Expanding solutions for the right roof

By Jesse Sanchez. 

IB Roof Systems adds TPO to better align product selection with building type and market demand. 

As commercial roofing demands continue to diversify, manufacturers are reassessing how well their product portfolios reflect the realities contractors face in the field. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Jason Stanley, CEO of IB Roof Systems™, about the company’s decision to expand beyond its long-standing focus on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes and introduce thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) to its lineup. 

For decades, IB Roof Systems has been closely associated with PVC. Jason acknowledged that history directly. “I think I've been guilty for much of my life of being a one trick pony, right?” he joked. “I fell in love with PVC as my father did in the late seventies and have promoted it most of my adult life as a solution for every roof.” 

However, as the commercial market and products have evolved, so have project requirements. While PVC remains a strong choice for mission-critical facilities such as hospitals, airports and data centers, much of today’s volume comes from warehouses and distribution centers where performance expectations and budget considerations differ. Market data shows TPO systems significantly outpace PVC in overall usage, making it the dominant membrane in many commercial applications. 

That reality prompted a strategic reassessment. 

“I think it is fair to recognize that the TPO was unproven 20 years ago, but it has since evolved into a trusted product.  In light of new information, I'm willing to make different decisions that take us in a vastly different direction,” Jason said. As a result, IB Roof Systems is now offering TPO alongside its established PVC membranes and coating systems. The expansion is designed to give contractors flexibility when evaluating projects with varying life-cycle expectations, exposure risks and financial constraints. 

Importantly, Jason expressed that membrane choice is only one part of a successful roof system. Insulation, adhesives, cover boards and vapor barriers often represent a substantial portion of overall cost and long-term performance. “These roof systems have become so robust and so expensive that the roof covering is critical to the performance you're looking for and some characteristics you need, but it's not the cost driver,” he said.  "A large reason for launching TPO is that it is the most commonly specified product for new construction, which comes with Poly-ISO, another form of insulation. With IB having a vertical in the insulation market, we can now more successfully compete for these projects."

By broadening its product portfolio, IB Roof Systems is positioning itself to participate in more project types while reinforcing a system-based approach. For contractors, the shift represents a practical message that selecting the right roof begins with understanding the building’s purpose and matching it with a solution that reflects both market demand and performance goals. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how IB Roof Systems is expanding its portfolio to deliver the right solution for every commercial roofing project!