The International Roofing Expo (IRE) is in full swing this week in Las Vegas, and the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA) is making a strong showing on the show floor and beyond. As roofing professionals gather, attendees have multiple opportunities to engage with our trade association and learn more about the performance and versatility of polymeric roofing and exterior products.
While PEPA has been well-represented at IRE for several years, thanks in large part to PEPA’s former Workforce Development Director Rob Balfanz, the fact that three leading roof tile manufacturers – BRAVA Roof Tiles, DaVinci Roofscapes and EcoStar, LLC – are now PEPA members compels a stronger commitment to educating and engaging with this crucial sector of the homebuilding industry.
“There’s a strong business case for roofing contractors to train their workers to install vinyl siding or add certified vinyl siding installers to the team,” said PEPA Senior Vice President Matt Dobson.
This week, PEPA can be found at Booth #5468 in the association row, but its presence at IRE extends well beyond the show floor.
Here’s how:
- PEPA’s Workforce Development Committee has been working to provide greater synergies between roofing contractors and vinyl siding installers. As a result, committee co-chair Rob Balfanz (now with Progressive Foam) will present on “Vinyl and Insulated Vinyl Siding Installation Best Practices & Specialty Tools of the Trade” on Wed., January 21, as part of the IRE’s Building Exteriors Clinic. PEPA Workforce Development Operations Manager Alex Brand also joins Rob for the presentation.
- Since this is the association’s first time promoting the polymeric roofing category at the IRE, the PEPA team seeks to connect with other polymeric roofing manufacturers to encourage PEPA membership.
“We are placing a significant emphasis on supporting our charter roof members (BRAVA Roof Tiles, DaVinci Roofscapes and EcoStar, LLC) at the show,” Matt said. “And we are excited by the prospects of building this category with the same success we had with our original vinyl siding manufacturers.”
Matt added: “Having all the top vinyl siding groups in our membership has made our industry stronger as we have been able to work together to champion product certification, building code developments, sustainability and advocacy. It’s been great telling our story and the progress we’ve made so far with our first three roof tile members.”
Several PEPA members are also exhibiting at IRE, including:
- Brava Roofscapes (#2867)
- Certainteed (#3420)
- Cornerstone Building Brands (#2820)
- Derby Building Products – Tando Composites (#4935)
- DaVinci Roof Tile, a division of Westlake Royal Building Products (#2545)
- EcoStar LLC (#2959)
- Intertek (#4853)
- Kaneka North America (#5114)
- Progressive Foam Technologies (#5150)
- Westlake Royal Building Products (#2545)
Learn More
If you’re attending IRE this week and would like to connect with PEPA or learn more about membership, stop by Booth #5468 or contact Matt Dobson at mdobson@polymericexteriors.org to set up a meeting.