By Emma Peterson. 

Robotics and automation are coming to the jobsite. Are you prepared?  

Robotics and automation have long been a part of manufacturing processes. But where these two pieces of technology have historically played behind-the-scenes roles, that norm is quickly changing. Both in our personal and professional lives, we are seeing the integration of robotics and automations, whether that’s a robot bartender in Las Vegas or a delivery robot on a college campus. With this shift into day-to-day uses, it’s not hard to imagine how these technologies will be introduced into other roles, such as on the jobsite. 

To learn more about robotics and automation, and how they might influence the construction industry, Karen Edwards will be hosting a Read Listen Watch® (RLW) with John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group about the topic on May 21, 2026.  

John is the perfect guest for this conversation as he comes with over 45 years of experience in the roofing and construction industries. He started his career as a laborer in a family-run construction business and eventually worked up to being a COO of a commercial contracting firm. Today, John is CEO and co-founder of Cotney Consulting Group; a board member of Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3); an active part of the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s membership committee; and a member of countless other international and national technical associations.  

Each of these experiences have granted him insights into the roles technology has and will continue to play across the building envelope and the trades. From changing the ways businesses operate to how contractors can begin familiarizing themselves with the evolving robotic and automation developments without disrupting crews or culture, he has great advice for navigating these changes. 

The conversation will take on this topic that is often mired in fear and speculation, instead approaching it with an outlook that centers on the importance of awareness and preparation. John and Karen will not only discuss the emergence of new robotics and automations but also dive into how contractors can prepare their operations for the changes these tools bring.  

Want to learn more about how robotics will work in the world of roofing? Tune into the live Read Listen Watch® (RLW) on May 21, 2026! Register to save your spot.  

By Jenny Yu. 

Renoworks Pro helps contractors present design options and pricing in one seamless experience. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Jenni McMorran of Renoworks to discuss how Renoworks Pro’s Instant Estimator is helping contractors present designs and pricing together to streamline the sales process and improve closing rates.  

Within the platform, contractors can generate a design report that showcases multiple product and color options alongside pricing tiers. “In the visualizer, it has a design report which allows the contractor to create different versions of that design,” Jenni explained. “Within that design report, they can now have a design with a ‘good’ price, a design with a ‘better’ price and a design with the ‘best’ price.” The report can be emailed, printed or shared digitally, allowing for quick and easy proposals.  

Alongside the convenience and flexibility these reports offer, accuracy has been a key focus in the design of the tool. Powered by Eagleview data, the tool delivers measurements that Jenni said are highly reliable. “From our internal testing, we found it’s no more than 3 to 5% off, so around 95% accurate,” she said, noting contractors can also pull a more detailed measurement report within the platform if needed. 

Designed to integrate into any contractor’s existing workflow, the instant estimate is generated in less than a minute, helping contractors close deals in one call. “You can show the design, talk through the materials and give that price all in that same visit,” Jenni said. For contractors that use a two-call close, the instant estimator can help build trust and confidence. “It can help set expectations early, so instead of the homeowner sitting in suspense, they get a realistic sense of what things might cost. That way, the final quote isn't a shock. It's a continuation of that conversation.” 

Looking ahead, Renoworks plans to expand its reach beyond the roof. “We’re working on expanding the feature to cover the entire exterior of the home,” Jenni shared. “Our goal is to give contractors a way to price out the full renovation project in real time while they’re sitting with the homeowner.” 

Read the first article in this series and Listen to the podcast to learn more about Renoworks Pro’s Instant Estimator.

Por Alberto Torres. 

El valor de las certificaciones y la capacitación continua en el desarrollo de negocios más sólidos. 

Durante este episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, grabado en vivo en Miami en el evento Business Building Workshop (BBW), tuve el placer de conversar con Ana María Pulido, gerente del programa Contractors Edge en español y Víctor Alfonso Wipio, dueño de Monarch Roofing and Construction, sobre un tema clave para la industria del roofing: cómo la educación y las certificaciones de CertainTeed están ayudando a los contratistas latinos a crecer con más estructura y confianza. “Hay un miedo de aventarse al vacío,” explicó Ana. “Por eso nos enfocamos en educación y en entender exactamente qué necesitan los contratistas.” 

Para Víctor, el camino comenzó como el de muchos en la industria: trabajo constante, aprendizaje en el día a día y el objetivo de construir algo propio. “Es una lucha, es un riesgo, pero con el apoyo correcto se puede lograr,” compartió. “Nadie lo hace solo.” Con el tiempo, entendió que crecer no se trata solo de trabajar más, sino de trabajar mejor. Ahí es donde la capacitación y las certificaciones entraron en juego. Víctor explicó que una de las claves fue dejar de intentar hacer todo y comenzar a especializarse. Ese enfoque le permitió ofrecer un mejor servicio y comunicar con más claridad el valor de su trabajo a los clientes. “A veces le tiramos a todo y no le pegamos a nada,” comentó, resaltando la importancia de definir metas claras. 

Desde el lado de Ana, el enfoque está en crear herramientas que ayuden a los contratistas a profesionalizar sus negocios. A través de Contractors Edge, su trabajo ha sido llevar educación accesible en español, con entrenamientos diseñados para mejorar tanto la instalación como la forma en que los contratistas manejan su negocio. “Queremos que sepan cómo instalar correctamente para que no haya desperdicio y el contratista no pierda dinero,” explicó. “No queremos adivinar. Les preguntamos a los contratistas directamente qué necesitan y qué podemos hacer mejor.” 

Pero más allá de la técnica, Ana enfatizó el impacto de las credenciales en la percepción del cliente. Cuando un contratista entiende el producto, las garantías y los procesos, puede comunicar con mayor seguridad y posicionarse como un profesional confiable. “Si no entiendo el producto o la garantía, no lo puedo vender,” explicó Víctor. “Cuando entiendes, entras con más seguridad con el cliente.” Esa combinación de experiencia en campo y formación continua es lo que está impulsando a muchos contratistas a dar el siguiente paso. 

La conversación también dejó claro que la industria está evolucionando hacia una mentalidad más colaborativa. Espacios como estos eventos permiten que los contratistas compartan experiencias, retos y soluciones. Ana lo resumió así: “Queremos crear comunidad, no solo competencia.” 

Para quienes están en ese proceso, el mensaje es claro. Aprender, especializarse y aprovechar las herramientas disponibles puede cambiar no solo la manera en que operan, sino también cómo son percibidos en la industria. 

Al final, esta industria no solo se trata de trabajo. Se trata de relaciones, confianza y crecimiento conjunto. 

Escuchar o ver el video de este episodio para descubrir más de la experiencia y consejos para contratistas.

By Tapco Roofing Products. 

Why this contractor recommends Tapco time and time again.

Another happy homeowner. Every year Brian Longville adds 70+ TapcoSlate roofs to conservatories on homes throughout Stourbridge and surrounding areas with the same results. Happy homeowners.

“Our customers always remark that the TapcoSlate tiles we use on our conservatory roof projects look amazing,” says Brian, the owner/proprietor of CRI West Midlands. “They tell us the TapcoSlate tiles completely transform the appearance of their conservatory."

He went on, "In most cases the homeowners are excited because a typical conservatory roof means they cannot use that room year round. When we change the roof, we make sure it’s a fully insulated roofing system using TapcoSlate tiles. This way the transformation is not just aesthetically pleasing, but the conservatory is more comfortable. It can be used in any kind of weather, 12 months a year!”

Dependable performance

One of the most recent conservatory installations undertaken by Brian is in the Coleshill area of Birmingham. The customer was exceptionally pleased with the appearance and benefits of the TapcoSlate roof installed in a Pewter Gray color.

As Brian explained to the homeowner, the product formulation for TapcoSlate and its manufacturing processes provide durability, performance and longevity for many years. Authentically-shaped with textured surfaces and riven edges moulded from natural slates, TapcoSlate is almost undisguisable from natural slate. It has an even more refined appearance. The composite product will not crack, break or delaminate.

“We always use TapcoSlate,” says Brian. “We tried other similar products and found the TapcoSlate is the most authentic with the best qualities, so now we stick with this product. We consider it to be the best available composite roofing item on the market. In addition, as installers we find them the easiest tiles to install. Overall, TapcoSlate is a winner for us and for our customers!”

By Centerpoint Connect. 

Commercial roofers leverage data-driven service strategies to streamline operations, strengthen relationships and elevate industry leadership. 

In an industry where response times, maintenance planning and customer expectations grow more complex each year, data is emerging as a defining advantage rather than a technical buzzword. For Centerpoint Connect, leveraging metrics and service intelligence is reshaping how contractors approach inspections, workforce allocation and long-term client support. By treating information as a strategic asset rather than an administrative burden, commercial roofers are finding that smarter analysis can unlock stronger revenue potential, operational clarity and a more competitive service division. 

Why data is critical in roofing services  

Roofing service operations, by nature, generate large amounts of information—from inspection reports and maintenance logs to job timelines and customer interactions. The challenge for roofing contractors is turning that data into actionable insights that can improve the way they operate. 

Using data effectively allows you to streamline your service division and provide better value to your clients. Whether it’s predicting future roof failures or identifying opportunities for upselling additional services, the power of data lies in its ability to transform your service strategy from reactive to proactive. 

How data improves decision-making 

One of the most significant advantages of leveraging data is improved decision-making. For example, every roof inspection creates a wealth of information: the roof’s age, current condition, repairs needed and potential future issues. When roofing contractors systematically collect and analyze this data, they can make informed recommendations to clients about upcoming maintenance, replacements and repairs. 

This shifts the conversation from fixing urgent leaks to helping property managers plan long-term maintenance. By providing data-backed insights, you become a trusted advisor rather than just a service provider. 

Predicting future roofing needs with data 

Data allows roofing contractors to predict and prevent issues before they happen. With each inspection, repair or service visit, your team is collecting crucial information that can reveal patterns over time. For instance, if multiple service calls involve the same type of roof defect in a specific area, it may indicate a larger issue needing immediate attention. 

Roofing software platforms make it easier than ever to track this data and set alerts for follow-ups. This proactive approach improves client satisfaction by addressing problems before they become costly emergencies. 

Using data to drive service revenue 

Data can unlock new revenue streams for roofing contractors by transforming on-site insights into sales opportunities. 

• Every visit to a roof generates valuable data for potential sales 
• Technicians can identify wear-and-tear and recommend future services 
• Suggestions may include roof replacements or extended maintenance plans 
• Analyzing historical service data helps identify customers with recurring issues 
• Targeting clients nearing the end of their roof’s life increases proactive outreach 
• Positioning as a proactive partner enhances customer relationships and boosts sales efforts 

Streamlining operations with data-driven workflows 

Data doesn’t just help roofing contractors forecast and sell better—it also improves operational efficiency. By tracking every step of a service job, from receiving a call to invoicing, roofing companies can identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. 

• For example, analyzing how long it takes your team to respond to service requests or complete jobs can help you optimize your scheduling and dispatching process. Roofing software solutions allow you to create data-driven workflows, ensuring that each job is handled as efficiently as possible. This ultimately improves your bottom line by reducing wasted time and increasing the number of jobs you can handle. 

Enhancing customer relationships with data 

In the commercial roofing industry, maintaining strong customer relationships is key to building repeat business. Data helps roofing contractors improve their customer service by providing transparency and accountability. 

• For example, sending real-time updates or post-job reports to clients keeps them informed throughout the process, enhancing their overall experience. Additionally, by using data to provide detailed service records and maintenance histories, you can build trust and position yourself as a long-term partner in managing their roofing assets. 

Conclusion: The future of roofing service is data-driven 

As commercial roofing continues to evolve, data is becoming a central part of service operations. For roofing contractors, leveraging data can improve decision-making, optimize workflows and unlock new opportunities for growth. By turning raw data into actionable insights, you can offer greater value to your clients, drive efficiency and ultimately scale your service division for long-term success. 

Original article source: Centerpoint Connect

By Marco Industries. 

Contractors who prioritize high-quality components can reduce callbacks and improve overall roof performance. 

Delivering a high-performing metal roof requires more than selecting durable panels. Long-term success comes from a system-based approach that prioritizes quality components, thoughtful design and precise installation practices. Contractors who focus only on the visible elements risk overlooking the critical details that determine whether a roof performs reliably for decades or develops issues within a few seasons. 

That’s why here at Marco Industries, we do sweat the details. We prioritize the integration of accessories like ventilation products, sealants and closures to prevent moisture intrusion, regulate airflow and protect the overall structure. In paying careful attention to each integral part, contractors will have reduced callbacks and higher levels of customer satisfaction. 

Ventilation: Not just an option — a necessity 

Proper ventilation is one of the most overlooked aspects of metal roofing systems. When airflow isn’t balanced and uninterrupted, heat gets trapped beneath the roof, which can cause underlayment breakdown and condensation issues in winter months. Our industry-leading ventilation products are engineered to deliver consistent airflow across the ridge while keeping out pests and the elements — thanks to rugged non-wicking polyester that resists degradation over time. 

Sealants and closures: The little things that matter 

Don’t shortchange closures and sealants. Components like Marco’s Weather-Tite™ Metal Roof Sealant and precision closure solutions prevent unwanted water ingress at panel junctions. Small leaks can quickly grow into big problems, so taking the extra few minutes to apply sealant in tight spots pays dividends long after the job is done. 

Good closures also stabilize panels, reduce noise from wind or rain and improve energy performance. We design our closures to be flexible, durable and resistant to UV and temperature swings — all qualities roofers and customers appreciate on long-lasting installations. 

Underlayment and accessories: Building the full system 

Underlayment isn’t a “set-and-forget” layer. Selecting the proper underlayment for the geography and roof pitch helps protect against water and vapor intrusion while a roof settles in place. Synthetic options that breathe, shed moisture, yet resist tears and UV exposure make your job easier and your installs more robust. 

Ultimately, roofing is about problem-solving. Every roof has its quirks, every install holds challenges. Empowering your crews with high-quality materials means fewer callbacks, happier customers and stronger word-of-mouth referrals. 

At Marco, we’ve been partnering with roofers for years, delivering products that stand up in extreme weather and rigorous field use. We design with the roofer in mind: for ease of installation, performance in real-world conditions and value over the life of the roof. Try us. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your customers. 

Original article and photo source: Marco Industries

65 scholarships and 496 student sponsorships highlight this foundation's commitment to the future of the building enclosure industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome the RCI Canada Foundation into their community. 

Originally established in 2001, the RCI Canada Foundation’s mission is to “empower innovation in building envelopes through education, research and community support.” One of the main ways they reach this goal is by supporting innovative and forward-thinking members of the industry through research grants, education scholarships and convention sponsorships (sending sponsored individuals to the annual International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants show. 

The Foundation’s two needs-based academic scholarships are available to university and trade school students in both the U.S. and Canada. The first established was the RCI Lewis W. Newlan scholarship. Lewis was a longtime supporter of the foundations and a dedicated member of RCI (now IIBEC), and the establishment of this fund in 2013 was to honor his efforts. The second scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Robert W. Lyons, the founder of RCI (now IIBEC). Since these scholarships were established, they have helped more than 50 students pursue building enclosure-related fields like architecture, engineering and construction sciences.  

In addition to this huge achievement, the RCI Canada Foundation runs a sponsorship fund named after Joe Hale, the founder and chairman of the Foundation, that sends college students to go to the IIBEC show. One such student, Tyler Seiwert from Pittsburg State, shared a few thoughts on the impact of getting sponsored to attend, saying, “The depth and breadth of knowledge I gained from the symposium were immeasurable. Being in the company of experts and pioneers in the field was both humbling and enlightening. I found myself engrossed in the sessions, soaking in every bit of information, and coming out with a renewed passion for the subject.” And Tyler is just one of over 300 students that have had this opportunity thanks to the RCI Canada Foundation. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome the RCI Canada Foundation!

USG officially introduces Chris Macey as CEO.

Today USG Corporation marks the official leadership transition of Chris Macey to president and chief executive officer. Chris Macey, a 30-year industry veteran who recently served as USG’s chief operating officer, takes the helm following a planned succession process first announced earlier this year.

“I am honored to lead USG at such a pivotal moment,” said Chris Macey, president and CEO of USG Corporation. “Having spent 20 years with this company and three decades in this industry, I know that our customer-first culture is our greatest strength. My focus is on maintaining our momentum and ensuring we stay the course on the strategy that has made us an industry leader.”

During his two decades at USG, Macey has held leadership roles in every major North American division, including serving as president of USG’s Gypsum division and leading the company’s Canadian (CGC) and Latin American (USG LATAM) businesses.

Christopher Griffin, who served as president and CEO and led the company through a period of transformation and growth, will remain as CEO Emeritus through June 30, 2026, supporting the final phase of the transition. “It’s been the honor of my career to lead USG and work alongside such talented people. With Chris Macey at the helm, I know the company’s future is in excellent hands,” said Griffin.

With the leadership transition effective today, USG remains focused on its core priorities of safety, manufacturing innovation and being the best and easiest building materials manufacturer to do business with across its footprint of more than 70 facilities in North America. As the company enters its 125th year of operation, this transition marks the beginning of USG’s next chapter of growth and industry leadership. 

About USG Corporation

USG Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions, is the parent company of CGC and USG LATAM. Headquartered in Chicago, we serve construction markets around the world with wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing and roofing products that enable our customers to build the outstanding spaces where people live, work and play. For additional information, visit usg.com.

About Knauf Group

The Knauf Group is the parent company of USG. As a global manufacturer of building materials and construction systems, Knauf employs more than 42,000 employees across 300+ production facilities and sales organizations in 90+ countries. For more information, visit: knauf.com/en.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Centralized sales content and analytics can help contractors strengthen close rates, improve consistency and create confident customer conversations. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), conversations extended well beyond topics of technology used for production and jobsite operations. For many contractors, one of the biggest opportunities lies earlier in the customer journey; in how sales teams present information, build trust and guide homeowners through the buying process. That is where companies like Ingage are focusing their attention, positioning sales content as a tool not only for communication, but for stronger performance. 

Speaking with Karen Edwards on the RoofersCoffeeShop® sound stage, Ingage CEO Dean Curtis said the company is built around helping contractors bring clarity and confidence to sales conversations in the home. “We help contractors create great sales content,” Dean said. “So, you think about that kitchen table conversation. How can you enable your sales team with the best possible confidence building materials for them and for the prospect?” 

That value starts with consistency. In many organizations, sales presentations can vary widely from one representative to the next, making it harder to control messaging or understand what is driving results. Ingage addresses that challenge by giving teams access to the same current materials while also providing sales leadership with visibility into how content is being used. Dean noted that this analytical layer helps move coaching beyond assumption. “The analytics givees you the evidence to say, ‘Hey, I’m doing this,’” he said. In practice, that can help leaders identify which approaches are contributing to stronger close rates and where adjustments may be needed. 

Just as importantly, the platform is built around the reality that sales conversations do not unfold in a straight line. Homeowners often arrive with their own questions, concerns and priorities, which means representatives need to adapt in the moment. “What we know about sales is there is no linear sales conversation,” Dean said. “The customer comes in with preconceived ideas. A great salesperson discovers what’s important and presents on that.” By making content easier to navigate and tailor, the platform supports a more responsive and relevant conversation. 

The discussion also pointed to a broader issue contractors are facing: adopting new technology effectively. Dean noted that implementation alone is not enough if companies have not fully examined the process the technology is meant to improve. As contractors look for ways to make the most of every lead, tools that combine consistency, flexibility and measurable insight are taking on a larger role in the sales process. 

Watch the full interviews to learn more about how centralized sales content and analytics help contractors create more consistent presentations, adapt in real time and improve close rates!

CEO Christopher Griffin will retire June 30, 2026, after more than 30 years at USG Corporation.

USG Corporation, North America’s leading building materials manufacturer, today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christopher Griffin will retire later this year after more than 30 years of service to USG. Concurrent with this news, USG’s Board of Directors and owner Knauf Group, have appointed Christopher Macey — currently USG’s chief operating officer (COO) — as president and CEO, effective April 1, 2026.

Celebrating a legacy of Lleadership as USG approaches its 125th year

Mr. Griffin’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years in the building materials industry, including over 30 years with USG Corporation and its subsidiaries. Since his appointment as CEO in 2019 following the company’s acquisition by Knauf Group, Mr. Griffin has overseen a period of historic growth, industry-leading innovation and consistent operational excellence across North America.

"It has been the honor of my professional life to lead USG and work alongside the most talented team in the industry," said Christopher Griffin, outgoing president and CEO of USG Corporation. "Since I joined nearly three decades ago, we have lived up to our reputation for innovation while investing in our people, modernizing our facilities, and being the best and easiest building materials manufacturer to do business with for our customers. As we approach USG’s 125th anniversary, I am proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident the company is well positioned for its next chapter of growth over the next century.”

Under Mr. Griffin’s leadership, USG successfully navigated its transition to a privately held company under Knauf ownership, while significantly expanding its market-leading positions in wallboard and ceilings. His tenure has been defined by a "customer-first" philosophy and a commitment to safety and employee engagement that has consistently surpassed industry benchmarks.

“On behalf of the Knauf family and USG’s Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank Mr. Griffin for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to our people, our customers and our performance. He leaves the company well positioned for the future,” said Dr. Uwe Knotzer, general partner of Knauf Group. “We warmly welcome Christopher Macey as USG’s next president and CEO and look forward to working with him to build on our momentum and continue delivering for customers and communities across North America.”

A leader for the next chapter

Mr. Macey brings more than 30 years of experience in the building materials industry and a strong record of operational leadership and commercial execution. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer at USG, where he led the company's manufacturing, supply chain and digital transformation initiatives. Previously, Mr. Macey served in several senior leadership roles, leading CGC (Canada) and USG Mexico/LATAM, and more recently, as including president of USG’s Gypsum Division.

In his new role as president and CEO, Mr. Macey will be responsible for driving USG’s strategic priorities, including continued investment in manufacturing, customer service excellence and talent development across the business. Incoming president and CEO, Christopher Macey said: “USG’s rich history and reputation for excellence are well known in our sector. I am grateful for the strong foundation Chris Griffin and the USG team have established, and I look forward to working together as we continue to serve our customers and innovate for the future.”

Additional quotes

"The appointment of Chris Macey as CEO ensures that our relationship-first approach to business remains our top priority. Chris has been a vital partner to our Latin American operations for years. His transition to president and CEO of USG is a win for our customers and our people, and we are excited to keep winning together under his leadership." — Fernando Fernandez, president, USG LATAM

“Chris Macey’s deep history with the Canadian business gives our team at CGC immense confidence as he takes on this new role as president and CEO of USG Corporation. Having led the Canadian business himself, Mr. Macey understands our unique customer needs in the market. We look forward to building on the momentum established under Christopher Griffin’s leadership and continuing our growth across Canada.” — Steve Youngblut, president, CGC Inc.

About USG Corporation

USG Corporation, an industry-leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions, is the parent company of CGC and USG LATAM. Headquartered in Chicago, we serve construction markets around the world with wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing and roofing products that enable our customers to build the outstanding spaces where people live, work and play. For additional information, visit usg.com.

About Knauf Group

The Knauf Group is the parent company of USG. As a global manufacturer of building materials and construction systems, Knauf employs more than 42,000 employees across 300+ production facilities and sales organizations in 90+ countries. For more information, visit: knauf.com/en.