Commercial Roofing

Increasing Commercial Construction Spending to Boost Commercial Roofing Products Demand

Increasing commercial construction spending will promote demand gains. Many commercial structures – such as retail complexes, office buildings, and manufacturing plants – have large roof expanses that necessitate the installation of significant quantities of roofing materials.

Key Findings in the Commercial Roofing Study:

TPO & Metal Roofing Products Will See the Strongest Growth

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes and metal roofing – especially standing seam roofing – are projected to see the most rapid gains in commercial roofing demand going forward. TPO membranes will be increasingly specified by roofing contractors because of their low cost, ease of installation, and cool roofing applications. Metal roofing demand gains will be driven by rising interest in installing roofing materials that can better withstand severe weather activity. Metal roofing is highly resistant to uplifts caused by high winds and damage caused by hail storms and heavy rain.

Looming Installer Shortage to Spur Adoption of Self-Adhesive Products

The US commercial roofing industry faces a shortage of trained installers as older installers retire and fewer young people show an interest in joining the profession. To help combat this issue, commercial roofing manufacturers will increasingly offer products that can be quickly and easily installed by roofers with moderate skill levels. Such materials as plastic, bituminous, and rubber roofing membranes with peel-and-stick backings can facilitate the installation of roofing, while the use of prefabricated metal building components – including pre-attached roof panels – can greatly reduce the time and complexity of many construction projects.

Roofing Materials that Meet Cool Roofing Criteria Will Also See Solid Gains

Improving the energy efficiency of a building is an important design consideration for many construction professionals, and the selection of the right roofing material can play a key role in reducing a structure’s energy consumption. In the southern half of the US, lengthy summer seasons and prolonged exposure to sunlight cause building temperatures to rise and force energy-intensive air conditioning systems to work hard to keep buildings cool. However, by installing cool roofing products – such as white and light-colored membranes and metal roofing – that deflect solar radiation and minimize heat transfer, construction professionals can make structures more energy efficient, reducing energy use and lowering utility bills.

Study Coverage

This study presents historical sales data (2007, 2012, and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 and 2027 by product (bituminous, plastic, metal, rubber, and other products), by market (new construction and reroofing), by building type (office, retail, and lodging; institutional; industrial; and transportation and other) and by US Census subregion. Demand is presented in area (squares) and dollar value terms. The study also evaluates factors spurring commercial roofing demand, examines roofing product distribution channels, and looks at leading commercial roofing product suppliers.