Increases in Commercial Building Construction Expenditures to Boost Advances

Growth will be supported by the expected increase in commercial building construction spending. Rising construction of office complexes, retail sites, and lodging facilities will boost low-slope roofing demand, as many of these buildings have large roof expanses. The institutional segment will also promote demand for low-slope roofing, as the nation’s aging population will encourage builders to construct hospitals, medical facilities, and senior living complexes to meet the needs of this expanding population segment.

Key Findings in the Low-Slope Roofing Study:

Plastic Roofing to See Fastest Growth

Demand for plastic roofing has risen sharply over the past decade, spurred by rising consumer interest in self-adhesive TPO membranes that reduce the time and cost of roof installation jobs. Through 2021, plastic roofing demand will advance at the most rapid pace of all low-slope roofing types, supported by continuing consumer interest in plastic roofing because of its favorable performance properties and ease of installation. Additionally, rising interest in improving energy efficiency will encourage building owners and managers to install cool roofing materials -- such as white or light colored TPO or PVC membranes -- that deflect sunlight and minimize the heat transfer from the roof to a building’s interior.

Reroofing Activity Will Generate Significant Demand

Commercial reroofing activity was at a high level in the US in 2016 due to the outbreak of a number of severe storms throughout the nation. Low-slope roofs that were damaged by hail, prolonged exposure to moisture, heavy snowfall, and freeze/thaw cracking had to be repaired, or, in some cases, replaced entirely. Through 2021, reroofing activity will continue to account for the large majority of low-slope roofing demand in the US. Many structures in the US feature roofs at or near the end of their expected product lifespans. Newer materials that are more durable, easier to install, or provide superior performance properties will often be specified to replace them.

Broad Product Range Key to Market Leadership Among Suppliers

In 2016, four manufacturers -- Firestone Building Products, Carlisle Construction Materials, Johns Manville, and GAF Materials -- together accounted for about one-third of US low-slope roofing demand. These companies will remain the leading low-slope roofing suppliers in the US through 2021, using their broad product range to attract customers at multiple price points. Indeed, by offering multiple product categories, firms can position themselves as offering roofing solutions catered to local markets while leveraging their national networks of manufacturing plants and distribution facilities to provide efficiency and cost savings to consumers.

Study Coverage

This industry study presents historical sales and demand data (2006, 2011, and 2016) and a forecasts (2021) by product (bituminous, plastic, rubber, and metal and other), market (new commercial, commercial reroofing, and residential), and US subregion.