Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Descubre los eventos, seminarios y expositores que formarán parte del Western Roofing Expo 2026. 

Mantenerse al día en la industria del roofing puede ser todo un desafío. Ya sea enfrentando tormentas cada vez más intensas en el campo o lidiando con la escasez de mano de obra y materiales desde la oficina, contar con la información y las herramientas adecuadas es clave para seguir siendo competitivo. Afortunadamente, la Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) organiza cada año el Western Roofing Expo (WRE), un evento de dos días diseñado para ayudar a los profesionales del roofing a enfrentar estos retos y conocer las últimas tendencias de la industria. 

Considerado uno de los principales eventos regionales de roofing e impermeabilización, el WRE ofrece una exposición comercial de dos días, más de 30 seminarios educativos, almuerzos especializados, la competencia The Roofing Games™, torneos de golf y tiro deportivo (sporting clays), una subasta en vivo, demostraciones de productos y mucho más. Este año, el evento se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre de 2026 en el Paris Las Vegas, en Las Vegas, Nevada. 

El corazón del evento 

Las principales actividades se desarrollarán el lunes 28 y martes 29 de septiembre, con un programa que incluye 30 seminarios educativos, dos almuerzos especializados y un piso de exhibición con acceso gratuito para contratistas. 

Los seminarios del WRE son una excelente oportunidad para fortalecer conocimientos tanto técnicos como empresariales. Especialistas de toda la industria compartirán información sobre administración de negocios, tendencias del mercado, innovación y desarrollo técnico. Los asistentes también encontrarán rostros conocidos de la familia de The Coffee Shops™, entre ellos Trent Cotney de Adams and Reese, Amparo Sancen de Latinos En Roofing, John Kenney de Cotney Consulting Group y la presidenta de RoofersCoffeeShop®, Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

WSRCA ha preparado dos almuerzos especialmente pensados para los asistentes. El primero será el lunes, de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m., patrocinado por National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Durante esta sesión, Craig Brightup, de The Brightup Group, y Chad Collins, de NRCA, analizarán las decisiones más recientes en Washington D.C. y cómo podrían afectar a la industria del roofing. 

El segundo almuerzo se realizará el martes, también de 11:30 a.m. a 1:00 p.m., con el patrocinio de Malarkey Roofing Products. En esta ocasión, los asistentes escucharán a la conferencista principal del WRE 2026, Shereen Thor, una comediante convertida en coach de liderazgo que ha trabajado con organizaciones como Google, Pandora, Slack, Safe Place for Youth y The Social Justice Learning Institute. Su conferencia ofrecerá herramientas útiles tanto para empresarios como para profesionales en cualquier etapa de su carrera. 

El piso de exhibición estará abierto el lunes y el martes. Esta será una excelente oportunidad para conocer las últimas innovaciones y tecnologías de la industria, ya que habrá demostraciones de productos cada hora. En ese mismo escenario de demostraciones también regresarán los esperados Roofing Games el martes. 

La exposición comercial también brinda la oportunidad de conversar con representantes de empresas líderes de la industria. ¿La mejor parte? ¡La entrada al piso de exhibición es GRATUITA para contratistas y roofers! Estaremos en el booth 12, así que no dejes de visitarnos para saludarnos. Además, muchos de nuestros amigos de la industria también estarán presentes, entre ellos Anchor Products (815), APOC (609), BITEC (151), Brava Roof Tile (840), Carlisle Architectural Metals (509), Drexel Metals (509), Equipter (826), Integrity Insurance & Bonding (360), Lakeside Construction Fasteners (154), New Tech Machinery (356), PABCO Roofing Products (703), Rocket Equipment (638), RoofScope (822), Sentry Building Innovations (150) and VELUX (361). 

Eventos adicionales y más 

Además de las actividades principales de los dos días, habrá eventos adicionales tanto antes (domingo 27 de septiembre) como después (miércoles 30 de septiembre). Davis Memorial Foundation organizará dos torneos, uno de tiro deportivo (sporting clays) y otro de golf. Los fondos recaudados en estos eventos se destinarán directamente al fondo de becas de Davis Memorial Foundation. Gracias a este programa, más de 195 estudiantes de preparatoria, licenciatura y posgrado han recibido apoyo para continuar con sus estudios. Estos eventos cuentan con un registro y una cuota de participación independientes. 

Miércoles 30 de septiembre, el International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) llevará a cabo una jornada especial de capacitación de 9:00 a.m. a 2:30 p.m. Este evento ayudará a los asistentes a fortalecer sus conocimientos sobre la industria de la envolvente del edificio (building enclosure). El programa incluye dos cursos: uno sobre los fundamentos de los sistemas de techado y otro enfocado en las actualizaciones más importantes de los códigos internacionales de construcción. El registro y la cuota para esta jornada de capacitación son independientes del registro general del evento. 

Regístrate y asegura tu lugar 

El registro para el WRE 2026 ya está abierto. Puedes registrarte en línea. El evento se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre de 2026 en el Paris Las Vegas, en Las Vegas, Nevada. Al celebrarse en el Paris Las Vegas, existen diversas opciones de hospedaje cercanas. WSRCA ha negociado tarifas preferenciales en el Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood y Horseshoe Hotel, con habitaciones disponibles desde $91 dólares por noche. 

¿No estás seguro de que el costo del registro se ajuste a tu presupuesto? RoofersCoffeeShop®, en colaboración con Western Colloid, llevará a cinco profesionales al evento sin costo. Al participar en nuestro concurso, tendrás la oportunidad de ganar un pase con acceso a la exposición comercial, el almuerzo anual, el contenido en español, las sesiones educativas y el almuerzo legislativo. 

¡Conoce más sobre el WRE 2026!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Advancing roofing knowledge through industry education. 

Trade shows are the best time for continuing education. This fall as roofing professionals head to Las Vegas, they will have an opportunity to sharpen their expertise and earn continuing education credits during IIBEC's Education Day at the Western Roofing Expo on September 30, 2026. 

Designed for roofing consultants, contractors, architects and other building enclosure professionals, the program offers a full day of education focused on roofing fundamentals and the future of building codes. The day begins with Roofing Practice Series: Roof Assemblies – Fundamentals, a comprehensive course covering the design, installation, inspection and maintenance of roof systems. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of roofing terminologies along with the importance of common roof assemblies, water and vapor movement, heat transfer and the overall role that roof design plays in protecting buildings while supporting energy efficiency and code compliance. 

As building science continues to evolve and performance expectations increase, roofing professionals are expected to understand more than ever before. Today's projects require knowledge of how moisture management, thermal performance and material selection work together to create durable and resilient roof systems. This session helps attendees strengthen their technical foundation while earning 3.0 IIBEC Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) and 3.0 AIA Learning Units/Health, Safety and Welfare credits. 

The afternoon session, Changes to the I-Code 2027 Edition, focuses on significant updates coming to the International Code Council's 2027 codes. Participants will learn about evolving energy conservation requirements, key differences between ASHRAE 90.1-2025 and the 2027 International Energy Conservation Code, as well as broader trends influencing the code development process. The course also provides insight into how code changes are developed and adopted throughout the industry. 

For contractors, consultants and design professionals, staying ahead of regulatory changes is a key part of delivering successful projects. Understanding upcoming code requirements not only helps ensure compliance but also allows professionals to provide greater value to building owners seeking long-term performance, sustainability and resilience. The session provides 1.5 IIBEC CEHs and 1.5 AIA Learning Units. 

Opportunities like IIBEC's Education Day continue to be an important part of industry events such as the Western Roofing Expo. Beyond earning credits, attendees gain access to practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in the field while also preparing for changes that will shape roofing and building enclosure design for years to come. 

To learn more about IIBEC's Education Day and register for the program at the Western Roofing Expo, visit the IIBEC website and secure your place today.  Be sure to also enter the Western Colloid WRE contest for free registration at 2026 Western Roofing Expo Ticket Giveaway — RoofersCoffeeShop®.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

FlashCo’s national plant network and upcoming edge metal updates were key topics at IIBEC 2026. 

At International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 2026, FlashCo emphasized how fast delivery, specification support and new product development are shaping its work with roofers, architects, and consultants. Speaking on The Coffee Shops™ soundstage, sponsored by Western Colloid, Rob Drew, Marketing Manager for FlashCo, described the company’s national footprint, specification support, product development, and focus on helping contractors finish projects efficiently. 

FlashCo’s network of ten plants allows the company to ship standard and custom products in one to three days, including custom scuppers, vents, drains and edge metal. For contractors nearing the end of a project, that speed can make a meaningful difference. Rob said FlashCo understands that roofers are focused on completing the job and moving efficiently to the next one, and the company aims to support that process by delivering ready-to-install products quickly. 

The conversation also touched on why the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) show is important for FlashCo. Rob noted that specifications are a key part of the company’s presence, particularly when architects and consultants are involved early in the project. Although FlashCo products are often installed near the end of a job, he said being part of the conversation from the beginning helps ensure those details are addressed before they affect the project's timeline. 

FlashCo has also made updates to its edge metal offerings. “We totally revamped our edge metal, ES1 especially,” Rob said. The company has added new website information with specifications and related resources for edge metal use on projects. He also shared that FlashCo is working on new products for data centers, including a waterproofing-focused solution for managing cables. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about FlashCo’s flashing, vents, drains, edge metal and custom roofing accessories!

Por Emma Peterson, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Participa para tener la oportunidad de acceder a sesiones educativas de primer nivel, eventos para establecer contactos, almuerzos y una de las exposiciones comerciales más importantes de la industria. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® se ha unido a Western Colloid para enviar a cinco profesionales a la Western Roofing Expo (WRE). Reconocida como uno de los principales eventos regionales de techado e impermeabilización en Estados Unidos, la WRE es una exposición organizada por la Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). El evento se llevará a cabo del 27 al 29 de septiembre en el hotel Paris Las Vegas y contará con educación, oportunidades para establecer contactos y mucho más.

Los cinco (5) afortunados ganadores de nuestro concurso recibirán un paquete con valor de $500.00 para asistir al evento (viaje y hospedaje no incluidos). Este paquete incluye acceso a: 

• Sesiones de Western Roofing en español: ¡Este año, el evento contará con cuatro seminarios y dos sesiones de almuerzo y aprendizaje impartidas en español! Los temas van desde cómo contratar al equipo de techado adecuado hasta cómo maximizar las reclamaciones de seguros comerciales. Además, la increíble lista de presentadores incluye a Amparo Sancen de Latinos En Roofing, Monica Vornbrock de The GLO Group e Imelda Perez de CertainTeed. 
• Sesiones educativas: En cuanto a las sesiones educativas en inglés, el evento de este año contará con cuatro bloques diferentes. 
  • El primer bloque (de 8:45 a.m. a 10:00 a.m. el lunes 28 de septiembre de 2026) contará con una variedad de presentadores, incluida Heidi J. Ellsworth de The Coffee Shops™. 
  • Entre los aspectos destacados del segundo bloque (de 10:15 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. el lunes 28 de septiembre de 2026) se encuentran la sesión sobre estimaciones de John Kenney de Cotney Consulting y la clase sobre mitigación de riesgos de Trent Cotney de Adams and Reese. 
  • En el tercer bloque (de 8:45 a.m. a 10:00 a.m. el martes 29 de septiembre de 2026), no querrás perderte la mesa redonda sobre techado del Comité de Jóvenes Profesionales de Roofing de WSRCA, dirigida por Rachel Garcia de Malarkey Roofing Products, así como la charla sobre salud mental de Paul Reed de Roofers in Recovery. 
  • Y en el cuarto bloque (de 10:15 a.m. a 11:30 a.m. el martes 29 de septiembre de 2026), nuestros amigos Mindy Dahlquist (TRA Snow and Sun), Brian Chamberlain (Carlisle Construction Materials) y Tracey Donels (Service First Solutions) presentarán sesiones informativas y dinámicas. 
• Piso de exhibición: Como siempre, el piso de exhibición promete ser una gran oportunidad para conocer las últimas innovaciones y las tecnologías más recientes de la industria, con demostraciones de productos cada hora. Y, como ya es tradición, los profesionales del techado podrán recorrer el piso de exhibición de manera gratuita, lo que lo convierte en una oportunidad inigualable para conectar con otros profesionales de la industria. 
• Almuerzo legislativo: El primero de los dos almuerzos que se llevarán a cabo durante el evento de este año estará a cargo de Craig Brightup de The Brightup Group y Chad Collins de la National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Durante esta sesión se analizarán cambios y acontecimientos importantes que están ocurriendo en Washington, D.C., y que tienen un impacto en la industria del techado. 
• Almuerzo anual: En cuanto al segundo almuerzo, esta será tu oportunidad de escuchar a la conferencista principal de WRE 2026, Shereen Thor. Shereen es una comediante que se convirtió en coach profesional, y su conferencia será un gran recurso para profesionales y dueños de negocios en cualquier etapa de sus carreras. 

¿Quieres tener la oportunidad de ganar acceso a todo esto e impulsar tu negocio en WRE 2026? ¡Participa en el concurso Spin to Win de RoofersCoffeeShop y Western Colloid! El concurso cerrará el 22 de agosto de 2026 y los ganadores se anunciarán en vivo durante el episodio de Weekly Blend del 24 de agosto de 2026. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Enter for an opportunity to access top-tier educational sessions, networking events, luncheons and an industry-leading trade show floor. 

RoofersCoffeeShop® is partnering with Western Colloid to send five professionals to the 2026 Western Roofing Expo (WRE)! Known as the premier regional roofing and waterproofing event in the United States, WRE is a trade show hosted by the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). The show, which runs September 27-29 at the Paris Las Vegas, features education, networking and more. 

The five (5) lucky winners of our contest will be given an all-inclusive package ($500.00 value, travel and hotel not included) to the show. This package includes access to:  

• Western Roofing en Español sessions: This year’s show will have four seminars and two lunch-and-learn sessions taught in Spanish! Topics range from hiring the right roofing team to maximizing commercial claims. And the incredible speaker list includes Amparo Sancen of Latinos En Roofing, Monica Vornbrock of the GLO Group and Imelda Perez from CertainTeed. 
• Educational sessions: As for the English-language education sessions, this year’s show boasts four different blocks of session.  
  • The first block (8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026) will feature a variety of speakers including The Coffee Shops™’ own Heidi J. Ellsworth!  
  • Some highlights of block two (10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026) include John Kenney of Cotney Consulting’s estimating session and Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese’s risk mitigation class.  
  • In block three (8:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026), you’ll want to make sure to catch the WSRCA Young Roofing Professionals Committee’s roofing roundtable, led by Malarkey Roofing Products’ Rachel Garcia as well as Paul Reed of Roofers in Recovery’s mental health talk.  
  • And in block four (10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026), our friends Mindy Dahlquist (TRA Snow and Sun), Brian Chamberlain (Carlisle Construction Materials) and Tracey Donels (Service First Solutions) will all be hosting informative and engaging sessions. 
• Trade show floor: As always, the trade show floor promises to be a great opportunity to see the latest innovations and newest technology in the industry as product demos will be hosted on the hour. And, per tradition, roofers will walk free on the show floor – making it an unmatched opportunity for peer-to-peer networking.  
• Legislative luncheon: The first of the two luncheons that will be held at this year’s show, the legislative luncheon will be hosted by Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group, and Chad Collins, National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). It will dive into key changes and developments happening in Washington, D.C. that relate to roofing. 
• Annual luncheon: As for the second luncheon, this is your opportunity to hear from the WRE 2026 keynote speaker – Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian turned coach whose keynote will be a great resource to professionals and business owners in all parts of their careers. 

Want a chance to win access to all that and boost your business at WRE 2026? Enter the RoofersCoffeeShop and Western Colloid Spin to Win contest! The contest will close August 22, 2026, and announced live on the August 24, 2026 Weekly Blend episode. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about all the events, seminars and exhibitors that will be at this year’s Western Roofing Expo. 

Navigating today’s roofing industry can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re facing more extreme storms in the field or juggling labor issues and material shortages in the office, it can be hard to stay up to date with the information and tools you need to succeed. Luckily, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) hosts a two-day event designed to help professionals handle all those issues and more – Western Roofing Expo (WRE).  

This premier regional roofing and waterproofing event boasts a two-day trade show, over two dozen education seminars, multiple engaging luncheons, The Roofing Games™ shingling competition, golf and sporting clays tournaments, a live auction, product demonstrations and more! Keep reading to learn about what to expect from this year’s show, which will be held September 27-29, 2026 at the Paris Las Vegas! 

The core of the show 

The core of the show occurs on Monday (9/28) and Tuesday (9/29) with 30 seminars planned, two luncheons organized and a trade show floor that is free for contractors to attend. 

The seminars at WRE are a great way to upgrade your skills! Experts from across the industry will be teaching about everything from business management to technical developments. And if you’re a part of The Coffee Shops™ family, there will be a lot of familiar faces like Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese, Amparo Sancen from Latinos En Roofing, John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group and our very own president, Heidi J. Ellsworth!  

As for the luncheons, WSRCA has organized two invaluable luncheons for WRE attendees. The first will be hosted on Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is presented by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). Craig Brightup, The Brightup Group, and Chad Collins, NRCA, will take this opportunity to talk to attendees about the key developments in Washington D.C. that are impacting the roofing industry.  

The second luncheon will run at the same time (11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) on Tuesday and is sponsored by Malarkey Roofing Products. This luncheon gives attendees an opportunity to hear from the WRE 2026 keynote speaker – Shereen Thor. Shereen is a comedian turned coach who has worked with organizations like Google, Pandora, Slack, Safe Place For Youth and The Social Justice Learning Institute. Her keynote will be a great resource to professionals and business owners in all parts of their careers.  

And last but not least, the trade show floor will be open both Monday and Tuesday. This is a great opportunity to see the latest innovations and newest technology in the industry as product demos will be hosted on the hour. At that same demo stage there will also be the return of the much-anticipated Roofing Games on Tuesday!  

The trade show is a great opportunity to talk to representatives of leading companies around the industry. And the best part? The exhibit floor is FREE for contractors and roofers to attend! We’ll be in booth 12, so make sure to stop by and say hi, and we have countless industry friends who will be around the floor, such as Anchor Products (815), APOC (609), BITEC (151), Brava Roof Tile (840), Carlisle Architectural Metals (509), Drexel Metals (509), Equipter (826), Integrity Insurance & Bonding (360), Lakeside Construction Fasteners (154), New Tech Machinery (356), PABCO Roofing Products (703), Rocket Equipment (638), RoofScope (822), Sentry Building Innovations (150) and VELUX (361). 

Additional events and more 

In addition to the core two days, there are extra events both before (Sunday, 9/27) and after (Wednesday, 9/30). On Sunday, the Davis Memorial Foundation will host two tournaments, one sporting clays tournament and one golf tournament. The proceeds from these events go directly to the Davis Memorial Foundation Scholarship Fund. The scholarships from this fund have helped more than 195 aspiring high school, undergraduate and graduate students pursue their dreams. These events have their own registration and their own fees. 

And on that Wednesday, the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants will host a special education day. This event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will elevate attendees’ expertise in the building enclosure industry. It features two courses, one about the fundamentals of roof assemblies and the other highlighting key updates to international codes. The registration and fees for this education day are separate from general registration. 

Get registered and reserved 

Registration for the 2026 WRE is now open! You can register online, again the show will be held at the Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada from September 27-29, 2026. Being at the Paris, there are many options for hotels nearby. WSRCA has worked specifically with the Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe Hotel to get discounted room blocks that start as low as $91.  

Not sure if you can make the registration fee work in your budget? RoofersCoffeeShop® is partnering with Western Colloid to send five professionals to the show for free! By entering our contest, you get the chance to win an all-inclusive pass to the show, which gives you access to the trade show, annual luncheon, en Español content, educational sessions and the legislative luncheon.  

Learn more about the 2026 WRE show!

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Why the details matter so much when it comes to restoring metal roofing systems.  

Looking at a commercial metal roof (the type you see on warehouses and industrial buildings), it might appear simple at first – especially for standing seam systems that, at first glance, look just like a panel of metal that’s been attached to the roof with fasteners. But as anyone who has worked on a metal roof can tell you, the devil’s in the details. To dive into the hidden intricacies of metal, Western Colloid’s president, Greg Hlavaty stopped by for an Understanding Roof Restoration podcast episode on restoring metal roofing.  

Greg opened the conversation by discussing the actual design of a commercial metal roof – from the slope of the system to the hidden fasteners under the overlapping panels. Each of these features requires careful consideration, both in the initial installation of the roof and any subsequent restorations. As Greg put it, “You need somebody that knows what they're doing in restoring or repairing that roof as the contractor really is the key to the future performance of the roof. They need to know the configurations of these metal roofs and how to attack each one differently.” 

An example of needing to understand why all of the details that go into a metal roof are vital is when a metal roof has a leak. Leaks in metal roofs can come from a lot of different sources, as Greg explained: 

There are rubber grommets on those hidden fasteners. And as they get older, the rubber wears out and you can have leaks start at those fastener holes...Another source of leaks is people walking on the panels. It crimps the metal between joists, and that bend in the metal creates a place where water collects and then finds its way inside. 

But the throughline of these leak sources and others is that you need to know what you’re looking for and the right way to fix it. Greg shared, “If they're not attacked properly, you can create more leaks in a roof by doing an improper sealing than what was there before.” 

Overall, as metal roofing continues to rise in popularity due to its durability and longevity, it’s important for contractors and other professionals to fully understand all the details and factors that impact the installation, maintenance and eventual restoration of these roof systems. 

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more.

By Jenny Yu.  

Attendees of the 2026 IIBEC Convention gained insights, education and networking opportunities. 

On March 12-15, 2026, the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show delivered on its promise to bring together roofing and building enclosure professionals for education, collaboration and innovation. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Brian Pallasch, EVP and CEO of the International Institute of Building Encloser Consultants (IIBEC), about the key takeaways that continue to shape how contractors, consultants and manufacturers work together. 

For Brian, one central theme for the conference was collaboration. “It really is about the partnership,” Brian stated. “When the contractor, the architect, the building enclosure consultant and the manufacturer work together, it’s to the benefit of the owner and the building. It’s a team.” As building systems grow more complex, this team approach is becoming essential across the industry. 

Brian also emphasized that IIBEC members play a critical role in ensuring quality and performance. “Our members are there to help the owner, the roofing contractor and the manufacturer get the job done — well done and right,” he said. That focus on quality was evident in both the educational sessions and conversations happening on the trade show floor. 

In addition, another key topic present throughout the conference and trade show was the long-term durability of building performance. “The idea of commissioning is, as buildings get more complex, you want to make sure that plans are actually being followed on the job site,” Brian explained, adding that building owners are increasingly focused on results: “They want to make sure that the building that they paid for is the building that they’re getting.” 

The Coffee Shops™ was thrilled to be part of such a successful event, recording live interviews that highlighted the innovation, learning and networking in strong supply. One standout moment included a Coffee Conversations® sponsored by Western Colloid Fluid Applied Roofing and Coating Systems, featuring a panel of industry experts who discussed the factors shaping the future of the roofing and building enclosure industry. 

“We had Lauren Morley, owner and president of R3NG Roofing and Gutters; Greg Hlavaty,  president of Western Colloid; and two amazing consultants, Sean Connolly and Dustin Smoot,” Megan Ellsworth of The Coffee Shops shared. “It was a fabulous conversation.” 

Other highlights included a state-of-the-industry address by RCS Influencer and Adams & Reese LLP Partner Trent Cotney; a live demo showcasing the strength of USG Securock® cover boards; and visits with Johns Manville and Polyglass at their hospitality booths. 

Overall, as the industry continues to evolve, IIBEC remains a hub for innovation, connection and professional growth. 

Listen to the full podcast to hear more insights about the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn why more professionals are treating fluid-applied roofing as membranes.  

Fluid-applied roof systems are exactly what they sound like – roofing systems that are applied in a liquid (fluid) form. Once they are installed, they then cure into a seamless, waterproof barrier across the roof substrate. Made from a variety of materials, such as polyurethanes, acrylics, rubberized asphalts and acrylics, they have grown popular because they don't have weak points in the form of seams found in traditional sheet membranes.  

These fluid-applied systems have often been used as coatings. Roof coatings are typically installed in thin layers with the purpose of “protect[ing] against UV exposure, improv[ing] reflectivity and/or provid[ing] limited waterproofing.” Traditionally, this is the only role that fluid-applied has filled in roofing. But there is a shifting sentiment in the industry that fluid-applied systems can also be installed as full-on membranes. Membranes, in contrast to coatings, are considered the primary waterproofing system on a roof and must handle movement, all types of weather and long-term use.  

What is driving this change in perspective? Developments in the technology behind fluid-applied systems that make them more durable and higher performance! These include:  

• Seamless finish: As we mentioned, fluid-applied roofing avoids seams as it cures into one continuous layer. This avoids one of the most common sources of roof failure. 
• Easy installation: Fluid-applied systems do not require complex installation steps like mechanical fastening or heat welding; this lowers safety risks and labor requirement.  
• Long-term sustainability: Many fluid-applied products are low-VOC and can be re-coated at the end of their service life, rather than completely torn off. This makes them both more environmentally sustainable and financially affordable. 
• Monolithic coverage: The same continuous coverage that avoids seams also makes it easy to apply around penetrations, irregular surfaces and complex roof details. Further, these systems have no layered assemblies that could separate or delaminate. 

These are just some of the many reasons the industry is shifting towards thinking about fluid-applied systems as more than just coating options. To be clear, when we think about fluid-applied as a membrane, rather than just a coating, it is important to note that the systems must be installed accordingly. Western Colloid explained:  

When fluid-applied systems are treated only as coatings, they’re often under-specified or applied too thinly. But when they’re treated as membranes, they’re designed and tested to meet — or even exceed — the performance standards of traditional systems like TPO, PVC, EPDM or modified bitumen. 

At the end of the day, as roofing technology and products evolve, it is natural to discover new ways to use products and systems.  

Learn more about using fluid-applied roof systems as membranes.

Understanding the FM approval process and why they are the gold standard for roofing insurance testing. 

While many home and business owners think of roofs as singular entities, here in the roofing industry we know that they are actually a collection of different products that work together to create a strong assembly. And because all parts of the assembly must work together, choosing what roofing products to use is a key part of building a long-lasting, healthy roof system.  

So, how do you choose what products to use? One trick is to look for something called an FM approval! FM, otherwise known as Factory Mutual Global, is one of the largest insurance carriers in the world. They were founded back in 1835 and provide some of the industry’s most thorough testing for product and system performance.  

To learn more about FM testing and why you should use their approvals to help choose products for your next project, Western Colloid's Greg Hlavaty and Hal Leland stopped by for an episode of the Understanding Roof Restoration (URR) podcast.  

FM truly is the gold standard of insurance carrier approvals. Prior to FM, testing roofs for insurance purposes hadn’t been done as robustly. And under FM, testing isn’t as simple as a one and done test. Instead, approved products will be tested quarterly to ensure the products are produced to the same FM standard. Greg described how the process went when the team at Western Colloid sent in products and systems for approval:   

We had inspectors at our plants for FM and UL and ICC-ES, but especially FM, quarterly to make sure we're making the exact same products. They take tests of the products just to make sure the formulas are the same... Everything is rigorously followed up on quarterly. 

The long story short is that if you want to know a product has been tested, time and time again, and proven to perform as intended, look for the FM approval diamond. Hal added, “[Getting an FM approval] says a lot about your company and the commitment to having that FM approvals mark on your product. If your product has an FM-approved mark, that means it's been through the certification testing process to verify its functioning as intended.” 

Want to learn more about choosing high-performance products, like FM-approved options? Listen to the whole Understanding Roof Restoration episode!