Market Forecast for Roofing Accessories to Remain Bright

2020 was an outstanding year for the US roofing accessories industry. High levels of housing starts fueled the installations of new roofs, while many homeowners took advantage of low interest rates (and a lack of other ways to spend their money) by engaging in roof repair and replacement projects – spurring the installation of materials on millions of roofs. This surge in roofing demand drove increased sales of the accessories used in installation, such as fasteners, underlayment, flashing, roofing compounds, and other items. However, many construction professionals are looking towards the future and wondering what the market will do in the coming years.

Roofing Compounds to Post Most Rapid Growth

Demand for roofing compounds rose in 2020, boosted by heightened interest in the use of liquid-applied roof compounds (LARCs) to extend the lifespans of existing low-slope roof systems. This was an especially important consideration for the commercial building owners and managers who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw their revenues decreased; foot traffic dried up and tenants left buildings in favor of remote work. By using LARCs to rejuvenate damaged-but-functional roofs, property owners could stave off the expense of full replacement. This growth in demand for LARCs (and other roofing compounds) is expected to continue, boosted by:

• use of LARCs to rehabilitate older and worn roofs
• rising use of white and light colored LARCs to improve the energy efficiency of buildings (especially in the southern half of the US)
• increasing application of adhesives, sealants, and other compounds that better adhere roofing materials to roof decks and other substrates

Roofing Underlayment Demand to Remain High

Roofing underlayment – the material applied to a roof deck prior to the installation of roofing materials – is expected to see above-average demand growth through 2025. This will be spurred by:

• continuing high levels of housing starts, since underlayment is required by building code in virtually all jurisdictions in the US
• strong interest in home remodeling activity, including the replacement of older or worn roofs
• contractor efforts to better protect roofs from leaks and ice dams by installing multiple layers of underlayment, especially waterproof varieties

Synthetic products accounted for the larger share of demand in this segment and will continue to do so through 2025. Contractors will continue to specify these products – especially those with peel-and-stick backings – because of their protective properties and ease of installation.

Demand for Other Roofing Accessories to Also Grow

Consumption of other roofing accessories will also see advances through 2025, albeit at a lesser pace than roofing compounds and roofing underlayment.

• demand for roofing nails and other fasteners will be supported by their more intensive use, intended to minimize the risk of roofing materials lifting up in high winds
• cover boards will see increasing use as contractors install them to improve energy efficiency and better protect roofs from impact damage
• roof vents will be more frequently installed to ensure that buildings are properly ventilated, minimizing moisture buildups while bring fresh air into a building interior
• drains will see rising use to reduce the risk of leaks caused by standing water on low-slope roofs

For more information about the size and growth of the US roofing accessories market, check out The Freedonia Group’s new study, Roofing Accessories.