Increased use of metal roofing for housing

According to industry data, seven million homeowners replace their roof each year. Based on survey results from McGraw-Hill Construction Research and Analytics, metal roofing has made a significant climb in the residential roofing market, including both new construction and home remodeling projects. When the Metal Roofing Alliance, a program of the Metal Construction Association, Glenview, Ill., began its consumer education campaign, metal comprised just 4 percent of the residential reroofing market and 1 to 2 percent of the new home construction market. Now metal claims an overall market share of 11 percent in the reroofing segment. In the smaller new construction market, metal now accounts for 5.5 percent of all roofing. This survey marks the first double-digit market share for metal roofing products. The McGraw-Hill Construction and Analytics survey also projected that demand for metal roofing would increase to 1.4 million squares (13 million m2) for new construction in 2009 and 13.4 million squares (124.5 million m2) for repair and remodeling. The South Atlantic region, West South Central and Mountain regions will most likely have the greatest demand for residential metal roofing. McGraw-Hill’s annual survey of home builders in the United States is designed to determine the characteristics of new housing and the construction practices of new homebuilders. Additionally, McGraw-Hill conducts an annual survey to measure the percent of households buying building products among homeowners and renters. “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, MRA president. For more information about this survey, visit www.metalroofing.com.