(Belfair, WA) -- Although the new roofs going up across the country may look the same as the shingles they’re replacing, the reality is that the market for roofing has changed substantially over the past 10 years. New eco-friendly products are rapidly replacing petroleum-based asphalt shingles.
Based on just-released survey results from McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics®, metal roofing has made a significant climb in the residential roofing market, including both new construction and home remodeling projects.
With an overall market share of 11% in the re-roofing segment, metal roofing is gaining quickly on competitors’ products. Metal roofs protect homes from extreme weather events with durable, attractive solutions that reduce the homeowner’s carbon footprint. In the smaller new construction market, metal now accounts for 5.5% of all roofing.
This survey marks the first double-digit market share for metal roofing products. When the Metal Roofing Alliance began its consumer education campaign in 1998, metal comprised just 4% of the residential re-roofing market and 1-2% of the new home construction market.
The McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics® survey also projected that demand for metal roofing would increase to 1.4 million squares for new construction in 2009 and 13.4 million squares for repair and remodeling. (Note: a square is 100 square feet of roof area).
According to industry data, 7 million homeowners replace their roof each year -- many are looking for new “green”, energy-saving options. With a minimum recycled content of 28 percent and demonstrated ability to lower energy consumption, metal roofs are in great demand.
“The results were consistent with the sales trends identified by the members of the Metal Roofing Alliance. We're seeing a steady increase in the demand for metal roofing products, and expect to see continued growth. This new survey data is encouraging, and sends a clear signal that the residential roofing segment of the metal marketplace is a strong investment with continuing potential,” said Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance.
When asked to describe the reason they selected metal roofing, 61 percent of homeowners reported choosing metal roofing for its longevity, while 16 percent stated strength and protection. Other reasons stated: metal is a good investment, a metal roof adds value and is an environmentally friendly product.
For more information on this survey or to learn more about the many benefits of residential metal roofing, please visit www.metalroofing.com.
The Metal Roofing Alliance is a consortium of metal roofing manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and contractors with the main goal of educating consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing.
