By Emma Peterson.

How wienerberger grew from a brick manufacturer to one of Europe’s leading sources for clay roof tile.

While at the 2026 International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) Connection Forum, we were lucky enough to have the time to record an episode of Roofing Road Trips® with Gerhard Hanke! Gerhard is currently the interim CEO of wienerberger, the world’s largest producer of bricks and the European market leader in clay roof tiles. During the conversation, we learned all about the origins of the brand and what's driving their growth and success.

Gerhard shared a little about the company’s history, saying, “This company was the second company ever to be on the Vienna Stock Exchange, over 150 years ago. We’ve been a brick company that entire time, and then, about 25 years ago, we evolved from just a brick company to a much more diversified building material and infrastructure solution supplier.”

More recently, the company has turned its sights onto a different type of growth – geographic. This growth began back in 1989 with expansion beyond Austria into other parts of Europe. Gerhard recalled:

In 1989 our former CEO Heimo Scheuch started our expansion. He bought a company in Germany and from there we began growing across Europe. In Eastern Europe we were the front runners on technology and in Western Europe we were expanding our suppliers by buying companies that were producing all types of bricks.

Then, around 2003, wienerberger made their first move beyond bricks and into roof tiles. Since then, they’ve continued to grow, expanding into even the United States through the purchase of Ludowici, a terracotta roof tile company.

Looking at this explosive growth, both in terms of product offerings and markets, in the last few decades, Gerhard pointed to joining IFD as a key part of their success. He shared, “We entered the roof tile business in 2003 or 2004 and being a part of IFD made a lot of sense for us. The craftsmen are so important in the roofing business, that getting to hear their feedback and thoughts through IFD was crucial.”

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about how wienerberger has become a global company.

By Emma Peterson.

IFD’s Connection Forum united international experts to discuss innovation, workforce development, technical standards and the shared future of the trade.

Recently, International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) hosted their first ever Connection Forum in Vienna, Austria. This Forum was specifically designed by the IFD team to create a space dedicated to sharing ideas and collaboratively working to improve the roofing industry on a whole. To learn more about this, we invited Sabine Rothschuh, IFD’s general secretary, to join us for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.

This year’s Connection Forum was split into two days. The first day was primary filled with speaker presentations from around the world (our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth was one of those presenters!). This was an incredibly valuable day as it gave attendees the chance to learn from each other. As Sabine described, “We can all learn from each other about innovating, training and so forth...Because, while every country is unique, we’re all facing the same overall challenges; we need more trained workers, we need to raise the standard, etc.” She continued, “The first day of the Connection Forum was really focused on building trust and communication so we can learn from each other.”

As for the second day, that was designated time for “technical focus” and “future approach” discussions. Sabine explained what this meant, sharing, “IFD prides itself in providing the roofing industry an international platform where experts collaborate, learn from each other and can collaboratively develop international technical guides and standards.” This is what that second day of the Connection Forum was focused on – being that space for those conversations and meetings to happen. As Sabine put it, “At the Connection Forum, we were bringing experts from different countries together. [It made sense to make a space for them] to exchange practical knowledge and experience.”

Overall, both days of the Forum proved to be invaluable opportunities for attendees to learn, grow and collaborate for the betterment of the entire roofing trade.

Listen to our entire conversation with Sabine or Watch the recording on YouTube to learn more.

By The Coffee Shops®.

How the International Federation of the Roofing Trade creates value for roofers in the U.K. and beyond. 

For roofing professionals around the world, the challenges facing the industry are often remarkably similar. From workforce development and technical innovation to sustainability and climate resilience, collaboration across national borders has never been more important.

That shared purpose is one of the reasons National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) continues to support its involvement in International Federation for the Roofing Trades (IFD). 

NFRC’s participation in IFD goes way back, with the core of their involvement being focused on bringing roofing professionals together to exchange ideas, experiences and solutions on issues that impact specialist roofing contractors around the globe. Current NFRC CEO James Talman is part of the modern team that is continuing that commitment to international collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

Why? One of the greatest benefits James and NFRC team see from participating in IFD is the opportunity to establish strong relationships with peers from other countries. Through those connections, roofing leaders can discuss common challenges, learn from each other's successes, and gain insights that may not be available within a single market. A prime example of this is the technical knowledge sharing that has occurred around rainscreen cladding in recent years.  

Further, IFD helps encourage the next generation of roofers. James referenced this when asked about direct results of NFRC and IFD’s collaborations, “[Examples of what comes out of the partnership include] various member successes in IFD Awards and Young Roofer Competitions.” By creating these spaces to recognize excellence in roofing, IFD and NFRC are uplifting the current generation of roofers while encouraging the next generation of professionals 

On a personal level, James credits the organization with helping him build a valuable international professional network. In his words, “The ambition that the IFD can deliver a strong message to international agencies of the key role roofing can play in [global issues such as] mitigating climate change.” 

Looking ahead, James believes broad global participation, like that from NFRC, is essential to the IFD's continued success. The more nations that become involved, the stronger the organization's ability to demonstrate true global authority on roofing-related issues. Expanding that international representation can help ensure that a diverse range of perspectives and expertise contribute to the conversations shaping the future of the industry. 

For roofing associations, contractors and industry leaders interested in shaping the future of roofing on a global scale, the IFD continues to offer a unique platform where collaboration, innovation and shared expertise can make a lasting impact. 

By Emma Peterson.

Although roofing practices and regional challenges vary around the world, John Kenney explains why the industry's fundamental goals remain the same and how contractors can benefit from sharing their experiences.

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group to get his insights into the global roofing industry. John is an ideal guest for this discussion, as his 45+ years in the roofing industry have guided him in his work in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

John’s story starts with working in the field for a family-run roofing company in the Northeast of the U.S. From there, he worked his way up to estimating and managing projects for the same company. Today, he is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and “works with roofing contractors on estimating operational performance, project management, workforce development and more.” He is also very active in a variety of professional organizations, being a member of the International Federation for the Roofing Trades (IFD), National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the former Institute of Roofing.

When we asked him about what he’s seeing that is currently impact contractors on both sides of the pond, he highlighted labour challenges, estimating issues, margin protection and supply pressures. As he put it:

I think contractors in both markets are trying to find, develop and retain skilled people. I also think they're trying to estimate work accurately, protect the margins of the businesses and convert a good tender into a well-managed project. And as they’re trying to deal with that, they’re having to manage changing programs, incomplete information, material lead times, access relations and pressure from clients.

That’s not to say that all the issues that contractors face are universal, as things like hurricane season for U.S. contractors and handling apprenticeships in the U.K. are unique to their regions. But as John put it, “While the markets are very unique, at the end of the day, roofing contractors on both sides of the Atlantic are trying to complete quality work, the protect their people, serve their clients and operate profitable businesses.”

His advice for contractors on both sides of the pond to overcome these shared challenges? Work together. In John’s words, “I always have believed that you become better at what you do when you're willing to take a look beyond your own market and listen to how other professionals approach similar problems.”

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recorded conversation to hear more of John’s expert insights.

By Megan Ellsworth.

Connecting at the IFD Connection Forum.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the International Federation of the Roofing Trade’s Connection Forum in Vienna, Austria. The event brought roofing professionals from around the world together to exchange ideas, discuss industry challenges and, most importantly, build relationships. The first Connection Forum was held October 14-15, 2026 and was hosted at the Wienerberger headquarters. It was designed to be interactive and gave attendees opportunities to participate in discussions and learn from one another. I was able to hear the struggles, triumphs and growth that other roofing professionals are experiencing across the globe. That focus on participation set the tone for the entire forum, and for me, the spirit of connection became the highlight of the experience.

Throughout the forum, we had conversations with roofing professionals from Estonia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Brazil, the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands and more. Each country is dealing with its own market conditions, roofing systems and challenges, but when we all sat down together, it became clear just how much we have in common.

Those conversations carried naturally into another part of the trip: recording the stories behind them.

One of the highlights was recording a podcast with Gerhard Hanke, CEO of Wienerberger. We had the opportunity to sit down and capture another piece of the international conversation happening throughout the forum.

Podcasting is one of my favorite ways to tell the stories of the roofing industry because it gives us room to have a real conversation. It goes beyond sound bites and allows us to hear directly from the people who are helping shape roofing and construction around the world. Please listen to that podcast episode here.

The forum was created specifically to encourage interaction and dialogue among roofing professionals, giving people an opportunity to compare how different countries approach industry challenges.

When you’re sitting at a table with people from multiple different countries, you quickly realize there is no single way to look at our industry and the roofing trade. That variety of viewpoints is what makes conversations like these so valuable. Listening to how someone halfway around the world approaches a challenge can change the way you think about that same issue at home. These conversations give us an opportunity to ask different questions, challenge our assumptions and learn from solutions being developed outside our own markets. One topic that especially spoke to me was recycling roof materials and how other countries are combatting this issue. The forum’s programming reflected that international perspective, with presentations on countries guidelines from Estonia, the United Kingdom, Germany and the U.S., among others. Those conversations are what the IFD Connection Forum meant to me: connection.

The roofing industry reaches far beyond the borders of any one country. Events like this give us a chance to sit across the table from one another, listen to different perspectives and build relationships that can continue long after everyone heads home.

I left Vienna grateful for the conversations, excited to share our podcast with Gerhard and inspired by all the different voices contributing to the future of roofing. There is a whole world of roofing out there, and we have a lot to learn from one another.

By Emma Peterson. 

IFD connects professionals thousands of miles apart, creating conversations that can lead to practical solutions for contractors in the field. 

In 1952, the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD) was founded with the goal of being “a unifying network of national roofing associations, industry partners and technical experts working together to strengthen the trade on an international level.” And in the ensuing decades, that is exactly what IFD does. To share more about how IFD has helped the international roofing community overcome issues, Dirk Bollwerk, IFD’s president, stopped by The Coffee Shops® for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

He started the conversation by sharing an example of an issue that contractors around the world face, saying, “One of the biggest issues facing all contractors is the higher energy prices and the subsequently higher prices for materials, think oil and aluminum.” Not only does this raise operating costs for businesses, it also has led to a variety of supply chain issues as well as customer frustrations.  

Luckily, IFD is able to help contractors overcome this issue. Specifically, IFD acts as a space for manufacturers, distributors and contractors from a variety of markets to meet and network. As Dirk put it, “Communication is often the solution. And what IFD does is make that possible. Through IFD, you can meet personally with someone from a market that’s 8,000 miles away from yours.” In terms of our rising material cost example, this type of communication can introduce contractors to new products that aren’t as common in their market that can help relieve the pressure on the contractor’s traditional supply chains.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more about IFD and its role in strengthening the global roofing community and industry.  

By Emma Peterson.

The launch of RoofersCoffeeShop.global creates a dedicated place for roofers around the world to share ideas, innovations and experiences with each other.

In a special first episode of the Global Roofing Road Trips® podcast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Gary Howes of The Durable Slate Company to discuss how RoofersCoffeeShop.global, the newest microsite from The Coffee Shops®, fits into the modern roofing industry. The goal of this new microsite is to bring together roofing professionals, ideas and innovations from around the world to create new opportunities for roofers everywhere. This mission is something that Gary is very aligned with.

Gary is the president of the Durable Slate Company and has had a front row seat to their growth over the last four decades. The key to that growth? Connection with roofers and professionals around the world. He explained, “We were working on expanding, it was around 1996, when John Chan and I went to the Dach und Holtz conference in Germany. And this was pre-internet age, so being in that room with roofers from around the world and getting to share ideas truly was game changing.” He went on, “We learned a lot, whether it was the tools that they had developed that we did not have available to us in the US or the vocational training they were offering to the young folk, got inspired and when we got back, we shaped our company based on that experience.”

Fast-forward to today and the Durable Slate Company is now a well-known name in the historic renovation world around the world. Gary gave some examples of some of the work they’ve done, sharing, “Many of those aspirations we walked away from that conference with are now realities. We became an international company, we we have a project in Sarajevo, Bosnia and we were just awarded a nether slate roofing project for the US ambassador of NATO in Brussels, Belgium.”

And now, RooferCoffeeShop.global hopes to help inspire and support modern contractors in the same way that attending that Dach und Holtz conference helped Gary and John.

Make sure to check out RoofersCoffeeShop.global to start engaging with the worldwide roofing community! And if you want to learn more about the value of that type of global connection, Listen to the whole podcast with Gary or Watch the recorded conversation on YouTube.

wienerberger als Gastgeber, VELUX als Hauptsponsor: Zwei Tage für fachlichen Austausch und persönliche Begegnungen in Wien.

Das IFD Connection Forum 2026 brachte am 14. und 15. Oktober Vertreter nationaler Dachdeckerverbände, Handwerksbetriebe und Industriepartner bei wienerberger in Wien zusammen. Im Mittelpunkt standen der persönliche Dialog und der Erfahrungsaustausch über Ländergrenzen hinweg. Veranstalter war die Internationale Föderation des Dachdeckerhandwerks (IFD).

wienerberger: Partnerschaft mit dem Dachdeckerhandwerk

Nach der Eröffnung durch IFD-Präsident Dirk Bollwerk begrüßten Gerhard Hanke, Interim CEO der Wienerberger AG, und Franz Kolnerberger, Head of Product Management Roof Solutions der Wienerberger AG, die Gäste. wienerberger stellte die Entwicklung des europäischen Dachmarktes, energetische Gebäudesanierung und ganzheitliche Dachsysteme vor. Ein Schwerpunkt war die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Dachdeckerhandwerk: Praktische Erfahrungen fließen in die Weiterentwicklung von Produkten und Systemen ein; Schulungen und digitale Werkzeuge unterstützen die Betriebe.

VELUX unterstützt das Forum als Hauptsponsor

VELUX unterstützte das IFD Connection Forum 2026 als Hauptsponsor und damit ein Format, das den direkten Kontakt zwischen Handwerk, Verbänden und Industrie in den Mittelpunkt stellt.

Fachliche Impulse aus mehreren Ländern

Heidi Ellsworth von RoofersCoffeeShop erläuterte, wie KI-gestützte Informationssuche die digitale Sichtbarkeit von Unternehmen und Verbänden verändert. Ein Beitrag des estnischen Unternehmens Katevara widmete sich dem Recycling bituminöser Dachmaterialien. Projekte von Spitzer Dach aus Österreich und The Durable Slate Company aus den USA ergänzten das Programm um Beispiele aus der handwerklichen Praxis.

Am zweiten Tag stellten Vertreter der Dachdeckerverbände aus den USA, Großbritannien und Deutschland ihre Verfahren zur Erarbeitung technischer Richtlinien vor. Zwei parallele Arbeitsgruppen boten Raum für Fragen zur Arbeit der IFD-Kommissionen und zur Leitung nationaler Verbände. Chantal Huser von Gebäudehülle Schweiz brachte Ansätze zur Nachwuchsgewinnung ein.

Begegnungen über das Fachprogramm hinaus

Eine Fahrt mit einer historischen Wiener Straßenbahn und ein gemeinsamer Heurigen-Abend boten Gelegenheit, Kontakte zu vertiefen und Gespräche fortzusetzen. Die Teilnehmer hoben besonders die vielen Gesprächsmöglichkeiten und den offenen Austausch hervor – ganz im Sinne von „Connect & Exchange“.

Die IFD dankt wienerberger als Gastgeber und VELUX als Hauptsponsor sowie den Partnern PREFA, Murexin und FAKRO. Der Dank gilt ebenso den Referenten und Teilnehmern, die ihre Erfahrungen und Perspektiven in das Forum einbrachten.

Über die IFD

Die Internationale Föderation des Dachdeckerhandwerks e. V. (IFD) verbindet nationale Fachverbände und weitere Mitglieder der Dachbranche. Sie fördert den internationalen fachlichen Austausch, entwickelt technische Empfehlungen und Richtlinien und unterstützt die Nachwuchsförderung sowie die Aus- und Weiterbildung.

Hosted by wienerberger and supported by main sponsor VELUX: Two days of knowledge sharing and personal connections in Vienna.

The IFD Connection Forum 2026 brought together representatives of national roofing associations, roofing contractors and industry partners at wienerberger’s headquarters in Vienna on 14 and 15 October. Personal dialogue and the exchange of experience across borders were at the heart of the event, organised by the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD).

wienerberger: Partnering with roofing contractors

Following the opening by IFD President Dirk Bollwerk, Gerhard Hanke, Interim CEO of Wienerberger AG, and Franz Kolnerberger, Head of Product Management Roof Solutions of Wienerberger AG, welcomed guests. wienerberger presented developments in the European roofing market, energy-efficient building renovation and complete roofing systems. Collaboration with roofing contractors was a key focus: practical experience helps shape product and system development, while training and digital tools support contractors.

VELUX supports the forum as main sponsor

As main sponsor, VELUX supported the IFD Connection Forum 2026 and its focus on direct contact between roofing contractors, associations and industry.

Insights from different countries

Heidi Ellsworth of RoofersCoffeeShop explained how AI-powered information searches are changing the digital visibility of companies and associations. A presentation by Estonian company Katevara focused on recycling bituminous roofing materials. Projects by Spitzer Dach from Austria and The Durable Slate Company from the USA added practical examples from roofing contractors to the programme.

On the second day, representatives of roofing associations from the USA, the United Kingdom and Germany outlined their processes for developing technical guidelines. Two parallel working groups provided space to discuss the work of the IFD commissions and the leadership of national associations. Chantal Huser of Gebäudehülle Schweiz shared approaches to attracting young talent.

Connections beyond the conference programme

A ride on a historic Viennese tram and an evening at a traditional wine tavern, or Heuriger, offered opportunities to strengthen connections and continue conversations. Participants particularly valued the many opportunities for discussion and the open exchange of ideas, reflecting the spirit of “Connect & Exchange”.

The IFD thanks wienerberger as host and VELUX as main sponsor, along with partners PREFA, Murexin and FAKRO. It also thanks the speakers and participants who contributed their experience and perspectives to the forum.

About the IFD

The International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD) brings together national trade associations and other members of the roofing industry. It promotes international knowledge sharing, develops technical recommendations and guidelines, and supports young talent as well as vocational education and continuing professional development.

By Megan Ellsworth. 

Global connections, technical insight and industry leadership make membership valuable. 

For roofing contractors, manufacturers, associations and technical experts looking beyond their local markets, membership in the International Federation for the Roofing Trade offers a direct connection to the global roofing community. 

The IFD serves as an international voice for the roofing trade, bringing together national associations, industry partners and research organizations to share knowledge, strengthen standards and support sustainable building practices. That global perspective matters in an industry shaped by changing codes, new products, workforce challenges and rising expectations for performance. 

One of the strongest reasons to join is access to technical exchange. Through the congresses and connection forums, members can learn how peers in other countries are solving common problems. Those insights can help businesses improve installation practices, understand emerging technologies and prepare for future market demands and changes. 

Membership also creates opportunities for collaboration. IFD events and forums connect contractors, manufacturers, distributors and association leaders who may not otherwise meet. Those relationships can lead to stronger partnerships, better training ideas and a broader understanding of how the roofing industry is evolving around the world. 

The organization’s commitment to young professionals is another important benefit. By supporting training, continuing education and the World Championship for young roofers, the IFD helps elevate craftsmanship and attract the next generation to the trade. For members, that focus supports long-term workforce development and pride in skilled roofing careers.  

There are membership paths for professional organizations, cooperation partners, industry partners and scientific members, making the IFD accessible to a wide range of roofing stakeholders. Whether the goal is technical knowledge exchange, international visibility, stronger industry relationships or a seat at the table in conversations shaping the future of roofing, IFD membership offers value that extends well beyond a single company or country.