Roofing Distribution Market in the US by Sales Channel, Market and Product

Report Overview

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Increases in Roof Installation Activity to Spur Distributors’ Sales

US roofing distribution sales growth will be driven by the roofing industry’s increasing reliance on small - and medium-sized contractors to perform roof installation and repair jobs. These contractors nearly always purchase roofing from distributors because of their ability to supply contractors with the desired amount of roofing while offering such high-value services as jobsite and rooftop delivery, technical assistance, and drone-based cost-estimation programs.

Key Findings in the Roofing Distribution Study

Roofing Distributors to Account for a Larger Share of Total Roofing Sales

Distributors accounted for the large majority of US roofing sales in 2016 and will further boost their presence in the market going forward. Distributors -- especially large-sized firms that sell roofing as their primary product line -- will see sales gains as manufacturers increasingly concentrate on the production of roofing. Roofing distributors will use their large size to purchase roofing in bulk quantities and re-sell it to contractors at favorable price points. Furthermore, distributors can use their network of warehouses and logistical knowledge to rapidly adjust to changing market conditions, such as quickly supplying contractors in storm-ravaged areas with materials for reroofing projects.

Residential Market to see Faster Sales Growth

Roofing distribution sales to the residential market are anticipated to see strong growth through 2021. In the new housing market, rapid gains in housing starts will fuel advances. Home builders will increasingly subcontract out all facets of roof installation jobs to local contractors, including the purchase of the roofing. The much larger residential reroofing segment will also see sales gains. Rising property values and homeowner interest in improving the curb appeal of their residences will lead to an increase in home improvement projects like roof replacement. Contractors performing more installation jobs will in turn order more roofing from distributors, spurring sales gains.

Leading Roofing Distributors Will Continue to Dominate Market

In 2016, the four leading US roofing distributors -- ABC Supply, Beacon Roofing Supply, Allied Building Products, and SRS Distribution -- together accounted for nearly three-fourths of total US roofing sales. Going forward, these companies will command an even larger share of the roofing distribution market. These leading distributors will post sales gains because of their broad purchasing power, which allows them to buy roofing at favorable pricing and pass savings on to customers. Furthermore, leading distributors will continue to purchase competitors, adding sales locations and expanding into new local and regional markets.

Study Coverage

This study presents historical sales and demand data (2006, 2011, and 2016) and forecasts (2021) by sales channel (roofing distributors, direct sales), market (residential, commercial), and US subregion. The study also evaluates company market share and provides competitive analysis on industry participants, including ABC Supply, Allied Building Products, Beacon Roofing Supply, GulfEagle Supply Home Depot, Lowe’s, and SRS Distribution.