Author: Rich Prue

BRADENTON, Fla. — A partial roof collapse that forced the evacuation of 157 residents from a Bradenton assisted living facility over the weekend was not an isolated incident. State inspection records show the building had a documented history of roof leaks, water intrusion, and storm-related damage dating back several years. The collapse occurred Saturday at Aviata at Bradenton Villas, formerly operated as Residence at Bay Vue, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving multiple agencies. Fortunately, officials reported that no residents or staff members were injured. All 157 residents were relocated to other Aviata facilities throughout Florida while engineers continue evaluating…

Roofing scams are nothing new. Dishonest contractors have long used storm damage, aggressive sales tactics, inflated estimates, and demands for large deposits to take advantage of homeowners. However, recent investigations in the United States have revealed something potentially larger and more organized than the typical fly-by-night contractor. Federal prosecutors, local police departments, and investigative journalists have documented cases involving Irish nationals or suspects described as having Irish or British accents who allegedly traveled between communities posing as roofers, masons, foundation specialists, and paving contractors. Authorities have sometimes referred to people using these methods as “Traveling Conmen.” In some cases, investigators…

It doesn’t take much. A bad step. A loose shingle. An unstable ladder. Whether you’re a roofer, insurance adjuster, home inspector,  homeowner, or anyone else accessing a roof, the risk is real. A roof may look “walkable,” but steep pitch, loose debris, brittle shingles, wet surfaces, and unstable ladders can quickly turn a routine inspection into a serious fall. For professional roofers, it’s part of the job. For everyone else, it may only happen occasionally. But the danger is the same. Roofing remains one of the deadliest occupations in America, and falls continue to be the leading cause of serious…

A catastrophic roofing accident in Wisconsin is serving as a powerful reminder that workers’ compensation insurance isn’t just a legal requirement. It can be the difference between financial protection and devastating liability for a roofing company. According to a report by Wisconsin Watch, a roofer identified only as Juan was permanently paralyzed after falling through the roof of an auto repair shop in Madison during the summer of 2023. The accident ultimately resulted in nearly $1 million in medical expenses, disability benefits, and other compensation. Juan had been hired through a labor recruiter to help repair a sheet-metal roof. Like…

BOSTON, Mass. — The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office announced that Quincy-based roofing contractor The Roof Kings, LLC and its owner, Craig Galligan, have been indicted on multiple felony charges related to alleged workers’ compensation insurance fraud. According to the Attorney General’s Office, a Norfolk County Grand Jury returned indictments on June 25 charging Galligan and The Roof Kings with four counts each of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud and one count each of Larceny Over $1,200. The company and its owner are scheduled to be arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court on July 17, 2026. Prosecutors allege that Galligan, as owner of The…

(Newton, Mass. – June 30, 2026) — As the metal construction industry navigates shifting market conditions, evolving building codes, workforce challenges and increasing performance demands, METALCON 2026 will bring together the associations helping shape its future through education, technical expertise and collaboration. Celebrating its 35th anniversary October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, the event will feature its broadest association participation to date, with organizations representing the entire metal construction ecosystem. “For 35 years, METALCON has brought together every corner of the metal construction industry to conduct business, discover solutions and build lasting relationships,” said Judy Geller,…

(Newton, Mass. – June 18, 2026) — As architects and design professionals face growing pressure to make smarter decisions about carbon, code compliance, material performance and long-term resilience, METALCON is expanding its Design District programming for 2026 with a new education lineup centered on the issues shaping today’s built environment. Taking place October 7–9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, The Design District @ METALCON will provide a focused space for design professionals to examine what is changing across the metal construction ecosystem and why those changes matter before the next project is designed, specified or built. The…

BEMIDJI, Minn. — A northern Minnesota roofing contractor says his company lost the majority of its workforce after a federal immigration enforcement operation at a Bemidji townhouse development resulted in the detention of numerous workers. The operation took place June 11 at the Vista North townhouse community, where crews were repairing roofs damaged by the powerful 2025 derecho that swept through the region. According to witnesses and company representatives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered the neighborhood and detained workers at multiple locations throughout Bemidji, including the roofing jobsite. Ryan Lamusga, owner of Rhino Roofing and Siding of…

(Newton, Mass. – June 04, 2026) — As METALCON marks its 35th anniversary in 2026, an expanded education and training program will give professionals from across the entire metal construction ecosystem new opportunities to build skills, improve performance and prepare for the year ahead. Taking place Oct. 7–9, in Orlando, Fla., this year’s program will emphasize practical training, market intelligence, technical education and business-focused learning.   With workforce development, changing codes, economic uncertainty and demand for field-ready training top of mind across the industry, METALCON will offer hands-on clinics, expert-led sessions, keynote presentations, industry outlook discussions, five specialized learning centers, Florida Contractor…

(Newton, Mass. – May 28, 2026) — At the only event where the metal construction industry comes together to make decisions, build partnerships and shape what’s next, METALCON’s keynotes will deliver timely perspectives on resilience, uncertainty and opportunity this October in Orlando. Inspirational speaker and Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott will deliver “Nothing Can Stop You” on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a meet and greet. His keynote will focus on resilience, gratitude and the ability to turn challenges into strengths. Through his extraordinary personal and professional journey, Abbott will explore how adversity can shape identity, strengthen purpose and…