Although 80% of respondents said that business has been up versus the prior year, many are still facing challenges, according to a Roofing & Exteriors readership survey conducted at the 2022 International Roofing Expo (IRE). 

Specifically, 57% of respondents noted that business is up, while 23% reported significant (defined as greater than 10%) gains. 

Eighty-seven percent of respondents believe business will be up again in 2022.

In regards to woes—respondents were able to choose more than one answer—price increases (30%), product availability/supply chain (28%) and availability of skilled labor (27%) were the top three. 

When it comes to finding out about new products—respondents were able to choose more than one answer— 25% rely on manufacturer websites, 21% rely on social media, 19% rely on industry associates while 18% rely on trade magazines. 

Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they spend more time on the internet educating themselves for work-related purposes (methods, codes, trends) than two years ago. Twenty-six percent said they spend about the same amount of time. 

In terms of specific products or services the respondents sought at IRE, answers included: Metal roofing, marketing services, TPO, drones, software and safety equipment, amongst others. 

Sixty-three percent of respondents were contractors; 20% were manufacturers. 

Participants were entered to win a complimentary three-night stay in one of the official IRE hotels for the 2023 show.