Industry Archive: U.S. Roofing Demand Projected to Grow 3.9% Annually Through 2019
Study Overview: 2019 Market Forecast
- Source: The Freedonia Group (Cleveland)
- Annual Growth Rate: 3.9% (Projected through 2019)
- Total Market Volume: 252 Million Squares
- Total Market Value: $21.4 Billion
- The Bottom Line: This study highlights a significant rebound in the roofing sector following the 2009–2014 decline, driven largely by residential reroofing and new industrial construction.
Key Market Drivers (2014–2019 Analysis)
According to data from The Freedonia Group and Building-Products.com, the U.S. roofing market is entering a phase of steady expansion. After a period of stagnation between 2009 and 2014, several key factors are converging to drive demand through 2019.
Material Trends & Growth Segments
- Laminated Asphalt Shingles: As the dominant market share holder in 2014, asphalt shingles are expected to see above-average growth fueled by rebounding housing starts and a shift toward high-durability laminated options.
- Metal Roofing: Demand is projected to outpace the market average, largely due to metal’s unique ability to support integrated solar panel systems—a growing priority for eco-conscious builders.
- Plastic & Low-Slope Membranes: Plastic roofing continues to gain ground in the commercial and industrial sectors, particularly for low-slope applications.
- Roof Tiles: This segment is predicted to see the fastest growth, concentrated primarily in the South and West regions where tile architecture is most prevalent.
New Construction vs. Reroofing
While reroofing accounted for a massive 81% of roofing demand in 2014, the landscape is shifting.
- The 2009–2014 Context: Reroofing demand spiked in 2009 due to storm damage from events like Hurricane Ike, but slowed by 2014 due to tighter lending requirements.
- The 2019 Projection: Market gains are expected to be led by new building construction, specifically within the residential housing market and the institutional/industrial sectors.
2019 Roofing Study FAQs
Why did roofing demand decline between 2009 and 2014? The decline was primarily due to a decrease in nonresidential building construction spending and a dip in residential reroofing activity as lending requirements became more restrictive following the recession.
What material was projected to grow the fastest through 2019? Roof tiles were expected to experience the most rapid growth due to strong gains in housing starts across the Southern and Western United States.
How much of the market did reroofing represent in 2014? Reroofing represented 81% of all U.S. roofing demand in 2014, highlighting the industry’s reliance on maintenance and storm-related replacements during that period.
Committed to Industry Leadership
At American Roofing and Metal, we stay informed on industry trends, past and present, to ensure our clients receive the most strategic advice for their residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
