The roofing industry is bracing for a whirlwind of challenges—surging material costs, an unpredictable insurance market, and big money buying up local businesses. If you’re a contractor, these changes could either sink or elevate your business in the years to come. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors shaping 2025 and what you need to do to stay ahead.
The Supply Chain: Expect Prices to Keep Climbing
The roofing materials market was shaken during the pandemic, and it hasn’t fully recovered. Supply chain disruptions have led to significant price increases, particularly for tar and asphalt products, which are up 41% since 2020. The core culprit? Inflation and rising oil prices. The 2022 oil spike, fueled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, left a lasting impact on shingle prices. While oil costs have stabilized, roofing materials remain expensive.
Key Stats:
- Asphalt manufacturing costs rose by 41% since 2020.
- Shingle prices are still climbing, with major manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed announcing 5-10% increases this year alone.
Experts predict some relief by late 2025, but in the meantime, contractors should focus on building strong relationships with suppliers. Regional and independent suppliers can be your lifeline when the big brands fall short.
The Housing Market: Mixed Signals for Demand
On the residential side, demand is cooling off after the pandemic-induced surge when homeowners flooded the suburbs and fixed up their properties. High interest rates have now slowed home sales and new construction projects. But there’s a silver lining: instead of moving, more homeowners are reinvesting in their current properties, opting for repairs and green upgrades like solar panels.
Opportunities for Roofers:
- Focus on repair work and energy-efficient upgrades (solar panels, reflective materials).
- Build a loyal customer base through repeat work and referrals.
The commercial sector, on the other hand, is showing signs of strength. Companies like CentiMark and Tecta America are capitalizing on maintenance contracts for office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial projects. So while residential work may slow down, commercial projects, solar installations, and green roofing offer new opportunities.
Insurance Woes: Brace Yourself for Higher Premiums and Delays
Hurricanes, wildfires, and hailstorms are on the rise, driving up insurance claims and premiums. In 2023, property insurance skyrocketed 21%, and some states saw hikes of over 30%. It’s also becoming harder to get claims approved. Insurance companies are cracking down on fraudulent claims, but this tighter scrutiny has left roofers dealing with more delays, denials, and slow payments.
Challenges:
- Top markets like Florida, California, and Texas have seen major insurers pull out, leaving roofers to navigate the complex claims process.
- AI roof scans and stricter policies are causing headaches nationwide, especially for hail damage claims.
To counter this, contractors need to offer flexible financing options and maintenance plans to keep homeowners happy while navigating the messy insurance landscape.
Private Equity Takeover: What It Means for Roofers
Private equity firms are rapidly buying up roofing companies, drawn in by predictable revenue streams. Mergers and acquisitions have jumped 117% in the last six years, but even so, the market remains highly fragmented. The biggest players, Tecta America and CentiMark, control just 5% of the market, which leaves plenty of room for growth.
However, as seen in the HVAC industry, there’s a risk that private equity will pressure contractors to prioritize short-term profits over quality service. Some HVAC workers have even claimed they were forced to push unnecessary services after being bought out.
Bottom Line for Roofers:
- If you’re looking to sell, private equity could be your ticket to a lucrative deal.
- But be cautious of the strings attached—selling might mean sacrificing control and focusing more on sales than service.
Regulations: New Rules to Watch in 2025
Regulations are tightening across the roofing industry, from heat safety requirements to labor classification rules. Here are the top new regulations to keep an eye on:
- Heat Safety Rules: OSHA’s new Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard will require roofers to implement more safety measures for workers on hot days.
- Florida’s Post-Hurricane Rules: Contractors must now include extended cancellation periods for homeowners following a hurricane.
- Fire-Resistant Materials in California: New codes mandate more fire-resistant, energy-efficient materials for commercial projects.
- Worker Classification: The Department of Labor is cracking down on how contractors classify workers, which could mean treating subcontractors as employees.
Roofers will need to stay updated on these changes, especially if you work in high-risk states like Florida or California. Missteps could lead to legal trouble or financial penalties.
Conclusion: Adapt, Innovate, Thrive
As the roofing industry faces a perfect storm of rising costs, shifting demand, insurance chaos, and new regulations, contractors must be agile to survive and thrive in 2025. Build strong relationships with suppliers, focus on energy-efficient solutions, and stay updated on industry regulations. Most importantly, don’t get left behind as private equity reshapes the roofing landscape—stay informed, stay competitive, and embrace change.
Now it’s your turn—what’s your strategy to weather the storm in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
