Two-Day Metal Roofing Systems Course Returns to UW-Madison

Two roofers installing panels during a metal roofing systems course training session

Professionals who design, install, specify or maintain metal roofs can earn continuing education credit at a two-day Metal Roofing Systems course scheduled for Dec. 3-4, 2026, at the Fluno Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The program is offered through the UW-Madison College of Engineering and combines technical fundamentals with practical, real-world instruction on how metal roofing systems perform and how to address common challenges in the field.

Who the course is designed for

Metal Roofing Systems is built for contractors, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners, manufacturers, building envelope commissioning authorities and maintenance professionals. The audience is intentionally broad, so each technical concept is tied back to how it shows up on an actual project. Participants also take part in real-world case studies that reinforce the technical material, along with limited hands-on demonstration.

What the curriculum covers

The course walks through the full life cycle of a metal roof, starting with metal roofing materials and coatings and the profile types used in modern construction. From there, participants look at thermal response, panel attachment and fixity, slope considerations, wind effects, sealants and warranties. A dedicated segment examines the most common causes of roof leaks, giving attendees a troubleshooting framework they can apply on site.

Detailing receives heavy attention, with separate treatments of low-slope hydrostatic detailing and steep-slope hydrokinetic detailing. Troubleshooting, reroofing and retrofit applications round out the practical portion of the curriculum, helping contractors and consultants evaluate existing roofs and plan replacements with confidence.

Energy, snow and ice management

Beyond the core envelope topics, the program covers solar PV integration and engineered snow retention. Participants examine rooftop avalanche dynamics and ice dam prevention, both of which are critical safety and performance issues on metal roofs in cold climates. These sessions connect the roofing system to the broader building performance picture, including energy generation and winter weather risks.

Continuing education credit

Participants who complete the program earn 1.4 CEUs, 14 PDHs and 14 LU/HSWs. The credit mix makes the course useful for licensed architects and engineers who need to track professional development hours, as well as for contractors and consultants who maintain industry certifications.

Instruction

The course is taught by the founder of S-5!, who also directs the consulting firm Metal Roof Advisory Group. Five decades of work spanning contracting, forensic consulting, technical writing, research, education and product development inform the instruction, and real-world perspective is woven through every module.

Logistics

Dates: Dec. 3-4, 2026. Location: Fluno Center, UW-Madison campus. Provider: University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering. Credit: 1.4 CEUs, 14 PDHs, 14 LU/HSWs. Topics include metal roofing materials and coatings, profiles, thermal response, panel attachment, fixity, slope, wind effects, sealants, warranties, leak diagnostics, hydrostatic and hydrokinetic detailing, troubleshooting, reroofing, retrofit, solar PV integration, engineered snow retention, avalanche dynamics and ice dam prevention.

FAQ

When and where is the Metal Roofing Systems course held?

The course takes place Dec. 3-4, 2026, at the Fluno Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

Who is the Metal Roofing Systems course designed for?

The program is designed for contractors, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners, manufacturers, building envelope commissioning authorities and maintenance professionals.