U.S. Roofing Demand to Increase

Demand for roofing in the U.S. is forecast to grow nearly 2 percent per year through 2012, according to a report by the Cleveland-based market research firm the Freedonia Group.

Demand for roofing weakened over the 2002 to 2007 period because of decreased housing construction near the end of the period. Going forward, the recovery of residential construction and an increase in nonresidential construction will provide better opportunities for growth.

The residential construction market, which accounted for more than 60 percent of total roofing area demanded in 2007, is projected to provide the greatest roofing gains through 2012, according to the report.

Demand for roofing in nonresidential construction markets is projected to grow more than 1 percent per year through 2012, in line with its pace between 2002 and 2007. The outlook for roofing demand in new nonresidential applications is expected to improve as nonresidential building construction increases. The office and commercial construction market will provide the greatest growth, driven by increased demand in new construction applications.

Roofing tile and plastic roofing are anticipated to see the fastest grains through 2012. Demand for roofing tile will be driven by the recovery of the residential market, especially in the south and west, where roofing tile demand is greatest. Demand for plastic roofing, which is primarily used in nonresidential construction, will increase as plastic materials supplant bituminous low-slope roofing products. Asphalt shingles will remain the most popular roofing product.

The full study, “Roofing,” is available for purchase through the Freedonia Group at www.FreedoniaGroup.com.