By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

International collaboration brings new ideas home.

The Coffee Shops™ were proud to participate in the 2026 National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Study Tour to Cologne, Germany and Brussels, Belgium. The tour began in Cologne where the global roofing community gathered for Dach + Holz International, one of the world’s premier roofing trade shows. Industry leaders, manufacturers and contractors from around the world came together to share ideas, showcase new technology and discuss best practices shaping the future of roofing. 

Participants on the NRCA 2026 Study Tour represented a diverse cross section of the roofing industry including contractors, consultants and manufacturers. Attendees included John Chan and Gary Howes of The Durable Slate Company; Matt Dupuis of SRI Consultants; Ruben Gonzalez of AIS Construction Inc.; Ron Harriman, retired from Benchmark, Inc.; Alex Hernandez of Clark Roofing Company; Dean Jagusch of Wagner Roofing Company; Sherri Miles of J.D. Miles & Sons, Inc.; Lorna Rojas of National Women in Roofing and Tremco CPG; Jason Stanley and Jamie Treglio of IB Roof Systems; Joe Zale of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.; Abad Zarate of AzaPro Roofing and Heidi J. Ellsworth of The Coffee Shops. Together the group represented a broad range of expertise and perspectives from across the roofing industry. 

The purpose of the NRCA 2026 Study Tour was to provide participants with valuable insights into international roofing practices while exploring best practices, gaining a deeper understanding of global trends and establishing meaningful connections with professionals from around the world. By bringing contractors, consultants and industry leaders together in an international setting, the tour created opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience firsthand how roofing technologies and practices differ across markets. 

During the event, NRCA CEO McKay Daniels spoke about the importance of international engagement for roofing professionals. One of NRCA’s priorities, he explained, is helping contractors make tomorrow better than today by creating opportunities to see how roofing is practiced in different regions of the world. 

“Part of our role is bringing contractors and industry professionals to international events like this so they can see how others are approaching roofing,” McKay said. “Different climates, different building methods and different technologies all influence how roofing is done. There’s no monopoly on good ideas.” 

For many attendees on the NRCA 2026 Study Tour, the experience of walking the Dach + Holz show floor was eye opening. From waterproofing technologies to solar integration and green roofing systems, international manufacturers showcased innovations that offered a glimpse of where the industry may be heading. Seeing these developments firsthand allows U.S. contractors to better understand how global markets are evolving and how those ideas may influence roofing practices at home. 

The agenda for the NRCA 2026 Study Tour included the Dach + Holz Trade Show along with site visits, facility tours and group dinners designed to encourage discussion and collaboration among participants. The tour also included a visit to the Derbigum manufacturing facility in Belgium. Derbigum, a Kingspan company, provided attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at manufacturing processes and product development. A highlight of the visit was learning about the company’s commitment to sustainability through its “No Roof to Waste” initiative, a dedicated program that collects and recycles old roof membranes and installation waste, reducing the need for new raw materials. 

Together, these experiences provided a unique opportunity to broaden perspectives and bring back valuable knowledge that can help strengthen roofing businesses and organizations across the United States. Events like Dach + Holz have long served as a hub for global roofing innovation, bringing together manufacturers, contractors and craftspeople from around the world. For U.S. contractors attending with NRCA, the goal was not only to observe but to return home with new ideas and perspectives that can help advance the industry. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

As U.S. teams competed alongside international peers in Austria, the event became a living example of how respect, workforce development and global standards are shaping roofing’s next generation. 

From the competition floor at the Student Competition in Innsbruck, Austria, Heidi J. Ellsworth shared candid conversation with industry professionals from the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD),  National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and a first-time U.S. delegation backed by Durable Slate, KPost Roofing and Waterproofing and Global Roofing Group. 

Hosted by the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD), the Student Competition brings young roofers from around the world together to test their skills against shared international standards across multiple roofing disciplines. For the first time, a U.S. delegation supported by NRCA and industry sponsors joined the field, stepping into a highly structured environment designed to measure not only technical ability but professionalism, organization and care for the worksite. 

Before anyone picked up a tool, the work was logistical, emotional and human. Flights, buses, schedules, coaches, sponsors and young competitors trying to sleep in a new country before an eight-hour day under judges who measure everything from precision to the way a workspace is kept. Jon spoke about the process, noting the complexity of bringing so many moving parts together. He shared, “At the end of the day I was, as I affectionately say, I was herding cats and they are the best cats in the world and we brought it all together and I breathed a big sigh of relief when everyone was tucked into bed Sunday night.” 

What he framed as humor pointed to something more practical. Bringing young roofers into a space like this takes intention, coordination and care, long before competition begins. By the time teams stepped onto the floor, the groundwork for learning, growth and comparison was already in place. 

From above, the competition moved steadily, with each task governed by clear rules and time limits. The U.S. teams rotated through low-slope, standing seam metal and slate and tile assemblies, often working with European tools and materials they had not used before. Jon watched the floor as teams worked at different speeds, all measured against the same standard. He shared, “Team USA's greatest skill we have courage and we are inquisitive and we are learning as we go.” 

By the second day, conversations around the competition began to shift. Between long hours on the floor and informal discussions off camera, Jon returned to a central reason NRCA chose to engage internationally through IFD: workforce development depends on how the trade is valued. For him, the competition was not just about skills, but about signaling what roofing can offer to the next generation. Jon shared, “Roofing respect; its seed bed is in the home. What do you want your children to be? They say, ‘we want them to be respected. Kids don't grow up to become roofers, they don't grow up saying I want to be a roofer.’ One of the reasons for that is we don’t respect our roofers as we should.” 

In Innsbruck, that idea took physical form. The competition showed what respect looks like when it is built into standards, expectations and shared craft, offering young roofers a clearer pathway and contractors a stronger model for attracting and keeping talent. 

Watch our interviews to learn more about how NRCA and IFD are using international competition to build workforce pathways and raise roofing respect in the U.S. 

By READYSLATE®. 

An international jury crowns Duhamel Couverture the Best of the Best while reinforcing the enduring excellence of natural slate craftsmanship. 

In a competition defined by technical rigor and respect for tradition, Duhamel Couverture has emerged at the top of the Best of the Best 2025, earning recognition that represents both mastery of craft and clarity of execution. For READYSLATE®, the result reflects more than a winning scorecard; it highlights the values that continue to elevate natural slate roofing on a global stage. Judged by an international panel of seasoned professionals and decided through a closely contested final vote, this year’s outcome reinforces the importance of precision, presentation and uncompromising standards in an industry where details define distinction. 

In the final vote, the French company secured 19 points, ahead of Haesen Rik Dakwerken (Belgium) with 11 points. The Durable Slate Company (United States) completed the podium with 9 points. 

Also taking part in the final round were CP Roofing Solutions (United Kingdom), with 5 points and Ardesia Couverture, which finished with 3 points. 

In their assessment, the jury stated, “Duhamel Couverture’s proposal stands out for its attention to detail and for the clarity with which complex construction solutions were presented.” 

The Best of the Best 2025 decision was made by an international jury of highly respected professionals, including Matt Timby (United Kingdom), Heidi J. Ellsworth (United States), Severino González (Spain), Henri Lefin (Belgium) and Sébastien Therenty (France). 

All jury members bring extensive professional experience and a strong background in the natural slate and roofing sector, ensuring a rigorous and well-balanced evaluation process. We would like to thank them once again for their commitment and continued collaboration. 

Our thanks also go to the five finalists and to the 35 companies that took part in this year’s edition. Because beyond being a competition, the Best of the Best is, above all, a way to recognize the wonderful craft of the natural slate roofer and the value of work carried out to the highest standards. 

We now look forward to welcoming Duhamel Couverture to our quarries, where they will have the opportunity to discover first-hand the origin of our slate. And to all other participants, we look forward to seeing you again in next year’s Best of the Best! 

Original article source: READYSLATE

The IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade.

From 22 to 25 October 2025, the international roofing community gathered in Bratislava for the 73rd Annual Congress of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD). The event opened on Wednesday evening with a warm welcome reception, where delegates from many countries met in a spirit of international friendship.

The following two days (23 and 24 October) were dedicated to expert presentations, future-oriented discussions and global collaboration.

On Thursday evening, the Slovak Roofing Association hosted a traditional Slovak dinner – a lively highlight featuring local cuisine and music that fostered intercultural exchange. The gala dinner at the Reduta Concert Hall on Friday marked the festive conclusion of the week.

IFD Congress: Future topics, dialogue and presidential transition

The two-day IFD Congress at the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel focused on current challenges and opportunities in the global roofing trade.

After opening remarks by Walter Bisig (IFD president) and Eduard Jamrich (president of the Slovak Roofing Association), as well as greetings from the city of Bratislava, the IFD presented updates on its ongoing projects and strategic developments.

International speakers provided valuable insights and practical perspectives on the future of the trade:

• “Façade of the future” – Wolfgang Häußler, FVHF e.V.
• “Climate change challenges for pitched roofs” – Ernst Gregorites, PREFA GmbH
• “Sustainable solutions for existing flat roofs” – Marc Niewöhner, Triflex GmbH & Co. KG
• “Green roofing” – Werner Venter, ZinCo GmbH
• “Successful strategies for attracting young talent in Germany” – Ulrich Marx & Rolf Fuhrmann, ZVDH e.V.

During the General Assembly on 24 October, Walter Bisig (Switzerland) handed over the IFD presidency to Dirk Bollwerk (Germany) after a successful term of office. The transition symbolized continuity and commitment – two experienced leaders sharing a strong dedication to international cooperation in the roofing sector.

Gala evening at the Reduta: Transition, appreciation and international friendship

The gala dinner at the Reduta Concert Hall was the social highlight of the week. Walter Bisig and Dirk Bollwerk jointly opened the evening, underlining a spirit of partnership and continuity within the IFD.

Eduard Jamrich, president of the Slovak Roofing Association, warmly welcomed all international guests.

In a moving speech, Henrik Mosegaard Johansen, IFD board member, paid tribute to outgoing president Walter Bisig, honoring his long-standing commitment and contribution to global cooperation.

The evening provided a festive atmosphere for personal encounters, cultural impressions – and the celebration of the IFD Awards 2025.

IFD Awards 2025: Excellence from the global roofing community

Nearly 100 projects from around the world were submitted for the IFD Awards 2025 – a prestigious international recognition of outstanding achievements in the roofing trade. The awards honor superior quality, craftsmanship and creative solutions.

“This year’s submissions once again demonstrated the diversity and creativity of our trade – and how closely innovation and tradition go hand in hand,” said Sabine Rothschuh, general secretary of the IFD.

The jury selected the best projects in four categories:

Façade

1 - Battle of Don Memorial Site (Appreggio Bt, Ervin Király and BH Metall Kft., Hungary)

2 - National Széchenyi Library Archival Center (Pilisi Pléh-Boy Kft., Hungary)

3 - Kovács Katalin National Kayak-Canoe Academy (Horex Kft, Bauer Bádogos és Szigetelő Kft., Hungary)

Flat roof

1 - SFH K. (Spitzer Gesellschaft m.b.H., Austria)

2 - Whinfell Forest Center Parcs, Subtropical Swimming Paradise (Central Group, United Kingdom)

3 - Seaplane Harbour, Estonian Maritime Museum (Aruna-Ehitus OÜ, Estonia)

Metal roof

1 - Logan County Courthouse (The Durable Slate Company, USA)

2 - Reconstruction of the former Red Cross Headquarters (Pilisi Pléh-Boy Kft., Hungary)

3 - Reduta, Bratislava (SiQiS-S, s.r.o., Slovakia)

Pitched roof

In this category, the jury awarded three equal first prizes – a clear sign of the exceptional standard of the entries:

• Christ’s College Cambridge (Claude N Smith Ltd, United Kingdom)
• Restoration of Saint Helena Cathedral (The Durable Restoration Company, USA)
• Detached House Dentling (Schmid Dachbau GmbH, Germany)

Sponsors

• Premium Sponsors: VELUX, Wienerberger, KJG
• Sponsors: Triflex, Fleck, Riwega, Fakro, Prefa

About the IFD

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) unites national roofing associations and companies from the construction industry. It promotes quality, safety and education in the trade and regularly organizes international congresses and the World Championship for young Roofers.

With these 2025 wins, Durable Restoration extends their history-making streak, becoming the first American company to receive an IFD Award more than once.

The Durable Slate and Restoration Companies are proud to announce two first-place wins at the IFD (International Federation of the Roofing Trade) Awards, which recognizes the best of the best in the roofing industry across the globe.

The winning projects were announced on the final full day of the IFD Congress & Awards 2025 in Bratislava, during a gala held at the Bratislava Concert Hall. Out of over 100 total submissions, one Durable Slate and one Durable Restoration project took home the coveted first place trophy in their respective categories: Durable Slate’s restoration of the Logan County Courthouse in Lincoln, Illinois won in the Metal Roofing category and Durable Restoration’s work on The Cathedral of St. Helena in Helena, Montana tied for first in the Steep Slope Roofing category.

The IFD Congress & Awards is an esteemed ceremony which takes place every two years and receives submissions from over a dozen nations across the world, including Switzerland, Russia, China and the United Kingdom. At the 2019 ceremony in Edinburgh, The Durable Restoration Company became the first American company in 67 years to place first at this prestigious competition, in recognition of their metalwork at Steeple Square in Dubuque, Iowa. With these 2025 wins, Durable Restoration extends their history-making streak, becoming the first American company to receive an IFD Award more than once.

“It is a huge honor to be selected as winners among so many great contractors and projects from around the world,” said John Chan, vice president of The Durable Slate Company. “We are incredibly proud of our craftsmen and the dedication displayed through these projects, and it is very gratifying to share this achievement with them.”

In addition to the first-place projects, Durable Restoration's preservation of the Heinz Memorial Chapel flèche in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania finished fourth in Metal Roofing and the slate installation on the Sweet Residence, a custom-built home in Bethesda, Maryland, placed sixth in the Façade category.

“We set out at the very early years of the company only hoping that we could one day stand among the industry's best, and for a long time we were not entirely sure if it was possible,” said Gary Howes, president of The Durable Slate Company. “We spent decades working towards this goal, and to see our efforts pay off in this huge way not once, not twice but three times is beyond what we ever expected.”

Howes continued, “It has also been wonderful seeing local craftsmen come to us and end up working on these world-class restoration projects. We hope that our work inspires more people to come join our team and learn the restoration trade from us so that they may carry on the preservation of America’s most treasured buildings.” For a recap of the IFD Congress & Awards 2025, visit www.ifd-roof.com

About The Durable Slate Company and The Durable Restoration Company

The Durable Slate Company is a leading provider of slate roofing solutions and historic preservation services, specializing in the restoration and repair of traditional roofs across the United States. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship and unparalleled expertise, The Durable Slate Company has earned a reputation for excellence in Slate, Metal and Tile roofing. For more information, visit www.durableslate.com

The Durable Restoration Company specializes in the preservation and restoration of historic structures, combining exceptional craftsmanship with a commitment to safeguarding architectural history. By preserving the past, Durable Restoration ensures the legacy of these structures for future generations. For more information, visit www.durablerestoration.com.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

U.S. company stands out among global elite with two heritage projects up for international recognition. 

The Durable Slate Company, a leader in historic roofing restoration, has secured finalist status in two distinct categories for the 2025 International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) Awards, an achievement that demonstrates the company’s artful craftsmanship on the global stage. The IFD Awards represent one of the highest honors in the international roofing and sheet metal community. Judged by a panel of the industry’s top experts, the competition celebrates both technical excellence and heritage preservation. 

The awards will be presented during the IFD Congress gathering in Bratislava, Slovakia, October 22–25. The event alternates annually between a hands-on international competition for young roofers (in even years) and project awards recognizing architectural excellence (in odd years). This year, 12 projects worldwide were named finalists, three in each of the four categories: steep slope, sheet metal, low slope and façade. 

Durable Slate is the only American company to earn finalist nods in two categories. Their restoration of the St. Helena Cathedral in Helena, Montana, is one of three finalists in the steep slope category. The 1908 Gothic Revival structure, inspired by Vienna’s Votivkirche, underwent a meticulous roof restoration, including the reinstallation of Ludowici French tile and copper standing seam roofing, along with internal masonry reinforcements. 

In the sheet metal category, Durable Slate’s work on the Logan County Courthouse in Lincoln, Illinois, was recognized. The building’s copper-clad dome, originally built in 1891 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has already earned both the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Gold Circle Award and the North American Copper in Architecture Award. It was the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln once practiced law before becoming president. 

“Another huge congratulations to the fabulous Durable Team,” wrote John Chan, executive vice president of Durable Slate. “Amazingly, we’re finalists in both steep slope and sheet metal, 2 out of the 4 categories.” 

While the IFD has not released the full list of competitors publicly, John confirmed that the NRCA nominated all of its Gold Circle Award winners for consideration. This places Durable Slate in elite company, though they won’t know the outcome until the awards gala on October 24 at the Reduta Concert Hall in Bratislava. 

Learn more about how Durable Slate's award-nominated restorations are raising the bar for historic preservation on the world stage!

By Emma Peterson.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at preparing the first U.S. team to compete at IFD’s Championship of Young Roofers.

At the end of 2024, The Coffee Shops™ crew got an incredible opportunity — cover the first U.S. team’s participation in the prestigious International Federation for the Roofing Trades (IFD) competition live from Austria! So, as they were packing their bags and checking their passports, Heidi J. Ellsworth and Megan Ellsworth sat down with R.J. Radobenko, Gary Howe and Steve Little for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® to talk about the significance of the U.S. joining the global roofing community through IFD.  

The IFD was originally founded over 70 years ago. The organization brings together member companies from around the world for seminar-based meetings that focus on “creating  a permanent bond between its members, studying common professional problems and to derive from them knowledge for individual members or the organization as a whole and  safeguarding and supporting the common economic, business, technical, social, cultural and other professional interests of the members at international level.”  

As a part of this initiative, the IFD hosts what is called the World Championship of Young Roofers, which is what Megan and Heidi attended and covered in 2024! Gary took a team from his company, Durable Slate. He shared what they competed in, saying, “The category we competed in is what they consider the steep-slope category. The host country picked the types of materials from certain manufacturers and guide the installation standards. So for this competition, Austria chose a natural clay tile roof installation from a German-based clay tile manufacturer and another product called Eternit, which is a synthetic cementitious based roofing shingle.”

Steve’s team from KPost Roofing and Waterproofing represented in another category, focused on single ply. He explained, “We competed in the TPO side of the business, working with the Sika Sarnafil product line and of course adapting all the European standards for that.” Last but not least, R.J.’s team from Global Roofing Group came in to compete in the metal roofing and siding part of the competition. He explained, “Some of the most interesting things to navigate were just the basics. Like, they use a metric system versus imperial, so that's inches versus centimeters. That's a huge thing. There are also different tools and terminology that our teams had to learn.”  

Even with all the products, tools and other difficulties, the U.S. teams rose to the challenge and made us all proud last November. As Megan observed when she got back home after the competition, “It was amazing to see all these young competitors’ artisanship and pride. It was evident in every detail, whether it was slate, metal or low-slope work.”

Read the transcript or Listen to the episode to get more behind-the-scenes on how these teams prepared for the global stage. You can also rewatch all the action on our YouTube channel.

Officers and directors announced at the NRCA's 138th Annual Convention will assume their roles June 1, 2025.

The National Roofing Contractors Association announced its new slate of officers during its 138th Annual Convention February 19 - 21 in San Antonio.

Alex Hernandez, president of Clark Roofing Co., Broadview, Illinois, was elected chairman of the board, and Chad Collins, president of The Bone Dry Roofing Co., a Roofing Corp of America company, Atlanta, was elected chairman of the board-elect. 

Jean-Paul Grivas, vice president of Ray Nolan Roofing, Louisville, Kentucky; Christian Madsen, president of Madsen Roofing & Waterproofing Inc., Rancho Cordova, California; and Diana Petersen, director of administration for Red Pointe Roofing LP, Orange, California, were elected vice chairmen for two-year terms. Sherri Miles, vice president of J.D. Miles and Sons Inc., Chesapeake, Virginia, was elected vice chairman for a one-year term.

Additionally, the following were elected as new NRCA directors:

• Tyler Allwood, director of business development for Eagle Roofing Products, Rialto, California
• Rachna Bhatt, director of HRGM Corp., Washington, D.C.
• Tupac de la Cruz, founder of Roofing Solutions LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Collin DeBuysere, project manager for Roofing Technology Inc., Davenport, Iowa
• John Fleming, owner of Weathercraft Co. of Colorado Springs Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Tammara Hall, director of marketing and business development for CFS Roofing Services LLC, Fort Myers, Florida
• Tina Hall, owner and CEO of Joe Hall Roofing & Contracting, Arlington, Texas
• Will Hamlin, president and CEO of The Hamlin Cos., Garner, North Carolina
• Paige Harvill, corporate projects manager for Nations Roof Gulf Coast, Mobile, Alaska
• Gary Howes, chief operating officer of The Durable Slate Co., Columbus, Ohio
• Allen Hughes, vice president of Rike Roofing Services, Fort Mill, South Carolina
• Beth Kegley, director of national accounts for Beacon Building Products, Herndon, Virginia
• Pierre Lafontaine, vice president of business services for Groupe Raymond, Quebec, Canada
• Paul Manchisi, senior vice president, Flynn Midwest, Flynn BEC, for Flynn Group of Companies, Toronto, Canada
• James Patterson, senior vice president of CentiMark Corp., Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
• Kyle Price, service sales manager for Superior Services RSH Inc., Lansing, Michigan
• Rachel Reed, vice president of Tri-State/Service Roofing & Sheet Metal Group, Vienna, West Virginia
• Josh Steinrock, president of American Roofing & Metal Inc., Louisville, Kentucky

All 2025-26 officers and directors will assume their roles June 1.

About the NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

The Durable Slate Company, Reinaissance Roofing and Klein Contracting Company recognized for outstanding workmanship in steep and low-slope roofing.

The National Roofing Contractors Association presented its 30th annual Gold Circle Awards February 20 at the NRCA Industry Awards Ceremony in San Antonio during the 2025 International Roofing Expo.® Gold Circle Awards were given to NRCA members who made significant contributions to the roofing industry.

NRCA’s 2025 Gold Circle Awards winners were:

• Outstanding workmanship: Steep-slope — The Durable Slate Co., Columbus, Ohio, for Logan County Courthouse, Lincoln, Illinois, and Renaissance Roofing, Belvidere, Illinois, for Green County Courthouse, Monroe, Wisconsin
• Outstanding workmanship: Low-slope — Klein Contracting Co., Doraville, Georgia, for Signia Hilton Hotel, Atlanta

Additionally, two companies were selected as honorable mentions:

• Greenwood Industries, Worcester, Massachusetts, for New York State Capitol Courtyard, Albany, New York
• KPost Company, Dallas, for American Airlines Hospitality Center, Fort Worth, Texas

For more information about the Gold Circle Awards, visit nrca.net/NRCA-awards/gold-circle-awards or contact Chrystine Hanus, an NRCA director of communications, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7522, or chanus@nrca.net.

About the NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

Gary brings decades of leadership experience from serving on NRCA's board of directors and as the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America's chairman of the board.

The National Roofing Contractors Association has announced Gary Howes, chief operating officer and principal of The Durable Slate Co., Columbus, Ohio, has been appointed to the board of directors of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade. The appointment was made during IFD’s General Assembly held November 2024 in Innsbruck, Austria.

Gary is the first American to join the IFD board of directors. Other members include:

• Walter Bisig (Switzerland)
• Dirk Bollwerk (Germany)
• Henrik Mosegaard-Johansen (Denmark)
• Armand Liede (Latvia)

Gary brings decades of leadership experience in the roofing and historical restoration industries. He currently serves on NRCA’s board of directors and its global advisory and health and safety committees and is the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America’s chairman of the board.

“Joining the IFD board of directors is a tremendous honor,” Gary says. “IFD’s mission aligns perfectly with my passion for advancing the roofing trade and supporting the next generation of skilled craftsmen. I look forward to collaborating with my talented colleagues to further the organization’s vision on a global scale.”

About the NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

About the IFD

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade is dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation and professional excellence in the roofing industry worldwide. The IFD serves as a permanent bond between its members, organizes international workshops and competitions and contributes to the development of technical standards for the roofing trade. Visit IFD at ifd-roof.com.

About The Durable Slate Company

The Durable Slate Company is a global leader in slate, tile, copper and historical roofing. Renowned for its craftsmanship and commitment to preservation, The Durable Slate Company has restored iconic structures across the U.S. and abroad, earning numerous awards for excellence in the roofing and restoration industries. For information about The Durable Slate Company, visit durableslate.com.