Construction Top Stories - Articles

A compilation of interior design images and an American Flag

American History

A History of Wall and Ceiling Systems in the U.S.

From plaster to drywall, see how wall and ceiling systems shaped America since 1607

John Wyatt

July 1, 2026

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A history of the craftsmen, contractors and materials that built America's walls and ceilings.

The Contractor's Guide to Marketing Metrics That Pay Off

Dear Anna

Dear Anna: 6 Marketing Metrics Every Roofing Contractor Needs

Track the six marketing metrics that improve lead quality, sales, and long-term roofing growth.

June 29, 2026

Track the six marketing metrics that improve lead quality, sales, and long-term roofing growth.

woman and man install insulation into a home attic

How Air Barriers Support Healthier Indoor Air

The First Line of Defense

June 26, 2026

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The case for air barriers in healthy building design rests on thinking about the envelope as a system rather than a collection of individual layers.

If Walls Could Talk

SkillsUSA Champ Builds Thriving Business, Makes Team USA

Tristan Coates' journey from student competitor to business owner highlights the opportunities available in today's skilled trades.

Tanja Kern

June 23, 2026

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Tristan Coates turned a high school carpentry program into a thriving construction company and a chance to represent the U.S. at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Contractors Who Win Trust Win More Business

Dear Anna

Build Trust That Wins More Contracts Now

Anna Anderson explains how awards, certifications and media exposure build contractor trust online.

Anna Anderson

Jill Bloom

June 19, 2026

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On the “If Walls Could Talk” podcast, A-Squared Marketing CEO Anna Anderson talks about why referrals, certifications and media coverage remain critical trust signals today for contractors.

Safety First

Safety Standards Must Hold Across Every Jobsite

Consistent safety practices reduce risk, protect crews, and improve performance across all job types.

Fiore Belmonte

Joseph Goley

June 19, 2026

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Safety isn’t just compliance. By building consistent habits and quick risk checks into daily work, contractors can reduce incidents and keep crews protected without slowing production.

Today's Biggest Employment Challenges for Contractors

Legal Insights

Employment Risks and Severance

Legal guidance on hiring, firing, severance agreements and workforce risk for roofers.

June 19, 2026

Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney explains what is entailed with terminating a problematic employee.

Up Front: A Walls & Ceilings Editorial Column by Mark Fowler

Metal Siding Drives High-Performance Wall Systems

Practical overview of how metal cladding enhances durability, moisture management, constructability, and code compliance in modern wall assemblies.

Mark Fowler

June 15, 2026

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Metal cladding boosts durability, moisture control, and install speed in modern wall systems.

When Designing for Health, Don’t Forget to Look Up

Indoor air, sound, and light shape health more than we realize—smart ceiling materials like stone wool help create safer, more comfortable, high-performing spaces.

Rachel Berkin

June 12, 2026

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Material choices are health decisions—improving air quality, acoustics, and daylight while supporting sustainability, safety, and circularity through smarter ceiling specifications like stone wool.