Key Takeaways from the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE)
If you’re in the commercial roofing industry, chances are you’ve heard of the International Roofing Expo (IRE). But if you didn’t get to attend the 2026 IRE, you might be wondering: what did I miss? What were the hot topics, insights, and changes that could affect my roofing business?
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping businesses protect and maintain their commercial roofs for over 45 years. We know it’s crucial to keep up with industry shifts—not just in materials and technology, but also in leadership, training, and innovation. Michelle Boykin, our Florida Branch Manager, recently attended the 2026 IRE conference and shared some major takeaways that every commercial property manager, investor, and owner should know.
Let’s walk through the biggest insights from IRE 2026 and what they mean for you.
What Was the Impact of NWIR at IRE 2026?
This year marked the 10th anniversary of National Women in Roofing (NWIR)—an organization that has become a driving force in changing the face of roofing.
Michelle got to see firsthand the recognition of NWIR’s Grand Rapids Council, which won the Emerging Excellence Award. This award reflects the hard work and persistence of Maria and her team. Their commitment to mentorship, community involvement, and outreach to women in the trades is shaping the future of roofing.
Even more inspiring was hearing from the original founders—Heidi Ellsworth, Jennifer Stone, Jennifer Ford Smith, and Shari Carlozzi—who shared how NWIR began and their vision for its next decade. As the industry grapples with an aging workforce and labor shortages, organizations like NWIR are creating new energy and momentum.
How Is the Roofing Industry Supporting the Next Generation?
It’s no secret the trades are in desperate need of young talent. That’s why conversations around SkillsUSA, The Roofing Alliance, and Clemson University’s Roofing Program stood out.
SkillsUSA is a national competition offering high school and post-secondary students hands-on training in trades, including roofing, through NRCA’s support. It’s a strong sign that roofing is gaining traction in trade education.
Even more exciting: Clemson University now offers a roofing minor. Yes, a college minor in roofing! This was made possible by the Roofing Alliance and efforts to raise academic and professional standards in our industry.
What Did the IRE 2026 Panel Discussion Reveal About the State of the Industry?
Instead of a typical keynote, this year’s IRE featured a high-powered panel led by Roofing Contractor Magazine. Panelists included Trent Cotney, McKay Daniels, Jill Bloom, and Mitch Henderson, with Art Aisner as moderator.
A major takeaway? The industry is stabilizing after post-COVID disruption. Trent Cotney noted that what feels like a downturn is actually a correction from inflated material costs and delays. That’s welcome news for those managing commercial roofing budgets and project timelines.
The panel also dove into:
- Subcontractor use and management
- Differences between low slope vs. steep slope roofing
- Popular material trends like TPO, PVC, and EPDM roofing systems
Understanding these shifts helps commercial property owners make smarter, more cost-effective decisions for roof repairs, replacements, or new construction.
How Is Leadership Evolving in Commercial Roofing?
One standout session at IRE was “From Sidekick to Superhero: Transforming Your #2 Role into a Business-Changing Force,” hosted by Weather Shield’s very own Andy Byma.
The session focused on the often-overlooked role of second-in-command leaders—project managers, operations leads, or even office managers—and how they can reduce the mental burden on business owners.
A major takeaway: The difference between clarity and micromanagement. Too often, leaders set vague goals and criticize along the way. But defining what “success” looks like from the start helps teams work smarter, with less frustration. For commercial property managers dealing with multiple vendors, this kind of clarity can dramatically improve project outcomes.
What’s Happening with Roofing Technology?
Although no groundbreaking new roofing products were announced, AI and technology dominated conversations. The focus was less about gadgets and more about how other industries are using AI and data and what roofing could adopt moving forward.
Imagine AI helping to detect roof leaks before they cause major damage or analyzing inspection data to predict when your commercial roof needs maintenance. This is the direction we’re headed.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve already begun exploring how tech like our Max Life™ Roof Care program can help extend roof lifespan and prevent costly emergency roof repairs.
Roofing Alliance Student Competition
Michelle also served as a judge for one of the most exciting events: the Roofing Alliance Student Competition. It’s a Shark Tank-style event where college students create real-world commercial roofing proposals. This year, the challenge was to re-roof the Cannery Casino in Las Vegas,all while keeping the hotel and casino running.
The students had to:
- Create fake companies and resumes
- Write detailed roofing proposals
- Pitch their solutions to a panel of judges
Top honors went to:
🥇 Auburn University
🥈 University of Florida
🥉 Clemson University
What stood out this year? For the first time ever, two women—Remi Nguyen (Clemson) and Sophia Petrandis (UF)—took the top individual presenter awards. This reflects the growing diversity and inclusion in roofing, and that’s something we’re proud to see.
What Did the NRCA Focus On at IRE 2026?
Michelle also sits on the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) board and was recently elected to the Executive Committee—congratulations, Michelle!
Key issues discussed:
- The impact of ICE and immigration policies, which vary greatly by state
- The need for more field and superintendent training
- Ongoing concerns about recruitment and retention in the roofing trades
For commercial property owners, this means continued pressure on labor availability and quality. It also underscores the importance of choosing a roofing partner who prioritizes training, invests in their team, and has deep industry knowledge, just like we do at Weather Shield.
IRE 2026 was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do: because the roofing industry touches every building, every business, and every community.
At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’re proud to stay involved in shaping the future of commercial roofing—whether through ongoing training, advocacy, or helping the next generation rise. If you’re facing tough decisions about your building’s roof or just want honest guidance on what’s next, we’re here to help.
Michelle Boykin
Michelle Boykin is the Branch Manager for Weather Shield Roofing Systems in Florida. She has over 17 years of commercial roofing experience, with a focus on building strong teams, creating scalable processes, and providing excellent customer service. As Past Chair of National Women in Roofing and current board member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, she collaborates with industry leaders to encourage professionalism in the Roofing Industry.
