By cornellroofing Construction 0 Comments

Celebrating Women in Construction Week: Empowering Women in Roofing and Beyond

Every March, National Women in Construction (WIC) Week shines a spotlight on the women making an impact in the construction industry. Organized by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to highlight the growing role of women in a historically male-dominated field, the celebration week this year is March 2-8, 2025.

At Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we’re proud to be part of this movement. As a woman-owned business, we know firsthand the importance of diversity, inclusion, and opportunity in the skilled trades with a commitment to hiring the best, most-qualified candidates. For nearly a century, we’ve built a reputation for excellence, and we continue to pave the way for more women to find success in roofing, sheet metal, and construction leadership roles.

Why Women in Construction Matter

The construction industry is evolving, but women still make up only about 11% of the total construction workforce. However, their impact is undeniable. Women bring fresh perspectives, problem-solving skills, and leadership to the industry—helping to drive innovation and improve workplace culture.

At Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we believe in:

✅ Empowering women in skilled trades through training and career opportunities
✅ Encouraging young women to consider careers in construction
✅ Providing mentorship and leadership opportunities to help women thrive


Join Us in Celebrating Women in Construction Week!

As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, we encourage our industry partners, employees, and the community to support and uplift the women shaping the future of construction. Whether you’re a young professional considering a career in the trades or a seasoned expert looking to mentor the next generation, there’s a place for everyone in this growing movement.

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal is proud to stand at the forefront of change—proving that women leaders, too, can help businesses and communities thrive.


Follow us on social media and join the conversation!

Want to support women in construction? Share this post and tag a woman making an impact in the industry!


To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, contact us today at (816) 252-8300 for a consultation or visit www.cornellroofing.com.

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal: Trusted Commercial Roofing Professionals Since 1927.

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By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Construction • General 0 Comments

Celebrating Skilled Trades Professionals

The third Friday of each September is recognized as National Skilled Tradesmen Day. This year, that lands on Friday, September 16th. Skilled trades professionals deserve much more than one day to be celebrated. At Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we value our skilled crews and the dedication they bring to each project, every day.

The contributions these men and women make in our communities is beyond measure. Not only do they work hard to build and maintain the buildings, homes, other facilities and critical infrastructure systems we all use and benefit from, but their skills also keep us safe and drive our national economy.

 

Now, more than ever, there is a demand for skilled trades professionals in our workforce. Construction industry experts predict a shortage of skilled workers by 2050 (if not sooner). Currently, for every three skilled trades professionals retiring, only one joins the workforce. When there are not enough skilled trades workers, construction slows, putting a drag on economic development. 

 

Join us in celebrating the skilled trades professionals in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their contributions. Encourage young people to consider a career in the trades. It can be a rewarding career path with many benefits, and one where you can see the impact of your work daily.

 

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

 

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By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Construction • Products & Information • Projects • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

5 Ways to Keep Your Cool

Summer heat is no joke. Working in glaring sun and high humidity is a grind for all construction workers, but working all day on the roof of a commercial building usually means limited to no shade and intensified temperatures. Taking precautions to ensure our crews are safe in all types of weather is a priority for Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Here are five tips to keep in mind as the summer heats up this year.


Use Sun Protection

Application – and frequent reapplication – of a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology to reduce your risk of burns, skin cancer and other damage. UPF clothing for construction workers is also available and can help keep you cool while providing protection from harmful UVB and UVA rays.


Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate Some More

Be sure to drink plenty of cool, plain water throughout the day. Sports drinks can be good for helping replenishing electrolytes too. Avoid sugary, caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate your system and work against you. 


Eat Right

After working in the heat, heavy meals usually don’t sound appealing. They take longer to digest and can make you feel sluggish. Go with lighter meals and plenty of vegetables to give you the energy you need to get through the day.


Take Shade Breaks

Five to 10-minute breaks in the shade can help keep you from dangerously overheating. If you can find a spot with a fan or in an air conditioned space or vehicle, even better! 


Been on the Lookout for Heat-related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion can kick in when the body loses too much water and salt. Even more serious is heat stroke, when the body can no longer thermoregulate. Both conditions are serious. If you or any of your co-workers experience the following symptoms of heat stroke, you should seek immediate medical attention.  

  • Severe headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Lack of sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat 
  • Shallow breathing
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Stay safe and keep an eye out for your co-workers as the thermometer rises this summer. For more information on Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal’s safety practices, visit https://im4.8d3.myftpupload.com/safety-policy/.

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By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Construction • General • General Information 0 Comments

Women in Construction

In March, we not only celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), we also take time to recognize Women in Construction Week (March 6-12). This is a week sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in our industry, as well as the enormous opportunities for growth.

Being a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal understands the important role women have in our industry. Our Owner and President, Mary McNamara has paved the way for many – women and men – in our rapidly growing industry. Under Mary’s leadership, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal has broken records for revenue growth year over year – a huge accomplishment for a company that is nearly 100 years old.

While women make up 47% of the entire employed population, they represent just 10.9% of the workforce in the construction industry. However, we see that tide changing, not only in commercial roofing, but across the construction industry in general. Industry analysts are predicting an additional 2 million jobs will be added in construction in 2022 alone. This is a prime opportunity for women seeking positions in the skilled trades, management, and executive leadership. Women are encouraged to consider construction as a rewarding career path with an abundance of opportunities.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal and our team, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.