IRE – International Roofing Expo
40 years shaped by contractor feedback
By Jesse Sanchez. How contractor input drove one manufacturer’s expansion into a complete roofing systems provider. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, BITEC® marked its 40th anniversary with a clear message: its growth from a modified bitumen producer to a full systems manufacturer has been driven by ...
Friendly competition and education draw crowds at IRE 2026
By Jenny Yu. Sika highlighted coatings, restoration systems and contractor training while engaging with attendees on the show floor. The 2026 International Roofing Expo brought together roofing professionals from across the world, and Sika Roofing & Waterproofing used the opportunity to showcase its wide range of building protection solutions ...
A simple fix for leaky pipe penetrations
By Jesse Sanchez. How this contractor-designed rubber pipe collar continues to solve a common roofing problem across new construction and repair projects. Live from the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Karen Edwards welcomed Wil-Mar Products representatives Stuart Pendleton and Michael Bothman to The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage sponsored ...
AI agents reshape workflow efficiency in commercial roofing
By Jesse Sanchez. A closer look at how automation tools are helping contractors scale operations without replacing the human element. As labor constraints tighten and project demands grow more complex, commercial roofing contractors are under increasing pressure to operate with greater precision and efficiency. In response, technology providers are introducing ...
New tools aim to simplify roofing jobs and cleanup
By Jesse Sanchez. Learn how new roofing tools improve efficiency, reduce jobsite risks and streamline cleanup for contractors. At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), contractors gathered to explore solutions that address one of the industry’s most persistent challenges; balancing efficiency with jobsite safety and cleanliness. During a ...
Preparing your roofing business for a stronger exit
By Jesse Sanchez. How early planning and strategic preparation can significantly increase business value when it’s time to sell. For roofing contractors, the strength of an exit often depends on the level of preparation done before a sale is even on the table. Many owners spend decades focused on production, ...
Streamlining rooftop repair work
By Jesse Sanchez. Battery-powered heat guns are helping contractors complete repairs more efficiently by eliminating the need for rooftop power access. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, a common jobsite constraint came into focus: access to power. For contractors performing service and repair work, particularly on roofs ...
Planning for growth amid change at IRE 2026
By Jesse Sanchez. Learn how contractors are using planning and communication to navigate labor pressures and position for growth in 2026. Labor challenges are not new to roofing, but the stakes surrounding them continue to rise. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), contractors and industry partners acknowledged that workforce constraints ...
Turning service calls into business growth
By Jesse Sanchez. Learn how contractors can strengthen their service departments by identifying opportunities during routine maintenance visits. For many roofing contractors, service and maintenance work is often viewed as a routine part of operations. Yet when managed strategically, service departments can become powerful drivers of long-term customer relationships and ...
Roofing Alliance student voices from the 2026 competition highlight what the next generation wants from the roofing industry
By Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops. From culture to career growth, students share what matters most as they prepare to enter the roofing workforce. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the Roofing Alliance Student Competition showcased more than the technical skills of construction management students. It provided a powerful ...
