New Year’s celebrations are always closely followed by the tradeshow season in the construction and roofing industry. It is that time of year when the vagaries of winter weather slow or stop most of the productive work in our business so contractors can devote some attention to new products and trends. Most manufacturers of building and roofing products and equipment take this opportunity to announce and show their new offerings during the winter tradeshows.

Manufacturers often launch their new products at the major industry trade shows early in the year, and 2007 was no exception.

Manufacturers often take advantage of the spotlight at the major trade shows during the winter to launch their new products, so our editors are always on the lookout for groundbreaking products at industry events, including the International Builders' Show and the International Roofing Expo. The unique, innovative, better, stronger and faster products on display receive notice in our annual Editor's Choice coverage. The following products and services were judged as this year's standouts by our editorial staff.

This year brings advances in productivity as well as materials and systems that will deliver improved building-envelope performance.

What new bit of knowledge, piece of equipment, or system will you put into play to make your business better?

We draw your attention to some new (or not-so new) and emerging materials, systems and equipment that are vying to become the next great thing in the roofing industry.