The first day of the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) included the opening of the largest show floor in IRE history. More than 500 exhibitors are showcased on the sold-out floor, where they’re offering innovative solutions for every type of roof.
BUILDINGS found these three trends on the floor.
Energy Efficiency
Lowering energy bills is a perpetual concern for facilities professionals. A roof replacement or re-cover project is a good opportunity to make some headway on energy efficiency.
Rich-E-Board, an insulated composite panel system, delivers an R-value of 50 with an inch and a half of material due to the combination of vacuum-insulated panels sandwiched between polyisocyanurate cover boards.
Coatings are a great option if you’re looking to save money on energy without replacing your entire roof.
The Flex White Coating by Nygra Coatings has a solar reflectance index of 109, one of the highest ratings available. Buildings in locations where white coatings aren’t an option can opt for a black coating that actually reflects heat like its white counterparts rather than absorbing it like black roofs traditionally do.
Emergency Preparation
Every facilities manager needs a few dependable repair tricks for emergencies. The show floor at the 2019 IRE is full of ideas for a rainy day (or a day with any other kind of severe weather, for that matter).
For example, Mule-Hide Products Co.’s Seal-Fast Repair Hero flashing can be applied in any condition on surfaces that are dry, wet or underwater and in any ambient temperature. It’s a terpolymer sealant that can adhere to any substrate, including asphalt, metal, elastomeric membranes and concrete.
[Related: Roof Repairs in Extreme Weather Conditions]
Retractable Skylights
Your daylighting options aren’t limited to windows. One 2019 vendor, Roll-a-Cover, creates fixed and retractable skylight systems with aircraft-grade aluminum that can meet the snow and wind loads wherever you are. The retractable systems are popular for outdoor dining, pools and rooftop amenities.
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