Roofers React to Tariffs, Negative Emails

RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, explains the latest on how the Trump tariffs are impacting the roofing and construction trades.

Just when the onslaught of new tariffs and the controversy surrounding them seems to subside, international reaction, stock market fluctuations or a new court ruling brings it right back to the top of the news feed. With so much uncertainty in the roofing and construction spaces, it’s difficult for contractors to react, understand the true impact and strategize their next moves.

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Protect Your Roofing Business from Negativity

Roofing contractors are often the subject of people’s poor perceptions of the trade and how they treat customers. And in a digital world, people with negative things to say about contractors don’t side idly by. RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, said it’s becoming more important for contractors to stand their ground and respond to negative emails and text messages about performance, because it’s that documentation that could be the difference between winning and losing in court.

RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, said he’s fielding a lot of calls from nervous entrepreneurs about what to do. Though he doesn’t have great answers for each specific situation given the roller-coaster nature of the current tariff policy, he does believe there are steps roofers and others can take now to steady themselves for whatever the future brings.

It starts with having a mindset to protect yourself, and having open and honest conversation with your manufacturing and distribution partners. And also remember, they’re trying to navigate these uncharted tariff territories as well.

“The bottom line whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor or contractor is account for it in your contract and allow for you to pass that end cost to the customer, and you can do that with price-acceleration provisions,” Cotney said in an exclusive videochat with RC.

Cotney also touched on the importance of responding to negative customer emails or texts – while uncomfortable – in order to protect your work and reputation down the line. Watch the full conversation here.

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Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.

Jill Bloom is the innovative Group Publisher of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language eNews of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, an eNews focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, an eNews focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading eNews for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.