Roofing Materials in the U.S., 2nd Edition

Abstract

This new SBI report reveals astonishingly that roofing product manufacturing managed to grow modestly from $10.6 billion in 2007 to $10.9 billion in 2008, a gain of three percent. This is credited to increased asphalt pricing in 2008 and a slowdown is on the way. SBI forecasts a significant contraction in 2009 of about 16% caused by declines in average selling prices and soft end-user demand before a slow recovery begins.

The report contains detailed data and analysis describing the U.S. market for roofing product manufacturing. The report examines the value of the market, various components of trade, an analysis of economic factors affecting the industry, and end-user market analysis.

This report further explores housing related indicators, product and market trends with expanded coverage of green product trends, and competitive issues affecting roofing manufacturing. The report also profiles major marketers, along with manufacturer strategies used to maximize growth and profitability.

• Asphalt Shingle & Coating Materials
• Sheet Metal Roofing (figures also include metal roof drainage equipment)
• Precast Concrete Roof Units (figures also include concrete joists and beams, and floor units)
• Single-Ply Rubber Membrane Roofing
• Ceramic/Clay & Slate Roofing Tile (figures also architectural terra cotta, drain tile, flue tile, conduit, but does not include clay refractories)
• Wood Shingles & Shakes

Despite the unraveling of the U.S. economy in 2008, SBI estimates the U.S. market for roofing products grew modestly from $10.6 billion in 2007 to $10.9 billion in 2008, a gain of three percent. However, the gain comes after a 13% decline in 2007 and leaves the market well below its 2006 peak of $12.1 billion.

The $789 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009 includes serious government investment in energy efficiency building efforts, such as $16 billion to repair and make energy-efficient retrofits for public housing; $6.7 billion for renovations and repairs to federal buildings; and $6.9 billion for local and state governments to become more energy efficient.

Asphalt-shingles, which are petroleum-based, are giving way to old-school materials such as slate, clay, or wood shake, which are beautiful and being repositioned as environmentally friendly and to newer materials and innovations such as metal, green roofs, and solar shingles.

Cool roofs are a fast-growing sector of the roofing industry now getting attention across the country. The terminology covers several roof types, including cool roof coatings or paints which can be applied to existing roofs; green roofs, which are more garden than roof; and inherently reflective roofs such as those made of thermoplastic white vinyl which can reflect 80% or more of the sun' s rays (versus an asphalt roof which only reflects between six and 26%).

Metal roofing, although pricier than many other types of roofing, is an exciting option as it brings together so many meaningful end-user benefits. Metal roofing materials are often recycled products and in turn can be recycled at the end of the usage lifespan.

Unlike the large and unattractive panels solar roofing systems of the past, newer solar technology is now embedded into the roof tile. They' re not only dual function, but design and technology have converged with photovoltaic-coated metal-roofing materials in custom styles and colors. The industry is optimistic about opportunities in this arena.