Demand, durability and a market on the rise

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A new study shows metal roofing isn't just growing, it's transforming how the industry thinks about the future. 

Metal is having a moment. That’s the takeaway from this episode of MetalCast™, where host Heidi J. Ellsworth speaks with Paul Trombitas of FMI Research. Paul lays out a compelling picture of rapid growth and evolving perception in the U.S. metal roofing industry, driven by resilience, sustainability and market familiarity. “If I were to start out and say, ‘What do I see as the state of the metal roofing industry,’ I would reply that it’s exciting,” Paul says. “There’s greater overall awareness. There’s familiarity and that has led to continued growth.” 

FMI’s recent study with the Metal Construction Association (MCA) outlines strong projected gains in the sector, estimating that metal roofing will reach 5 billion square feet of installed volume by 2029, a jump of 465 million square feet over current levels. “That is a substantial volume,” Paul notes, pointing to both residential and non-residential segments contributing to the expansion. Residential metal roofing still dominates, accounting for 84% of the market, largely in the re-roofing category. But new construction is catching up, thanks to broader consumer understanding of benefits like durability, longevity and energy performance. Non-residential metal roofing is also holding strong, with over 30% share of the addressable market, bolstered by sectors like data centers, education and healthcare. 

“Everybody wants to be in the metal space right now,” Paul shares, noting that 60% of study respondents reported “significant or substantial additional entrance into the market.” That influx isn’t just domestic. He explains, “Asian manufacturers as well as European [companies are] all seeing metal as a bright spot in the marketplace.” Tariffs have created some turbulence, particularly around cost inflation. However, Paul doesn’t see capacity constraints as the main challenge. “It’s more of the inflation of costs,” he adds. “That’s the biggest [challenge], where do you place your bets today so that we position for continued success and growth in five years?” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the Webinar to learn more about the explosive growth in metal roofing and why manufacturers, contractors and global investors are all racing to get in!