ATLANTA — Roofing contractors got an in-depth and hands-on introduction to new Atlas products, incentive promotions and technology tools at eight Atlas Innovations Roadtrip events held in Chicago; Dallas; Charlotte, N.C.; Birmingham, Ala.; Philadelphia; Baton Rouge, La.; Atlanta; and Orlando.Several Atlas executives spoke at the Roadtrip 2013, describing how Atlas designs with the contractor in mind.

Kirk Villar, vice president of sales and marketing, explained how the partnership with 3M has allowed Atlas Roofing products to really stand out. He told the attendees how they could earn Atlas Unlimited Rewards for using Pristine Shingles and help customers prevent algae growth on their roof. Randy Morgan, national accounts manager at 3M, showed how the science of copper is built into every Atlas shingle with Scotchgard Protector. Contractors were shown a Shingle Visualizer presentation that vividly illustrated how algae growth causes loss of shingle integrity, and how Scotchgard prevents the “Algae Apocalypse” from ruining a roof.

Stanley Bastek, northeast regional manager for Atlas, outlined the five unique primary features of Atlas HP Technology shingles and the superiority of SBS modified asphalt. He also announced that Atlas has just added to the Pinnacle Pristine line the first white laminate shingle, called Pearl.

Brian Short, business unit manager for Atlas, detailed the key selling points of the entire Atlas line of roof underlayment. Contractors at the Roadtrip were able to actually walk on steep-sloped displays of underlayment to see how strong the traction is for safer walking. Atlas then took the wraps off its newest underlayment for steep-slope roof applications, Gorilla Guard  EVERFELT, and debuted the slogan, It's Like Nothing You've Ever Felt. Glass fiber technology gives this high-performance underlayment extreme strength and durability not available in ordinary organic felt underlayment.

Bastek took the stage again to demonstrate how information technology is now a necessary business-management tool for success in the roofing industry. A demonstration of the free Atlas ProAPP for  iPad was among the most popular presentations at the Roadtrip events. Using Cloud-based technology, this app allows contractors to calculate, manage and create jobs directly from an iPad. One ProAPP feature, My Projects, allows contractors to input and access their project-management data all in one place. That information can then be sent directly to the app’s estimating program to generate quick and accurate estimates onsite. The app can even create a list of leads in a specific area. Following Bastek’s presentation, contractors were able to actually test the app for themselves on an iPad.

Another popular product test focused on the benefits of using EagleView Aerial Roof Measurement Reports. With this service, roofers no longer have to use ladders or tape measures to figure the size of a job. Using EagleView technology, contractors can precisely measure the dimensions of any roof without leaving their desks. The area of each section, the pitch, the length of ridges and eaves can all be found with these reports. Attendees were able to operate this tool and see firsthand how it could enhance their business.

Each roofing contractor at the Atlas Innovations Roadtrip 2013 received a gift bag with an Atlas T-shirt, utility knife and product samples, a catered lunch and a chance to win one of eight iPads given away at each event.

Atlas Roofing Corporation plans to offer more innovative shows in the future. For more information, visit www.atlasroofing.com.