With
the start of 2024 here, exploring the issues and trends that the
roofing industry recently experienced is beneficial. It’s equally
important to look ahead and prepare for what this year may bring.
So Long, Supply Chain Issues!
The
shortages and delays experienced since the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic have eased in 2023. However, we continue to see prices
increasing due to inflation and the increase in core component pricing
of many of the key roofing products.
In the months ahead, it will
remain critical for contractors to have solid relationships with their
suppliers to ensure they receive materials on time and budget.
Sustainability Preferences
In
recent months, sustainability has become increasingly pertinent to the
roofing industry. We are seeing increased emphasis on clean energy, as
well as stricter regulations related to carbon pollution. More and more
architects and building owners are stating preferences for
environmentally friendly materials and requesting greater transparency
about how materials are acquired.
Determining whether a material
is sustainable depends on many factors, including its source. A
sustainable material is produced ecologically balanced — without
damaging or depleting resources required for its production. In addition
to considering how a material is sourced, we must also determine if how
it was created or harvested resulted in significant environmental
damage. With this in mind, any roofing products sourced from mined
materials or fossil fuels cannot be considered sustainable since those
resources cannot be replaced.
American-Made Products
In
addition to sustainable sourcing, we must adhere to the “Build America,
Buy America Act” requirements, a key component of the bipartisan
Infrastructure Law passed in 2021. The law requires that federally
funded infrastructure projects use domestically produced steel, iron,
manufactured products, and construction materials. According to guidance
from the White House, manufactured products for federal projects must
be produced in the United States, and the costs of U.S.-made components
of those products must exceed 55% of all component costs. However, not
all components must be made in this country.
The goal of this
legislation is for the taxpayer dollars that make infrastructure
projects possible to also support American jobs and manufacturing. Such a
requirement, while well-meaning, may prove challenging in the months
ahead.
Technology Innovations
Advances
in technology have also played an enormous role in the industry, and
that progress will no doubt continue in the coming year.
On the
job site, contractors may rely more and more on drones. They can aid in
the creation of inspection reports, assist with measurements, and even
install shingles with a specialized nail gun. Contractors may also
benefit from robotic devices for shingle installation and roofing
inspections. While robots and drones may never replace the expertise of a
human roofer, they can provide access to dangerous heights and other
locations, which aids in safety and efficiency.
Contractors can
also look to advanced technology for roofing materials. One example is
the solar shingle, which provides the solar panel’s energy while
protecting a building in the way a traditional shingle does. Owners may
also be intrigued by the promise of ‘smart’ roofs, which use
Wi-Fi-enabled roof sensors to detect dangers, such as blocked drains,
hazardous snow loads, and leaks.
In addition, self-healing and
self-cleaning roofs could become more common. A thermoplastic concept,
self-healing shingles can ostensibly repair themselves after light
damage like scuffs and scratches. Meanwhile, self-cleaning roofs have
water-repellant coatings that prevent mildew, discourage muck from
sticking, and enable any dirt that does stick to wash away quickly.
Contractors
can use advanced technology in their offices to create more effective
and accurate estimates. Although this software will rely on a
knowledgeable roofing professional to enter the correct information, it
offers a streamlined process that can save companies time and money.
Final Thoughts
Like
seemingly everything else these days, the roofing industry is
constantly evolving. Owner preferences change, new legislation is
passed, and new technologies are introduced. It can be challenging to
keep up!
The
information contained in this article is for general educational
information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is
not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as
legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
www.roofingcontractor.com
https://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/99162-roofing-trends-in-2024
