WALTHAM, Mass. — The U.S. single ply roofing industry grew a steady 1.1 percent in 2018, according to a new report.

The Single-Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) trade association issued the report. SPRI represents North American leadership in commercial roof manufacturing, education, and innovation.

SPRI membership comprises 70 companies in the commercial roofing industry, including 19 commercial membrane manufacturers that participate in volume reporting. SPRI member companies report shipments for several classifications of flexible roof membranes: thermoset, thermoplastic, APP modified bitumen, and SBS modified bitumen. Regular and Associate SPRI members enjoy access to this invaluable, proprietary report tracking these key industry product shipments.

According to the organization, 2018 gains reported by its membership follow a six-year trend of continued expansion in the commercial roofing market. Since 2012, the total commercial roofing market has grown in excess of 40 percent.

In 2018, the fastest growing segment of the market was thermoplastic roof membranes, which grew 3.8 percent.   

“With the growth in single-ply membranes, SPRI’s commitment to delivering education, research and standards through its collection of commercial roofing industry experts, plays an important part in ensuring long-term sustainable growth.” said Zebonie Sukle, SPRI president, “Being a part of SPRI is being a part of helping to shape this fantastic industry.”

Regionally, year-to-year shipments decreased -0.4 percent in the western U.S. The north central region declined -2.8 percent. Shipments in the south grew 1.2 percent, and northeast volume grew 9.2 percent.

The single-ply roofing industry saw its largest localized growth in Vermont and West Virginia; SPRI members report shipments at both the national and state level in the U.S., and Canadian volume nationally.