There’s no shortage of challenges faced by today’s roofing professionals. From ongoing labor challenges to a tight economy and construction market, contractors need new ways to stay ahead more than ever before.
Luckily, there are tools, technologies, and strategies available for today’s roofing professionals to overcome some of these hurdles. That is why contractors should always be investigating new ways to stay ahead. With this in mind, let’s look at some of the most impactful product, project, and technological trends that professionals can put to use today.
RESTORE, NOT REPLACE
When it comes to ensuring the longevity of commercial roofs, full tear-offs and replacements are no longer the only option for contractors and building owners—nor are they always the best.
Instead, commercial roof restoration has increasingly become a viable alternative for any roof type, whether metal, single-ply, or a built-up/modified bitumen system. In fact, there are many benefits to roof restoration practices. Most notably, they are effective in ensuring commercial roofs regain and maintain their full performance potential over the course of their lifetimes, and at just a fraction of the cost for a full replacement.
Roof restoration falls into a few different categories, including metal roof restoration, single-ply roof restoration, and modified bitumen roof restoration, depending on the existing roofing system. In any case, be sure to work with your product supplier to secure the most effective technologies for the job.
While in some instances replacement is still a necessity, the overall condition of the roof, including its structural deck, insulation, and membrane, should be thoroughly analyzed to determine if restoration is in fact the right fit, versus a repair, re-cover, or re-roof. For example, any roof that is 20 to 25 percent or more saturated will likely need to be replaced in its entirety.
Not only does restoration reduce the likelihood of failure, but it also extends the longevity of your commercial roof, regardless of type. Restoration, paired with regular health checks and necessary upkeep, helps ensure easier maintenance and inspection throughout the roof’s lifetime.
VALUE-BASED APPROACH
It’s no secret that an uncertain economic outlook has had its impact on the overall construction industry in 2024. High interest rates and inflation remain major concerns for builders, as the cost of borrowing has grown significantly higher. Supply chain challenges that began with the COVID pandemic have alleviated, but lingering issues remain. Public sector investment has driven growth in some areas, but the outcome of the presidential election may have an impact. Indeed, some building professionals are taking a “wait and see” approach before making significant private investment.
In any case, the need for cost-effective and value-driven technologies and solutions is paramount for today’s contractors. It’s part of what’s driving the increased viability of strategies like roofing restoration versus full tear-offs; the tighter the economy, the more attractive that value-based, cost-effective, and innovative solutions become.
LABOR-SAVING SOLUTIONS
Similarly, the broader building and construction industry continues to grapple with significant labor shortages, which are exacerbating the challenges posed by supply chain issues. Recruiting younger professionals into construction trades is ever more critical, but simultaneously, contractors need solutions that can bring some relief today.
One example of a product technology that can do exactly that? Roofing adhesives. Compared with traditional mechanical methods of applying roofing materials—screws, nails, wire ties, or mortar sets—today’s adhesive technologies can not only deliver outstanding performance but also help contractors save on time and labor with faster, more efficient application processes. Tile roof applications, for example, can truly benefit from the use of adhesives—one or more installers can quickly and effectively secure tiles with convenient hand dispensers. As such, adhesives are well worth consideration from roofing professionals looking to gain an edge.
SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATIONS
Companies the world over are increasingly focused on sustainability goals and are taking concrete steps to meet them. Installing solar panels on corporate industrial properties has become one of the most popular ways to do so, helping them demonstrate improved environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, solar panels can help grant a bit more energy independence, better protecting them from fluctuating energy pricing.
As many commercial roofs are now equipped with panels, certain considerations must be made to ensure that they don’t compromise the roof’s integrity. For example, in areas where the panels are installed, the right materials must be used to seal the system and ensure water tightness. So, if you’re seeing an uptick in work around solar panel applications, be sure you’re sourcing the right high-performance sealants to contribute to reliable roof performance.
SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIPS
For many of the reasons we’ve already explored, supplier support matters more than ever in 2024—making it increasingly important that roofing professionals are working with the right partners to drive their business forward.
This is especially true as the market for roof coatings, adhesives, and sealants grows amidst new strategies like roof restorations. New entrants may not have established themselves in these markets and may be unfamiliar with the best practices.
By contrast, a supplier who has significant experience serving the professional roofing market can provide not just high-quality products, but true consultation for any challenging job or roofing application. Further, they may be able to provide formal and structured training opportunities that can help your team complete jobs more effectively, efficiently, and confidently. As contractors seek new ways to overcome their challenges, working with the right suppliers is more important than ever before.
about the author
John Walker is national technical manager for APOC, an ICP company. He has extensive experience in the roofing industry, helping professionals everywhere overcome their toughest challenges. To learn more about professional solutions from APOC, visit www.APOC.com.