For companies and contractors that focus on residential roofing, keeping up with changing trends is important. Every contractor knows that the roofing industry goes in cycles based on what is popular and what is not, along with pricing trends and other factors. With that in mind, knowing, recognizing, and understanding the current and most recent residential roofing trends is very important. Here are some of the recent trends you need to consider when working in the residential roofing industry.
Today's Popular Products for Repair and Replacement
There are many different types of residential roofing products for consumers to choose from. Many people think that shingles are the way to go, but they fail to take into account tiles, metal options, and more. Additionally, they may also not consider that there are different types of shingles with variances in how long they will last before they need replacement. As a roofing company or contractor, it is your job to make sure residential consumers are well-educated about their roofing needs and options, so they select the right choice for the short and long term. In some cases, people want their roofs repairs or patched. This is often due to a lack of funds to replace the roof, but it can also be from an area of damage that affects only a small part of an otherwise intact and quality roof.
Metal roofing is becoming increasingly more popular with homeowners who want roof replacement today, even though it was traditionally thought of as being something only used for commercial applications. Now the commercial stigma is no longer there, more residential buildings have metal roofs because of their cost effectiveness over time. Additionally, some buyers are buying in to metal roofing just for the fact that it can be classified as a green building technology in some respects - from the material itself to the potential energy savings associated with metal roofing.
Industry Sales Trends: Things Are Looking Up
While roofing is always going to fluctuate based on how many people are building homes and other buildings, the basic trend is currently upward. More companies and contractors are seeing an increase in business, and more of them are also seeing a higher level of money spent on quality products such as metal roofing and shingles that have a longer lifespan and a higher upfront cost. Those are both significant, but it is also important to remember that trends will not stay the same forever. Eventually, there will be a downward trend in residential roofing again, for which companies and contractors should be prepared.
Colors, Styles, and Customer Preferences
Bolder colors are starting to appear in some roofing today. Traditionally, shingles are black or gray. Most of them still are, but there are tans and browns, as well. In some cases it is possible to get shingles that have a different color to them, and that provide a unique look for a homeowner who wants to stand out. Lighter colored shingles are also gaining in popularity in areas of the country where it is hot outside in the summer, because it reduces the sun load. In cooler areas of the country that see more cloud cover, this is less of an issue.
Legislative Trends Affecting Roofing Today
The construction industry as a whole is undergoing some changes throughout the country. Just as building codes often change in locations that are devastated by hurricanes, these codes are also being adjusted in locations that are less prone to violent storms. Even areas of the country where the weather is generally calm a majority of the time other than an occasional thunderstorm still need strong building codes, and legislators are working to make sure those codes are updated and enforced. While that is good news when it comes to protecting people, it can be more difficult for contractors and companies that focus on residential roofing. It can also raise costs, which many homeowners will not be happy about when they get their next roofing quote.
What Residential Roofers Should Know About Trends
For residential roofing companies and contractors, the biggest issue is simply having knowledge about trends. The more you know about what customers want and need, and how the industry may be changing currently and in the future, the more you can advise customers and help them. Not only do people remember that, but it also helps them see the value in what you have to offer. That can mean more business for you, and can lead to long term relationships with customers, too. Naturally, any roofing company or contractor wants to have a good reputation. With the right knowledge about trends in the residential roofing industry, you can help ensure that your customers get the benefit of that knowledge. That helps them make informed decisions, and they will appreciate all you have to offer to them when they are choosing products for their residential roofing needs.
