According to a study by the Freedonia Group, Cleveland, U.S. roofing demand is expected to increase nearly 2 percent annually through 2005 to 253 million squares. In terms of dollar value, demand is forecast to advance more than 3 percent per annum to $11.2 billion.

According to a study by the Freedonia Group, Cleveland, U.S. roofing demand is expected to increase nearly 2 percent annually through 2005 to 253 million squares. In terms of dollar value, demand is forecast to advance more than 3 percent per annum to $11.2 billion.

Over the forecast period, reroofing applications, which account for approximately three-quarters of U.S. demand, will provide the best opportunities. The smaller new-roofing segment will be hampered by weaker expenditures for housing and for offices and other commercial buildings compared to the 1995-2000 period. These and other trends are presented in “Roofing,” a new study from the Freedonia Group.

Gains for thermoplastic membranes are expected to exceed 5 percent annually through 2005, with thermoplastic polyolefin making inroads against built-up and elastomeric roofing. Metal roofing will benefit from improving conditions for new industrial construction.