The two registered marks strengthen the company’s brand identity across construction industries. 

The Coffee Shops®, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announce that “The Coffee Shops” name and The Coffee Shops “Where the Industries Meet” logo have each received registered trademarks from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

The registrations protect two distinct marks: the company name, “The Coffee Shops,” and the logo featuring the words “The Coffee Shops Where the Industries Meet.” Together, the marks support the company’s business information, online trade directory, buyer-and-seller connection, educational webinar, podcast and digital publishing services.  

“These registered trademarks represent the growth of The Coffee Shops and our commitment to creating trusted places where professionals can connect, learn and grow,” said The Coffee Shops CEO and President Heidi J. Ellsworth. “Our name and Where the Industries Meet logo reflect our mission to bring people together through meaningful information, education and community.” 

The two registered trademarks further distinguish The Coffee Shops brand as the company continues expanding its reach and developing resources for the construction industries. 

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four sites, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop™, CoatingsCoffeeShop™, OutdoorCoffeeshop™ and AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

The two registered marks strengthen the company’s brand identity across construction industries. 

The Coffee Shops®, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announce that “The Coffee Shops” name and The Coffee Shops “Where the Industries Meet” logo have each received registered trademarks from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). 

The registrations protect two distinct marks: the company name, “The Coffee Shops,” and the logo featuring the words “The Coffee Shops Where the Industries Meet.” Together, the marks support the company’s business information, online trade directory, buyer-and-seller connection, educational webinar, podcast and digital publishing services.  

“These registered trademarks represent the growth of The Coffee Shops and our commitment to creating trusted places where professionals can connect, learn and grow,” said The Coffee Shops CEO and President Heidi J. Ellsworth. “Our name and Where the Industries Meet logo reflect our mission to bring people together through meaningful information, education and community.” 

The two registered trademarks further distinguish The Coffee Shops brand as the company continues expanding its reach and developing resources for the construction industries. 

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four sites, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop™, CoatingsCoffeeShop™, OutdoorCoffeeshop™ and AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Faced with increasing wildfire threats, homeowners are discovering the value of installing stone-coated steel roofing. 

For many people the 2025 Pacific Palisades and Eaton Fires were a harsh wake-up call to the risks of living in the fire-prone region of Southern California. And for good reason. These fires not only destroyed over 16,000 structures and burned more than 38,000 acres, they are a part of what experts call a larger increase in fire frequency and intensity. Manzhu Yu, an assistant professor of geography at Penn State, reports that the “annual average burned area in 2020-2023 that is three times higher than in the 2010s" and that more communities are at risk, with, specifically “12.7% of the state's population now residing in high-growth census tracts along the Wildland-Urban Interface (areas where human development meets natural landscapes).” 

In response to this, many homeowners are trying to rebuild or renovate with fire prevention in mind. One such homeowner hired Anaheim-based Western Roofing Systems to reroof their San Juan Capistrano cottage. They explained, “We were replacing a cedar shake roof, and our house has a very French Cottage feel to it. We wanted to keep that feel without the fire risk of the shake.” 

The solution that Western Roofing Systems recommended? Westlake Royal Roofing Products’ Unified Steel stone coated steel roofing. Why? Unified Steel products have been tested against ASTM E108 to protect from fire spread. Further, when installed with the right accessories, like the fire-resistant roof deck protection and SmartVent attic ventilation chosen by Western Roofing Systems on this project, Unified Steel achieves a Class A fire rating! This rating is a systems-based test that examines how well a roofing material handles issues like wind-driven embers. Class A is the highest rating.  

And fire protection is not the only benefit of stone-coated steel! The homeowner also will have increased energy efficiency thanks to Unified Steel’s thermal insulation and less maintenance in comparison to a traditional shake roof. Overall, stone-coated roofing was the perfect product for this homeowner. As she put it, “Our new roof is gorgeous and we sleep better at night knowing we have some extra protection from fire.”  

By Emma Peterson. 

A fan array retrofit helped a children's hospital enhance indoor air quality, maintain continuous operation and save millions. 

With patients coming in every day with different health conditions and often compromised immune systems, clean air is a key part of a successful treatment. As an OpenMedScience article explains: 

Air quality plays a pivotal role in patient outcomes, especially in surgical rooms, intensive care units (ICUs) and specialized wards like oncology or neonatal care...Research published in clinical journals has shown that improved ventilation and filtration protocols have a direct correlation with decreased infection rates in critical-care units. This doesn’t just enhance patient safety; it also lowers the burden on staff, who can then concentrate on essential care rather than responding to preventable infections. 

With this context, it’s no wonder that when an Orlando Children’s Hospital came to the WTI PureAir team needing help with their aging HVAC system, the stakes could not have been higher. When looking at their situation, the WTI PureAir team discovered that five of the facility’s critical air handler units (AHUs) needed help. Complicating the situation were “strict engineering demands, financial limitations, temporary spot cooling and the need to minimize facility downtime.” 

The solution that the WTI PureAir team came up with was a fan array retrofit. This retrofit solution saw the old blowers removed and replaced with multiple smaller Q-PAC fans. This solution met the need to perform the work with little to no disruption to the young patients and dedicated staff of the hospital. Further, it didn't just restore the HVAC system to prior operational levels but improved them. The WTI PureAir team explained:  

The fan array system adapts to its conditions, so if one fan fails, the others compensate to maintain operation. The metal drain pans and exterior of the AHUs were coated in an anti-microbial and corrosion-resistant coating for lasting health and safety.   

Best of all, the restoration came in at a fraction of the cost that a full replacement would require, saving the hospital millions of dollars. The project is a prime example of how a mechanical restoration can provide a seamless solution to even the most demanding, strictly constrained projects.  

Read more about the project yourself!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the Vulkem® Pro Series, Tremco’s first step into the retail sealant market. 

Tremco Roofing Products has long been a leader in commercial markets for roofing and waterproofing products. With their new Vulkem® Pro Series, they are taking that expertise into the retail space for the first time! To learn more about this move, we hosted Nathon “Nate” Laws for a CoatingsCast™ episode.  

Nate was part of the team gathered a few years ago when the decision was made by Tremco to move into the retail market, and he gave some insight into the reasoning behind this move:  

For over a hundred years, Tremco's been the gold standard for premium commercial sealants, waterproofing, roofing and a lot more products that contractors know out there. And when we did market surveys and looked at feedback, we realized that creating a touchpoint for customers at retail locations was the next step.  

The name for the Vulkem® Pro Series was inspired by Tremco’s historically popular products, the Vulkem® 116 line. The goal with the Pro Series was to create a product line for the retail market that will be as popular and relied upon as the Vulkem® 116 line has been for the commercial market.  

So, what exactly is within the Vulkem® Pro Series line? It includes sealants, concrete repair products and adhesives. As Nate put it, “If you think of any commercial application, whether it’s vertical joints in a tilt up wall, a concrete floor or the seal along your window, the products in the Vulkem® Pro Series can get the job done.” At the end of the day, the Vulkem® Pro Series allows people to get commercial capabilities off the shelves of major retailers like Menard’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace and Do It Best.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the Vulkem® Pro Series. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series delivers sealants, adhesives and concrete repair solutions for any jobsite challenge. 

Tremco® has established a name for itself among both professional contractors and DIY-enthusiasts for their high-quality and innovative products. Further, they are known for effectively simplifying product use across multiple applications, providing comprehensive offerings that can be used on any project you may encounter.  

A great example of their commitment to efficiency and customer satisfaction is the Vulkem® Pro Series. This product line is incredibly versatile with top-performing sealants, superior bond adhesives and durable concrete repair solutions. 

1 – The sealants 

Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series sealants were designed for every job. They come with incredible features and benefits, such as self-leveling, flexibility, waterproofing and high temperature thresholds. In the Vulkem® Pro Series, there are five sealants: 

• Vulkem® 116: This is a textured, single-component polyurethane sealant that is perfect for general uses on exterior applications such as windows, doors, expansion joints and masonry. 
• Vulkem® 45 SSL: Another single-component polyurethane sealant, this product is semi-self-leveling and is especially suited to sealing concrete expansion joints. 
• Vulkem® MAX: Designed for use with dynamic joints, this hybrid polymer sealer is “a permanently flexible, 100% waterproof, weather- and UV-resistant seal for perimeter caulking.” 
• Vulkem® SIL: 100% silicone, clear and non-sealant. It is ideal for waterproofing and weatherproofing windows and doors. 

2 – The adhesives  

Vulkem® Pro Series also includes a rapid and exceptional bond strength adhesive. Perfect for even the most demanding project as it provides long-lasting, all-weather durability. Tremco’s Vulkem® Pro Series adhesive is:  

• Vulkem® Grip: Engineered with hybrid polymer technology, this adhesive provides instant grab and reliable bonding to a variety of substrates, eliminating the need for fasteners or clamps. It is also resistant to UV, weather and aging while providing a lasting, durable bond. 

3 – The concrete repair 

And rounding out the Vulkem® Pro Series is their heavy-duty concrete repair products. From high-strength microfiber resurfacers to easy-flowing, self-leveling underlayments, the Vulkem® Pro Series has everything you could need when it comes to concrete:  

• Vulkem™ Cure & Seal: This water-based pure acrylic coating is non-yellowing and water-based. It aids in curing fresh concrete and cement-based mortars, along with sealing and protecting concrete. 
• Vulkem™ Microfiber Resurfacer: A cement-based mortar that features polymers for superior bonding, making this product ideal for resurfacing old, spalled and damaged concrete surfaces to restore them to a new appearance. Designed for weather resistance, it withstands harsh winter conditions, including freezing and thawing, and features microfiber technology to reduce cracking. 
• Vulkem™ Non-Sag Sealant: A multi-purpose non-sag polyurethane sealant that works for both vertical and horizontal construction applications. It is 100% waterproof, weather/aging resistant and remains flexible throughout its entire lifespan. 
• Vulkem™ Self-Leveling Floor Underlayment: Designed for preparing and leveling concrete, solid hardwoods, exposure plywoods and OSB equivalent subfloors prior to installation of floor coverings, this underlayment is free-flowing, cement-based and self-leveling.  
• Vulkem™ Self-Leveling Sealant: This self-leveling polyurethane sealant provides exceptional all-weather durability and flexibility, while providing exceptional wear and tear resistance in high traffic areas. It is paintable with latex paints and rain-ready in 2 hours.  

With this suite of products in your toolbox, you can enter each job site confidently and ready to tackle whatever challenges might come your way.  

Learn more about the Vulkem line.

By Emma Peterson. 

With expertise spanning everything from slate and cedar to liquid-applied systems and high-rises, Campany Roofing continues to set the standard in Florida roofing. 

Our latest Roofer of the Month is Campany Roofing, a premier roofer in South Florida founded back in 1990 by Ed Campany. To learn more about Campany, Megan Ellsworth got the chance to talk with Andrew Yusko, one of Campany Roofing’s senior account managers, on our Roofer of the Month podcast.  

In the three-plus decades since Campany was founded, they have built a reputation for quality workmanship, incredible customer service and an unmatched portfolio of projects. Their team has worked on pretty much every type of roofing project under the sun, from PVC roofing to shake shingles. Andrew explained, “We can do everything. We do shingle roofs, we do liquid applied roofs, we still are one of the few contractors mopping hot asphalt, we put on slate roofs, we put on cedar.” He went on to highlight what he would consider their specialty, saying, “I would say our specialty is the high-difficulty project, whether that’s a 50-story building, a 50-home community or it's a $200 million house being built, wherever the roofing is difficult and requires a high level of craftsmanship, that's really where our niche is.” 

A great example of the type of roof that fit into this specialty niche was a project on the ocean over by North Hutchinson Island (along the east coast of Florida). Andrew shared a bit about what made the project a challenge:  

It was a high-difficulty and high-visibility job. The roof had some liquid applied, there was some electrical needs, there were rooftop dividing fences, pavers, you name it, it probably had it. And a job that complex with so many trades involved, no one was interested. They had gone through a couple of different roof consultants and engineers that had walked away because of the difficulties. 

Luckily for the property managers, Campany was more than ready to rise to the challenge of this project. Andrew recalled, “Our company stepped in, took a hold of the project and delivered not only a really high-quality roof system, but coordinated the pavers, electrical, all those parts that made people avoid the project.” And the best part? The Campany team did that all within budget and meeting the project timeline! As Andrew put it, “The project turned out really cool and is kind of a standard bearer for us of what we're capable of.” 

Looking ahead, Andrew is excited about taking on more challenges like this, “Campany has always been a strictly re-roof company, but we’ve just started to expand into some new construction. We're really excited as we move forward, continuing to try and be thought of as one of the real elite roofers in Florida.” 

Learn more about Campany and what makes them our Roofer of the Month by Listening to the whole podcast episode.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

When it comes to investing in a roof built to last, it’s important to do things the right way.  

Choosing to pursue a roofing project can be scary; roofing materials and services are an investment, and while price tags and timelines may be a bit hard to understand at face value, it’s important to know that the price tag attached to roofing often comes with genuine benefit. The experts at Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) share their insights to approaching the task of picking and installing a roof, and how to get it right the first time. 

For example, it might seem like the easiest and less painful choice for your wallet to go with a “bargain” roofer or material, but the truth is, cheaper is rarely better. Picking a less expensive material or less than reputable contractor may give your wallet a break for the time being, but in all likelihood, that decision will probably come back to haunt you sooner rather than later.  

And the price will likely be more to fix the mistakes than it would have been to do things the proper way from the beginning. Roofs are intricate systems designed to be the first line of defense for your home in the face of harsh weather or natural disaster.  

Another factor to consider is that, while it can be easy to put the decision of picking an installer “out of sight, out of mind,” in the moment, the fact of the matter remains: a poorly researched roofing professional is more of a risk than they’re likely worth. To do things right the first time, it’s vital to research the team taking on your roofing project and ensuring their reviews and material quality speak to their trustworthiness. A trustworthy and worthwhile roofer or labor crew will do the job correctly, no shortcuts, meaning that your roof will be ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature brings its way when the time comes. 

And lastly, it’s important to know and understand the design of a roof. Some roofs are limited in what creative or decorative liberties can be taken depending on the home’s layout. It’s advised to do what you can with what you have when it comes to design; pick the best colors and textures your heart desires, but proceed with caution when it comes to going outside the box on what materials or styles are recommended for your climate and region. Otherwise, the damage a roof takes in the face of weather it’s ill equipped to battle can be costly and not worth the risk.  

Ultimately, when it comes to protecting your home and investments, an informed decision is a decision well made. Whether that be deciding on hiring a professional to work with based on reviews and credentials or purchasing products after exploring each option on the market, the best way is the informed way! 

AAR Experts celebrates its continued commitment to helping home and building owners make confident roofing decisions. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning digital platforms where industries come together for technology, insight and everyday business, announces 2026 AskARoofer Experts.    

Each month, AskARoofer™ Experts share their insights on timely topics such as warranties, wildfire protection, ventilation and roof performance, commercial roof inspections, preparing for spring weather and more. Information is shared through interviews, videos and articles on AskARoofer.com. Representing all facets of the roofing, exteriors, metal and coatings industries, these Experts are also recognized in a dedicated section of the site. 

“At AskARoofer, we are committed to connecting owners with the trusted expertise they need when questions arise about their roofs,” shared Heidi J. Ellsworth, President and CEO of The Coffee Shops. “By bringing together not only our AskARoofer Experts but also more than 140 roofing companies across the country, we’re creating a powerful network that communicates directly with home and building owners — answering their questions, providing local expertise and helping them make smarter decisions that protect what matters most in their roofs and exteriors while building lasting confidence in the roofing process and the industry itself.” 

We are proud to announce the following 2026 Experts: 

• John Kenney – Cotney Consulting Group 
• Jerry Iselin – Metal Roof Specialties, Inc. 
• Mindy Dahlquist – TRA Snow and Sun
• Wendy Marvin – Matrix Roofing and Home Solutions
• Henry Staggs – The Arizona Roofer
• Brittany Wimbish – Fields Roof Service
• Rachel Garcia – Malarkey Roofing Products 
• Bridget Wilson – Cardinal Roofing 
• Emily and Paul Marshall – Mr. And Mrs. Post Frame 
• Will Lorenz – General Coatings 

Find more information on the 2026 AskARoofer Experts!

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four Coffee Shops, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and their sister site AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. The Coffee Shops also feature strong microsites with RoofersCoffeeShop.ca, RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and En Español. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Newpoint™ Concrete Roof Tiles deliver durability, efficiency and style in the face of heat, humidity and hurricanes. 

The climate of Florida presents a unique challenge for roofers. From salty seawater spray and consistent moisture to humidity and extreme UV exposure that gives the state its moniker, residents can’t use just any roofing material. Which is why Westlake Royal Building Products launched their Newpoint™ Concrete Roof Tiles, designed with challenging climates in mind.  

Newpoint roofs deliver unmatched peace of mind for homeowners living in places with climates, like Florida. The tiles not only come with a Class 4 impact resistance and a Class A fire rating but are certified for even the most extreme wind zones. The result? When you install a Newpoint roof, you can be confident that you are delivering peace of mind and safety to your customers. Additionally, these tiles are naturally resistant to things like rot, insects and UV damage. With a Newpoint concrete roof, homeowners can trust that they’ll get lasting strength and energy efficiency that keeps homes more comfortable with lower maintenance requirements.  

And the best part? Your customers don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics in favor of incredible durability. Westlake’s team knows how important curb appeal is to the value of a home, and that good curb appeal is created through a combination of architecture and exterior finishes. Subsequently, Newpoint tiles come in a wide variety of color blends that allow your customers to design a roof that fits their neighborhood and their preferences. 

For the Floridian market in particular, the Westlake team just announced four unique tile color blends for the Newpoint line:  

• Tidalwood Blend: A natural mix of tan and brown tones inspired by stone that provides unmatched depth. 
• Cypress Bay Blend: The color blend's rich brown palette creates a warm, grounded character creating a timeless look.  
• Smoky Bay Blend: Muted grays layered over deep browns create a weathered, stone-like effect perfect for a more modern aesthetic. 
• Coastal Dune: Has a soft, sandy tone that creates a stunning, sun-washed look perfectly suited for bright Florida environments. 

The development of these four colors allows Florida professionals to give their customers more ways to customize their home without compromising the crucial performance factors a roof needs to withstand the local climate challenges. Newpoint Concrete Roof Tiles are yet another testiment of Westlake’s dedication to blending timeless style, regional relevance, and dependable concrete tile performance. 

Learn more at www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com/roofing/newpoint.