It was a record year for the NAHB International Builders' Show^® (IBS)! With over 81,000 attendees flooding the Las Vegas Convention Center - the most in 17 years - the week was packed with stimulating conversations and endless inspiration.

We talked with pros from all over the world about everything from the latest innovations in residential construction to strategies to future-proof your business. And we were thrilled to see topics we're passionate about, like building resilience and comfort, dominate the conversations.

Now that we've had a moment to digest and reflect on our experiences at IBS, here are our top 10 takeaways for 2025:

1). Lightweight Construction

Light and sustainable construction continues to be a driving factor when it comes to innovations in building products and manufacturing. This is CertainTeed's wheelhouse, and products like CERTAplank^® Single 7". Reinforced siding, which is light enough for one-person install, were a hit. Almost everywhere you looked, the show featured solutions to help builders and contractors work faster, optimize resources, and reduce environmental impact.

2). Circularity

Manufacturers are investing in technologies and strategies to shrink their carbon footprint and extend the lifespan of products and materials. These include reusing scraps in the manufacturing process, incorporating more recycled content in products, and finding new uses for products at the end of the lifecycle. Many attendees were intrigued by RenuCore, a technology that repurposes asphalt shingle waste for paving.

3). Weather Resilience

Impact-resistant, mold-resistant, and fire-resistant solutions took center stage at this year's show. A lot of people asked about our ClimateFlex^® impact-resistant shingles and FireLITE^® Type X Lightweight Drywall Panel - two high-performing solutions that enhance resilience. With extreme weather-related events on the rise, builders are looking for products that work together to meet rigorous building codes and withstand everything from fire to hail.

4). Technologies for Automation

Companies are making greater investments in AI, automation, and more in order to stay ahead. Our groundbreaking automated NO-COAT^® PRO Automatic Drywall Corner System caught the attention of contractors looking for more speed and precision in drywall finishing. Wi-Fi enabled pet doors, robot-assisted contractor tools, app-integrated lighting, and smart solar panels are just a few examples of other innovations that made a big splash with attendees.

5). Labor Efficiency

Labor shortages continue to impact residential construction and manufacturers are responding with products that increase labor efficiency. Think drywall and tile backer designed for quick and precise installation and siding that is virtually maintenance free. Our OPTIMA^® Blow-In Insulation System is just one labor-saving solution we showcased, popular for its seamless, low-dust installation that needs little cleanup and is immediately ready for drywall.

6). Offsite Construction

Offsite construction is on the rise, with more builders exploring ways to streamline their projects and gain greater control of the building process. Residential builders at the show were wowed by ONE PRECISION ASSEMBLIES™ a panelized shell solution that is customizable, efficient, and beautiful. Offsite methods that improve code-compliance, enable year-round construction, and allow for design flexibility are especially in demand.

7). Aging in Place

As homeowners get older, many are beginning to think about accessibility upgrades that will allow them to age in place. Our weather-resistant Cedar Impressions^® Shingles and Shakes, for example, are a great option for homeowners who want classic beauty without the maintenance. Other examples of renovations that can keep people in their homes longer are wider entryways, even surfaces, and aesthetically pleasing safety features.

8). Color Drenching

Color drenching refers to the use of one common color both inside and outside a home, creating a distinctive and cohesive design. This trend was a focus of Design & Construction Week®, with brands showcasing portfolios of siding, trim, roofing, doors, flooring, and fixtures that can be coordinated by color. With the widest color spectrum in the vinyl siding industry, CertainTeed's Monogram^® siding is perfect for the color drenching trend, and it can be coordinated and color matched to our other siding and trim options.

9). Interest Rates and Renovations

Rather than sell their starter homes and lose the low interest rates, many Millennial homeowners are choosing to invest in major upgrades to accommodate growing families and changing lifestyles. Our Solstice^® Panel and Solstice^® Shingle roof-integrated solar systems are a great investment for long-term savings thanks to their high energy output and strong warranty. Other highlights included easy-to-maintain products that offer long-term savings, like vinyl siding, solar-reflective asphalt shingles, and energy-efficient appliances.

10). Modern Aesthetics

Our Urban Reserve™ metal siding collection with matching trim and accessories turned heads at the show thanks to its seamless finished look. That's because sleek, elevated design is on the rise, blending contemporary colors, textures, and profiles with forward-thinking materials and technologies. Lightweight, high-strength aluminum siding, slim solar shingles, and doors and windows with non-obstructing views were widely popular at the show.

Turning inspiration Into Innovation

IBS is the largest annual light construction show in the world. As a North American leader in this space, the CertainTeed team felt right at home.

We're committed to rising to challenges of our industry with science-driven solutions that make the world a better home. We can't wait to take all we've learned and continue making innovative technologies and systems-based solutions for resilient, comfortable, beautiful homes.