A winner for the final quarter of 2021 has been chosen! 

A beautiful home renovation project in Portland, Oregon, that achieved a stunning combination of impressive performance and aesthetics has been selected by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) as its 4th quarter and final winner of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for 2021.

The inspiration behind the home’s beautiful metal roof was a desire by the homeowner to completely rebuild and renovate their 1910 home in a way that maintained its original clean lines while incorporating best performing building materials. Given the home’s location in a region that receives heavy rain and moisture in the winter and spring, but has hot, dry summers that make wildfire danger a serious threat, low maintenance and protective metal roofing turned out to be the perfect choice.

The beautiful dark standing seam metal roof complements the home’s clean lines with its unique Northwest modern style and provides maximum peace of mind, especially given the home’s site is surrounded by trees. 

“This project demonstrates how choosing a quality metal roof can accentuate great architectural design and offer easy to care for, low maintenance protection for many years to come,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “The homeowners are thrilled with their choice. They appreciate their new roof so much, they also decided to use metal for siding on the upper story and chose metal roofing for their second home on the Oregon Coast as well.”

With the final 2021 quarterly winner selected, the 2022 Q-1 competition for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing competition is now open and the Alliance is kicking off some exciting new changes this year. The quarterly competition is open to all homeowners as well as builders, contractors and roofing installers in the U.S. and Canada (where allowable) who believe their metal roof project is the best based on either performance, style or both.

The MRA is offering a $300 cash prize to each quarter’s winner and will showcase them in the organization’s marketing efforts. To enter MRA’s 2022 Best Residential Metal Roofing competition, simply upload a photo and a short project description here. For updated rules and more information, visit www.metalroofing.com.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS president. 

Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger awarded Larry A. Swaney Award  

RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS) is proud to be a partner with the Metal Construction Association (MCA). During their 2022 winter meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, I was able to attend the meetings and learn more about the important initiatives of this association. 

The mission of the Metal Construction Association is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope through marketing, education and action on public policies that affect metal's use. Under the leadership of current Chair James Bush of ATAS International, the association continues to work to not only promote the use of metal in building architecture but also strive to generate important technical information for the ongoing improvement of installation practices. 

A highlight of the meeting was the awards program where several distinguished metal construction professionals were recognized. For the Larry A. Swaney Award it was incredibly exciting to see Dale Nelson of Roof Hugger receive this distinction. The award is entrusted to an individual who has worked unselfishly for the success of the association and the betterment of the metal construction industry as a whole. The recipient is recognized for reflecting the spirit of Larry A. Swaney, the founding president of the association and an individual committed to promoting communication, cooperation, sharing and unity, as well as fostering growth and enhancing the betterment of metal construction. 

Also recognized was Miguel Pena of GSSI for the Patrick R. Bush Service Award.  This award recognizes one individual from an MCA member company who has recently made significant volunteer contributions to the Metal Construction Association. Pena is the chair of the METALCON Liaison Committee, and worked endlessly with PSMJ, MCA’s partner for METALCON, to host a successful METALCON event last October. He was instrumental in executing the new METALCON Live monthly webinars. These webinars give people in the construction industry an opportunity to stay current with metal initiatives and to learn new techniques to ensure proper installation, and so much more. 

With several councils and committees reporting during the meetings, it was obvious that there is an emphasis on sharing the benefits of sustainability, durability, performance and safety. There were reports from the Codes and Standards committee chaired by Andy Williams of Panel Cladding Solutions and Bob Zabcik of Z-tech Consulting, the Technical Committee chaired by David Stermer of Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation, the Market Development committee chaired by Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS and many more. All the committees are focused on providing information for the metal construction community around changing standards and ongoing metal success stories. 

The MCA also hosts several councils and alliances during their meetings. Renee Ramsey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance presented the market growth of residential metal roofing and the growth of roofing contractors. The current chair of the MRA is Dick Bus of ATAS and according to him, “The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is the leading voice for companies and professionals involved in the residential metal roofing industry. Since its inception in 1998, we have shown millions of people just how beautiful, durable and economical metal roofing can be.” With yearly studies and market analysis the MRA is showing that the growth of metal continues in double digits yearly. 

Additional councils including the Accessories Council, Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) and Metal Composite Materials (MCM), Retrofit, Roofing Council and Single Skin Metal Wall Panel Councils and Alliances reported to the membership. Reports included technical updates, market development initiatives along with a variety of new projects underway that will continue to provide great value to those in the metal construction industry. 

The MCA Winter and Summer Meetings are open to members and non-members. Attendance offers tremendous insights into everything about metal in construction. Save the date for the 2022 Summer Meeting is June 13-15, at the Hilton Rosemont/Chicago, 10 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. RoofersCoffeeShop will be there. 

Learn more about the Metal Construction Association by visiting their RoofersCoffeeShop directory or visit www.metalconstruction.org.

By Lauren White, RCS Editor. 

As consumers’ desire for more resilient roofing options increase, so do metal roof sales.  

Metal roofing is having a moment. It’s growing popularity is not only due to consumer demand for resilient roofing, but also because of the variety of colors and styles available. Metal roofing is the second most popular type of residential roofing in the U.S. according to data from the 2019 Dodge Report, which was commissioned by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). Technavio, a global market research firm, found that the metal roofing market growth is projected to increase by $2.67 billion between 2021 and 2026. 

MRA credits the increase in demand for metal roofing to the desire for building products that are more durable, provide long-lasting performance and will stand up to extreme weather. Homeowners living in areas prone to such weather events recognize the benefits and security a metal roof can provide them: protection, reliability and longevity. 

The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based research organization, predicts that metal roofing sales will be boosted by an increase in offerings from manufacturers, including a variety of colors and patterns to further appeal to homeowners and offer any aesthetic a homeowner might want.  Currently metal offers more styles, colors and design options than any other roofing material.  According to a Dodge report, metal roofing styles have shown an increase in popularity from 22% in 2015 to 34% in 2019. 

“As consumers become more educated about their options and gravitate towards building materials and practices that are resilient, sustainable and long lasting, we’re seeing that reflected in what builders are choosing to use,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. 

In addition to offering more options to homeowners, manufacturers recognize this increased demand provides contractors with an opportunity to add metal roofing to their repertoire of offerings. With this in mind, manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams are providing resources to help contractors learn how to be successful in adding metal to their offerings.   

Sherwin-Williams' site makemorewithmetal.com, has information on how to get started working with metal, lists the benefits of metal roofing by different regions in the U.S. to share with customers, and has testimonials from contractors who share their experiences breaking into the metal roofing industry. This resource has everything a contractor needs to get started working with metal to not only expand their offerings and increase their profit margins, but also to benefit their customers. 

Download MRA's Comprehensive Metal Roofing Buyer's Guide for free.

Learn more about Sherwin-Williams in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit makemorewithmetal.com.

This Portland home renovation was awarded because of the high-quality products used and its overall look.

A beautiful home renovation project in Portland, Oregon, that achieved a stunning combination of impressive performance and aesthetics has been selected by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) as its 4th quarter and final winner of its Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for 2021.

The inspiration behind the home’s beautiful metal roof was a desire by the homeowner to completely rebuild and renovate their 1910 home in a way that maintained its original clean lines while incorporated best performing building materials. Given the home’s location in a region that receives heavy rain and moisture in the winter and spring, but has hot, dry summers that make wildfire danger a serious threat, low maintenance and protective metal roofing turned out to be the perfect choice.

The beautiful dark standing seam metal roof complements the home’s clean lines with its unique Northwest modern style and provides maximum peace of mind, especially given the home’s site is surrounded by trees.

“This project demonstrates how choosing a quality metal roof can accentuate great architectural design and offer easy to care for, low maintenance protection for many years to come,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “The homeowners are thrilled with their choice. They appreciate their new roof so much, they also decided to use metal for siding on the upper story and chose metal roofing for their second home on the Oregon Coast as well.”

With the final 2021 quarterly winner selected, the 2022 Q-1 competition for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing competition is now open and the Alliance is kicking off some exciting new changes this year. The quarterly competition is open to all homeowners as well as builders, contractors and roofing installers in the U.S. and Canada (where allowable) who believe their metal roof project is the best based on either performance, style or both. The MRA is offering a $300 cash prize to each quarter’s winner and will showcase them in the organization’s marketing efforts.

To enter MRA’s 2022 Best Residential Metal Roofing competition, simply upload a photo and a short project description at woobox.com/kz4fzh. For updated rules and more information, visit www.metalroofing.com.

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

• ABC Supply Co., Inc. - Booth 1301 

• Angi - Booth 1455 

• A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply - Booth 3037 

• AccuLynx - Booth 637 

• Art Unlimited - Booth 3425 

• ATAS International, Inc. - Booth 3036 

• Beacon Building Products - Booth 231, 325 

• Bitec - Booth 2519 

• Breakthrough Academy - Booth 954 

• Castagra - Booth 2754 

• Cotney Attorneys & Consultants - Booth 2131 

• CertainTeed - Booth 2244 

• Chem Link, Inc. - Booth 2411 

• Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. - Booth 2837 

• DaVinci Roofscapes - Booth 1737 

• DECRA Metal Roofing - Booth 2019 

• Equipter - Booth 1801 

• Estimating Edge - Booth 3505 

• FlashCo - Booth 1845 

• Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) - Booth 3429 

• FiberTite Roofing Systems - Booth 2001  

• GREEN LINK  - Booth 2954 

• Hunter Panels - Booth 1601 

• HOVER - Booth 2719 

• ICP Building Solutions Group / APOC - Booth 1627 

• IB Roof Systems, Inc. - Booth 1325 

• IKO Manufacturing  - Booth 1909 

• Ingage - Booth 755 

• Jobba Trade Technologies - Booth 719 

• JobNimbus - Booth 1319 

• Johns Manville - Booth 1119 

• Karnak - Booth 1113 

• Leister - Booth 1133 

• Leap - Booth 337 

• Malarkey Roofing Products - Booth 2319 

• Metal Roofing Alliance - Booth 3055 

• MARCO Industries - Booth 2647 

• Midwest Roofing Contractors Association - Booth 1360 

• MFM Building Products - Booth 2613 

• National Roofing Contractors Association - Booth 1359, 2119 

• NRCA ROOFPAC - Booth 2119 

• National Women in Roofing - Booth 3523 

• New Tech Machinery - Booth 2901 

• Owens Corning® - Booth 1619 

• OneClick Code - Booth 848 

• PABCO Roofing Products - Booth 2031 

• Polyglass - Booth 1413, 1419 

• Podium - Booth 1655 

• Quarrix Building Products - Booth 1037 

• Roofmaster - Booth 1331 

• Roof Hugger - Booth TBD 

• Roofing Alliance - Booth 2119 

• SOPREMA - Booth 2209 

• SRS Distribution, Inc. - Booth 2437, 2761  

• SkyMeasure™ by CoreLogic® - Booth 636 

• S-5! - Booth 2527 

• SIKA Corporation  - Booth 2401 

• Sherwin-Williams -Booth 1831 

• Sales Transformation Group, Inc. - Booth 746 

• Sashco Inc. - Booth 850 

• TAMKO® Building Products - Booth 3129 

• Titebond/Franklin International - Booth 2748 

• Topps Products - Booth 3439 

• Watts Removal Products  - Booth 1831 

• 4C's Spray Equipment  - Booth 1260 

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

MRA offers tips and advocates for action as high prices put squeeze on homeowners this winter.

Freezing temperatures and big jumps in heating bills have homeowners throughout the U.S. and Canada searching for relief and long-term solutions.

Sources such as Bloomberg News are reporting the biggest jump in energy bills in more than a decade, making it much more expensive to heat homes this winter. Combined with sub-freezing cold snaps being experienced in many regions, homeowners who are looking to stay comfortable without breaking the bank are feeling the squeeze.

Part of the solution to combat wildly fluctuating and unpredictable home energy cost increases includes home improvements designed to make the biggest long-term impacts to help consistently reduce utility bills. Leading experts at trade organizations such as the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) say that homeowners would do well to consider home improvements that reduce energy use not just in the winter, but all season long. That’s because while homeowners are experiencing the pain of higher energy costs this winter, there’s little indication the situation will be any better this summer.

“Choosing better performing materials and installation practices that offer increased efficiency such as quality metal roofs can make a major difference in controlling energy costs while making homes more comfortable and resilient over the long term,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director.

MRA also reminds homeowners that adding or replacing attic insulation and ensuring proper roof venting will keep your home comfortable and protected in any season. Have a professional roofer conduct an energy audit in your attic and make sure it includes proper venting. Other tips to help keep save energy this winter include:

• Sealing drafts around windows and doors, including closing the chimney flue when fireplaces are not in use to prevent cold outside air from seeping in

• Installing a programmable thermostat and setting it a few degrees lower, especially at night

• If possible, direct heat only to those rooms being occupied by closing vents or using customizable room thermostats

• Using ceiling fans to help circulate warm air and keep it from collecting near ceilings

• Changing furnace filters

• Using drapes effectively, including closing them at night and opening in the day to allow sunlight in

• Lowing hot water heater temperatures by a few degrees

• Consider additional efficiency tips offered by the Department of Energy at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver

MRA also is advocating for incentives and to reinstitute tax credits and financial relief for homeowners who want to take action to make their homes more efficient. While some utilities continue to offer local rebates to help encourage homeowners to make more energy efficient choices, many of the federal tax credits and incentives that used to be offered through programs such as ENERGY STAR have been revised, reduced or in some cases, were phased out at the end of 2021.

Unfortunately, the lack of strong, ongoing incentives to help encourage more efficient practices is coinciding with a massive spike in costs for residential heating throughout the country and an urgent need to reduce fossil fuel reliance.

“While smaller steps to save energy at home can certainly help, they pale in comparison to the difference that actions such as choosing a more efficient, better performing roof, increasing insulation and properly weatherizing your home can make,” said Ramey. “At MRA, we advocate for better building and remodeling practices that benefit both homeowners and the environment, now and for the long run.”

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability, and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofing among homeowners, as well as to provide support to the residential metal roofing industry. For more information, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

The first day of winter starts Dec. 21 this year, yet already freezing and sub-zero temperatures are hitting much of the U.S. and Canada.

For homeowners, it’s a good reminder for how best to safely prepare your roof for snow and ice. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) warns that when heavy snow accumulates on surfaces such as metal roofs that do not have quality snow guards installed correctly, the forces of nature can work to produce a rooftop avalanche. With the potential to release thousands of pounds of snow accumulation in a split second, such an occurrence can severely harm and injure people and property unless proactive precautions are taken.

“Snow guards – which work to hold back rooftop snow and allow it to melt more gradually and predictably – are designed to prevent senseless tragedies from occurring. They are absolutely essential in areas that experience snowfall and freezing temperatures,” said Renee Ramey, MRA Executive Director.

While snow guards may seem like a simple concept, a well-designed system is based on math and science, not guesswork. If basic engineering principles are not followed, snow retention systems can be rendered ineffective – an accident waiting to happen. That’s why, when installing and designing an effective snow guard rooftop system, homeowners and their installers/snow guard designers should:

• Understand local snow loads: Contact your local building officials to get information on the ground snow loads in your area. A roof’s potential snow load can be calculated from the ground snow load information.

• Evaluate your roof’s characteristics: Your roof’s profile, material, slope, width of your panels, the rafter length (eave to ridge) and length of eaves help determine where your snow guards will be placed. Resources from industry leaders such as S-5! can help you determine what the profile of your roof is, if you don’t know. The company also offers a handy, easy-to-use Snow Guard Calculator available online. Additionally, S-5! offers the option to have the final computations stamped by a professional engineer and recognized for use in all 50 states.

• Approach placement with care: Snow guard placement should be well thought-out and prescribed by an experienced system designer or installer. To properly place snow retention systems, a clear understanding of roof geometries, how snow accumulates and how snow behaves on a metal roof is necessary. As a general guideline, the entire eave line of a building should be protected, rather than focusing on an isolated area of the roof. For safety’s sake, avoid shortcuts such as placing snow guards only above doorways, which can make snow load shedding even more unpredictable.

• Choose products you can count on: Primary snow guard system components should be fabricated from noncorrosive metals and have a life expectancy at least equivalent to the roof itself. Beware of any non-mechanically fastened, plastic components or adhered products: none of these options have the proven ability to remain in service for the typical expected roof service life. Choose only products that offer proper gauge and testing verification.

Homeowners also need to be aware that even with the potential of danger, there are currently no building or governmental codes, standards or requirements for the proper installation and use of snow guards. That means, ensuring your installer or roofing professional is using quality products from reputable manufacturers and following best practices set out by organizations such as the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is important. Download MCA’s “Qualifying Snow Retention Systems For Metal Roofing” for free.

“With a little care and planning, a reliable, well-designed snow guard system can provide great peace of mind and protect your home and family during severe winter weather for many years to come,” said Ramey.

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

Dick Bus, President of ATAS International, received an Icon Honors award.  

The awards recognized Greater Lehigh Valley business leaders for their notable success and demonstration of strong leadership both within and outside of their chosen fields. The awards not only celebrate the recipients’ leadership skills, but also their dedication to their community. 

ATAS is an industry leading manufacturer of metal panels and accessories for the building envelope and interiors, with locations across the United States. Bus has served as President of ATAS since 1995, and he is also the Vice President of their sister company, BRIGHTSMITH Coaters. In 1963 the company began as Aluminum Trim and Shapes, founded by Bus’ father, Jacobus “Jack” Bus, evolving from his siding and trim installer business. At that time, Jack and Nel Bus lived in a home in Rochester, New York with their eight children, and the business started in their basement. Bus helped his father by working on jobsites during his childhood, taking on other responsibilities and positions in manufacturing as the company continued to grow.  

Currently a board member of the MCA (Metal Construction Association) and the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association), Bus has served and supported numerous industry associations for many years. He is currently the President of the MRA (Metal Roofing Alliance), a member of CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) and a former President of the MCA. Locally, Bus serves on the boards of the Da Vinci Science Center and the MRC (Manufacturers Resource Center). 

A strong proponent of educating youth on the exciting careers in manufacturing and the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry, Bus has supported many initiatives. Those include MRC’s “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” video contest in the Lehigh Valley for middle school students and NAM’s (National Association of Manufacturers) annual Manufacturing Day (an open house for students to tour manufacturing plants and explore career opportunities). Bus has also been a supporter of the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls, which began in the Lehigh Valley in 2017. He has assisted the camp with sponsorships and donated materials, and employees have volunteered time as instructors and mentors to the campers. The Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program to foster scholarships for the trades and manufacturing has also benefitted from Bus’ support. 

From 1994 to 2004, Bus resurrected the Boy Scouts of America Troop 150 in Orefield, Pennsylvania. He led four of the original seven scouts to the rank of Eagle. In 2016, he received the Good Scout Award from Boy Scouts of America.  

Although the third generation of his family is now involved in the management of ATAS, Bus shows no signs of slowing down. He will continue to contribute toward the business with the development of innovative building products, services, education, and training, along with continuing to participate in industry and local organizations, to further their missions.  

Choosing the right coating gives metal roofs real cache, if homeowners know what to look for

For homeowners looking for serious low-maintenance performance and durability for the roof over their head, it’s hard to beat metal.

Quality metal roofing finishes and coatings up the ante even more, by delivering a wide range of benefits and style. The right coating can help achieve a desired look, address a particular issue and even add years of life to a roof.

Yet sorting through all the choices and considerations for metal roof coatings can be confusing. There are also specific performance characteristics that span the variety of available finishes. For example, certain coatings labeled as “cool” utilize special pigments which reflect infrared radiation and UV rays. These cool coatings can help alleviate heat build-up and reduce air conditioning requirements.

According to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the leading nonprofit organization representing the residential metal roofing industry, here are the basics homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to selecting among the wide variety of metal roof coatings available on the market:

Painted finishes for metal roofs

Modern high-performance metal roofing paints not only protect the roof but also substantially increase the energy efficiency and longevity of a roof. In addition, high-performance paint systems offer a wide range of different looks and colors to satisfy homeowners’ aesthetic desire. Quality metal roofs come with a baked-on factory finish, which also makes maintenance a snap. Most manufacturers recommend simply rinsing them with a hose and at most, using a solution of gentle soap and water to clean them.

High-performance metal roofing paint systems can provide a durable finish with improved gloss retention, superior weather resistance and reduced color fading. These paint systems should be applied to a metal substrate at 0.2-0.3 mil thick prime coat and 0.7-1.2 mil thick topcoat.

Sophisticated paint systems also can help homeowners achieve a particular look. For example, quality paint finishes that closely mimic the multi-toned appearance of natural stone such as slate deliver beautiful style while offering the strength and lightweight benefits of steel.

Stone-coated/granular metal roofs

For homeowners who love the look of traditional shingled roofing materials, yet want the long-lasting performance of metal, stone coated metal roofs are an excellent choice.

Starting with a base layer of metal (typically steel), the specially-primed roofing panels are first coated with an acrylic polymer adhesive and then the granular stone coating is applied, bonding the two. Finally, a clear coat sealer is applied over the top for extra protection. This type of finish offers homeowners all the benefits of metal roofing, in addition to great curb appeal for their home.

Stone coated metal roofs also can be a solution for homeowners who live in areas where homeowner associations (HOAs) may not allow for standing seam painted metal roofing styles. Because stone coated metal roofs mimic traditional shingles so closely, they can fit within certain neighborhood design requirements while offering far better protection and performance as compared to asphalt.

“As represented by our manufacturer members, homeowners have plenty of industry-leading options for quality metal roofing coatings to select from,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “From outstanding curb appeal to long-term performance, there’s no doubt that choosing the right finish for your metal roof can make a world of difference for your home.”

For more information about metal roofs, download the free MRA Metal Roofing Buyer’s Guide at www.metalroofing.com

About the Metal Roofing Alliance

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter.

In this special edition episode of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi talks with Renee Ramey on the METALCON floor! 

In Season 3, Episode 63 of Roofing Road Trips, Heidi takes the opportunity to chat in-person with Renee Ramey at METALCON 2021. In this episode, the two discuss the hottest products in metal and what has been made an impression on them at the show. They also talk about a recent study conducted by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), their market share report and MRA’s 2022 initiatives.  

Renee has been in the industry for over 25 years, starting out in steel and paint conversion, before moving into her position today as the executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, a nonprofit trade association focused on promoting and educating homeowners about metal roofing.  

“There's a lot of myths out there, misconceptions, false information or just unawareness of metal roofing as an alternative for your roof on a home,” said Renee. “We exist to make sure that homeowners get accurate information in an easy to read, easy to understand format in one spot, and that we really dispel those myths, open their eyes to all the different options that are available with metal roofing.” 

Renee and the team at MRA want to make sure that metal roofing becomes part of a homeowner’s consideration when they need to reroof their house. Since MRA was founded, they have conducted annual market research studies and found that metal roofing continues to rise in popularity among residential markets. 

"We went from 12% in 2019 to 15% of the reroof market in 2020. So, we continue to make great strides in market share against asphalt and against some of the other products that are out there,” said Renee. 

More and more homeowners are looking for roofs that offer sustainability, longevity and beauty, which they can get from choosing metal. Not only is most metal made from recycled product, it’s also recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Metal also provides energy savings, as well as being the best platform to hold solar roof systems. 

“It's really a good alternative if you're interested in the solar side [and] it's durable,” said Renee. “In fact, I'll bring it to a current example. One of our members worked with us to install [a metal roof] on a residential home in Alabama. As it turned out, the roof was done just a few weeks before Hurricane Ida came through. And they were directly in the path of the hurricane and the homes around them, and we have video footage of it, are just decimated. Their roof was 100 percent, just looks great, performed exactly as it should have [and] the home was kept safe.” 

Listen to the entire podcast to hear more from MRA’s executive director and the innovative products that hit the floor at METALCON 2021.