PVC roofing reclaims the spotlight

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry experts are revealing why durability and resilience are driving a PVC roofing renaissance. 

As the roofing industry sharpens its focus on long-term performance and environmental responsibility, IB Roof Systems CEO Jason Stanley spotlighted PVC as a trusted, forward-looking solution during a live Roofing Road Trips® at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 2025 show. 

Jason tackled the hard truths facing commercial roofing, particularly the industry's shift back toward PVC after years of chasing newer, cheaper options. “TPO came in the marketplace with such a presence,” he explained, “but I think we’re seeing the turn of TPO. People are turning back to a bit of resilience.” 

That resilience, Jason argued, is becoming essential as roof lifespans shorten and environmental concerns grow. Citing attorney and industry expert Trent Cotney, Jason noted, “We sell disposable roofs today. While many have 30-year warranties, many of them are being replaced in less than 15 years. And we’re filling our landfills with these roofs.” 

Jason's message resonated clearly with the IIBEC trade show, a gathering of roofing consultants and industry professionals who, as he put it, "want to talk about resilience, and who want to talk about durability.” It’s a markedly different atmosphere than at more contractor-focused trade shows, Jason observed. “Contractors at IRE want to see what’s new and shiny. Roof consultants love facts, data and they love to read.” 

Jason expressed that the partnership between IB Roof Systems and Kingspan is more than a business deal, it’s a catalyst for raising the bar in roofing performance and durability. “They want to buy good companies and then give them CapEx dollars to really grow and mature in the industry,” he said of Kingspan. That growth, he added, has already brought top-tier talent and new momentum to IB Roof Systems. The partnership also reinforces IB’s focus on resilient, long-lasting solutions, aligning capital investment with the industry’s growing demand for high-performance, sustainable roofing. 

This kind of long-term investment through company mergers and acquisitions reinforces Jason’s thought that the industry is returning to resiliency and more sustainable products. As the market moves away from short-term solutions, partnerships like this one highlight how innovation, sustainability and smart capital investment can help meet the demand for long-lasting roofing systems. 

As for the technical merits of PVC, Jason pointed to its strength in critical infrastructure markets such as data centers, cold storage and semiconductor facilities. “Those people want PVC. Those are really critical buildings. They’re all buy and hold, and they want a PVC roof.” 

The increasing threat of extreme weather and the growing demand for solar-ready rooftops necessitates more durable products like PVC.  Jason highlighted Georgia-Pacific Building Products for its recent whitepapers advocating for stronger roof assemblies. “A coverboard makes my roof better. A coverboard makes everybody’s roof better,” he said, calling its inclusion “a major ticket.” 

Jason brought a clear message to the stage: roofing must evolve with purpose. His unwavering emphasis on durability, sustainability and high-performance roofing systems set a clear tone, one that resonated deeply with an audience looking for solutions that last. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about how roofing leaders are rethinking product strategy in a rapidly changing market!