By Emma Peterson. 

Whether you’re an attendee or an exhibitor, you don’t want to miss this premier air barrier event!  

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) will be hosting their annual building enclosure conference and trade show this May! This two-day show (May 5-6, 2026) will be held at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is an unparalleled opportunity for design professionals, general contractors, air barrier contractors, consultants and testing labs to network, learn and grow together. 

Come as an attendee 

For attendees, this is your chance to earn valuable professional credits, network with industry leaders and discover the latest innovations in the air barrier world. There will be 22 dynamic presentations from top building enclosure experts sharing real-world insights and best practices across the two days of programming, offering professionals a chance to earn up to 12 total credits.  

There will also be unique in-person training opportunities that combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences. These trainings run a bit longer than the rest of the program, as they are divided into three core modules over three days (May 5-7, 2026). This year’s tracks include self-adhered/fluid applied installer training (SA/FL), spray polyurethane foam installer training (SPF) and auditor training.  

The best part? ABAA is providing “all BEC members, specification writers and architectural firm employees with a discounted rate.” Please note, these rates do not apply for the installer or field auditor training courses. Contact ABAA to learn more about eligiblity for these discounts.  

Exhibit on in the expo hall 

Looking for a way to meet your clients face-to-face? Consider exhibiting at ABAA’s annual building enclosure conference and trade show! The expo hall at the show is strategically placed at the heart of the event, giving you a great opportunity to gain exposure, build partnerships and foster new business growth. 

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your offerings alongside industry leaders like SOPREMA, VaproShield, Polyglass, Tremco, Sika, Georgia-Pacific and RAiNA. 

Learn more about the show and why it’s a great investment in your future, both as an attendee and an exhibitor.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about engaging and retaining new hires through intentional training. 

In a new episode of Coffee Conversations®, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by a panel of industry leaders to talk about the importance of contractors helping new hires engage and connect with their company. This panel included Amy Staska, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)’s VP of workforce development; Maureen Greeves, Tremco Roofing’s director of field operations; and Mandy McIntyre, WTI's CM development manager.  

Amy has been with the NRCA for over 20 years, and bringing new talent to the roofing industry has been a top concern during her tenure. She explained, “Training’s not cheap and a lot of contractors worry about if new hires are going to stick around...” The problem with this is that it creates a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy where contractors hold new hires at an arm’s length to make sure they’re serious about the job, and new hires are unable to show their interest in the job because of that distance.  

So, how do you build a company that can avoid this pattern? Mandy shared, “I think the industry sometimes forgets about the human component of hiring. Those new people have emotions, they have goals, they have questions, they have fears and if you can cultivate people to be the best versions of themselves, that’s when you’re going to engage them and retain talent.” 

The key to cultivating them into the best version of themselves? Intentionality. Amy explained:  

At NRCA, we talk constantly about the idea of doing intentional training. It’s impossible to train all your new people to be experts immediately. But if you work towards conversational competence, so that someone can go up onto a roof and at least is going to understand a little bit of what's happening, and will be able to have better conversations with the crew there, they’re going to be more connected to your company and more likely to stay to keep learning. 

This is something that Maureen and the others on her team at Tremco have implemented over the last couple of decades. She shared, “We grew very fast, and one of the downsides of that is you can lose some of that intentionality that Amy mentioned. We realized that was happening, so we made changes.” Some changes were bigger, like hiring Mandy into her current role, but others were smaller, like opening conversations. Maureen elaborated, “We started simply talking to people and making sure they knew that they were a part of something bigger. And just that has been tremendous.”  

Mandy summed the entire conversation up well, saying, “At the end of the day, it's all about actions and feelings. If you're having a problem retaining people and recruiting people, take a good, hard look at what's going on and make some intentional changes to help people belong.” 

Watch the entire Coffee Conversation to hear more of Amy, Mandy and Maureen’s discussion.

By Emma Peterson. 

This massive roof restoration is a model for efficiency, sustainability and operational continuity. 

Along the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto sits the award-winning Exhibition Place. This 192-acres site is Canada’s largest entertainment venue “hosting over 2,000 events and attracting over 5.5 million visitors a year.” For context, one such event  happening in this location is the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the summer of 2026. 

Having a schedule that busy and high profile led to some unique challenges when the site’s convention centers, the EnerCare Centre, needed a roof update. As Don Boyle, the CEO of Exhibition Place explained, “It's 13 acres of area, over 500,000 square feet. And with 2,000 events a year, we needed a roofing solution that was seamless and would not interrupt any of our clients.” 

To minimize disruption, the solution was to install a fluid-applied membrane over the existing roof substrate instead of conducting an entire roof replacement. Chris Van Dongen from Entuitive, the consultant on the project, shared a bit about the differences between these two methods, explaining, “A conventional roofing project would often mean full tear off of the existing product right down to the structural deck. A restoration project on the other hand tries to utilize what's in place already and then install a new fully waterproof seamless coating over the top of it.”  

Specifically, Tremco Roofing’s AlphaGuard™ FC LO (Fast Cure-Low Odor) system was used. By installing this system, the team was able to speed up the turnaround time of the roof restoration. AlphaGuard FC LO is known for its rapid cure time. In as little as 30 minutes of application, you can have a complete and seamless roof membrane in place.  

It also has the benefit of wet-on-wet application! This is the ability to lay down the base layer and the top layer at the same time, making the installation of the membrane effectively a one-pass job. Not only did this help the team in the field move more efficiently across such a large roof area, it also helped them avoid disrupting the internal operations of the convention center.  

At the end of the day, by choosing Tremco’s fluid-applied system, the project team diverted 470 tons of material from the landfill, eliminated the need for 30-40 flatbed trucks of replacement materials, secured a 30-year warranty and avoided disrupting the daily operations of the EnerCare Centre. As Chris put it, “The Enercare Center in Toronto is a prime case study and example of what can be done with roofing restoration. Too often projects like this would use roofing replacement as the only options, but we believe this can showcase the ability and the benefits of providing roofing restoration over a project of this type.” 

See the project yourself in this video from Tremco!

By Emma Peterson. 

Exploring the flexible training opportunities offered through Tremco University.  

With every design and construction professional having unique schedules, budgets, goals and learning styles, education is definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. In response to these diverse needs, Tremco CPG has launched Tremco University to the industry. This educational program contains a wide range of topics and learning options that meet  building contractors, installers and architects where they are with the instruction they seek.  

Some of these options welcome you in-person at a Tremco facility to learn about their products and see how these building materials are developed and tested in the lab, while other seminars are offered at convenient distributor or public locations. For easier access, you can even attend seminars and collect AIA continuing education credits online! 

There are three main ways to engage with Tremco University:  

• On the road: Tremco trainers are always on the move, going to distributor locations and jobsites in the Tremco CPG demo truck! Training events done with this team are perfect for seeing new products in action, finding answers to your questions and getting personalized, hands-on instruction. 
• In person: Are you a contractor or architect looking for in-person learning? You can sign up for Tremco’s qualified applicator/installer program, product-specific education sessions or AIA lunch-and-learns to get face-to-face training in the U.S. and Canada. 
• Online: Want to learn from the comfort of your office? Tremco has a variety of live and on-demand webinars that cover everything from waterproofing, roof restoration, building science and more!  

Upcoming trainings in North America 

Speaking of those in-person, contractor learning opportunities, here’s a shortlist of the planned training events in the U.S. and Canada for April 2026! Remember, if the Tremco team isn’t coming to a spot near you, you can always contact them to request a custom training. 

• April 2, 2026: Nanaimo, B.C., Canada 
• April 7, 2026: North Kingstown, Rhode Island, U.S. and Headingley, Manitoba, Canada 
• April 9, 2026: Lakewood, Colorado, U.S.; Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; and Saskatoon, Alberta, Canada 
• April 13, 2026: Revelstoke, B.C., Canada 
• April 14, 2026: Kingston, Ontario, Canada 
• April 15, 2026: Wingham, Ontario, Canada and Invermere, B.C., Canada 
• April 16, 2026: Island City, Oregon, U.S. 
• April 17, 2026: Nelson, B.C., Canada 
• April 21, 2026: Marquette, Michigan, U.S.; Koxville, Tennessee, U.S.; and Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada 
• April 23, 2026: Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.; Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.; and Dartmoush, Nova Scotia, Canada 
• April 28, 2026: Terrace, B.C., Canada 
• April 30, 2026: Delta, B.C., Canada 

Learn more about Tremco’s education offerings online!

The acquisition expands Tremco's aluminum roof and façade systems portfolio.

Tremco Construction Products Group ("Tremco CPG") today announced the successful acquisition of Kalzip GmbH ("Kalzip"), following completion of the standard regulatory review process. A global leader in the design and production of aluminum-based roofs and facades for building envelopes, Kalzip now is part of Tremco CPG.

Based in Koblenz, Germany and founded in 1986, Kalzip specializes in lightweight, weather-resistant and flexible roof systems, as well as aesthetically advanced and functional facade technologies. Their cutting-edge roll-forming machines and mobile production units ensure high-quality, customizable solutions for architects, planners and installers. Delivering over 1.2 billion square feet of aluminum solutions worldwide, key projects have included LAX Metro Station in Los Angeles; the Louisiana Superdome; Santiago Bernabéu football stadium in Madrid, Spain; Children's Hospital Dublin, Ireland; and the Pickering GO Pedestrian Bridge in Ontario, Canada — the world's longest enclosed pedestrian bridge.

"In addition to expanding our business across Europe, India and other regions around the world where Kalzip already has a strong presence, this acquisition will eventually allow Tremco CPG to market a wider range of aluminum building envelope options to our North American customer base," said Scottie Stinson, president, Tremco CPG Inc. "This is critical as demand grows for aluminum building systems due to their many benefits including durability, longevity, sustainability and energy efficiency."

Strategic alignment with focus on high-performance building envelopes

Combining Kalzip's innovative aluminum technologies with Tremco CPG's integrated portfolio — which includes a range of roofing restoration and maintenance systems, field-applied and panelized EIFS, MCM and ACM panels, sealants and waterproofing, floor coatings, passive fire protections and structural solutions — aligns with Tremco CPG's strategy of offering a seamless, integrated approach to modern construction, enhancing efficiency, durability and aesthetic appeal for new construction and restoration.

"Our global reach, complementary product portfolios and customizable solutions will enable Kalzip, as part of Tremco CPG, to deliver tailored, high-performance, end-to-end building envelope systems for varied architectural and restoration needs across diverse markets and large-scale projects," Stinson said. "And our shared commitment to green building practices will continue to drive innovation in sustainable construction worldwide."

Looking ahead in North America

In North America, Kalzip's aluminum roofing and façade products will eventually be integrated into the Tremco CPG brands. This transition will provide customers with expanded options within Tremco's trusted product lines. More details will be shared as the rebranding process progresses.

Outside of North America, Kalzip's products will continue to be marketed under the Kalzip brand, maintaining the company's strong presence and reputation in Europe, India and other global markets.

About Tremco Construction Products Group

Tremco CPG, part of RPM International Inc., unites industry-leading building envelope solutions manufacturers and trusted brands-including Tremco, Nudura, Dryvit, Willseal, Flowcrete, Nullifire and Vandex-to deliver comprehensive, integrated construction systems. With operations spanning North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, India and Latin America, Tremco CPG has a global presence supported by regional businesses and distributors who understand local market needs. Tremco CPG companies' solutions ensure long-lasting performance for commercial, industrial and residential projects worldwide, while international teams collaborate on training, testing and innovation to build high-performing structures in any geography or climate.

About RPM International Inc.

RPM International Inc. owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. The company operates across three reportable segments: consumer, construction products and performance coatings. RPM has a diverse portfolio of market-leading brands, including Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane, The Pink Stuff, DayGlo, Stonhard, Carboline, Tremco and Dryvit. From homes and workplaces to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM's brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world. The company employs approximately 17,800 individuals worldwide. Visit www.RPMinc.com to learn more.

By Emma Peterson. 

How recognition and community are empowering women in the roofing industry. 

In a recent episode of Coffee Conversations®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Christine Mockenhaupt, current chairwoman of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and director of FP&A at Atlas Roofing Corporation; Jennifer Stone, one of the co-founders of NWIR and the current national account director at Tremco Roofing; and Michelle Ly, co-founder of Hall Roofing & Construction and other businesses in Round Rock, Texas. For this webinar, the panel discussed the importance of mentors and advocates for women in the roofing industry.  

You might recognize Michelle’s name from 2023, when QXO (which was Beacon at the time) chose her as their Female Roofing Professional of the Year. Looking back on it now, Michelle still struggles to believe that QXO gave her that spotlight, sharing, “When QXO told me I was a finalist, I was like, ‘Are you sure? I'm just Michelle from Round Rock.’ And they were just like, ‘Yes, you. People told us about everything you've done in the community, the impact you've made in roofing and how you've changed the way of how people think – you're someone who can make a difference.’” And make a difference is exactly what Michelle did when she won that year, starting with using the cash prize to reroof the River City Youth Foundation. 

Michelle’s story is just one example of how uplifting women in the roofing industry through awards and advocacy can lead to powerful and positive change. Christine shared, “These awards, like the Female Roofing Professional of the Year, really uplift women, both as roofers and as individuals. And at their core, they build a community by recognizing that, yes, we’re all roofers, but we’re also women who need support and relationships from each other.”  

QXO’s work with the Female Roofing Professional of the Year is a great example of how advocacy creates spaces where women can grow together. Just in the last decade, Jennifer has seen the powerful impact of this, adding, “20 years ago, there was not a tremendous amount of books or even visibility on female leadership...Today, we have companies like QXO highlighting female leaders and organizations like NWIR that have full resource libraries to help women learn how to lead. It’s huge.”  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to hear more from these incredible women! And if you’re interested in the 2026 QXO Female Roofing Professional of the Year Award, nominations are open until April 6, 2026!

By Emma Peterson. 

How offsite fabrication is streamlining construction timelines and reducing on‑site challenges. 

In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards sat down with Dan Ozuna of Tremco CPG to talk about the growing momentum behind panelized exterior wall assemblies. Dan is the vice president of panel systems at Tremco, making him the perfect person to ask about this topic. He opened the conversation by explaining what panelized exterior wall assemblies are:  

Per definition, it's offsite fabrication of building components and assembly of these components in a controlled environment. In other words, it's when you fabricate larger units that are delivered to the construction site post-formation, ready to install right away. 

There are a variety of reasons that contractors and specifiers are starting to work more with these types of panel assemblies, but for Dan there is one big one, “They’re speeding up construction schedules because they're so efficient.”  

So, how do panelized exterior wall assemblies make a job site more efficient and timelines faster? When these panel units, which can measure as large as 8 feet wide and 40 feet tall, arrive to a site, they include things like sub-framing, a weather-resistant barrier, thermal girts, insulation and more. By putting these elements together prior to arrival on site, you avoid a variety of traditional issues related to weather restrictions.  

Dan explained: “There's a lot of materials that are temperature controlled, for example, sealants or weather barriers need to be applied at certain temperatures or not below certain temperatures. By building in a controlled environment and not in the field, you're not dependent on the weather anymore.” 

Additionally, by doing a lot of the assembly off-site, contractors can have less materials and equipment sitting at their sites. This avoids issues like space limitations or even damage to equipment/materials due to the elements.  

At the end of the day, panelized exterior wall assemblies are a great example of innovation and collaboration across the trades. Rather than having to store materials on site and wait as different specialists came to the site, weather-allowing, to install a layer of the building envelope, you can get panelized exterior wall assemblies that are ready to go up precisely when you need them.  

To learn more about panelized exterior wall assemblies, listen to the whole podcast with Dan.

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 Emma Peterson. 

Join The Coffee Shops™ crew and our industry partners in Sacramento for four days of education, innovation and industry connection. 

The Coffee Shops™ crew is putting the finishing touches on our travel plans to get to Sacramento, California March 12–15, 2026 for the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)’s International Convention and we want to see you at our booth and soundstage, sponsored by Western Colloid!  

This year’s show is predicted to host “1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other experts” for four days of learning, networking and more! With national sponsors like Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, IB Roof Systems™, Johns Manville, Polyglass USA Inc., Sika Corporation, SOPREMA and Versico, this show is a must-attend for professionals in all parts of the roofing world.  

Expert-led education  

This show gives attendees a chance to learn from a variety of industry leaders and experts through their cutting-edge education sessions. Here are some of the incredible presenters that will be at this year’s show:  

• Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese will be hosting a “State of the Industry” session that will explore contract provisions and other emerging regulatory trends.  
• Darren Perry of SOPREMA has a session that discusses how low slope roofing can be enhanced in response to severe climate risks. 
• Amrize’s National Technical Manager Victor Rosenthal and Project Manager Rachael DeMeio will be teaching about trends in roof re-cover applications this year. 
• Jennifer Stephan from Benchmark’s session will dive into the world of Refrigerated Processing and Cold Storage Operations in relation to industrial roofing projects.  

Check out the full speaker list online!

An expo floor route 

The Coffee Shops crew will be on the expo floor hosting a soundstage at booth #1113! Here’s just a few of the other Coffee Shops friends and partners that can be found on IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention expo floor:  

• All Weather Insulated Panels (booth #1216) 
• Anchor Products (booth #907)  
• ATAS International (booth #728)  
• BITEC Inc. (booth #1023) 
• Brava Tile (booth #208) 
• CertainTeed (booth #227)  
• General Coatings Manufacturing (booth #926) 
• H.B. Fuller (booth #113) 
• ICP Building Solutions Group (booth #133) 
• IKO Industries (booth #426) 
• Leister (booth #619) 
• Malarkey Roofing Products (booth #213) 
• MuleHide (booth #814) 
• Roof Hugger (booth #707) 
• S-5! (booth #1019) 
• Sheffield Metals International (booth #625) 
• Sherwin Williams Roofing Solutions (booth #422) 
• Tremco (booth #321) 
• USG Securock (booth #401) 
• Western Colloid (booth #923) 
• Westlake Royal Roofing Solutions (booth #433) 

Explore the full expo floor map!

Register today and make sure you stop by to say hi to us and our industry friends at the IIBEC’s 2026 International Convention!

By Emma Peterson. 

Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. is looking for dedicated people ready to start their career.   

Across North America, Tremco’s subsidiary, Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. (WTI), is looking to grow their team! They offer remote, hybrid and in-person opportunities ranging from research and development to human resources, accounting and more!  

Some of the opportunities include:  

• Engineering and facilities: As part of the engineering, facilities and maintenance team, you would support “all engineering activities and for maintaining and upgrading the facilities and production equipment.” There are also opportunities for developing value stream design and improving material flow and progress tracking.  
• Production: The production team is hands-on troubleshooting and running manufacturing equipment. Safety and independent problem-solving are keys for this team. 
• Roof technician: Want to be out in the field? WTI has many positions for roofers of all levels, from intern to journeyman to supervisor. As a WTI tech, you will work with a variety of roof systems (such as BUR, EPDM and single-ply) as well as a variety of tools (such as hand tools and power tools).  
• Sales: The sales team at WTI is growing fast. If you are an “ambitious, self-motivated individual with a proven record of effort driven success,” this team is a great opportunity to continue growing your skills and career. 

This is a great opportunity for hard workers looking to kickstart a career with a company that cares about their employees as individuals. WTI prioritizes maintaining the small company atmosphere that Tremco was founded with back in 1928, even as they continue to grow.  

Their team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment that empowers every person to learn and grow. As Robert Boykin, the CORE quality production manager for WTI, shared, “I’ve worked at Tremco WTI for 10 years and it’s been really exciting. I really like the fact that I can move into different positions and learn the different things that I need to learn to grow with the company.” 

A great example of how much WTI cares is the benefits they offer to their employees. These benefits include “competitive health insurance options, dental, and prescription drug coverage, pension, paid vacations and holidays, investment opportunities and much more.” They’ll even go as far as giving their new team members a new Milwaukee M12™ heated TOUGHSHELL™ jacket to keep them warm on the roof this winter! 

Check out all of their current job listings. 

Get more information about WTI and get started on your application!