A new study from Instant Roofer, an AI-powered roofing quote platform, reveals that America’s roofing woes are more than just a minor leak — they’re a full-blown downpour in some metro areas. 

Based on 2023 American Housing Survey data, the report analyzes self-reported roof conditions in the 15 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, offering contractors a clear snapshot of the highest demand for repairs. 

“Understanding where roofs are in the worst condition allows contractors to be proactive rather than reactive," explained Jacob Petrosky, founder of Instant Roofer.

"For example, in areas reporting high levels of roof leaks, contractors can offer low-cost tune-ups or leak checks to build trust," he continued. "We’ve seen that these small repairs can often lead to long-term relationships, with homeowners coming back to the same contractor when it’s time for a roof replacement.”

About 6 million respondents participated in the study. Although some variables, such as income, home size, and dwelling age, were not considered, the overall findings offer some interesting takeaways.

The study evaluated four key indicators — leaks, missing materials, holes, and sagging — to generate a composite “final score” for each region. Higher scores reflected worse overall conditions. 

Detroit leads the pack with a score of 14.2, followed closely by Philadelphia (14.1) and Los Angeles (13.9). In contrast, metros like Atlanta, Seattle, and Miami record scores of 7.1, signaling relatively better roof conditions.

Leaking Roofs Dominate

Leaks are the most commonly reported issue, affecting nearly 6 million homes nationwide. California’s metropolitan areas are particularly affected, with Riverside experiencing leaks in 6.6% of its households, Los Angeles at 6.0%, and San Francisco at 5.7%. 

Meanwhile, missing roofing materials, which impact 3.5 million households, and sagging roofs, affecting 1.9 million, further compound the risk of extensive damage. Although holes are less common, reported in 1.5 million households, they underscore the need for regular professional inspections.

Regional Disparities and Economic Realities

The study’s findings also highlight a non-reported but still significant fact: Regional disparities driven by the age of the housing stock and local economic conditions exist. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, nearly 60% of owner-occupied homes nationwide were built before 1980, with cities such as Detroit and Philadelphia featuring some of the oldest housing stocks. 

Older structures are more prone to cumulative wear and tear, making repairs costlier. 

Conversely, regions such as Atlanta benefit from a younger housing stock — many homes were constructed in the 1990s and 2000s — which often translates into fewer immediate roofing issues and lower repair costs. 

Economic constraints in cities with older infrastructure also tend to delay necessary maintenance, exacerbating minor issues into more significant problems. 

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Weather: The Ultimate Test

Extreme weather events compound these aging issues. Recent data from the FOX Forecast Center noted more than 2,000 severe weather reports in just one month, underscoring the urgency of proactive roof maintenance. 

The increasing frequency of severe storms and hail is accelerating roof deterioration. For example, Business Insider notes that hailstorms are not only occurring more frequently but are also causing increasingly significant damage. 

This trend compels insurers to adjust their pricing, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses for homeowners. 

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has long warned that deteriorating roofs on aging homes can lead to spiraling maintenance costs and unsafe living conditions. This creates a dual opportunity: while homeowners face escalating repair needs, roofing contractors have a growing market for emergency and long-term maintenance contracts. 

Actionable Insights for Contractors

For roofing professionals looking to capitalize on these trends, the Instant Roofer study offers several actionable insights:

• Focus on High-Risk Areas: Concentrate your marketing efforts in metros like Detroit, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Riverside, where roofing issues are most prevalent.
• Promote Preventative Maintenance: With leaks affecting nearly 6 million households, emphasizing biannual inspections—especially after severe weather events—can help homeowners catch issues before they escalate.
• Tailor Services to Regional Needs: Comprehensive restoration packages are in demand in older cities, whereas newer markets may require targeted leak detection and material replacement services.
• Leverage Data for Competitive Advantage: Use the study’s findings and supplementary data from reputable sources to refine your advertising strategies. Contractors who position themselves as experts in managing weather-related damage and aging infrastructure will likely capture a larger market share.

As extreme weather intensifies and America’s housing stock ages, the roofing industry faces a dual challenge: safeguarding homes against relentless elements and seizing emerging market opportunities.