Report Reveals What’s Trending in Roofing

By Lauren White, RCS Editor. 

From labor shortages to utilizing digital-based marketing, the latest RCS Trends Report sheds light on contractor needs and the challenges they’re facing. 

In the latest RCS Trends Report, 285 contractors weighed in from 39 different states. Respondents ranged from small to large companies with 86% specializing in reroofs. There was nearly even representation between commercial and residential contractors, including those who offer both services. 

“The strength of the industry lies in the knowledge of the professionals and their ability to network, gain ongoing education and communicate effectively,” according to Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS president. For this reason, since 2016, RCS has surveyed contractors in the industry and developed three Trends Reports to date that focus on the challenges faced by contractors, their likes and the tools they are using to build their businesses. 

2020 was an unusual year for many reasons, the coronavirus being one of them, which is why we included both 2019 and 2020 in this Roofing Industry Trends Report. Unsurprisingly, the labor shortage was one of the top business issues contractors faced in 2019 and 2020. An overwhelming 68% of respondents have been affected by the labor shortage. While COVID-19 has contributed to that shortage, contractors noted that recruitment and retention of workers was a pain point.  And 50% of respondents indicated that new hire training is one of their greatest training needs. Product costs, safety, technology and competition also stood out as challenges contractors are facing. 

“In this Trends Report, we focus on the labor shortage, the top business needs in the industry, contractors' greatest needs and placing classifieds on RCS,” Heidi stated. “RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to the roofing industry and the contractors who make it great. We want to know what the industry is seeing and experiencing as they continue to roof and protect buildings across the nation.”  

From the information gathered we saw a shift in interest to digitizing the roofing industry. With that being said, many contractors revealed that project management, estimating, drones and CRM technology are among their greatest needs. Roofing professionals recognize the value technology has for their businesses to stay current and relevant in the digital age and to appeal to younger demographics of home, building and business owners. 

Download the 2019-20 Trends Report today for more industry insight!