By Emma Peterson. 

Whether you’re an attendee or an exhibitor, you don’t want to miss this premier air barrier event!  

The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) will be hosting their annual building enclosure conference and trade show this May! This two-day show (May 5-6, 2026) will be held at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is an unparalleled opportunity for design professionals, general contractors, air barrier contractors, consultants and testing labs to network, learn and grow together. 

Come as an attendee 

For attendees, this is your chance to earn valuable professional credits, network with industry leaders and discover the latest innovations in the air barrier world. There will be 22 dynamic presentations from top building enclosure experts sharing real-world insights and best practices across the two days of programming, offering professionals a chance to earn up to 12 total credits.  

There will also be unique in-person training opportunities that combine classroom learning with hands-on experiences. These trainings run a bit longer than the rest of the program, as they are divided into three core modules over three days (May 5-7, 2026). This year’s tracks include self-adhered/fluid applied installer training (SA/FL), spray polyurethane foam installer training (SPF) and auditor training.  

The best part? ABAA is providing “all BEC members, specification writers and architectural firm employees with a discounted rate.” Please note, these rates do not apply for the installer or field auditor training courses. Contact ABAA to learn more about eligiblity for these discounts.  

Exhibit on in the expo hall 

Looking for a way to meet your clients face-to-face? Consider exhibiting at ABAA’s annual building enclosure conference and trade show! The expo hall at the show is strategically placed at the heart of the event, giving you a great opportunity to gain exposure, build partnerships and foster new business growth. 

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your offerings alongside industry leaders like SOPREMA, VaproShield, Polyglass, Tremco, Sika, Georgia-Pacific and RAiNA. 

Learn more about the show and why it’s a great investment in your future, both as an attendee and an exhibitor.

By Emma Peterson. 

Celebrate your crew and share your story with NRCA this June. 

Roofing is the hidden hero in many people’s lives; roofs protect their homes, families, businesses and possessions from the elements. To raise awareness about the significance of roofing and the important work of professionals across the roofing industry, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be hosting their annual National Roofing Week from June 7-13, 2026. 

During the week, NRCA will be sharing stories from professionals around the industry across their social media platforms. NRCA encourages members to “share their stories of charitable giving, crew and staff appreciation and signature roofing projects” by using the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 tag.  

Another great way to show your support for this initiative is by decking your crew out in National Roofing Week swag! These shirts are a great way to show your roofing pride with style. You can find more detailed information about participation and National Roofing Week assets to use in your photos and videos online. 

This year’s event is sponsored by a variety of industry-leading companies, including Georgia-Pacific, SRS Distribution, International Roofing Expo, Hanover Architectural Products, OMG Roofing Products, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA and TuffWrap. If you need more information on National Roofing Week, contact NRCA Director of Communications Krista Berns (847-493-7531 or kberns@nrca.net) or NRCA Social Media Manager Madison Mahoney (847-493-7548 or mmahoney@nrca.net). 

Join the NRCA in celebrating the essential work your crew does each day and promote the importance of hiring professionals!

By Jenny Yu. 

Building enclosure professionals won’t want to miss out on this annual industry event!   

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is gearing up for its 2026 International Convention and Trade Show, set to take place March 12–15 in Sacramento, California, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This annual event draws building enclosure professionals, including roofing consultants, architects, engineers and product manufacturers, for education, networking and industry insights. Registration is now open, with early rates available through February 6, 2026.  

Attendees will find a robust program that includes educational sessions covering topics ranging from roofing, waterproofing, sustainability and codes, as well as other related topics designed to advance professional knowledge and earn continuing education hours. A two-day trade show with more than 140 exhibiting companies will spotlight the latest roofing, exterior wall and building enclosure products and services. Participants can connect with manufacturers, consultants and peers on the show floor, which also features product demonstrations and sponsored receptions. The Coffee Shops™ will be there with a sound stage sponsored by Western Colloid — be sure to stop by! 

Beyond the exhibit hall, IIBEC has arranged a wide variety of exciting activities for attendees to participate in. The schedule opens with auxiliary seminars and networking opportunities on March 12, followed by formal welcome receptions, an annual awards ceremony and specialty events such as a golf tournament and an emerging professionals reception. The convention also hosts the Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting (EBEC) Awards on March 14, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field. 

Hotel accommodations are available in the Sacramento area to assist attendees in securing convenient lodging near the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. IIBEC has secured official room blocks at the Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, Residence Inn and The Citizen Hotel. Early planning is encouraged, as Sacramento draws visitors from across the United States and beyond for this premier industry gathering. 

A wide range of sponsorship packages are still available, each including prominent recognition and unique opportunities for memorable convention engagement. Current sponsors include Carlisle, Elevate™, GAF, Johns Manville, Polyglass, Sika, SOPREMA and Versico Roofing Systems (platinum sponsors); Anchor Products, H.B. Fuller, IB Roof Systems™ and USG Securock® Brand (gold sponsors); and Georgia-Pacific Building Products.   

Register today to secure early registration and explore the latest developments in roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure design!

By Lauren White. 

Roofing made its mark at the 2025 SkillsUSA, inspiring the next generation of tradespeople and showing thousands of students why the future looks brighter from the rooftop. 

The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) was a celebration of hands-on talent, industry partnerships and student potential. With record-breaking attendance rumored to be 18,000 strong, the energy on the show floor was unmistakable. For the roofing industry, it marked another major step forward in introducing future generations to the viability of a career in roofing as well as an effort to help close the skilled labor gap. 

SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to solving one of the country’s most urgent workforce challenges: the widening gap between job openings and trained professionals. Each year, more than 440,000 career and technical education students and teachers join SkillsUSA across nearly 5,000 schools in all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to compete in over 130 skilled trades. Students begin with local competitions, then advance to the state-level competition and the first-place winners from each of those competitions then travel to Atlanta, Georgia for the national competition, this year taking place June 23-27.   

Roofing’s rise 

Roofing was officially added to the national competition lineup of skills in 2023, and it’s been quickly gaining traction and recognition. This year, 21 students from 17 states earned their place at the national competition by advancing through state-level contests. The competition was divided into high school and college/postsecondary categories, with winners earning cash prizes, trophies and valuable industry tools. This year, we had 15 high school and six post-secondary students competing.  

High school division: 

• First place: Damien Holloway, Florida 
• Second place: Brigham Richardson, Arizona 
• Third place: Nathan Luz-Santos, Tennessee 

College/postsecondary division: 

• First place: Samuel Oelfke, Minnesota 
• Second place: Chenxi Huang, Florida 
• Third place: Kelly Cosgrove, New York 

First-place winners received $1,500, a championship belt and a Leister Triac ST handheld hot air welder. 

Hands-on, head-turning booth 

Roofing was bigger and better than last year! We had larger scaffolding and remained the only two-story booth in all three halls. Multiple roofing systems were also represented this year. Upstairs, two different types of roofing systems were installed to reveal the layers that go into each of them – one was TPO and the other was EPDM. Asphalt shingles were also installed around the perimeter of the safety fencing. Multiple sponsors had tables set up this year for more education and interaction with the students to really showcase how many different facets of the roofing industry there are. Sponsors included: Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), The Coffee Shops, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), Georgia-Pacific Building Products, GAF, Leister, OMG, Elevate, SRS distribution, Johns Manville, ABC Supply, Atlas, Central States, Eagleview, National Roofing Partners (NRP), QXO, Roofing Contractor, TAMKO, IB Roof Systems.   

The talk of the show was the heat welding though. Johns Manville had three people stationed upstairs helping those who ventured there learn how to heat weld TPO. “It felt like we had half the show floor come through our booth on Tuesday,” said Karen Edwards, COO of The Coffee Shops. “Everyone was excited to be here, learn something new, like the heat welding and share what they were excited about.” 

Being stationed at the exit of the scaffolding was really exciting for us at The Coffee Shops. We met students, parents, advisors and others who were invited to chat with us, live on our YouTube channel, to share their experiences at the Roofing Pavilion. And doing a quick interview also meant they got a special roofing pin. The pins are all the rage here. Each state and territory has its own unique design, and everyone strives to collect them all, along with any special industry pins. This year, the Roofing Pavilion offered two: one for anybody stopping by the booth, and the other for people who went upstairs, tried heat welding, interacted with sponsor booths and then joined us for an interview about what their favorite part was – generally heat welding!  

It wasn’t just the pins that drew attention to the roofing pavilion, we also had some special guests join us Tuesday morning. Fox Business News did a live 90-second story from the top of our Roofing Pavilion, and they talked to last year's winner, Brandon Lopez, as well as his advisor, Bryan Raeckelboom with Golden Strip Career Center in South Carolina. And then Ty Pennington with Rock the Block joined us again this year and did some videos up on top of the roofing pavilion. 

Voices of the next generation 

Not only were students thrilled to be featured in our live YouTube videos, but they’re so eager to learn and curious about roofing and what the world of trades has to offer. I continue to be amazed by their professionalism. They are articulate, excited and hungry to learn. They ask thoughtful questions and share their interest in trying different trades before settling on a career path. It was great to see how many were intrigued by roofing after interacting with our booth. “The students that we talked to are so well spoken. I'm always so impressed with how well they speak their thoughts, how excited they are to be here and just learn anything. And they ask a lot of great questions,” Karen shared. 

A win for workforce development 

This event is part of a broader effort by NRCA and industry stakeholders to spotlight roofing as a rewarding career path and introduce the trade to more young people. By integrating roofing into SkillsUSA, NRCA and its partners are helping students discover new possibilities, develop critical skills and connect directly with employers. 

Whether you’re a contractor, manufacturer or supplier, the message is clear: the roofing industry needs you to help shape the next generation. One of the most effective ways to get involved is by partnering with local trade schools to bring training and mentorship to students who are ready to work. During our interviews with the roofing competitors when asked how they got interested in roofing, they all had the same answer – because someone came and talked to them about it. 

As the industry looks toward the future, these young competitors remind us that talent is out there — it just needs a platform, encouragement and the right tools. At SkillsUSA, roofing found all three. 

We’re already looking forward to next year! If you weren’t able to make it or are curious to hear from students and sponsors, check out our YouTube playlist – live from SkillsUSA!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry experts are revealing why durability and resilience are driving a PVC roofing renaissance. 

As the roofing industry sharpens its focus on long-term performance and environmental responsibility, IB Roof Systems CEO Jason Stanley spotlighted PVC as a trusted, forward-looking solution during a live Roofing Road Trips® at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 2025 show. 

Jason tackled the hard truths facing commercial roofing, particularly the industry's shift back toward PVC after years of chasing newer, cheaper options. “TPO came in the marketplace with such a presence,” he explained, “but I think we’re seeing the turn of TPO. People are turning back to a bit of resilience.” 

That resilience, Jason argued, is becoming essential as roof lifespans shorten and environmental concerns grow. Citing attorney and industry expert Trent Cotney, Jason noted, “We sell disposable roofs today. While many have 30-year warranties, many of them are being replaced in less than 15 years. And we’re filling our landfills with these roofs.” 

Jason's message resonated clearly with the IIBEC trade show, a gathering of roofing consultants and industry professionals who, as he put it, "want to talk about resilience, and who want to talk about durability.” It’s a markedly different atmosphere than at more contractor-focused trade shows, Jason observed. “Contractors at IRE want to see what’s new and shiny. Roof consultants love facts, data and they love to read.” 

Jason expressed that the partnership between IB Roof Systems and Kingspan is more than a business deal, it’s a catalyst for raising the bar in roofing performance and durability. “They want to buy good companies and then give them CapEx dollars to really grow and mature in the industry,” he said of Kingspan. That growth, he added, has already brought top-tier talent and new momentum to IB Roof Systems. The partnership also reinforces IB’s focus on resilient, long-lasting solutions, aligning capital investment with the industry’s growing demand for high-performance, sustainable roofing. 

This kind of long-term investment through company mergers and acquisitions reinforces Jason’s thought that the industry is returning to resiliency and more sustainable products. As the market moves away from short-term solutions, partnerships like this one highlight how innovation, sustainability and smart capital investment can help meet the demand for long-lasting roofing systems. 

As for the technical merits of PVC, Jason pointed to its strength in critical infrastructure markets such as data centers, cold storage and semiconductor facilities. “Those people want PVC. Those are really critical buildings. They’re all buy and hold, and they want a PVC roof.” 

The increasing threat of extreme weather and the growing demand for solar-ready rooftops necessitates more durable products like PVC.  Jason highlighted Georgia-Pacific Building Products for its recent whitepapers advocating for stronger roof assemblies. “A coverboard makes my roof better. A coverboard makes everybody’s roof better,” he said, calling its inclusion “a major ticket.” 

Jason brought a clear message to the stage: roofing must evolve with purpose. His unwavering emphasis on durability, sustainability and high-performance roofing systems set a clear tone, one that resonated deeply with an audience looking for solutions that last. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the interview to learn more about how roofing leaders are rethinking product strategy in a rapidly changing market!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

The Roofing Alliance Spring Meeting offered meaningful updates, outstanding networking and renewed energy for the year ahead.

The April 2025 Roofing Alliance Member Meeting, held at Paradise Point Resort & Spa in San Diego, delivered vital industry updates and highlighted the growing impact of the Roofing Alliance’s core initiatives. President Reed Gooding of GSM Roofing opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and setting the tone for a dynamic and productive gathering.

Finance Committee Chairman Jason Dark presented the financial report, followed by a timely market outlook from Jack Krapf of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Krapf discussed current economic volatility and shared insight into key concerns surrounding national debt refinancing, tariffs and immigration policy — important topics affecting members businesses.  

Roofing Alliance Executive Director Alison LaValley led the committee updates, emphasizing the remarkable work of Roofing Alliance volunteers across several initiatives. These included the Student Competition, the Ronald McDonald House Charities partnership, MVP Program, Clemson University partnership and roofing curriculum, SkillsUSA engagement, sustainability efforts, and the creation of the new Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership.

Kyle Thomas of Thomas Roofing, chairman of the Construction Management Committee, recapped the successful 2025 Student Competition and announced that planning for the 2026 event at the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas is already underway. He also previewed a fall faculty retreat that will support construction management professors in bringing more roofing-focused curriculum to their programs. Dennis Conway of Commercial Roofers noted the growing number of construction graduates entering the roofing profession, many with entrepreneurial aspirations, a positive sign for the industry's future.

Professor Dhaval Gajjar shared a comprehensive update on the Roofing Alliance-Clemson University partnership, which continues to evolve and expand after seven years. Notable initiatives include a three-course online certificate program designed to attract and retain roofing professionals, the publication of three textbooks dedicated to roofing education and a large-scale project documenting sustainability and resiliency within the roofing industry. The upcoming fourth course will focus on sustainability and resiliency and is expected to lead to the creation of a roofing minor. All these efforts support the vision behind the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, which will serve as a groundbreaking hub for advancing leadership, innovation, and sustainability in roofing.

Members were energized by these developments. Piers Dormeyer of EagleView encouraged attendees to take advantage of the new educational resources, especially the certificate training program, to help strengthen the future roofing workforce.  

Roofing Alliance Senior Advisor Bill Good followed with an update on the Roofing Alliance’s longstanding partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which began in 2017. Since then, the Roofing Alliance has helped inspect and maintain roofs, contributed to more than 20 reroofing and expansion projects, and provided more than $3 million in donated services and materials.

One of the most memorable moments of the meeting was the announcement of the 2024-25 Bennett Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding volunteerism and significant contributions in support of the Roofing Alliance and the roofing industry. This year’s recipient, Dudley Miles of J.D. Miles & Sons, was recognized with a heartfelt tribute video celebrating his remarkable impact. Watch the video here.

The meeting also marked a transition in leadership, as Reed Gooding passed the presidency to Greg Hudson of Georgia-Pacific. Both leaders have shown unwavering dedication to the Roofing Alliance and its mission. The membership's commitment to the Roofing Alliance's four pillars—Technology, Education, Philanthropy and Sustainability — is both inspiring and foundational to its continued success.

The Roofing Alliance Spring Meeting offered meaningful updates, outstanding networking and renewed energy for the year ahead.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Hearts on the Green charity golf tournament raises funds for Ronald McDonald Houses of greater Dallas area.

The roofing industry has long been recognized for its generosity and commitment to giving back. At the heart of this effort is the Roofing Alliance, the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). With a legacy spanning over two decades, the Roofing Alliance supports key industry initiatives focused on research, technology, education and philanthropy.

One of its most meaningful partnerships is with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). In April 2017, the Roofing Alliance formally committed to a partnership with RMHC, pledging to inspect, maintain, repair, and when needed, replace roofs on the 165 standalone Ronald McDonald House programs across the country.

Since then, commitment has grown beyond just maintaining roofs. The roofing industry has embraced RMHC as a national charity, offering not only roofing services but also fundraising support to help sustain and expand their work. A recent example was the Hearts on the Greens fundraiser held April 7, 2024, in Grapevine, Texas. Sponsored by IB Roof Systems and several other roofing companies, the event brought together roofing professionals for a day of golf and giving.

The event was led by Jason Stanley, a longtime Roofing Alliance and NRCA leader, who saw the opportunity to support the Ronald McDonald Houses in the greater Dallas area through a high-energy industry event. His vision was to raise funds not just for maintenance but for growth, helping more families find shelter and support during their most challenging times.

The partnership with RMHC is a natural extension of the generosity of the industry and the mission of the Roofing Alliance. Ronald McDonald Houses offer much more than a place to stay. They provide private rooms, meals and emotional support to families with sick children being treated at nearby hospitals. While families are asked to pay a small fee to stay, no one is turned away if they cannot afford it.

The Roofing Alliance and NRCA members have committed to performing regular roof inspections, ensuring proper maintenance and stepping in for repairs or replacements as needed. Roof replacements are handled as individual projects with participation from multiple contractors, and many manufacturers and distributors contribute materials free of charge.  There is always a need for additional funds for new builds and remodeling initiatives.

Jason Stanley highlighted the growing need for expansion. “The demand for rooms at Ronald McDonald Houses is higher than ever. Many times, there are not enough rooms for the families who need them. We want to help them expand and maintain their properties along with new homes,” he said.

The Hearts on the Greens event drew many industry leaders including former NRCA CEOs Bill Good and Reid Ribble, as well as current CEO McKay Daniels. Bill Good continues to support the Roofing Alliance projects and fundraising efforts nationwide. “We are working with companies like IB Roof Systems and several others to obtain product, installation and overall funding like the Hearts on the Greens fundraiser,” said Bill, now a consultant to the Roofing Alliance.

When asked how important fundraisers like this are, Bill was clear. “Very important. We are seeing an increasing demand for rooms. So many families need to be close to their children during treatment, and as an industry we are stepping up through fundraising and product donations.”

“This would not have been possible without our sponsors,” noted Jamie Treglio, IB Roof Systems marketing director. Event sponsors included:

• Platinum sponsors – Supreme Roofing, RJH & Associates, REI Engineers
• Gold sponsors – Roofing Alliance, Anchor Products, HCG Hollon + Cannon Group
• Silver sponsors – Sunbelt, Georgia-Pacific, Beam Professionals, Sun Commercial Roofs, NARI
• Food and drink sponsors – RJH & Associates, Tarrant Roofing, TRUFAST, IIBEC

The event also featured a special guest, Ronald McDonald himself, whose visit brought smiles and laughter to attendees. His presence added a sense of joy and purpose to the event, reinforcing the mission of RMHC and the industry’s commitment.

While there were prizes awarded for longest drive, best putt and low scoring teams, the true winners of the day were the children and families who continue to receive care and support. Through the giving nature of the roofing community and efforts like Hearts on the Greens, the industry continues to make a meaningful difference, showing just how strong the heart of roofing truly is.

By Emma Peterson.

Get ready to explore Canada’s only dedicated show for roofing systems and technologies.

With over 150 exhibitors, education sessions and demonstrations, the 2025 Canada Roofing Expo (formerly Rooftech) is the place to be! Hosted in Toronto, Canada at the International Centre, this is Canada’s biggest trade show and forum dedicated to “the industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) roofing community, construction and property management industries.” The show is hosted by the Canadian Roofing Contractor’s Association (CRCA) in collaboration with Mediaedge Communications and will introduce professionals to cutting-edge technology, innovative solutions and expert knowledge.

Show floor

Explore an extensive trade show floor and learn from leading suppliers and manufacturers from both the U.S. and Canada. The Coffee Shops™ crew will be there (booth #202) along with many of our friends, like Vicwest, FlashCo, GAF, Georgia-Pacific, KARNAK and Malarkey.

Check out the full map of the show floor!

Education sessions

This is a great opportunity to learn from the industry’s leading experts and professionals. Here’s the education session schedule at a glance:  

• Tuesday, April 15 at 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • “ESG and Roofing Projects: Requirements vs. Budgets” moderated by Brian Brill of Tri-Tech.
• Tuesday, April 15 at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • “Use of BIM in Construction” taught by Claudia Cozzitorto of buildingSMART Canada and Yuri Bartzis from Building Operations Pomerleau.
  • “Staying on Top of Research, Technology and Change: Roofing at the National Research Council” taught by Sudha Molleti of the Construction Research Center.
• Wednesday, April 16 at 8:30-9:30 a.m.
  • “Improving the City of Toronto's Rebate Program for Green and Cool Roofs” taught by Ana Cuciureanu and Emma Tamlin from the City of Toronto.
  • “Rooftop safety in Ontario” featuring Francois Malette of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Theo Heinemen from 1Life Workplace Safety Solutions, Kevan Thompson of Fenn & Fenn Construction Practice and Jeremy Power of Pallett Valo LLP.
  • “How Reducing Carbon Emissions and Climate Change Adaptation are Shaping Building Practices” taught by Alex Lukachko, assistant professor at the University of Toronto.
• Wednesday, April 16 at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • “Drone Use in Roofing and Building Science” taught by Steve Priestley from Altomaxx Technologies Inc.
  • “Wind Uplift for Roofing Systems” featuring Wendy Fraser and Troy Ferreira of Canadian Roofing Contractors Association  

Learn more about each session online.

Demonstrations

In addition to these in-depth education sessions, there will be a variety of opportunities to see demonstrations of new products and practices on the show floor. Here are some things to look forward to:  

• Thermoplastic roofing systems: Get the scoop on the thermoplastic membranes, from their development to how to use them in a roofing assembly.
• EPDM roofing systems: Understand and see firsthand how EPDM can be used in new, re-roofing and recovery applications.
• Steep slope roofing systems: Explore the different steep-slope roofing materials (shingles, slate and metal) and how they should be installed.
• Vegetative roofing systems: Learn about one of the hottest topics in roofing today, the green roof.  
• Modified bitumen roofing systems: See how modified bitumen roofing is installed, including techniques for working with base and cap sheets; edges and corners; and fasteners and attachments.  
• Liquid applied roofing systems: Find out about the newest innovations and solutions for the liquid applied sector.  

Learn more about the different demos that will be at the show!

You do not want to miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience, network and explore all at once!  

Get your tickets to the 2025 Canadian Roofing Expo today!

Specifically engineered for Very Severe Hail (VSH) regions, this high-performance roof board is setting a new standard in roofing durability and protection.

Georgia-Pacific Building Products is proud to announce that the DensDeck® StormX® Prime Roof Board has been awarded the Global Gypsum Product of the Year Award at the Global Gypsum Conference & Exhibition. The award recognizes innovative products that address key market needs, and DensDeck® StormX® has risen to the top with its unmatched performance and reliability.

The DensDeck® StormX® Prime Roof Board was honored for its cutting-edge design, offering enhanced hail, wind, fire and puncture resistance. Specifically engineered for Very Severe Hail (VSH) regions, this high-performance roof board is setting a new standard in roofing durability and protection. Its advanced composition provides the superior resilience needed to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to protect critical roof systems and the buildings they cover.

“Winning the Global Gypsum Product of the Year Award is a testament to our commitment to innovation and addressing our industry’s evolving challenges,” said Hamed Kayello, DensDeck product manager.  “The DensDeck® StormX® Prime Roof Board was designed to meet the growing need for robust, high-performing materials in regions prone to extreme weather. We’re thrilled to see our product recognized for its ability to deliver enhanced performance where it matters most.”

This recognition reinforces the ongoing leadership of Georgia-Pacific in developing innovative building solutions that help meet real-world challenges while furthering the standards for performance and protection in the roofing industry.

For more information about the DensDeck® StormX® Prime Roof Board and its award-winning features, visit Georgia-Pacific Building Products' website.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Understand the importance of roof durability as commercial rooftops evolve into multifunctional spaces. 

As the landscape of commercial roofing evolves, rooftops are no longer just about covering buildings — they’re becoming critical spaces for solar arrays, telecommunications, HVAC systems and even livable areas. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Greg Hudson of Georgia-Pacific Building Products discusses the rising challenges brought by increased rooftop foot traffic and offers solutions for enhancing roof durability. 

According to Greg, the demand on commercial roofs has increased exponentially. Pointing to a mix of trades accessing rooftops for maintenance and installations, Greg notes, “When a commercial low-slope roofer goes onto a roof, they're very mindful, it almost is their baby. As they look at it, they're doing maintenance inspections, they're doing all these things... But when you get to the other trades, they're really focused on their trade, the HVAC, all the different things that go along with that.” 

A critical element in protecting roofs from wear and tear is the use of cover boards. Greg explains how these rigid layers, such as gypsum cover boards like Georgia-Pacific’s DensDeck®, can extend the life of a roof while also mitigating damage from increased traffic. 

“You increase the risk of cavitating, crushing, puncturing the membrane and then getting leaks into that insulation,” Greg explains. “You want to make sure that all parts of the system and that's where something as simple as a rigid cover board could add that added layer of protection, increase puncture resistance, increase compressive strength, so that insulation is staying intact, staying as designed on that roof.” 

Greg urges contractors to discuss long-term goals with building owners, especially as rooftop functions expand. “Even though that roof right now maybe only has HVAC on it, but in five years, 10 years, it could have solar, it could be a livable space, it could have more telecommunications. I mean, who knows what's going to be on the roof going forward? 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about managing foot traffic and enhancing roof systems!