IRE 2019: Education and New Products Take the Spotlight (Part 2)

If you missed Part 1, which summarizes some my favorite sessions from the Versico-sponsored Training & Education Center on the show floor, please click here. See below for Part 2.
Recent statistics indicate that 92% of attendees visit tradeshows to see and learn about new products and services.” And the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE) is no exception. For years, the IRE has been the launching point for new products and innovations – and is a focal point for all marketers in the industry when assembling marketing plans.

Versico places a large emphasis on capitalizing on the audience IRE provides and we place our new products and innovations center stage. Once again, we took the opportunity to showcase several new roofing technologies, and launched some game-changing products and systems.

One of these systems was the VacuSeal™ Vent Secured Roofing System. This is an innovative assembly that uses special vents to harness the power of the wind to lock roof membranes in place. VacuSeal systems are labor-saving, reduce installation time and minimize the need for traditional fastening methods. There are no cold-weather limitations for the installation of VacuSeal, and the system is UL certified with uplift certification at 195 psf negative pressure.

Versico was also proud to unveil RapidLock. The RapidLock (RL™) Roofing System is an adhesive-less membrane attachment system with no temperature restrictions, no VOCs, and no odors. RapidLock systems use Velcro® Brand Securable Solutions to fully attach specially designed VersiFleece® RL EPDM or VersiFleece RL TPO membranes to a variety of RL insulation and coverboard options. RapidLock systems are quick and easy to install, offer excellent resistance to hail and punctures, and provide wind uplift ratings comparable to traditional fully adhered single-ply systems, including a Factory Mutual 1-90 approval rating.

VersiFlex™ PVC Pressure-Sensitive (PS) Cover Strip is another groundbreaking new product launched at this year’s IRE. Used for stripping-in flat metal edging, VersiFlex PVC PS Cover Strip saves time, labor, and money by eliminating the need for PVC-coated metal or two-piece clip-on edge metal. This product is compatible with a variety of metal finishes and is quick and easy to install; no welding is required. A truly revolutionary product and the first of its kind in PVC single-ply roofing.

Finally, Versico unveiled DuraStorm VSH Roof Board, which is a high-density cover board composed of a plastic and cellulose fiber core bonded to a paper facer and a coated glass facer. The core is made from 100% post-consumer packaging that would otherwise end up in a landfill. DuraStorm VSH passes the FM Very Severe Hail (VSH) standard, and is rated Class A UL 790 for fire resistance. This roof board is compatible with mechanically fastened and adhered membranes, as well as having high impact resistance.

With the industry focused on innovation, the ability to take advantage of tradeshows to promote new and game-changing products is just as critical today as it was 20 years ago. I am excited for 2020 and to see what new products will be on display in Dallas – we can’t wait to see you there!

For more information about the International Roofing Expo or Versico's participation at industry trade shows, please contact Jason Mortelliti.