From Toronto to the industry’s future

By Dani Sheehan.

The innovations presented at CRE reflected trends being felt across the industry.

In a live episode of Roofing Road Trips®, recorded on the show floor of the Canadian Roofing Expo (CRE) in Toronto, Ontario, host Megan Ellsworth sat down with Jason “Jay” Campbell, the current vice chair of the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA), to dig into what’s shaping the future of roofing. From green roofs to drones and artificial intelligence, this year’s CRE provided a snapshot of an evolving industry.

Rebranded from RoofTech, the CRE takes place every other year. “Our goals in having the show in general were to give the manufacturers a chance to exhibit new innovations and have educational seminars that are beneficial to our industry,” Jay shared. “It also allows for networking opportunities with a lot of our colleagues.”

Top trends: Technology and sustainability

This year’s show spotlighted a growing adoption of advanced tools, from using drones for roof inspections to more sophisticated testing equipment. Jay observed, “Just seeing the new innovation here – we're in an industry where technology is ever-changing with the advent of AI.” Artificial intelligence is making its way into jobsite planning, inspections and data analysis, helping contractors make faster, more informed decisions. Its use is gaining traction across the industry and companies look to streamline operations and improve precision.

One of the most visible trends was the emphasis on sustainability. “There’s been a shift into more green roofing and energy-efficient roofing over the last couple of years,” Jay explained. In Ontario, where the show was held, there are new mandates in place requiring that 50% of roof areas on new buildings be either green or solar reflective. Contractors are increasingly addressing stormwater management through smart roofing solutions, like vegetative roofs and reflective systems, to meet evolving building codes and environmental goals.  

Supporting contractors through innovation and research

For roofing professionals across Canada – and increasingly the U.S. – the CRCA plays a vital role in driving standards and supporting contractors. “We’re involved with a lot of national committees – the National Technical Committee, the Building Research Committee,” Jay said. “So, there’s always new information coming out when it relates to testing and building codes.”

Wind uplift calculations, changing climate conditions and proper installation practices are just a few areas where the CRCA is providing leadership and resources.  

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the live interview to learn more about the future of roofing in Canada.