Use 2024 roofing trends to succeed in 2025!

By Dani Sheehan. 

By implementing the lessons learned from 2024, you can refine your offerings, train your team and plan for a successful new year.  

As the roofing industry slows down with the winter season, it’s the perfect time for contractors to reflect on key trends of 2024 and prepare for a successful 2025. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Todd Farr, national sales manager for EVERROOF, to examine shifts in the coatings industry. As the roof restoration division of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp., EVERROOF has been at the forefront of this evolution, particularly in fluid-applied restoration systems. By revisiting this year’s trends, you can refine your strategies and leverage the lessons learned to grow your business in the coming year.  

Trend 1 – Prioritizing cost-effective solutions in a tight economy 

The popularity of fluid-applied restoration systems increased in 2024, as building owners looked for cost-effective alternatives to traditional tear-offs or layovers. These systems not only extend the life of a roof by 10-20 years but also minimize disruption to building occupants. Todd explained the mutual benefits: “It’s a very easy solution to implement. They don’t have to have as much crew as they normally would on a different solution... so there is a lot of profit margin for the contractor as well.” 

This trend reflects a broader economic reality in today’s market: contractors who offer practical, budget-friendly solutions stand out from their competition. 

How to expand your offerings in 2025: 

• Evaluate your portfolio: If fluid-applied systems aren’t part of your current offerings, now is the time to add them. 
• Educate your crew: Invest in training so your crew can confidently pitch and apply these systems. 
• Use data with your customers: Develop materials like ROI calculators or case studies to show how these systems save building owners money over time. 

Trend 2 – Pictures and videos matter 

While photo and video documentation has been a staple in the residential roofing industry, 2024 saw commercial contractors begin to embrace it as well. High-quality visuals are no longer optional – they're essential for building trust, ensuring warranty compliance and standing out in a crowded market. “It's important in warranty scenarios and just to document every piece of it. Building owners love it. Manufacturers love it. And contractors are really starting to embrace it. I mean, they've been embracing it, but we've seen an uptick in that,” Todd shared. 

Whether you’re showcasing your craftsmanship on social media or tracking progress for a warranty claim, investing in documentation can pay off down the road. 

How to maximize visual documentation in 2025: 

• Invest in tools: Just as you equip your crew with the tools that they need on the roof, consider cameras with high-resolution capabilities and drones for aerial shots to capture the quality of your projects. 
• Tell a story: Share before and after transformations or time-lapse videos on social media platforms and your website to engage a wider audience of potential customers. 
• Train your team: Make sure your crew knows how to take clear, professional-quality photos that highlight the work they do. 

Fluid-applied systems offer low barriers and high rewards 

Fluid-applied restoration systems are versatile, cost-effective and easy to apply, allowing you to quickly learn the techniques needed to apply these systems and start seeing returns in your business. 

How to succeed with fluid-applied systems in 2025: 

• Explore application methods: Find the solutions and techniques that work best for your crew and your projects and specialize in that application. 
• Get certified: Partner with manufacturers who provide training and certifications to give your business a competitive edge. 
• Highlight efficiency: Help building owners see the potential for improving the life of their roof while minimizing downtime to the building occupants. 
• Leverage manufacturer support: Take advantage of technical advice, training and direct access to experts so you’ll have the confidence to sell these systems.