By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

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

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

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

For company owners and leaders, the first step does not require becoming a mental health professional. It begins with creating a workplace where people know it is safe to speak up, supervisors know how to respond and everyone understands where immediate help is available. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Emma Peterson.

This year’s show is coming up fast with the first day being September 27, 2026 and we wanted to help you build the ultimate attendee schedule.

The Western Roofing Expo (WRE), which is sponsored by Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), is one of the premier events in the roofing and waterproofing industry. Not only is it chock full of iconic moments, like the Roofing Games™ shingling competition and the live auction, but it also boasts 28 educational sessions, two keynote luncheons and more!

That’s a lot of programming for just three days (the 2026 show will be held from 9/27/26 to 9/29/26), which is why we wanted to break down some of our must-attend sessions and events!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

The first day of the show will mostly be networking with industry experts and peers. There are a few events you can opt to attend, such as the Bob Porter Golf Tournament and Sporting Clays Tournament, but the main event of the day is the WRE Welcome event and auction. Sponsored by GAF, this event not only marks the beginning of the 2026 show, but also raises funds for the Davis Memorial Foundation, WSRCA’s charitable organization.

Monday, September 28, 2026

Monday is when things get really busy with a stacked schedule of more than a dozen education sessions. Here’s our shortlist of must-attend sessions from this day:

• Roofing Trends That Matter: RoofersCoffeeShop®’s own Heidi J. Ellsworth will be presenting about roofing trends! This presentation will give attendees valuable insight into where the roofing industry has been and where it’s moving towards.
• Ready or Not: our friends Trent Cotney and Benjamin Briggs of Adams and Reese will be diving into ICE raids, 1-9 audits and managing roofing contractor exposure in our current immigration landscape.
• From Hiring Fast to Hiring Right: in a Spanish-language session, Amparo Sancen of Latinos En Roofing explores how to build a roofing team that will help your business win.
• Using AI in Roofing Estimating: John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group shares insight into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in roofing operations, specifically related to estimating.

In addition to those education opportunities, Monday boasts two luncheon options, three demonstrations and the much-anticipated Roofer’s Feud event. Here’s a bit about those options:

• Luncheons: there are two lunch learning opportunities on Monday. One is for Spanish-speaking professionals and features Victor Maya (Advantage Roofing, GAF) discussing how to maximize commercial roofing claims. The other features Craig Brightup (WSRCA political correspondent) and Chad Collins (chairman of the National Roofing Contractors Association board) as they give a political update.
• Demonstrations: as we mentioned, there are three demos on Monday. The first kicks off at 1:30 p.m. is hosted by Polyglass U.S.A. The second (which starts at 2:30 p.m.) is from TAMKO Building Products and the last demo of the day is at 3:30 p.m. and features Johns Manville.
• The Roofer’s Feud: closing out the Monday schedule is the Roofer’s Feud. Sponsored by CertainTeed, this is a great chance to test your trivia knowledge and enjoy some friendly competition.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

But wait, there’s more! Hit the ground running on Tuesday with breakfast and table talks with the National Women in Roofing team at 7 a.m. (please note, additional registration of $55 required for this event). After breakfast, it’s time to jump straight back into education sessions! Some of our must-attends for Tuesday include:

• The Roofing Roundtable: hosted by the WSRCA Young Roofing Professionals Committee and led by Rachel Garcia of Malarkey Roofing Products, this session is all about building multi-generational teams.
• State of the Industry: Trent Cotney is back for another session, this time exploring the legal perspective of what’s going on the industry.
• Mental Health and Addiction in the Roofing Workplace: Paul Reed of Roofers in Recovery takes the helm during this session about how contractors can better support the mental health of their crews.
• The Cost of Disconnection: for this Spanish-language session, Monica Vornbrock of the GLO Group dives into how post-sale breakdowns are costing contractors customer trust and revenue.
• Designing Durable Cold-Climate Roofs: in this session, Mindy Dahlquist of TRA Snow and Sun explores the role of snow retention in designing roofs in cold climates.
• Escaping Reactive Service: the last session on our shortlist is Tracey Donels (Service First Solutions) talk about creating predictable business growth through service offerings.

And just like on Monday, there are two options for lunchtime learning and some can’t miss events:

• Luncheons: Imelda Perez of CertainTeed will be hosting Tuesday’s Spanish-language luncheon. The other lunch option will be in English and features motivational speaker Shereen Thor.
• Sound stage: The RoofersCoffeeShop® crew will be taking over the demonstration stage after lunch for an insightful conversation with WSRCA President Stan Robinson and incoming WSRCA President Ron Lloyd.
• The Roofing Games™: and closing out the day is the much-anticipated shingling competition! Sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products, this is a great opportunity to bring the community together and maybe even win some fun prizes!

These lists are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything going on at this year’s Western Roofing Expo!

See the whole schedule and register to attend the 2026 show!

By Emma Peterson. 

This Quarterly Market Index Survey offers a clearer picture of contractor confidence, market conditions and future opportunities. 

Every quarter, the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) releases a survey sharing insights into the state of the reroofing market. This survey, aptly called the Market Index Survey for Reroofing, is made in collaboration with a variety of industry associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry. 

To learn more about this survey, Heidi J. Ellsworth brought experts from a couple of those association, McKay Daniels of NRCA and Brian Pallasch of IIBEC, onto an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

McKay opened the conversation by sharing some background on the survey. He explained, “It came out of COVID and the whole supply chain debacle. One thing that the industry learned from that situation was the importance of matching supply to demand.” He went on, “And that was what the inspiration for creating the index survey was – to create a way for manufacturers and distributors to see exactly what was going on at the rooftop and how to meet the needs there.”  

And the best part? It has helped more than just the distributors and manufacturers! Brian gave some examples, saying, “It confirms things for contractors in the field. Different regions in the country are facing different economic pressures and benefits and the survey helps contractors contextualize their experiences with that context. It also gives people a sense of where the industry is heading.” McKay added, “It really is a sentiment survey, asking contractors, company owners or other professionals how they’re doing this quarter versus last. And that creates insight into the state of the industry so that everyone knows more and can be more prepared going forward.”  

The result is not only more informed individuals but a stronger industry. As Brian put it, “The goal of the survey is to get a broad sense of what's going on out there in the roofing industry. And it really has gotten us all together, as the group of associations we all meet more frequently as a result, which helps the entire industry.” 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about the PIMA Quarterly Market Index on Reroofing. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

What roofing contractors should be watching.

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

Confidence is cooling, but growth is still expected 

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

July's report showed: 

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

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

Backlog takes a significant hit 

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

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

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

The data center boom is creating a divide 

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

According to the report: 

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

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

Challenges for small and mid-sized contractors 

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

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

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

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

What roofing contractors should do now

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

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

Looking ahead 

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

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

By Emma Peterson. 

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

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

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

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

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

Get your tickets today!

By Emma Peterson. 

How participating in associations like the Roofing Alliance gives professionals a chance to build a legacy. 

From providing broader industry advocacy on a national level to providing individual contractors with the resources they need to succeed, trade associations are invaluable resources. A prime example of one of these invaluable organizations is the Roofing Alliance. To learn more about what this foundation does for the industry, Trent Cotney, a partner and the construction team lead at Adams and Reese law firm, came by for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

Trent is the perfect person to talk to about this, as he is both Roofing Alliance’s legal counsel and their parent association, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s general counsel. He opened by sharing some background on Roofing Alliance:  

The Roofing Alliance is NRCA's foundation, but operates as its own entity. It has existed for almost 30 years, and over the years, it has been instrumental in charitable efforts like providing free roofs and repairs to Ronald McDonald houses nationwide. They also work to support the roofing industry, specifically with education and research. 

Their educational support often comes in the form of scholarships and their research is usually focused on critical economic and technical challenges facing the roofing market. And they have made a huge impact in both areas, reporting that their “members have invested [and raised] over $16 million to fund transformative research, educational initiatives and scholarships, all dedicated to enhancing industry performance and long-term success.” 

At the end of the day, the work that the Roofing Alliance has done not only supports professionals in the industry today but also our future tradespeople. “The Alliances is so valuable. Not only is it a great opportunity to meet your peers in the industry, but it’s a great way to give back to the industry,” he shared. “Personal career and financial success are great, but when I think about when I'm dead and gone, I want to have left a positive mark on the world. I want to have done what I can to give back and to help. And groups like Roofing Alliance are the way I feel like I am doing that.” 

Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about the Roofing Alliance and its invaluable work in the roofing industry. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Exploring IFD’s history, growth and commitment to connecting roofers through education, networking and shared best practices. 

Recently, our team got the chance to sit down with Henrik Mosegaard-Johansen for an interview about his involvement with IFD. Henrik has a long history in the roofing industry, with over three decades spent with VELUX. Today, he is their international key account director for region north. In addition to his work with VELUX, Henrik has been a passionate participant in IFD (International Federation of the Roofing Trade). In his own words, “I started engaging myself with the IFD back in 2011 and eventually was elected as an observer of the board, which is kind of like a board member.” He went on to describe what he does on the board, sharing, “Inside the board, we have split up the responsibilities, as you would in a company. So, my responsibility is within marketing as well as partnerships.”  

Over the course of his 12+ years spent on the board, Henrik has gotten to know IFD and their history well. He shared a bit of his knowledge with us:  

IFD was founded in 1952, with four members: Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Luxembourg. The first many years it was a Western European Association, and then the Berlin Wall fell and national associations from Eastern Europe, like Slovakia, Hungary and Russia joined. And now today, we have associations from other continents, like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). 

This incredible growth has been a boom to the industry on a whole in many different ways. For one, they have helped raise standards of quality and craftsmanship internationally. Henrik explained, “The IFD helped organizations to grow specifically within international technical guidelines. As more countries develop and build their own national association, IFD is there to help them create a foundation of guidelines and best practices that are harder to build when you have less experience. IFD offers that experience.” 

And guidelines aren’t the only way they’ve done this. By simply creating a space for roofers around the world to meet, IFD has built a community that can uplift each other and its industry. As Henrik put it, “Historically, in Western Europe, roofers would learn new techniques and tools by sending their apprentices to go on what we call the walls. During this, the apprentice would go outside their hometown to the next town, county or even country to learn about how roofers were doing things. Then they’d bring that info back and everyone would improve.” 

The goal with the IFD is to create this type of collaborative, learning environment in a modern era. How are they doing that? One big push within the IFD has been creating in-person events that promote the industry. This includes their highly anticipated Championship of the Young Roofer, their biannual Congress and their newest initiative, the Connection Forum (which will be held for the first time on 14-15 October 2026 in Vienna, Austria)!  

Henrik shared a bit about this new event, saying, “In our Congresses, the focus is really on getting information through presentations from experts. The Connection Forum’s goal is to focus more on giving people the chance to discuss and network. Kind of like those apprentices back in the day.” The event will also host some events, including a speech from The Coffee Shops™ CEO Heidi J. Ellsworth and international guideline development workshops. 

Overall, the development of the Connection Forum in addition to their already established events is a prime example of how IFD continues to serve modern roofers. As Henrik put it, “Our umbrella goal is always to find ways for IFD to add more value to the community, to the industry and to our associations.”  

By Karen Edwards. 

September is Self-Care Awareness Month and serves as a timely reminder that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it is a necessity.  

For roofing and exterior contractors, the demands of the job often place physical performance, customer needs and project deadlines at the center of daily life. While those responsibilities are important, they should never come at the expense of emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

The construction industry is built on resilience. Contractors work through challenging weather conditions, labor shortages, economic pressures and demanding project schedules. While that resilience is something to be proud of, it can also create a culture where stress, exhaustion and burnout are accepted as part of the job. Over time, those pressures can take a serious toll on overall health. 

The hidden toll of working in construction 

Physical health is often the most visible concern. Long hours, repetitive movements, heat exposure and physically demanding work can lead to injuries and chronic health issues. However, the less visible challenges can be just as impactful. Anxiety, depression, stress and feelings of isolation affect people across every level of the industry, from field crews to business owners. 

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five adults live with a mental illness. Statistics such as these remind us that mental health challenges are not isolated issues. They affect coworkers, friends, family members and entire teams. Creating awareness is the first step toward creating meaningful change. 

Industry associations are making a difference 

The good news is that awareness around mental health and wellness continues to grow throughout the roofing industry. Organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and National Women in Roofing (NWIR) have recognized the importance of supporting the whole person, not just the professional. 

Through educational resources, networking opportunities, wellness initiatives and conversations focused on mental health, these associations help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek support when they need it. By bringing wellness into everyday industry conversations, they are reinforcing the message that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Suicide prevention starts with awareness and action 

Suicide prevention has become an increasingly important topic throughout the construction industry. Talking openly about mental health challenges, recognizing warning signs and knowing where to find help can literally save lives. The strongest teams are not the ones that ignore struggles; they are the teams that look out for one another and create environments where people feel comfortable asking for support. 

Self-care does not have to be complicated. It can start with getting enough sleep, taking breaks during the workday, staying hydrated, exercising regularly or making time to connect with family and friends. It can also mean reaching out to a trusted colleague, mentor or mental health professional when life feels overwhelming. 

This September, let Self-Care Awareness Month serve as a reminder that your health matters. The success of a business begins with the well-being of the people who make it run. By prioritizing physical health, supporting mental wellness and taking advantage of resources available through industry organizations such as NRCA and NWIR, contractors can build not only stronger companies but healthier, safer and more resilient lives.

Por Karen Edwards, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Septiembre es el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autocuidado y sirve como un recordatorio oportuno de que cuidar de nosotros mismos no es un lujo; es una necesidad. 

Para los contratistas de techado y exteriores, las exigencias del trabajo suelen colocar el desempeño físico, las necesidades de los clientes y los plazos de los proyectos en el centro de la vida diaria. Aunque estas responsabilidades son importantes, nunca deben ser a costa del bienestar emocional, mental y físico. 

La industria de la construcción está basada en la resiliencia. Los contratistas trabajan bajo condiciones climáticas difíciles, escasez de mano de obra, presiones económicas y exigentes calendarios de proyectos. Aunque esa resiliencia es motivo de orgullo, también puede crear una cultura en la que el estrés, el agotamiento y el desgaste emocional se aceptan como parte del trabajo. Con el tiempo, estas presiones pueden afectar seriamente la salud en general. 

El costo oculto de trabajar en la construcción 

La salud física suele ser la preocupación más visible. Las largas jornadas, los movimientos repetitivos, la exposición al calor y el trabajo físicamente exigente pueden provocar lesiones y problemas de salud crónicos. Sin embargo, los desafíos menos visibles pueden tener un impacto igual de significativo. La ansiedad, la depresión, el estrés y los sentimientos de aislamiento afectan a personas en todos los niveles de la industria, desde las cuadrillas de trabajo hasta los dueños de empresas. 

El Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental estima que una de cada cinco personas adultas vive con una enfermedad mental. Estadísticas como esta nos recuerdan que los problemas de salud mental no son situaciones aisladas. Afectan a compañeros de trabajo, amigos, familiares y equipos completos. Generar conciencia es el primer paso para lograr un cambio significativo. 

Las asociaciones de la industria están marcando la diferencia 

La buena noticia es que la conciencia sobre la salud mental y el bienestar continúa creciendo en toda la industria del techado. Organizaciones como la Asociación Nacional de Contratistas de Techado (NRCA) y National Women in Roofing (NWIR) han reconocido la importancia de apoyar a la persona en su totalidad, no solo al profesional. 

A través de recursos educativos, oportunidades de networking, iniciativas de bienestar y conversaciones enfocadas en la salud mental, estas asociaciones ayudan a reducir el estigma y alientan a las personas a buscar apoyo cuando lo necesitan. Al incorporar el bienestar en las conversaciones diarias de la industria, refuerzan el mensaje de que pedir ayuda es una señal de fortaleza, no de debilidad. 

La prevención del suicidio comienza con la conciencia y la acción 

La prevención del suicidio se ha convertido en un tema cada vez más importante dentro de la industria de la construcción. Hablar abiertamente sobre los desafíos de salud mental, reconocer las señales de advertencia y saber dónde encontrar ayuda puede literalmente salvar vidas. Los equipos más sólidos no son aquellos que ignoran las dificultades; son aquellos que se apoyan mutuamente y crean entornos donde las personas se sienten cómodas pidiendo apoyo. 

El autocuidado no tiene por qué ser complicado. Puede comenzar con dormir lo suficiente, tomar descansos durante la jornada laboral, mantenerse hidratado, hacer ejercicio con regularidad o dedicar tiempo para convivir con familiares y amigos. También puede significar acercarse a un colega de confianza, un mentor o un profesional de la salud mental cuando la vida se siente abrumadora. 

Este mes de septiembre, permita que el Mes de la Concientización sobre el Autocuidado sea un recordatorio de que su salud importa. El éxito de una empresa comienza con el bienestar de las personas que la hacen funcionar. Al priorizar la salud fisica, apoyar el bienestar mental y aprovechar los recursos disponibles a través de organizaciones de la industria como NRCA y NWIR, los contratistas pueden construir no solo empresas más fuertes, sino también vidas más saludables, seguras y resilientes. 

Por RoofersCoffeeShop® En Español. 

Abad Zárate comparte cómo la perseverancia, la disciplina, la educación y las conexiones dentro de la industria lo ayudaron a construir Azapro Roofing. 

Cuando Abad Zárate llegó a Canadá con poco más de 20 años, no sabía qué era el roofing. Como muchos inmigrantes, buscaba una oportunidad para trabajar y salir adelante. Lo que comenzó como un empleo inesperado terminó convirtiéndose en una carrera que años después lo llevaría a fundar Azapro Roofing. 

"Como todo inmigrante, empiezas a buscarle, empiezas a picar piedra," recordó Abad. Sin dominar completamente el inglés y sin experiencia en techado, comenzó trabajando sobre los techos en Toronto, Canadá. Con el tiempo compró sus propias herramientas y una camioneta, y empezó a conseguir sus propios proyectos. 

Su trayectoria posteriormente lo llevó a trabajar en California y Hawái. Fue precisamente en Hawái donde, trabajando como capataz para una empresa que describe como profesional y dedicada, comenzó a cambiar su perspectiva sobre cómo debía realizarse el trabajo y decidió prepararse para algún día tener su propia compañía. 

En 2021, ese objetivo se convirtió en realidad con el lanzamiento de Azapro Roofing en Washington. Hoy, la empresa también cuenta con operaciones en Kansas City y continúa explorando oportunidades de crecimiento en otros mercados. 

Para Abad, gran parte de ese crecimiento está relacionado con valores que considera fundamentales tanto en su vida como en su empresa. 

"La humildad es una de ellas. La disciplina es otra," explicó. También destacó la resiliencia, la honestidad y la pasión por el trabajo como características que han influido en su manera de liderar y atender a sus clientes. Dentro de Azapro Roofing, su equipo se reúne regularmente para analizar los proyectos, hablar sobre las experiencias con los clientes e identificar áreas donde pueden mejorar. 

El aprendizaje constante también ha sido fundamental en su trayectoria. Abad forma parte de un comité de la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) y es director de la Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW). A través de su participación en estas asociaciones ha podido conectarse con otros líderes, aprender más sobre seguridad, códigos y nuevas tendencias, además de participar en eventos internacionales de la industria. 

Para Abad, formar parte de organizaciones como NRCA y RCAW también representa una oportunidad para apoyar a otros contratistas, especialmente a los hispanohablantes que pueden enfrentar barreras con el idioma o no saber a quién acudir cuando están comenzando. En RCAW, cuando un contratista de habla hispana se comunica buscando información, Abad tiene la oportunidad de orientarlo en español y compartir los recursos disponibles. 

"Es bien importante estar unidos en estas asociaciones," señaló. "Hay muchas ganas de las personas que estamos ahí de poder ayudar al contratista." Para Abad, acercarse a profesionales con más experiencia, hacer preguntas y aprovechar los recursos de estas organizaciones puede ayudar a los contratistas a evitar errores y encontrar nuevas oportunidades para crecer. 

También reconoce que el crecimiento requiere saber cuándo descansar. Como dueño de negocio, aprendió que desconectarse por un momento y recuperar energía puede ser una inversión que permite regresar con mayor claridad para tomar mejores decisiones. 

"Es una de las mejores inversiones que uno puede tener como empresario: darte un tiempo, descansar," compartió. Para Abad, cuidar esa parte personal también forma parte de la disciplina necesaria para seguir avanzando. 

Para quienes están comenzando su camino en el roofing, su mensaje es sencillo: mantener una visión clara, aprovechar los recursos disponibles y no tener miedo de pedir ayuda. 

"Hay que pensar en grande, hay que soñar en grande," afirmó. "El tema es no tener miedo a preguntar, acercarte con las personas correctas." 

La historia de Abad demuestra que comenzar desde cero no limita hasta dónde se puede llegar. Con educación, humildad, perseverancia y el apoyo de una comunidad dentro de la industria, cada experiencia puede convertirse en un paso más hacia el crecimiento. 

Explora más historias de éxito de contratistas en el próximo boletín, Informando Desde El Techo.