Roofing’s new secret weapon

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A next-gen air barrier is turning heads at roofing expos and changing how contractors think about moisture. 

A quiet shift is happening in the roofing industry and if you weren’t at the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE) or International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), you may have missed it. But contractors, consultants and building owners alike are taking notice. 

The buzz centers on SlopeShield Plus SA, a multi-purpose air barrier and permeable vapor retarder membrane product by VaproShield, a company that made its name in wall membrane systems and is now staking its claim on the roof. Unlike traditional vapor barriers that can trap moisture where it’s not needed, SlopeShield Plus SA is engineered to block air movement and air-borne moisture, while allowing vapor to escape, a game-changer for buildings that don’t require full vapor restriction, attained through vapor barrier products.

“This is a problem that they’ve been dealing with for years,” said Chris Meyer, who heads VaproShield’s roofing division. “We’re not thinking about the moisture from the inside and we’re not protecting the most expensive part of a roofing asset.” He added that moisture buildup “can be a drain up to 40% on your integrity of your insulation,” which translates to a major hit on energy efficiency and cost of operations to the building owner. 

That figure, a 40% energy penalty, has been making the rounds since the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) highlighted it last year. For facility managers and contractors working on libraries, hospitals or data centers, the implications are massive. Chris put it plainly: “If you go in and say, ‘Hey, I can lower your heating bill by 40%,’ that’s huge savings.” 

At both expos, the product was praised for more than just its performance. It’s lightweight, primerless and boasts a 180-day exposure rating. A trifecta that gives contractors more flexibility and fewer headaches. “We had a project last year that was a temp dry-in to get the building in the dry, 410 squares,” Chris said. “It took a crew of two guys three days. historically a roof that big, you need a crew of approximately eight or more.” 

While SlopeShield may be the flagship, Chris teased even more innovation is on the way, including updates to their ultra-aggressive vapor barrier product, BlockShield SA Plus. 

Watch the full interviews to learn more about how SlopeShield is redefining moisture control, saving energy and changing the game for roofing professionals!