Feature: Taking a “peak” at the 2025 International Roofing Expo

Education, trends, and more 

The show has been held for more than 65 years, having been known previously as the National Roofing Contractors Association convention and trade show. It offers a chance for those in the industry to get to know suppliers, learn about new products and equipment, and get tuned into industry trends. 

Besides walking the expansive show floor and visiting the more than 600 exhibitors, attendees at this year’s event could choose from dozens of educational seminars in multiple tracks. And while unusually cold and wet Texas weather that week put a damper on foot traffic at the city’s famous Riverwalk, the event was nevertheless a great opportunity for attendees to build their networks on and off the Expo floor.

Avery Dennison has a keen interest in roofing applications

As Avery Dennison Performance Tapes builds out its line of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape solutions for the Building and Construction segment, we have a keen interest in the show. Our team in San Antonio included John Cahoon, business development manager, Maria Pitorak, senior product manager, and Ricardo Soto, design and application engineer. Each has been heavily involved in the development and introduction of our Flashing & Seaming portfolio and other PSA solutions for the industry.

Here are three of the key takeaways from the team’s experience at IRE:

1. Synthetic roofing materials are emerging as a trend

Synthetic roofing materials are a growing trend in the industry. These materials typically feature rubber (sometimes recycled) or polymers that are engineered to look like higher-end materials such as tile or slate. These materials usually attach with fasteners. But there may be opportunities for PSA solutions for underlayments, flashing and seaming.

2. Photovoltaic (PV) roofing shingles: Ready to disrupt rooftop solar?

Depending on what part of the country you’re in, rooftop solar panels are no longer an uncommon sight. Now, a new trend is emerging that may disrupt that industry: PV roofing materials. This technology combines the energy-producing capability of a solar panel with the protective capability of a standard shingle. So, you replace all or part of your standard roofing shingles with solar shingles that produce electricity and protect your home. Depending on who you ask, solar shingles are also more aesthetically pleasing than traditional PV solar panels. 

Solar shingles were introduced by Tesla, while companies such as CertainTeed is a more recent entry to the marketplace. We’re still exploring how PSA tapes might have applications for this relatively new type of roofing material. However, tapes have numerous uses in energy storage, and our new Solar Panel portfolio includes a variety of such solutions.

3. Portable and efficient repair solutions

Always looking for new ways to work more efficiently, the industry has long sought tools to complete roof repairs quickly and safely while helping the property owner maintain their roof’s warranty. New roof repair kits, including battery-powered welders, are helping that vision come to life. These kits can be easily carried up a ladder by a single worker, who can then complete the repairs quickly by themselves or with perhaps one assistant. This product category seems a natural fit for PSA materials, which offer ease of use and facilitate worker efficiency. 

“There was a lot to see and a ton of traffic on the show floor,” says John. “And that traffic sustained throughout the show. Even on the second day, the crowds didn't begin to die down until after 3 o'clock. I think it just shows that these professionals are really interested in new solutions. It's a great time to be in Building and Construction.”

Learn more about Building and Construction solutions from Avery Dennison

Avery Dennison offers a variety of PSA materials for the Building and Construction segment. Our recently introduced portfolio of flashing and seaming solutions, for example, offers PSA-based alternatives to traditional bonding methods for many roofing applications. 

To learn more, contact your Avery Dennison account manager or visit, www.tapes.averydennison.com/buildingandconstruction.