Residential roofing trends can come and go. By staying up to date with what’s happening across the roofing industry, you can make necessary business adjustments to stay competitive, meet changing customer expectations, and leverage new technology and materials.
In this blog, we share 6 of the latest trends you need to know, plus how AccuLynx can help you keep up with them.
Some of the latest residential roofing trends include:
- Eco-friendly roofing systems
- Unique roofing colors
- Roofing private equity firm investment
- New material needs driven by extreme weather
- Drone and aerial measurement technology
- Using technology to run your business
Eco-friendly roofing systems
Environmentally-friendly solutions have continued to be a growing residential roofing trend. Homeowners are looking for roofs that reduce their impact on the environment and cut back on energy costs. Today, many eco-friendly roofing options qualify for money-saving rebates, which makes these roofs even more attractive. As a roofing contractor, staying ahead of this trend not only aligns your business with customer values but also positions you as a leader in the industry, attracting more environmentally-conscious customers.
Solar roofs
The popularity of solar roofs has been growing, with 67 percent of surveyed homeowners saying they are considering expanding or upgrading to a solar roofing system. Among current homeowners with solar roofs, 90 percent are satisfied with their decision. Solar roofing systems can cost between $21,000-$75,000, so if you’re not offering this type of roofing system, or working with a solar partner, you could be missing out on additional revenue.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs, like aluminum, copper, steel or tin, are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability. Metal roofs have a longer lifespan than traditional asphalt roofs, providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing they won’t need a replacement for over 30 years. While metal roofs do cost slightly more, averaging $13,200 for a 1,700-square-foot home, their long-term advantages make them a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Cool roofs
Cool roofs are becoming a popular trend in residential roofing. These roofs use reflective coatings or paint to prevent the roof from absorbing as much sunlight and heat as a traditional roof. Almost every type of roof, from steep slope to low slope to metal or tile roofs, can be made “cool” by adding a cool roof coating, finish, or paint.
Expand your product offerings to include various eco-friendly roofing materials and educate yourself and your team on their benefits and installation processes. This way, you can confidently guide your customers in making informed decisions.
AccuLynx tip: Cost is often the biggest deterrent for nonstandard roofing types. By offering financing through AccuFi by AccuLynx, you can present the total cost of the project in lower monthly payments instead of a one-time lump sum.
Unique roofing colors
Homeowners are becoming interested in unique roof colors that go beyond neutrals. Manufacturers like Owens Corning understand this desire for personalization and provide guidance on popular colors and pairings. Each year, Owens Corning names a “Color of the Year.” Past years have included hues of copper, plum, and blue. Staying up to date on design trends is essential when discussing options with homeowners, especially if they are interested in non-standard colors.
Partnering with suppliers that offer a wide selection of colors, finishes, and textures allows you to meet the varied aesthetic preferences of homeowners. Providing photos of other homes you’ve worked on will help homeowners visualize their choices. Educating homeowners on the durability and energy efficiency of modern roofing materials in non-traditional colors can reassure them that their bold choices are also practical and long-lasting investments in their home’s value and appearance.
AccuLynx tip: You can use AccuLynx to run a report on what materials and roofing systems your business has installed within a geographic area. You can share this information with the homeowner to show what options are trending nearby.
Roofing private equity firm investments
Roofing private equity firms are buying more and more roofing businesses. It is predicted that by 2031 the industry will be valued at $90 billion and consolidated to roughly two dozen major roofing companies. The roofing industry is appealing to private equity firms because it is:
- Stable
- Growing
- Profitable
- Fragmented
Private equity firms see residential roofing as an attractive market they can capitalize on. This residential roofing trend is one you need to be especially aware of as it can lead to major long-term benefits for you and your company.
Private equity firms can give you:
- Increased financial security for you to grow the business
- An option for early retirement
- Support in running your business
AccuLynx tip: With the tools and features in AccuLynx, you can put your business in a position to be acquired by a roofing private equity firm.
New material needs driven by extreme weather
With storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters becoming more common, homeowners are seeking more durable roofing solutions. This residential roofing trend has led to a growing demand for materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Manufacturers like CertainTeed and IKO are developing innovative products designed to meet these new demands, ensuring roofs can provide better longevity and safety.
By becoming a certified installer for new, high-demand materials like impact-resistant shingles and cool roofing products, you can differentiate yourself and offer specialized services that meet the evolving needs of homeowners.
AccuLynx tip: You can use AccuLynx to place your material orders directly to our integrated suppliers, Beacon, ABC, and SRS. You can see real-time pricing and product availability right from your AccuLynx account.
Drone and aerial measurement technology
The popularity of drones and aerial measurement providers are driven by the demand for greater efficiency, accuracy, and safety within the roofing industry. As more roofing contractors adopt these technologies, the landscape of roof inspections and measurements is changing, making traditional methods a thing of the past.
By partnering with specialized drone service providers or using aerial measurement reports, you can streamline your estimate process and differentiate your services in a competitive market. Incorporating these reports into your project presentations demonstrates your commitment to accuracy and can even help move insurance claims along faster.
AccuLynx tip: AccuLynx integrates with aerial measurement providers EagleView and GAF QuickMeasure. You can order measurement reports right from AccuLynx, which can be automatically applied to your estimate. You can also share images and reports in the roofing proposal you create in AccuLynx.
Using technology to run your business
The adoption of business management software like AccuLynx has revolutionized how contractors operate and grow their business. These platforms streamline every aspect of project management, from initial lead to final invoicing and beyond. This not only enhances efficiency but also improves communication within the team and with homeowners, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
You can rely on tools like:
- Automations: Send automated texts, emails, and assign team members tasks, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and keep jobs running smoothly.
- Digital document creation: Create estimates, proposals, and contracts in just a few clicks with Smart(er) Docs by AccuLynx. You can deliver these documents faster than your competitors and close jobs faster.
- Capture legally-binding eSignatures: Have homeowners digitally sign documents on their own time, saving you from having to drive to their home to collect signatures.
- Process digital payments: Accept debit, credit, and ACH payments in AccuPay by AccuLynx. Funds are deposited to your account in as little as 4 hours.
- Production scheduler: Easily keep track of labor, material deliveries, and appointments in one calendar that everyone can access.
- Offer financing: Provide homeowners with a number of loan options with AccuFi by AccuLynx. This can help overcome price-based objections by giving homeowners an option for lower monthly payments.
Ultimately, embracing roofing software not only streamlines operations but also positions you to adapt quickly to industry changes and scale your businesses efficiently.
Start using AccuLynx to stay up to date on the latest residential roofing trends
Staying up to date with the latest residential roofing trends can seem overwhelming, but running your roofing business doesn’t have to be. AccuLynx is the #1 business management software for roofers. Schedule a demo to see how AccuLynx can help you innovate and grow.
