New prototype vent targets high wind roofing challenges

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leading brand launches a new solution for roofing’s toughest conditions — and a glimpse at what’s next. 

At the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 2025, FlashCo wasn’t just showing off their product offerings — they were revealing a new way to think about roofing in a changing climate. 

Sitting down for a live interview at the Roofers Coffee Shop Sound Stage, Eric Compton, of FlashCo, pulled back the curtain on their latest innovation: the X-Top Vent, a heavy-duty, ready-to-install exhaust vent built for high-wind environments. 

“This product, like our others, comes ready to install,” Eric explained, demonstrating the galvanized base and integrated insect screen. The idea? Eliminate the uncertainty of field fabrication and give contractors a sturdier, smarter solution right out of the box. 

Since 2000, FlashCo has built its reputation on delivering quality roofing accessories quickly — 90% within three days — but the X-Top Vent marks a new push into solving more regional, extreme-weather challenges. With storms intensifying across more parts of the U.S., demand is growing for parts that can stand up to higher wind zones. 

Feedback from Southern markets helped shape the design, and early reactions from architects and specifiers at the show were strong. “More counties as our weather continues to evolve have become higher wind zones,” Eric said, hinting at a broader need beyond traditional coastal areas. 

Though still in prototype phase, FlashCo is already preparing for the rigorous testing and approvals needed to meet code in high-wind regions. “We’re kind of shopping for it right now just to see what the interest is,” Eric said. 

Custom prefabrication remains at the core of FlashCo’s value, offering architects and contractors a faster, higher-quality alternative to solving tricky roofing challenges on-site. And as Eric put it, sometimes it’s better to focus on solutions instead of questioning how projects get so complicated in the first place. 

Watch the full interview to see the XTop prototype and learn more about what’s next for FlashCo!