July 2026 | Walls & Ceilings

July 2026 Cover Story

Insul-Techs Adapts to Shifting Market Demands

California insulation contractor adapts to price hikes, delays, and energy code demands with SPF expertise.

John Wyatt

July 2, 2026

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Rising costs and delays test contractors, but SPF demand and planning keep projects on track.

Why Expanded Metal Is Gaining Popularity in Modern Façade Design

Expanded metal facades deliver style, shading, strength and LEED.

Manuel E. Menchaca, MBA, is the senior marketing manager for Wallner Expac

Manuel Menchaca

July 15, 2026

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From daylighting and privacy to LEED contributions and architectural expression, expanded metal delivers advantages beyond aesthetics.

The Future of Stucco: Faster Installation, Better Energy Performance

Integrated wall systems are helping contractors meet energy code requirements, reduce labor demands and simplify stucco installation without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.

Brian McKay

July 22, 2026

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Continuous insulation and integrated panels are reshaping stucco construction, helping contractors improve efficiency, meet energy codes and streamline installation.

The Power of Soft Architecture: Managing Noise Through Visual and Acoustic Zoning

How acoustic textiles and PET screens improve zoning, comfort and flexibility in open plans.

Dana Pucillo

July 6, 2026

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Soft architecture uses drapery and PET screens to manage noise in open-plan interiors efficiently.

On the Job

Oakland Nursery Retrofit Highlights the Value of SPF

An Oakland, Calif., project demonstrates how careful planning, quality installation and high-performance spray foam systems can improve building efficiency in existing facilities.

John Wyatt

July 2, 2026

No Comments

An Oakland, Calif., project demonstrates how careful planning, quality installation and high-performance spray foam systems can improve building efficiency in existing facilities.

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

Air Barriers: Code Beats Spec Sheet Myths in Field

Air barrier performance depends on continuity, not materials. Codes reward execution, not specs.

July 10, 2026

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Codes prioritize system continuity over product choice. Contractors who build assemblies right win.

Fire Safety

Fire Suppression Is Changing the Wall and Ceiling Scope

How fire suppression systems impact wall and ceiling coordination, layout and finish quality.

Yusuf Muhammad

July 20, 2026

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Why residential fire suppression systems are creating new challenges for finish trades.

Editor's Note

Building Safety Month Puts Wall and Ceiling Contractors on Notice

ICC campaign spotlighted codes, resilience and access shaping interior systems, inspections.

John Wyatt

July 3, 2026

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Codes, resilience and accessibility pressures are raising the bar for gypsum and ceiling contractors.

Keynote speakers Mary Kilnay and Brian Callaghan

ABAA Conference Sets Attendance Record in 2026

ABAA conference in Minneapolis highlighted air barrier training, WUFI research and standards workup.

Laverne Dalgleish

May 13, 2026

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Record attendance and hands-on training drove momentum at the 2026 ABAA conference event nationwide.

Art Unlimited Rebrands as A-Squared Marketing

The agency launches new AI-driven search optimization services designed to help contractors improve visibility, engagement and lead generation.

May 18, 2026

A-Squared Marketing rebrands with expanded AI search optimization services aimed at helping contractors strengthen online visibility and customer engagement.

construction industry workers in hard hats stand around a city scape

Technology News

CSI Faces Growing Pushback Over New Standards Licensing Model

Contractors, architects and manufacturers are raising concerns over a proposed subscription-based licensing model that could alter access to MasterFormat and other widely used construction standards.

Lindsay Lewis

May 29, 2026

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The construction industry is facing mounting backlash over a controversial licensing and software initiative tied to the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and its widely used classification systems, including MasterFormat, UniFormat and OmniClass.