The basic need for shelter, protection from the elements and stability in communities across North America isn’t going anywhere. Roofing contractors can rest a little easier knowing that; however, the methods and strategies to meet the demand – while still making a profit – are changing.

Roofers are learning to change along with emerging trends, rapidly in some segments of the industry, thanks to the development of new tools — both physical and digital — entering the marketplace.

Innovation was at a premium at the 2025 International Roofing Expo, and RC editors had a challenging time getting to all corners of the spacious show floor. Yet, as we do every year, we took a critical look at the latest products and service offerings on display to evaluate what could be potential game changers for roofing contractors in their respective markets.

We call it our Editor’s Choice, and while these choices may be selective, we believe they offer roofing contractors some of the best potential benefits in key areas of their business among the dozens of products released over the past year.

The items here represent state-of-the-art solutions recently introduced and currently available in the roofing and exteriors space. Though relatively new, some will be known to roofing contractors, particularly those in attendance at IRE in San Antonio. Some appeared in the Innovative Product Showcase and Awards in the main atrium of the Henry B. González Convention Center and earned awards after attendees cast votes for the People's Choice Award across eight different categories.

By recognizing the following products and services, we hope to inform, educate and inspire the continued development of solutions to problems encountered by roofing contractors. These innovations, while not for everyone industrywide, help drive roofing forward by providing contractors additional tools to enhance their business and encourage continued progress through more ingenuity. Here are our Editor’s Choice for 2025.