This hands-on&nbsp;component&nbsp;is especially valuable for those evaluating how to expand or refine their coatings offerings.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Overall, association events like what NTRCA is doing help contractors stay informed and connected to the latest developments in the field. This is key to staying competitive, expecially in a market like Texas where climate conditions and building demands create ongoing opportunities for restoration solutions.</p>

<p><strong>Again, the forum will be held at Texas Star in Euless from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with lunch provided. Space is&nbsp;limited&nbsp;and advanced&nbsp;registration is encouraged.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntrca.com/post/lunch-learn-roof-coatings-forum" target="_blank">Register here</a>&nbsp;or visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/north-texas-roofing-contractors-association" target="_blank">NTRCA directory</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;RoofersCoffeeShop.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/championing-contractors-at-the-capitol-and-beyond</link>
<description>championing-contractors-at-the-capitol-and-beyond</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nrca-championing-contractors-at-the-capitol-and-beyond.png'
            alt='Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond'
            title='Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>NRCA leaders discuss the 2026 Roofing Day and ongoing advocacy efforts.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/duane-musser-brad-stine-driving-the-industry-forward-roofing-day-2026">In this episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a> to discuss the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. and how ongoing engagement with lawmakers is shaping the future of the roofing industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Duane underscored the importance of maintaining a strong presence on Capitol Hill. &ldquo;We are the advocate for the roofing industry in Washington, D.C., working with members of Congress, staff and regulators on everything that&rsquo;s important to the industry,&rdquo; he said. From workforce challenges to regulatory concerns, NRCA&rsquo;s efforts extend year-round to ensure contractors&rsquo; voices are heard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Immigration reform remained a central focus during Roofing Day discussions. Duane noted the urgency of advancing legislative solutions that support a stable workforce. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve been working on this for 20 years, and Congress hasn&rsquo;t addressed it in a comprehensive way,&rdquo; he said, referencing proposals like the Dignity Act and the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act as potential pathways forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another key focus of NRCA&rsquo;s advocacy is workforce development. Brad highlighted progress in career and technical education funding, noting, &ldquo;Increasing CTE funding at a federal level is one of the ways we can help retain and find new labor.&rdquo; He added that recent gains in Perkins Grant funding reflect bipartisan support for skilled trades, a promising sign for the industry&rsquo;s future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to legislative priorities, NRCA remains active in regulatory advocacy, working closely with agencies like OSHA to shape practical safety standards. Duane emphasized the importance of balancing worker protection with real-world jobsite conditions, especially regarding fall protection and heat exposure rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the industry looks ahead, NRCA&rsquo;s continued advocacy signals a unified commitment to addressing challenges and driving progress long after Roofing Day concludes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/hit-the-road-for-dc-and-roofing-day-2026">Read the first article in this series</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/duane-musser-brad-stine-driving-the-industry-forward-roofing-day-2026">Listen to the whole conversation</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFjFzfSTqxs&amp;feature=youtu.be">Watch the recording</a> to learn more about how NRCA is advocating for the roofing industry and how to get involved!&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Roofing con orgullo</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-con-orgullo</link>
<description>roofing-con-orgullo</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/rcs-en-espanol-roofing-con-orgullo.png'
            alt='Roofing con orgullo'
            title='Roofing con orgullo'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Celebra el Mes del Orgullo escuchando a profesionales LGBTQ+ de la industria hablar sobre autenticidad, comunidad e inclusi&oacute;n.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Al acercarnos al Mes del Orgullo, reflexionamos sobre algunas de las conversaciones que hemos tenido la oportunidad de compartir con diferentes profesionales de la industria del roofing pertenecientes a la comunidad LGBTQIA+. Estas historias nos han permitido conocer experiencias, desaf&iacute;os y perspectivas que ayudan a construir una industria m&aacute;s inclusiva y donde la autenticidad tambi&eacute;n tiene un espacio. Una de esas conversaciones tuvo lugar el a&ntilde;o pasado durante un episodio especial de <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/webinar/rainbow-rooftops-its-pride-month">Coffee Conversations</a>, donde profesionales del sector compartieron c&oacute;mo su identidad, experiencias y orgullo han influido en su camino dentro de la industria.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>En este episodio, patrocinado por <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/wti-weatherproofing-technologies-incorporated">Tremco WTI</a>, RoofersCoffeeShop&reg; celebra el Mes del Orgullo con una conversaci&oacute;n especial sobre autenticidad en la industria del roofing. Megan Ellsworth conversa con Maureen Greeves y Justin Ray de <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/tremco">Tremco</a>, Sarah Lechowich de True North Roofing y Joshua Adams de Roof Scout sobre la conexi&oacute;n entre la excelencia profesional y el orgullo queer. Durante el panel, cada invitado comparti&oacute; parte de su experiencia en la industria y la importancia de crear espacios donde la diversidad y la inclusi&oacute;n sean valoradas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maureen, originaria de Cleveland, Ohio, ha trabajado en la industria del roofing por m&aacute;s de 13 a&ntilde;os. Comparti&oacute; parte de su trayectoria: &ldquo;Tuve la fortuna de llegar a la industria del roofing desde una empresa donde pod&iacute;a ser abierta y sentirme orgullosa de quien soy, y donde mis compa&ntilde;eros estuvieron junto a mi esposa y a m&iacute; cuando tuvimos a nuestros hijos.&rdquo; Para ella, el cambio hacia Tremco fue algo que le gener&oacute; nervios, pero encontr&oacute; una comunidad que la recibi&oacute; con los brazos abiertos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justin, paralegal corporativo de Tremco, comparti&oacute; una experiencia similar a la de Maureen. Explic&oacute;, &ldquo;He estado con Tremco por dos a&ntilde;os y tengo una calcoman&iacute;a del orgullo en la parte trasera de mi carro. Recuerdo que la primera vez que fui a la oficina pens&eacute;: &lsquo;&iquest;Deber&iacute;a quitarla? No lo s&eacute;&hellip; es una compa&ntilde;&iacute;a de construcci&oacute;n.&rsquo;&rdquo; Sin embargo, encontr&oacute; una comunidad que lo recibi&oacute; y le permiti&oacute; mostrarse aut&eacute;nticamente.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A diferencia de Maureen y Justin, quienes llegaron a la industria m&aacute;s adelante, Josh creci&oacute; alrededor del roofing. Comparti&oacute; algunas reflexiones sobre lo que la comunidad LGBTQIA+ aporta al lugar de trabajo: &ldquo;Comparten un mensaje interno sobre ser aut&eacute;nticos que puede influir en todos. Sin importar en qu&eacute; parte del espectro est&eacute;s, llevar autenticidad al lugar de trabajo es algo que las personas perciben y que se contagia.&rdquo; Tambi&eacute;n enfatiz&oacute; que esto beneficia a todos dentro de la empresa, tanto a la comunidad LGBTQ+ como a sus aliados, porque la autenticidad conduce a un mejor trabajo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sarah, propietaria de True North Roofing en Minnesota, tambi&eacute;n destac&oacute; c&oacute;mo la identidad queer y la autenticidad benefician tanto a las empresas como a la industria en general. Explic&oacute;: &ldquo;Creo que ser una empresa liderada por una mujer y tambi&eacute;n una empresa liderada por una persona queer significa no evitar esos espacios. Intento crear un entorno donde las personas se sientan vistas, valoradas y escuchadas, tanto dentro de mi empresa como entre mis clientes y propietarios de viviendas.&rdquo; Al crear estos espacios, busca que todos se sientan m&aacute;s c&oacute;modos para trabajar mejor juntos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Este a&ntilde;o, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nwir">National Women in Roofing (NWIR)</a> celebrar&aacute; el <a href="https://www.nationalwomeninroofing.org/events/dei-committee-virtual-pride-parade">Mes del Orgullo con una marcha virtual</a> que se llevar&aacute; a cabo junio 25 de 2026, donde compartir&aacute;n historias para seguir construyendo un espacio donde todos se sientan valorados y bienvenidos.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/webinar/rainbow-rooftops-its-pride-month">Escucha la conversaci&oacute;n completa o mira el webinar</a> para conocer m&aacute;s sobre c&oacute;mo estos panelistas est&aacute;n haciendo roofing con orgullo. <a href="https://www.nationalwomeninroofing.org/events/dei-committee-virtual-pride-parade">Registrate para participar en la marcha virtual del Mes del Orgullo.</a></strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Roofing Road Trips® has made it across the pond!</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-road-trips-has-made-it-across-the-pond</link>
<description>roofing-road-trips-has-made-it-across-the-pond</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/nfrc-roofing-road-trips-has-made-it-across-the-pond.png'
            alt='Roofing Road Trips® has made it across the pond!'
            title='Roofing Road Trips® has made it across the pond!'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>James Talman on NFRC&rsquo;s history, growth and mission to support UK tradespeople.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/james-talman-leveling-the-payment-field">In a recent episode of the Roofing Road Trips&reg; podcast</a>, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down for a discussion with James Talman, CEO of the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.uk/directory/national-federation-of-roofing-contractors-nfrc">National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)</a> and the first RoofersCoffeeShop.uk guest to be on the podcast. James has led as the CEO of NFRC for just over a decade now, working to honour the organisation&rsquo;s 130-year legacy. James noted the importance of his work with NFRC, sharing, &ldquo;The body is very historic. It started with contractors in northeast England sharing best practices and got particularly significant during the rebuilding after World War II.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Today, NFRC has grown into a key trade association for the industry. James elaborated, &ldquo;To give an understanding of the extent of NFRC today, I&#39;m delighted to say we&#39;re continuing to grow and represent over 1,200 trade contractors who are a part of the UK roofing market, which represents over eight billion pounds.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>How did NFRC grow into such a significant and influential trade association? By constantly working in the interests of their members. James explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The extent of our operations go beyond your traditional valuable trade association. We also have a government license for contractors who can self-certify their work, which is called competent persons...We also have a team that helps with the development of technical guidance and best practices. And then alongside that, they do a lot of work with bodies such as British Standards in helping to chair committees on the revision or the requirement for standards alongside training.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are just a few examples of how NFRC goes above and beyond for their members and industry. As James put it, their entire mission is focused on &ldquo;constantly working to help their members achieve excellence.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Want to learn more about the NFRC? <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/james-talman-leveling-the-payment-field">Listen to the whole podcast episode with James.</a></strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Rail-less solar mounting supports remote rooftop solar project in Peru</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/rail-less-solar-mounting-supports-remote-rooftop-solar-project-in-peru</link>
<description>rail-less-solar-mounting-supports-remote-rooftop-solar-project-in-peru</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 21:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/s-5-rail-less-solar-mounting-supports-remote-rooftop-solar-project-in-peru-customer.png'
            alt='S-5! Rail-less solar mounting supports remote rooftop solar project in Peru'
            title='S-5! Rail-less solar mounting supports remote rooftop solar project in Peru'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Fiona Maguire-O&rsquo;Shea, S-5!</p>

<h2>Projects like Soledad illustrate the role innovative mounting systems can play in expanding renewable energy access while reducing installation costs and complexity.</h2>

<p>Reliable electricity remains a major barrier to economic growth in remote communities worldwide. In Soledad, Peru, an Amazon rainforest community reached only after days of travel by road and river, a new off-grid solar expansion is helping a local plantain flour production facility increase output, support local farmers and create more economic opportunity. The installation also demonstrates how rail-less solar mounting can simplify rooftop installations in hard-to-access locations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photovoltaic project was led by Canadian-based charity <a href="http://www.lutw.org/" target="_blank">Light Up The World (LUTW)</a>, which provides photovoltaic systems and hands-on renewable energy training to underserved communities. With support from industry partners, including donated solar mounting solutions from <a href="https://www.s-5.com/?utm_campaign=32356753-Solar%20Articles&amp;utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=lutw%20article%20for%20solar%20publications" target="_blank">S-5!</a> and solar modules from Silfab Solar, LUTW expanded the facility&rsquo;s energy capacity to support increased production. &nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/s-5" target="_blank">S-5!</a>&rsquo;s support for the Soledad project builds on an earlier <a href="https://www.s-5.com/case-studies/light-up-the-world/?utm_campaign=32356753-Solar%20Articles&amp;utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=lutw%20article%20for%20solar%20publications" target="_blank">LUTW collaboration in Huarcaya, Peru</a>, where the company provided solar attachments for an off-grid school serving nearly 150 students and more than 15 teachers. That first partner project demonstrated the real-world impact of reliable solar access in remote communities and helped set the stage for continued collaboration.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/05/s-5-direct-attach-rail-less-solar-array-customer.jpeg" style="float:right; height:300px; margin-left:20px; width:399px" />Expanding economic opportunity through solar&nbsp;</h3>

<p>The solar-powered facility is operated by Terra Nuova, a Peru-based development organization, and the Winchinkim Agricultural and Aquaculture Producers Association (ASPAAW), a local producer association supporting agricultural and aquaculture-based economic development in the region. The facility first began production in 2022 after LUTW installed its initial solar system. Since then, it has become a critical source of employment and economic activity within the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest solar expansion will allow the facility to significantly increase production capacity by powering industrial-scale dehydration ovens used in plantain flour manufacturing &mdash; a growing export product for markets including Europe and Ecuador. Plantain is a staple food source in the region, and the facility can process up to 60 tons of green bananas per month, providing a reliable market for local producers whose crops previously had no guaranteed buyer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;This is the first major business in Soledad,&rdquo; explained Aaron Cohen, executive director of LUTW. &ldquo;By expanding the facility&rsquo;s energy capacity, the project is helping create stable employment and income for local families while supporting farmers throughout the region.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;Before, producers didn&rsquo;t have a consistent, reliable place to sell their crops,&rdquo; said Alan Mariano Antich, general manager of ASPAAW and plant manager. &ldquo;Many experienced losses because there were few market opportunities. Now, the plant purchases from local producers, giving them a market that is 100% guaranteed.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impact extends well beyond the facility itself. More than 500 people live in the surrounding community, and local farmers depend on the plantain processing operation as a key source of revenue. With additional energy capacity now available, the facility expects to double both production output and workforce capacity, growing from eight to 16 employees.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2026/05/s-5-pvkit-solar-mounting-solution-customer.jpeg" style="float:left; height:300px; margin-right:20px; width:399px" /></p>

<h3>Overcoming extreme installation challenges&nbsp;</h3>

<p>While the humanitarian impact is significant, the project also highlights the logistical advantages of a lightweight, <a href="https://www.s-5.com/products/solar-racking-systems/?utm_campaign=32356753-Solar%20Articles&amp;utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=lutw%20article%20for%20solar%20publications#rail-free" target="_blank">rail-less rooftop mounting system</a> in difficult-to-access environments. The recent installation expanded the facility&rsquo;s total system size to 32 kWp, with the S-5! PVKIT supporting 42 panels accounting for 16 kWp. By utilizing the facility&rsquo;s existing metal roof, the team avoided the added materials, labor and complexity of building a separate ground-mounted support structure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reaching Soledad requires approximately three days of travel to the nearest road-accessible point, followed by two additional days by boat along the Rio Santiago River, with travel limited to daylight hours due to difficult river conditions and lack of navigational lighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a location where every component must travel by boat, S-5!&rsquo;s lightweight attachment technology reduced the shipment to just three compact boxes of brackets and clips, dramatically lowering transportation costs, simplifying logistics and making the project far more practical to execute. &nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;This project demonstrated how critical lightweight, adaptable rooftop mounting technology can be for remote solar deployments,&rdquo; said Cohen. &ldquo;Reducing material weight, transportation complexity and labor requirements makes projects like this far more achievable.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Renewable energy driving economic opportunity&nbsp;</h3>

<p>For LUTW, the project represents more than rural electrification; it is a long-term investment in local economic sustainability and a blueprint for other similar projects in the Peruvian Amazon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By pairing renewable energy infrastructure with workforce training and community-led development, the organization aims to create systems that continue generating economic opportunity long after installation crews leave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The collaboration also demonstrates how commercial solar technologies can support humanitarian and community development efforts in some of the world&rsquo;s most challenging environments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;When I visited the first project in Huarcaya, I saw firsthand what access to electricity can mean for a community,&rdquo; said Juan Carlos Fuentes, director of international business at S-5! &ldquo;It was more than solar on a roof. It reinforced that we are not just providing products; we are delivering practical solutions that help make clean energy more accessible where it is needed most. With the Soledad project, that impact extends even further &mdash; supporting local production, creating economic opportunity and helping strengthen the community for the long term.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As demand for resilient off-grid solar solutions continues to grow globally, projects like Soledad illustrate the role innovative mounting systems can play in expanding renewable energy access while reducing installation costs and complexity. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>To learn more about LUTW and how your organization can become a corporate partner in helping bring power to remote, off-grid communities, visit <a href="http://www.lutw.org" target="_blank">www.lutw.org</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>ORCA’s mission in action</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/orcas-mission-in-action</link>
<description>orcas-mission-in-action</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 18:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/orcas-mission-in-action.png'
            alt='ORCA’s mission in action'
            title='ORCA’s mission in action'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association supports contractors, vendors and industry partners statewide.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/oklahoma-roofing-contractors-association-orca">Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA)</a> was founded to support professionals in the roofing industry across Oklahoma state. To learn more about how they do this, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Avery Smith, the executive director of ORCA, for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/avery-smith-hitting-the-road-to-orcas-annual-trade-show">an episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Encompassed in ORCA&rsquo;s mission is support for all professionals in the roofing industry &ndash; both contractors and vendors. Avery spoke about this, sharing, &ldquo;We work hard to find a balance, because obviously the priorities are different if you&rsquo;re a contractor or a vendor... And we do that by creating great events and offering educational things for both.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A great example of this is in action is how ORCA organizes their annual conference and trade show (which was held in March this year). Avery explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Our show is really designed to be for everyone. Whether you&#39;re a supplier, a distributor, a manufacturer, a contractor or in a related business (like bankers, insurance agents, accountants, attorneys, etc.) you could be at this meeting... We tend to target education sessions towards contractors, but things like networking can help everyone. At the end of the day, business is about relationships and those are built at our show.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>This is just one example of how ORCA serves professionals across the roofing industry. As Avery put it, &ldquo;We aim to address the challenges we&#39;re seeing in the industry and help our members walk away with things that can help them grow their businesses and do a better job for their clients, whether that&rsquo;s homeowners or contractors.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/avery-smith-hitting-the-road-to-orcas-annual-trade-show"><strong>Listen to the rest of the podcast to learn more!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Sustainability beyond the buzzwords</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/sustainability-beyond-the-buzzwords</link>
<description>sustainability-beyond-the-buzzwords</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/elevate-sustainability-beyond-the-buzzwords.png'
            alt='Sustainability beyond the buzzwords'
            title='Sustainability beyond the buzzwords'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How Elevate is advancing building solutions that are sustainable and resilient.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/webinar/sustainability-that-works-every-day">For a special Earth Day Coffee Conversations&reg; webinar</a>, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Kim Eckerman, Jay Saldana and David Finn for a conversation about what it takes to build responsibility every day of the year. Kim is the vice president of marketing and communications at Amrize Building Envelope, Jay is a licensed professional engineer and David is the director of corporate accounts for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/elevate">Elevate</a>. All of these positions have given this trio a firsthand look into the skills and knowledge needed for building a more sustainable roofing industry.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim shared a look into the current conversations taking place across the industry about responsible, sustainable building practices, sharing, &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve been in the industry for around two decades now and I&rsquo;ve seen a really great shift towards accountability. We&rsquo;re seeing action that goes beyond greenwashing and buzzwords and really think about the entire lifecycle of a roof.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>David echoed her point, adding, &ldquo;The conversation is moving away from vague green claims and more toward verified, real performance data, because owners are wanting that...In the past, you&#39;d put a roof on, you&#39;d give it a 20-year warranty, you&#39;d walk away and wait for a leak call. Today, owners are using predictive intelligence, leak detection systems and other proactive strategies to maintain their roof. They&rsquo;re more proactive and they&rsquo;re looking at that performance data.&rdquo;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>And when we think about sustainability in terms of performance across a roof&rsquo;s entire lifespan, the conversation becomes one of resilience. Kim explained, &ldquo;Sustainability is about what we can do today to use less. But resiliency is about the durability and the long-lasting nature of something. And when you can think about products in terms of lifecycle, that resilience is key to creating something sustainable.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is because the stronger a roof is, the fewer replacements and repairs it&rsquo;ll need, which means fewer resources will be expended on it. Jay explained, &ldquo;Resilience is sustainability. A building that doesn&#39;t last, a roof that doesn&#39;t last, it gets damaged, it can&#39;t handle the environment that it&#39;s in, which means it has to be replaced. And every time someone has to drive out to a roof, you&#39;re using gas, you&#39;re using gasoline. That&#39;s people, that&#39;s time, that&#39;s effort. None of that is sustainable, let alone the fact that you may have to replace materials on that roof that did not last to their true service life and those materials may end up in the landfill.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim gave an example of how sustainability and resilience come together in Elevate and Amrize products:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>We have some really great solutions when it comes to low carbon concrete. And then you combine that with our roofing systems, which really help with those long-term operational costs of both the building, you get an efficient and resilient solution that not only is sustainable when you install it, but also sustainable through its lifecycle.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Overall, products like Elevate&rsquo;s low carbon concrete, which can be used to improve the resilience of a building over its lifecycle, are prime examples of how the industry is moving beyond simply using buzzwords and truly embracing sustainable practices so we can build resiliently, together.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/webinar/sustainability-that-works-every-day">Listen to the whole episode</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX5LRA2L_rU">Watch the recording</a> to learn more about modern roofing sustainability and resilience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Coatings, climate and construction in the Caribbean</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/coatings-climate-and-construction-in-the-caribbean</link>
<description>coatings-climate-and-construction-in-the-caribbean</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/kool-seal-coatings-climate-and-construction-in-the-caribbean-canva.png'
            alt='Coatings, climate and construction in the Caribbean'
            title='Coatings, climate and construction in the Caribbean'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Dani Sheehan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Succeeding in new markets requires an understanding of local building practices, evolving coating technologies and strong manufacturer partnerships.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.coatingscoffeeshop.com/podcast/giovanny-pazimino-keeping-the-caribbean-kool">In a recent episode of CoatingsCast&trade;</a>, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Giovanny Pazimino of <a href="https://www.coatingscoffeeshop.com/directory/kool-seal">Kool Seal</a>, a brand under the <a href="https://www.coatingscoffeeshop.com/directory/sherwin-williams-roofing-solutions">Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions</a> umbrella, to discuss what contractors should know about the growing Caribbean roof coatings market and how training, logistics and innovation are shaping the future of the industry.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Why are roof coatings growing so quickly in the Caribbean market?&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote>
<p><strong><em>&ldquo;Something that is different in the whole Latin American architecture and the islands is concrete. [Some of the buildings] don&#39;t have roofs; they just have the highest level of concrete. What gives us the opportunity to this new niche, is the silicone market.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>The prevalence of exposed concrete roof decks throughout the Caribbean has created growing demand for restoration-focused coating systems that can withstand heat, moisture and severe weather. Giovanny noted that silicone systems, like the Kool Seal Tundra line, have become especially popular because they can be applied over existing membrane systems while helping extend roof life and improve waterproofing performance in harsh climates.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>What challenges do contractors face when working across Caribbean regions?&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote>
<p><strong><em>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re talking about different economies. It&rsquo;s not the same to sell a premium product in the U.S. However, big companies, they prefer North American products. In this case, Kool Seal... [Additionally], every single country, even though they are really small, they have different regulatory systems. Some of our products or some of the U.S. products cannot be sold in some islands or in some of the islands there&rsquo;s a lot of red tape.&rdquo;&nbsp;</em></strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>While the Caribbean presents significant growth opportunities, Giovanny emphasized that contractors and manufacturers must navigate a wide range of economic, regulatory and cultural differences between countries and islands. Before expanding into these regions, it&rsquo;s critical to understand the various regulations, approval processes and preferences for locally made products.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>How does Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions support contractors after storms?&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote>
<p><strong><em>&ldquo;Our distribution channels, specifically Sherwin-Williams, were located on all those islands. It makes us easier to react faster than other companies... I think that our strength is our distribution channels and the sales force that we have. That&rsquo;s why Kool Seal and the other Sherwin-Williams brands are growing.&rdquo;&nbsp;</em></strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Storm exposure is a constant reality throughout the Caribbean, where hurricanes and severe weather events can quickly impact communities and roofing systems. Giovanny pointed to Sherwin-Williams&rsquo; regional distribution network and sales support as key differentiators when contractors need fast access to materials and technical assistance after storms.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Why does contractor training matter so much in roof coatings?&nbsp;</h3>

<blockquote>
<p><strong><em>&ldquo;We want our products to be used by contractors that know how to use them... In the Caribbean we have Roof Coatings University, where we present, it&#39;s a formal day of training to clients. We explain to them how our system works, how the specifications are grading and how we can provide warranty. They have to apply also. This is an experience where customers have the opportunity to test our products. We simulate roofs and contractors have the chance to promote our ceilings, to test our ceilings, to use the trimmings and then also test them. They have to pass a test... And it&rsquo;s fun. We do it for free because we want our partners to feel the appreciation from our brands.&rdquo;&nbsp;</em></strong></p>
</blockquote>

<p>One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation was the importance of proper training and certified application practices. Through initiatives like Roof Coatings University, Sherwin-Williams Roofing Solutions provides contractors with hands-on instruction covering specifications, warranties, detailing and equipment use. Beyond technical instruction, the training programs are designed to help contractors build confidence in coating systems while strengthening long-term partnerships with manufacturers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>The future of coatings in the Caribbean&nbsp;</h3>

<p>As coatings technology continues evolving, Giovanny sees continued growth ahead for advanced systems throughout the region. From acrylic elastomerics to silicone, spray foam and now urethane technologies, contractors are seeing more options become available for restoration and waterproofing. For contractors interested in expanding their coating expertise or exploring opportunities in the Caribbean market, partnerships and ongoing education will remain key drivers of success.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.coatingscoffeeshop.com/podcast/giovanny-pazimino-keeping-the-caribbean-kool"><strong>To hear more insights from Giovanny Pazimino on roofing growth, contractor partnerships and the future of coatings throughout the Caribbean, listen to the full episode.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Building a resilient supply chain</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/building-a-resilient-supply-chain</link>
<description>building-a-resilient-supply-chain</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2026 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/usg-building-a-resilient-supply-chain.png'
            alt='USG - Building a resilient supply chain'
            title='USG - Building a resilient supply chain'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jesse Sanchez.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Understanding the unseen forces that keep roofing materials moving.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The roofing industry depends on a complex and often unseen network of logistics, procurement and planning to ensure contractors have the materials they need when they need them. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/matt-sylvester-matthias-ruegge-building-resilient-supply-chains">In this episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/usg">USG</a>&#39;s Senior Director of Supply Chain, Matt Sylvester and Senior Director of Procurement, Mattias Ruegge, to discuss the intricate processes and challenges of maintaining a resilient supply chain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;One of the critical supply chain decisions we&#39;ve made is to be vertically integrated in some parts of our business,&quot; Matt said. &quot;We control our rock supply; we control our paper supply. So those key raw materials where you need ownership, we&#39;ve made those investments.&quot; Supply chains stretch far beyond what many in the industry might assume. Matt expressed that the inbound side of logistics, including securing raw materials, is often the most challenging part. He explained, &quot;If we miss a truck or raw material and we shut a plant down, it doesn&#39;t matter if we don&rsquo;t have a truck on the outbound side.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mattias echoed this sentiment, highlighting the complexity of procurement. &quot;We have hundreds of suppliers with raw materials and very different things &mdash; from recycled paper, minerals, metals, additives, chemical additives and so forth,&quot; he said. &quot;All these supply chains look very, very different.&quot; External disruptions, from natural disasters to geopolitical instability, are also a constant threat. &quot;You can&#39;t plan for a hurricane per se, but you know they&#39;re going to come,&quot; Matt noted. &quot;How do you mitigate that? You bring in raw materials, make sure you have healthy inventories across your network heading into those seasons.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For contractors, understanding these dynamics can make all the difference. Strong relationships with suppliers and clear communication about upcoming jobs and material needs can ensure smoother operations. Matt advised, &quot;If you got large jobs coming up, even if you understand that you need X amount of trucks over a certain period, getting that into our hands sooner allows us to prepare for it better.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/sylvester--matthias-ruegge-building-resilient-supply-chains-podcast-transcript">Read the transcript</a> or <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/matt-sylvester-matthias-ruegge-building-resilient-supply-chains">Listen to the podcast</a> to gain deeper insights into the ever-evolving supply chain landscape and hear firsthand from the experts managing these complexities!&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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