With economic uncertainty dominating the headlines these days, what do you see as the greatest potential opportunity in the roofing segment for LBM dealers?
The current economic climate, characterized by high inflation, elevated interest rates, and increased costs of goods, is impacting home improvement project spending. However, reroofing projects continue to outperform these trends. While the roofing market is expected to soften compared to the past couple of years, new products and innovations can help distributors and contractors maintain their strength.
Investing in sustainable products and services presents a great opportunity, addressing homeowner concerns while creating value for both distributors and contractors. Some of these products and services include:
- Sustainable Class 3 and 4 impact-rated asphalt shingles.
- Smog-reducing technology shingles.
- Cool roof technology shingles.
- Superior algae protection shingles.
- Shingles designed for quicker installation, requiring fewer nails.
- Maintenance services/contracts for reroofing: Offering maintenance services keeps contractors front and center with homeowners, including annual roof inspections,
gutter cleaning, and repairs. - Extended system warranty offerings.
The flipside of that question: what’s the biggest challenge?
I believe the biggest challenges for the asphalt shingle market will be labor shortages, changing insurance strategy and costs, code changes, and economic uncertainty. Maintaining a sustainable workforce is key.
Extreme weather and fire events seem to be on the rise, putting pressure on structures to withstand the elements like never before. How are roofing products meeting these challenges?
There has been a significant emphasis on the practical performance of asphalt shingles, particularly in their ability to withstand extreme weather and fire events. All asphalt shingles and asphalt shingle systems are designed to meet the UL Class A fire rating, ensuring high standards of fire resistance.
Recent technological advancements in the raw materials used in asphalt shingles, including improvements in fiberglass, asphalt, and modified asphalt formulations, have greatly enhanced their performance. Compared to a decade ago, these innovations have enabled manufacturers to introduce products that offer increased durability and lighter weights while maintaining rigorous standards and performance.
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have,” but rather a growing requirement. How is the roofing industry meeting the needs of a sustainable structure?
The asphalt roofing industry is actively embracing and advancing recycling efforts for both industrial and post-consumer waste. We are collaborating with recycling companies and developing initiatives to repurpose this waste material across various industries, thereby reducing the amount of shingle waste that ends up in landfills.
Asphalt shingles are recycled and processed in several
ways. Recycled shingles can be used in asphalt paving, enhancing the durability and cost-effectiveness of paving projects. Shingles can also be processed into aggregate for use in construction projects. Finally, chemical processing methods can deconstruct asphalt shingles back into raw materials, which can then be used and blended back into the manufacturing of new shingles.
In a world where builders are constantly dealing with diminished workforces, how can today’s roofing products help builders work smarter or faster?
Atlas has designed shingles with the contractor and installation crew in mind. Atlas HP Technology, integrated into every Atlas laminate shingle, enables contractors and crews to complete jobs more quickly, more efficiently, reduce waste, and save money. This is a great combination to keep a diminished workforce loyal.
