Roofing is a critical aspect of construction and maintenance in the UK. From residential homes to commercial buildings, a sturdy and reliable roof is essential for protection against the elements. But with the evolution of building techniques and the availability of new materials, one would ask, Is roofing still in demand in the UK?
The UK roofing market is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 2.06% from 2024 to over £1.3 billion by 2028, indicating continued strong demand in the industry. Numerous important variables, such as the rising demand for roofing work and the scarcity of skilled labour in the sector, are driving this expansion.
Factors Driving Demand
Several factors are contributing to the high demand for roofing services in the UK:
Easing of pandemic restrictions:
The construction industry is recovering well after the worldwide outbreak. There is a significant demand for qualified roofers due to the industry’s revival, particularly in the homebuilding business.
In an effort to make up for lost time during lockdowns, the building sector is in high demand for roof work. Because skilled personnel were previously hard to come by, there is now increased competition in the business community to find them.
Increase in new build and RMI work:
The demand for roof tiles and slates in residential areas is mainly dependent on new construction, repair, maintenance, and improvement work. Other types, like flat and metal roof coverings, are mainly used in non-residential applications.
Pressures on Housing Supply:
The market for EPDM membranes, GRP, and other liquid roofing systems in the private housing sector has been encouraged by the demand for garage conversions and improvements brought on by growing housing costs. It is expected that homeowners will keep choosing renovation over moving, which would put more strain on the availability of roofing services.
Needs for Roof Maintenance:
Because roofs have a limited lifespan, regular monitoring and repairs must prevent leaks and other damage. This continuous requirement guarantees a steady demand for experienced roofers who can recognise concerns early on and take appropriate action to resolve them.
Shifting Roofing Preferences:
There’s a rising movement towards particular roofing materials, such as metal, which have additional advantages like endurance and durability. There is a need for roofers with experience handling these materials because working with them calls for specialist abilities.
Government Infrastructure Projects:
Public investment in major infrastructure projects often requires roofing expertise for new buildings or maintenance of existing structures. These projects create additional opportunities for professional roofers in Norwich, Norfolk.
Barriers the Roofing Industry Faces:
There are a number of challenges the UK roofing sector is facing along with increasing demand that need to be resolved. These barriers pose significant roadblocks for the UK roofing industry. However, industry initiatives and a focus on attracting new talent can help address these issues and ensure a healthy future for the sector.
Skilled Labour Shortage:
That’s a big obstacle. Not enough young individuals are joining the field, and the workforce is ageing. Due to inexperience, this shortage of skilled personnel causes project delays, higher expenses, and possible safety risks.
Material Shortages:
Supply chain disruptions caused by global events can make it difficult to obtain essential roofing materials. This can significantly impact project timelines and budgets, frustrating both roofing companies and their clients.
Strict Health and Safety Regulations:
Roofing is still a high-risk profession because there is always a chance of exposure to dangerous materials and falls from great heights. strong safety protocols and adequate training are essential for worker protection, but they can complicate and increase the cost of roofing projects.
Cashflow and Late Payments:
Late payments from clients can strain the cash flow of roofing businesses. This makes it difficult for them to invest in training for employees, purchase new equipment, or expand their operations, hindering overall industry growth.
Environmental Concerns:
There is increasing appeal to the roofing industry to implement more environmentally friendly procedures. Using eco-friendly supplies, minimising waste during installations, and working out how to deal with roofing materials are all part of this. Adapting to these practices requires investment and spreading awareness within the industry.
Outlook for the Future
The growth prospects for the UK roofing market in the next five years are promising. Roofing contractors’ workloads continued to improve in the fourth quarter of 2023, with commercial and domestic RMI being particular bright spots. However, the lack of clarity in the recent Spring Budget may have a knock-on effect across the roofing sector.
Effective collaboration among suppliers, contractors, and clients is vital to sustain the industry’s growth and equitable distribution of inflationary costs. Furthermore, the long-term viability of the sector will depend on actions taken to alleviate the lack of qualified labour and guarantee the continuation of public non-residential RMI projects.
Different roofing materials have shown different growing needs in the passing year. Among them metal roofing is the largest sector, accounting for an estimated 40% of the total market by value in 2024. In comparison, Flat roof membranes have around 32% share, while roof tiles & slates and niche products represent the remaining 28%.
The market dynamics, including the rise in demand for more reliable and long-lasting materials and technological advancements, are expected further to fuel the growth of the UK roofing market.
Effects of Governmental Policies and Technological Advancements
Government policies are expected to significantly impact the UK roofing market in the next five years. These policies will surely help the industry adapt to meet the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities presented by evolving market trends.
- It is probable that these laws will support eco-friendly procedures and sustainable materials in an effort to lessen the environmental impact of construction operations.
- The adoption of technology that promotes energy saving and lower carbon emissions in buildings will be pushed by specific regulations.
- Managing environmental standards is essential to the efficient design and implementation of roofing projects.
- The integration of renewable energy technology, including solar panels and green roofs, into roofing systems will be supported.
- To protect workers in the roofing business, maintaining rigorous health and safety standards will continue to be a top priority.
Current State of the Roofing Industry
The UK roofing activities market is expected to reach a value of £6.1 billion in 2023, with revenue rising at a compound annual CAGR of 1.1% during the previous five years. The following are the latest market trends in the roofing sector:
- The roofing sector is changing quickly. To increase efficiency and foresee possible problems before they arise, businesses are implementing newly innovative tools like drones for inspections, remote monitoring, and predictive analytics.
- Companies are facing pressure to offer comprehensive insurance and guarantees for their goods and services, which raises prices and puts them in a competitive position.
Roofer Career in the UK
In the UK, working in a roofing company can be quite fulfilling and in high demand. Roofers are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of roofs of a variety of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial ones. Working in this field requires handling a wide range of roofing materials, such as asphalt and slates.
The UK has several salary levels for roofers depending on qualifications, location, and experience level. Their yearly salary is between £30,225 and £30,441, making their wages competitive. Hitchin, Chichester, North London, Woking, and Bromley are the highest-paying cities, with annual salaries as high as £46,500.
You can grow in your career by becoming an expert in particular roofing materials or methods. You can also advance into managerial or supervisory positions, where you will manage groups of roofers and guarantee that projects are finished on schedule and to a high standard.
Final words:
Numerous factors, including population increase, climate change, ageing infrastructure, and improvements in technology influence the continuous demand for roofing services in every sector.
In the UK, roofing is a viable career option because of the predicted strong demand for competent roofers as it continues to expand. It offers job security, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth and development within the construction industry.