7 Key Takeaways from the 2025 International Roofing Expo That Benefit Your Business + Commercial Roof

The 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE) showcased cutting-edge advancements in roofing technology, safety, sustainability, and cost-saving solutions. At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we attended with a clear mission: to bring back the best insights and innovations to help you extend the life of your roof, reduce long-term costs, and stay ahead of industry changes. 

This year’s expo highlighted critical trends shaping the roofing industry, from new energy efficiency mandates to storm-resistant materials and emerging automation technologies. These takeaways aren’t just industry updates—they’re real opportunities for commercial property owners to save money, improve safety, and future-proof their buildings. 

In this blog, you’ll learn: 

• • • How energy efficiency mandates can lower your operational costs and increase property value 

• • • Why storm-resistant roofing is now essential for business continuity 

• • • How technology and automation are transforming roofing maintenance and service 

Let’s dive into the seven biggest takeaways from IRE 2025 and how they impact your business. 

1. Energy Efficiency Mandates Are Changing Roofing & Building Codes 

📍 Session: Building Tomorrow: Navigating the Future of Energy Efficiency Mandates 

New energy efficiency mandates—including provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act—are reshaping how commercial roofs are designed and maintained. These regulations emphasize: 

✔️ Higher performance standards for roofing materials
✔️ New compliance measures for commercial buildings
✔️ Increased rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades 

What This Means for You: Instead of seeing these mandates as an added expense, smart businesses are treating them as an opportunity to cut costs and increase property value. 

• • Lower energy bills with cool roofing technologies and better insulation 

• • Maximize tax credits & rebates for energy-efficient roofing upgrades 

• • Enhance sustainability credentials, making your property more attractive to tenants and investors 

How We Help: Our team will guide you through compliance requirements, available incentives, and the best roofing solutions for maximizing efficiency. 

2. Workplace Safety: How Effective Accident Investigation Reduces Costs 

📍 Session: Effective Accident Investigation & Reporting Techniques 

Safety isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a critical business strategy that affects your bottom line. This session focused on reducing workplace accidents and minimizing liability risks through better reporting and root-cause investigations. 

✔️ Lower insurance premiums by improving your company’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR)
✔️ Prevent repeat incidents by identifying and eliminating hazards
✔️ Stay compliant by avoiding common mistakes in accident reporting 

What This Means for You: A safer workplace leads to fewer disruptions, reduced liability claims, and lower insurance costs. 

• • Lower risk of roofing-related accidents on your commercial property 

• • Work with a safety-conscious contractor to minimize potential liability claims 

• • Protect your business reputation while ensuring compliance with OSHA standards 

How We Help: We prioritize strict safety measures and provide clients with transparency on our safety protocols, ensuring your property remains protected. 

3. Storm-Resistant Roofing Is Now Essential for Business Continuity 

📍 Session: Building Predictability (and Profitability) Into Every Project 

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, storm-resistant roofing materials are no longer optional—they’re essential. This session covered: 

✔️ Impact-resistant membranes that withstand hail and flying debris
✔️ High-wind-rated roofing systems built for hurricane-force winds
✔️ Reinforced coatings that prevent leaks and moisture intrusion 

What This Means for You:  A storm-resistant roof protects your business from costly damage, insurance claims, and downtime. 

• • Fewer repairs & insurance claims after storms 

• • Improved longevity of your roofing system, reducing maintenance costs 

• • Keep your business running smoothly, even in extreme weather 

How We Help: We offer advanced roofing solutions designed to withstand severe weather while minimizing long-term costs. 

4. Energy-Efficient Roofing: A Cost-Saving Game-Changer

📍 Session: Building Tomorrow: Energy Efficiency in Commercial Roofing 

This session reinforced the financial and operational advantages of upgrading to energy-efficient roofing systems. 

✔️ Cool roofing technology reflects heat and lowers A/C costs
✔️ High-quality insulation prevents energy waste
✔️ Solar-ready roofing integrates renewable energy solutions 

What This Means for You: Upgrading to an energy-efficient roof can generate immediate and long-term savings. 

• • Reduce HVAC costs by up to 30% 

• • Avoid expensive code violation penalties 

• • Attract eco-conscious tenants and increase property value 

How We Help: Our team identifies custom energy-efficient roofing solutions that align with your budget and business needs. 

5. Proactive Roof Maintenance Saves Thousands in Avoidable Repairs 

📍 Session: Building Predictability (and Profitability) Into Every Project 

Waiting until your roof has visible damage is a costly mistake. Proactive maintenance ensures longevity and cost control. 

✔️ Predictive maintenance strategies catch small issues early
✔️ Budgeting tactics help spread costs over time
✔️ Roof asset management prevents surprise expenses 

What This Means for You: A well-maintained roof lasts longer and costs less over time. 

• • Eliminate last-minute emergency repairs 

• • Track roof conditions and plan ahead 

• • Maximize ROI with scheduled upkeep 

How We Help: Our Max Life RoofCare™ Program ensures your roof gets the right maintenance at the right time—eliminating surprises. 

6. Metal Roofing Is Rising in Popularity for Its Longevity & ROI

📍 Session: How to Grow Your Business with Metal Roofing 

More businesses are switching to metal roofing because of its durability, energy efficiency, and long-term ROI. 

✔️ 50+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance
✔️ Highly energy-efficient, reducing cooling costs
✔️ Superior fire & storm resistance for long-term protection 

What This Means for You: If you’re considering a long-term roofing investment, metal roofing is an excellent choice. 

• • Fewer repairs & lower long-term costs 

• • Improved energy efficiency for reduced cooling expenses 

• • Stronger protection against extreme weather 

How We Help: Our custom metal roofing solutions optimize energy efficiency & durability for your property. 

 7. Technology & Automation Are Transforming Roofing Operations

📍 Session: Building Out Your Tech Stack: 40 Tips in 40 Minutes 

Digital advancements are making roofing services faster, more reliable, and transparent. 

✔️ Automation streamlines service requests and reduces errors
✔️ CRM tools improve customer communication
✔️ Project management software ensures transparency in roofing projects 

What This Means for You: Better technology means faster service, clearer updates, and easier maintenance scheduling. 

• • Real-time updates on inspections and repairs 

• • Automated maintenance scheduling ensures timely service 

• • Less paperwork, more results for smoother project management 

How We Help: We’ve invested in advanced technology to provide you with faster and more efficient service. 

About Weather Shield 

At Weather Shield, we have been committed to giving businesses more roof life with less roof cost since 1980. By attending conferences like the International Roofing Expo, we are able to stay on top of best practices and newest technology to take care of your roof like it’s our own. We look forward to attending the International Roofing Expo again in 2026!