Roofing Demand to See Small Increase

Demand for roofing material in the United States is projected to expand less than 1 percent through 2010, according to a study by Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.

Among the various roofing materials, plastic and metal will see the fastest growth, according to the study. Both materials will benefit from a healthy outlook in the nonresidential construction market. Thermoplastic polyolefin roofing and spray-applied roofing will continue to make inroads into the roofing market as product development expands and consumer familiarity increases.

Metal roofing will see solid gains because of recovery in construction spending in this market. The Freedonia study predicts metal roofing will continue to increase in popularity in commercial applications, as well as in residential markets, where metal panels, tiles and shingles are being used as alternatives to roofing tile and asphalt shingles. In 2005, asphalt shingles accounted for nearly 60 percent of the total installed area and will maintain this leading position through 2010. However, the study predicts demand for asphalt shingles will be constrained by the weak outlook for new residential roofing.

The nonresidential construction market will provide the best opportunity for gains in the roofing industry, helped by recovery from declines in the new office, commercial and industrial segments. Nonresidential roofing demand will be supported by accelerating construction activity and a release of pent-up reroofing demand.