The International Roofing Expo (IRE) once again delivered a strong mix of education, networking, and industry dialogue, with more than 45 educational sessions across nine tracks covering topics ranging from general business strategy and workplace safety to single-ply systems, EPDM… Read More
Research & Resources
This Research & Resources library brings together articles, studies, and reports from trade media, academic institutions, and general news sources covering a wide range of roofing and building performance topics. Before ERA develops educational materials, comments on code proposals, or offers policy recommendations, the association reviews the existing body of research and published analysis to understand how each issue has been studied and discussed across the industry. While ERA and its members contribute deep technical expertise, decisions and positions are grounded first in available research, field experience, and documented performance. The materials collected here provide access to that broader body of knowledge, supporting informed discussion and decision-making across the roofing and building sectors.
- Cool Roofing & Energy Efficiency
- Design & Manufacturing
- Durability & Weathering
- Environmental Impact & Sustainability
- Installation & Restoration
- Longevity & Long Term Performance
- Overview & Summary Articles
- Regulations, Codes & Standards
- Resilience
- Solar
Solar Ready EPDM Roofs
Presented at the International Roofing Expo in January 2026. Solar-Ready Roofs: How to Turn Roofs into Revenue As rooftop solar demand continues to grow, roofing contractors are uniquely positioned to lead these projects when they understand what solar-ready truly requires…. Read More
Technical Bulletin #104: Roof Color and Reflectivity
EPDM roofing delivers proven, science-based performance that goes beyond the outdated “black vs. white roof” debate. As modern building codes require significantly higher insulation levels, research consistently shows that insulation, not surface reflectivity, is the primary driver of energy efficiency in many U.S. climates, particularly ASHRAE Climate Zones 4–8. Multiple recent studies, including work by Harvard and ICF, find no consistent link between highly reflective white roof mandates and urban heat island reduction, while highlighting potential downsides such as increased heating demand, moisture risks, and unintended climate impacts. EPDM has a long track record of stable performance in real-world conditions where durability, insulation, and lifecycle outcomes matter most.
With an average service life of approximately 38 years, EPDM roofing systems significantly outperform many highly reflective membranes, reducing replacement frequency, embodied carbon, and total cost of ownership. EPDM offers exceptional durability, ease of repair, and compatibility with solar installations and vegetative roofs, making it a reliable foundation for long-term sustainability strategies. For building owners seeking a low-risk, resilient roofing solution backed by current research, EPDM provides consistent energy performance, avoids hidden moisture concerns, and supports long-term asset planning across a wide range of climates.
Research Recap: Green and Cool Roofs to Mitigate Urban Heat Island Effects in the Chicago Metropolitan Area (aka the Notre Dame study)
Study Overview The 2016 study Green and Cool Roofs to Mitigate Urban Heat Island Effects in the Chicago Metropolitan Area evaluated how widespread adoption of green and cool roofs influences urban climate dynamics beyond surface temperature. Conducted by researchers at… Read More
Raising the Roof at the Alerus Center
Herzog Roofing delivered a legacy project at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a total roof system replacement spanning nearly 300,000 square feet across 20 distinct roof areas. Herzog Roofing, an Elevate licensed applicator and Hall of Fame… Read More
Research Recap: Interaction of Urban Heat Islands and Heat Waves Under Current and Future Climate Conditions and Their Mitigation Using Green and Cool Roofs
Study Overview The 2019 study Interaction of Urban Heat Islands and Heat Waves Under Current and Future Climate Conditions and Their Mitigation Using Green and Cool Roofs evaluated rooftop mitigation strategies in two distinct urban climates, New York City and… Read More
EPDM Roofing Association Announces Nick Parent as New Chair of the Board of Directors
The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) announced the leadership transition of Chair of the Board of Directors to Nick Parent, director of product management at Amrize Building Envelope. Mike Ducharme, former vice president of marketing at Carlisle Construction Materials, was the… Read More
Holistic Roof System Design and Sustainable Roofing Assemblies (formerly known as black roofs vs white roofs)
Although the discussion over roof color has shifted toward holistic roof system design and sustainable assemblies, the older “black vs. white” framing still shapes policy and perception. Revisiting these simplistic arguments helps explain why some stakeholders maintain this view, despite… Read More
Research Recap: Unexpected Warming from Land Radiative Management aka “the Harvard study”
Study Overview The 2024 Harvard-led study, Unexpected Warming from Land Radiative Management, examined the broader climatic effects of large-scale deployment of highly reflective surfaces, including cool roofs and pavements. Published in Geophysical Research Letters, the research used climate modeling to… Read More