Commercial and technical representatives from Americhem’s building
products
team visited the InternationalRoofing Expo (IRE) last
week at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. We’ve attended the
last two shows and the market appears to be growing. One of our customers who
has exhibited at the Expo for years said he thought attendance was up, probably
the highest attendance he has seen at this show. Preshow exhibitor news confirmed
that this was the largest Roofing Expo ever in terms of exhibit space, which
was completely sold out. The show encompassed 131,000 square feet and 465 exhibitors, the
most in the history of the 62-year show.
In addition
to the trade show, the National Roofing Contractors Association holds their
annual convention at the venue. Forty-four educational sessions were held on a
variety of topics, many of which were approved for continuing education
credits.
From our
perspective, the most commonly displayed roofing was metal, steep slope
roofing, both for commercial and residential properties. Steel and aluminum
materials in these roofs are painted to achieve the desired aesthetic. These
roofing systems are considered lighter in weight and more durable than their
asphalt counterparts.
A couple of
companies were geared
towards residential steep slope and produced polymeric roofing. These
products were injection molded, and fit into two categories: similar to cedar
shakes and a slate-like appearance. The ability to create custom colors was touted
by one of these organizations. Some of these materials had a different look,
more like flexible cedar shake. Some of these products come with 50 year
warranties, class 4 impact resistance and a class A fire rating.
From a
standpoint of booth size, the top three were definitely GAF, Johns Manville and
Firestone Building Products. Other sizeable players included Seaman Corporation
and Carlisle Syntec Systems. There was a lot of equipment at this show,
certainly more than last year. The most prominent group of these seemed to be ultrasonic
welding equipment.
We learned a
lot about the industry during our visit to IRE. Next year’s show moves to New
Orleans, from February 6-8. Until then, Americhem will continue to innovate on behalf of our roofing
customers, leading the industry in color and natural woodgrain and other effects. Polymeric
roofing has come a long way, and we’re proud to have taken part in its growth
to this point.
Kelly Gager
Development Segment Leader – Building &
Construction
Brian Cur
Field Service Specialist
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