Before we ring in 2026, let’s take a moment to see what kept METALCON readers clicking this year. From fire-resistant construction and wind-proof roofing to cutting-edge design trends and inspiring projects, these Top 10 posts reveal what captured the industry’s imagination — and why metal continues to lead the way in shaping safer, smarter, and more innovative buildings.
Explore the year’s most popular content—click each blog title below to read more.
1. What is the Best Coating for a Metal Roof?
Choosing a metal roof doesn’t stop with the panel — it’s the coating that determines performance and longevity. This highly read post walks through the key coating options for metal roofing, explaining how the right choice can enhance appearance, improve durability, and extend a roof’s service life. A must-read for anyone looking to make informed, long-term roofing decisions.
2. Metal Roof vs. Shingles: A Comprehensive Guide
As metal roofing gains momentum in the residential market, the comparison to asphalt shingles matters more than ever. This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros and cons of metal roofs versus shingles, helping contractors and industry professionals better understand homeowner concerns, performance differences, and cost considerations. It also tees up practical strategies for growing metal’s market share — making it a timely, must-read resource.
3. Understanding the Types of Metal Roofing: Pros & Cons
As metal roofing continues to gain ground across residential and commercial projects, understanding your options is key. This popular post breaks down the most common types of metal roofing, outlining the pros and cons of each to help readers compare performance, cost, and application. A practical guide for anyone looking to specify, sell, or install metal roofing with confidence.
4. Metal Roofing & Wind Load Resistance
As extreme weather and resilience take center stage across the construction industry, it’s no surprise this topic ranked among METALCON’s most read blogs of the year. This article dives into wind load resistance and its critical role in metal roofing performance, explaining why proper design, testing, and installation determine whether a roof withstands major weather events. Featuring insights from leading experts, it offers timely guidance for building stronger, more resilient structures.
5. Fire Resistance Ratings
This popular blog breaks down how fire-resistant metal performs within exterior wall assemblies and explains the five building construction types (Type 1–Type 5) and their respective fire resistance ratings. Featuring insights from Steve Gaynor of RAiNA and PIVOTH, the article delivers essential knowledge for contractors, designers, and firefighters alike, helping readers better understand how building materials and construction methods impact fire performance and structural safety.
6. Non-Combustible Construction
Following the strong interest in wind resistance and building resilience, attention turned to another urgent priority: non-combustible construction. In the wake of devastating wildfires in Southern California, this highly read blog explores why fire-resistant materials are essential to safer rebuilding efforts — and how metal construction plays a critical role in creating more resilient, fire-ready communities.
7. What Underlayment is Best for Metal Roofs
Often overlooked but critical to roof performance, underlayment selection proved to be a top reader interest this year. This popular blog explains why choosing the right underlayment is just as important as selecting the metal roofing system itself, offering practical tips for both residential and commercial projects to help ensure durability, protection, and long-term performance.
8. Air Barrier vs. Vapor Barrier: How Do They Differ
As energy efficiency and fire resilience take on greater urgency — especially in fire-prone regions — this topic quickly became one of METALCON’s most read blogs. The article clearly explains the difference between air barriers and vapor barriers, how they work together, and why getting the balance right is essential for building durable, high-performing, and code-compliant structures.
9. Latest Architecture Trends to Know in 2025
From cutting-edge façades to sustainable solutions, architecture trends are evolving fast — and metal is at the forefront. This popular blog explores the top design trends that shaped 2025 and highlights how The Design District @ METALCON continues to keep the design community inspired, informed, and ahead of the curve.
10. Magnificent Metal Monday: Women For Women
Celebrating women, design, and social impact, this inspiring blog highlights the Women’s Opportunity Center in Kayonza, Rwanda — designed by the acclaimed female-owned Sharon Davis Design. For a decade, the center has empowered local women through education, skills training, and sustainable building practices, including innovative use of metal roofs for water collection. The project blends architecture, social equity, and environmental stewardship, making it a standout story in METALCON’s most read blogs of the year.
🎉That’s a wrap on 2025’s most popular METALCON blogs — but the story continues! From the blog and our monthly newsletter, METALCONnection, to live and on-demand METALCON Online webinars, we’re here all year with the insights, inspiration, and resources the metal construction community counts on. From all of us at METALCON, cheers to a safe, successful, and inspiring 2026! 🎆
We wish our readers:
- Innovation in every project you take on
- Safety for your teams and job sites
- Growth in your business and skills
- Connections with colleagues and the wider metal construction community
- Inspiration to push the boundaries of what’s possible with metal
We can’t wait to see what the new year brings — and we hope to celebrate it with you in Orlando at METALCON 2026, October 7–9! GET ON THE LIST!