Beyond the R-value: Where innovation can make the biggest difference

By The Coffee Shops™. 

From installation logistics to building performance, ImpactR-7™ delivers benefits across the roofing value chain. 

As energy efficiency becomes an increasingly relevant topic across all aspects of the building envelope, many manufacturers are investing in R&D geared towards improving their products’ performance. In one episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Aparna Jaggi, revolutionary innovation manager at Versico Roofing Systems, explained how ImpactR-7™ was developed to address growing insulation demands while reducing roof profile thickness. But the product's potential extends beyond improving R-value per inch. 

As adoption begins, contractors, architects and building owners are examining how the new polyiso insulation board can affect project efficiency, building performance and long-term operating costs. But according to Aparna, many of the advantages start even before installation. Because ImpactR-7 delivers higher thermal performance in a thinner profile, projects may require fewer deliveries and less material staging. 

“If you're looking at a 250,000 square footage roof, you could be having anywhere between 100 to 120 trucks of insulation just being delivered to that site,” Aparna explained. Moving from traditional polyiso performance levels to R-7 per inch can result in a nearly 20% reduction in trucks. 

The smaller product has implications beyond transportation. Contractors may be able to shorten installation schedules and minimize adjustments to rooftop conditions. Aparna noted that thinner assemblies can reduce the need to raise curbs or parapet walls while also shortening fastener lengths in mechanically attached systems. “It’s cutting the profile, not the performance,” she said. 

The benefits can apply to both reroofing and new construction projects. Because the product installs similarly to conventional polyiso insulation, contractors do not need to learn a new installation process. “For anyone that would like to save time and money on their project, this is the product to be applied,” Aparna said. 

For architects and owners evaluating roofing systems, Aparna encouraged looking beyond material costs alone and considering broader project impacts. Labor savings, shorter timelines and reduced complexity can all influence overall project value. 

As roofing assemblies continue evolving to meet stricter energy requirements, products like ImpactR-7 demonstrate how innovation can affect more than a single performance metric shifting the conversation from insulation thickness to overall system efficiency. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the full recording to learn more about ImpactR-7 and roofing system efficiency.