IRE 2026

The 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas brought together thousands of roofing contractors and other exterior professionals from around the world for a record-breaking three days of innovation, education, and connectivity.

Organizers with Informa Markets said it will be remembered as the largest show in the event’s history, spanning more than 230,000 net square feet and featuring more than 700 exhibitors. The IRE’s reach was also evident. The event drew a strong international audience, with attendees from Brazil, Colombia, Canada, China, Mexico and Great Britain. eager to gain insights into the North American roofing market.

Roofing industry giants like ABC Supple Co., Inc., GAF, Owens, Corning and Atlas showed out with memorable show-floor experiences. 

ABC Supply Co., Inc. had two locations on the show floor and had a crowd of autograph seekers for former U.S. Men’s Soccer star Landon Donovan. On the manufacturing side, GAF expanded Timberline HDZ shingles with four new colors, including the high-definition look and the new Bold Definition line, which remixes top-selling colors with a more vibrant appearance. 

Owens Corning framed technology as a core part of its contractor support strategy. At IRE, the company highlighted its tech stack built with world-class partners to help contractors run their businesses end-to-end. Two key innovations: VR-enabled OC Craft training to scale hands-on installation education beyond in-person limits, and Roof Scout—an AI-powered, 3D animated virtual sales agent.

Atlas Roofing debuted a new job-specific fastening pattern service on the commercial side. On the residential side, the company is broadening its contractor network and training opportunities as momentum builds for the opening of its biggest manufacturing facility in Clinton, Iowa, later this year. 

Carlisle SynTec Systems generated a lot of buzz on the show floor by unveiling its ThermaThin 7, giving roofing contractors a first look at a thinner, higher-performing insulation designed to cut truckloads and speed installation time.

This year’s event also highlighted more than 180 new exhibiting companies with the debut of the First Look Area. These eager entrepreneurs introduced groundbreaking products, services and solutions for roofers struggling with either efficiency or acquiring the proper roofing materials.

The 2026 International Roofing Expo set a new attendance and exhibit record as the largest event in IRE history, spanning more than 230,000 net square feet and featuring more than 700 exhibitors. Photo: Bilaal Khan.

Keynote Collaboration

This year’s keynote address was a bit untraditional as RC joined the NRCA’s McKay Daniels and Trent Cotney, of Adams & Reese, for a candid, data-driven panel discussion examining where the industry is heading. 

One of the clearest trends discussed was the growing optimism on the commercial side of the business, particularly in low-slope roofing. Cotney pointed to data center construction as a major driver skewing commercial outlooks upward, but he cautioned against viewing it as the only opportunity.

“Data centers are significant, but they’re not the whole story,” he said. “There’s new construction coming, retrofit work, and even international opportunities depending on where contractors are located.”

While optimism is returning, uncertainty remains part of the operating environment. Roofing contractors who invest in systems, diversify their offerings, manage risk, and stay disciplined operationally will be best positioned to succeed in 2026 and beyond.

“The resilience of this industry is real,” Daniels said. “But resilience works best when it’s paired with professionalism and planning.”

Representatives from the International Roofing Expo and Sika Sarnafil present a $15,000 check to Rebuilding Together during IRE Community Service Day, supporting critical home repairs for families in need. Photo: Bilaal Khan.

Special Recognition

The Roofing Alliance recognized exceptional craftsmanship, leadership, and emerging talent with a series of awards at the show. Six finalists earned recognition for their outstanding contributions to the roofing industry. This year’s winners are:

• Outstanding Community Involvement — Kenny Rodriguez, Warehouse Foreman, OMG Building Products LLC, Agawam, Mass.
• Outstanding Performance and Leadership — Ariel Lemus, Foreman, Wagner Roofing Company, Hyattsville, Md.
• Best of the Best Award — Armando Landeros Solis, Superintendent, Commercial Roofers Inc., Las Vegas

The NRCA’s highest honor – the 79^th annual J.A. Piper Award, went to former contractor Lindy Ryan. The former president of Tecta America Southeast, served as the first female chair of the NRCA executive board during a career that spanned three decades.

Finally, Auburn University took home top honors in the Roofing Alliance’s 13^th annual Construction Management Student Competition. Four finalist teams presented oral presentations as the final stage submitted qualified bid packages for the Cannery Casino and Hotel, with oral presentation scores combined with written proposal scores to determine the winner.

The Minnesota Council accepts the Educational Gold Star at the 2026 National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Council Awards during the 10th Annual NWIR Days in Las Vegas, recognizing outstanding commitment to industry education and advancement. Photo: Shadi Absi.

Leaving Las Vegas … Better

Prior to the show opening, dozens of roofing professionals stepped up again and volunteered for Las Vegas residents as part of Community Service Day 2026.

As they have for the past 16 years, people from all segments of the roofing industry donated their time, skills, and goodwill working side-by-side with fellow roofing contractors and suppliers to help families with critical home-improvement needs. Chief sponsor Sika Corp., which began its partnership with the IRE event in 2009, again brought several volunteers to work on the projects and presented Rebuilding Together of Southern Nevada with a check for $15,000.

Volunteers completed exterior painting, yard cleanup and minor exterior repairs at two homes in the town of Henderson.

Residents that the volunteers helped this year include Minnie Davis, a 78-year-old woman with disabilities who was recently widowed. Though she and her late husband, Bryan, owned the home for 39 years, she falls into the category of homeowners considered low-income by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and unable to keep up with the maintenance. 

Davis walked outside to watch some of the work, said she’s very thankful that the IRE volunteers would take their time to help her. 

“It’s just amazing, it really is,” she said. “I didn’t really know what I was going to do with all these projects before.”

In addition to the two homes, GAF donated shingles for a roof replacement on another property. Farrell Roofing donated the labor, Onsite Services and Western Elite donated equipment to assist with the replacement. Atlas, CentiMark and United Rentals also participated as sponsors.