Advertise on podcast: Walls & Ceilings 'If Walls Could Talk'

Rising material prices, evolving AI regulations and asphalt shingle granule loss are creating new legal challenges for residential and commercial roofing contractors. Roofing attorney Trent Cotney recommends using price escalation clauses, monitoring AI-related employment laws and clarifying manufacturer warranty responsibilities in contracts.

Artificial intelligence can save contractors time, but relying on unverified technical information can create serious risks for building performance and liability. Tom Harris of PUR Consulting discusses how AI-generated answers can mislead contractors on spray foam applications, building science and installation requirements. Harris urges contractors to consult qualified experts, verify technical guidance and recognize that responsibility for inaccurate information ultimately rests with those who use it.

A-Squared Marketing CEO Anna Anderson says wall and ceiling contractors should avoid letting marketing slow down late in the year and instead work the leads, customers and projects already in their databases. Focusing on reviews, referrals, search and AI visibility, and marketing performance can help contractors finish 2026 strong and build momentum for 2027.

As data center construction and conversions accelerate, roofing contractors can find opportunities in new roofs, restoration, repairs and long-term maintenance. Because even minor leaks can threaten costly operations, contractors must meet heightened technical, safety and security requirements while helping owners protect uptime.

Anna Anderson of A-Squared Marketing says contractors need greater marketing transparency to understand what every dollar produces in leads and revenue. Tracking lead sources, cost per lead and return on investment can help contractors identify underperforming channels and make smarter marketing decisions.

AI is improving efficiency across construction businesses, and Trent Cotney expects AI-powered robots to begin handling repetitive jobsite tasks sooner than many contractors anticipate. As robotics advances, contractors will need policies addressing safety, liability, cybersecurity, privacy and the verification of AI-generated information.

Armstrong World Industries President and CEO Mark Hershey plans to build on the company’s strengths in acoustics, manufacturing and customer service while expanding its architectural capabilities. His strategy combines acquisitions, labor-saving products and energy-efficient ceiling solutions designed to give architects greater freedom while making ambitious designs practical for contractors.

Trent Cotney highlighted immigration enforcement, insurance payment disputes and proprietary technologies as major issues contractors should have on their radar. He encouraged employers to maintain proper I-9 procedures, reconsider contracts that rely entirely on insurance proceeds and plan for future warranty obligations tied to proprietary systems. His broader message was that contractors are better positioned to manage risk when they anticipate change instead of reacting to it.

The Google Local Services Ads interface is changing. Here’s how contractors can prepare their profiles, documentation and marketing support before the transition reaches them.

Nick Harmon joins Editor John Wyatt for a conversation that ends with an unexpected honor. Harmon learns he has been named the 2026 Walls & Ceilings Leadership Award winner, recognizing his passion for the industry and the relationships he has built throughout the drywall community. Read more about the 2026 Leadership Award Winner

ICAA 2026 heads to Dallas Sept. 16-19 with its largest-ever trade show and an education program focused on the challenges insulation contractors face every day. Executive Director Michael Kwart previews sessions covering AI-powered estimating, worker classification, spray foam safety, contracts, financial health and more.

A practical look at installing continuous insulation behind stucco — covering code requirements, water management, thermal bridging, and proper attachment. Learn how to build durable, energy-efficient stucco walls that keep moisture out and performance in. Tina Cannedy is a Materials Science Engineer with more than 30 years of building envelope expertise, specializing in continuous insulation systems, code compliance, building science, and performance testing to optimize envelope design across diverse climates and project conditions.

Family-run contracting businesses often start with built-in trust, but blurred roles and boundaries can create challenges as they grow. Jill Bloom and The Glo Group CEO Melissa Chapman discuss how clearer responsibilities, shared goals and healthy boundaries can strengthen both the business and family relationships.

Construction projects face increasing risks from community opposition, government intervention and evolving scopes. Trent Cotney discusses how suspension, termination and change-order provisions, combined with thorough daily reports, can help contractors protect their businesses.

Strategic Response Partners CEO Steve Slepcevic joins Walls & Ceilings Executive Director Jill Bloom to discuss lessons from disaster response and why contractors are uniquely equipped to help when emergencies strike. From family preparedness and backup communications to medical training and cross-training crews, he shares practical ways contractors can prepare before a crisis occurs.