Residential contractors are beginning to see a shift towards more durable, long-lasting roofing solutions. Is the change worth it? 

As we continue into the 2025 calendar year, residential contractors are taking note of a very obvious shift in homeowners’ needs. In an industry where asphalt shingles once reigned supreme above all other roofing materials, customers are now looking for a different, more sustainable solution. This change signals a major opportunity for industry professionals to get on board with durable solutions now before they fall behind the trend.  

This shift presents both a challenge and a huge business opportunity for contractors, installers, and architects. The question isn't if the market will change — it's how quickly, and how professionals can position themselves for success. The experts at McElroy Metal share their insights:  

A wake-up call from regulators  

The conversation around asphalt shingles is getting louder, especially in states prone to severe weather. Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation recently made waves by openly questioning the reliability of asphalt shingles, stating that they "often do not last as long as manufacturers claim." 

Backing up those concerns, the Insurance Institute for Business and Safety (IBHS) has called out shingles as failing American homeowners, arguing that their durability has seen little improvement over the years. In other words, the materials homeowners have relied on for decades may no longer be up to the task. 

While no one is saying asphalt shingles will be banned anytime soon, the growing scrutiny from regulators and insurance companies signals a shift in priorities — one that favors roofing materials with proven longevity and resilience. 

It’s not just Florida anymore 

The conversation about roofing durability isn't limited to hurricane-prone states. Experts predict that California and other wildfire-prone regions will soon follow suit, pushing for roofing materials that offer higher levels of protection. Homeowners are already demanding solutions with Class 4 wildfire ratings, and regulatory changes are expected to follow. 

For contractors, now is the time to expand expertise beyond traditional asphalt shingles. Homeowners seeking better protection will seek professionals who can guide them toward high-performance alternatives like metal roofing. 

The opportunity for contractors and architects 

This market shift isn't just about replacing one roofing material with another — it's a chance for contractors and architects to get ahead of the curve. As Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), puts it, "Times change and needs evolve. For the next generation of residential roofing solutions, it's only natural that the market shifts to better meet today's challenges. This represents adopting a new mindset and working to meet the rising demand." 

In practical terms, this means investing in training, updating product offerings and helping homeowners understand the benefits of more resilient roofing options. Contractors who take the initiative now will be best positioned for success as demand for durable materials grows. 

Resilience is the future 

For decades, roofing choices have been primarily driven by upfront costs. But homeowners prioritize resilience over initial savings as climate extremes intensify — bringing stronger storms, more hail and record-breaking heat.  

"Roofs take the majority of the burden from climate extremes — be it monster tropical storms, massive hail and thunderstorms, extreme heat and more," Ramey explains. "So, it makes sense that just as climate forces are growing stronger, so too are the discussions about what may be the best solutions moving forward." 

For contractors, the message is clear: The roofing industry is shifting, and those who adapt now will lead the way. Whether through training, new product offerings or updated business models, embracing resilience-focused roofing solutions isn't just good for homeowners — it's a smart move for business growth. 

Are you ready for the next era of residential roofing? 

Original article and image source: McElroy Metal

During National Snow Guards Safety Month messages of safe installation practices and the need for snow guards are being shared nationwide.

Throughout the month of March, the roofing industry is placing extra attention on the value and safety associated with snow guards.

Expert safety support

Snow guards are sturdy pieces designed to be attached to a roof, usually in specific patterns, to help prevent snow from sliding down in a “snow blanket” as the snow melts. The snow guards can be made of plastic, metal, copper, aluminum or even rubber. They can be attached at the time a roof is installed or retrofitted years after the roof is in place.

The experts at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards create plans for placement of where snow guards should be installed on a roof. They take into consideration the areas with the most potential exposure where people least wish to see snow drop off in large masses, such as door entryways, driveways, walkways and decks. And they use scientific configurations related to the roof slope, roof snow load and other factors. Even the type of materials on the roof (such as asphalt, composite, metal or slate roofing) factor into the calculations.

“We work directly with roofing contractors, builders and homeowners to create a specific layout resulting in safe snow retention,” says Lars Walberg, president of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. “The free layout and quote service we provide takes individual roof specifications and returns the ideal layout for a snow retention system. The result is a configuration of specific products that allow the snow to melt slowly off the roof rather than being released in large, dangerous chunks.”

Help for the home

According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety®, installing snow guards or snow cleats is one of the top ways to upgrade a home and make it “winter ready.” Some manufacturers, like DaVinci® Roofscapes, offer specific advice about adding snow guards to their slick composite slate and shake shingles to create a safer home environment. (See “Tips for Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter Weather.”)

Drexel Metals addresses the same issue of their slippery metal roofing surfaces needing snow guard support in their story, “Is Your Metal Roof Ready for Winter: 5 Tips to Prep for the Cold.” The story “Soldier Rows of Snow Guards Help with Snow Retention” on AskARoofer.com explains that when placed 12 inches apart horizontally in rows on a roof, snow guards act like a barrier to snow, keeping it safely on the roof.

Companies and organizations sharing information on National Snow Guards Safety Month so far in March include:

• National Women in Roofing
• RoofersCoffeeShop
• MetalCoffeeShop
• AskARoofer
• Rocky Mountain Snow Guards
• DaVinci Roofscapes
• Turner Morris Inc.
• Metal Roofing magazine
• Roofing magazine
• Extreme How-To magazine

A Snow Retention FAQ and full product offering summary are available from Rocky Mountain Snow Guard to provide homeowners with more detailed information about snow retention systems. For specific questions on snow guards, call 877-414-7606.

About Rocky Mountain Snow Guards

Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company provides free shipping of products to the 48 contiguous United States and offers free layouts and quotes for product placement. Metal products are warrantied for 50 years. Proud Corporate Partner of Freedom Service Dogs and founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.com or call 1-877-414-7606.

By Dani Sheehan. 

How can we fight the insurance crisis in Louisiana? Build more resilient roofs with the Louisiana Fortify Homes program. 

Starting October 2, 2023, Louisiana homeowners will be able to apply for FORTIFIED Roof™ grants to provide roof replacements for families that may not otherwise be able to afford a new roof. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005, insurance companies folded or fled the state, forcing homeowners to use state run insurance as a last resort, with premiums up to ten percent higher than private insurance. The private insurance market slowly rebuilt, and competition has been restored over the last several years, but with an influx of hurricanes since 2020, the insurance crisis continues to be a source of anxiety for Louisiana residents. We recently sat down with Kenny Matherne from Allied Xteriors, to discuss a new grant program available that will hopefully relieve some of this burden from homeowners. 

Kenny is very excited about this grant program and believes it will help improve roofing standards across Louisiana while also helping homeowners to lower costs. He explains, “FORTIFIED is actually a building standard that has been developed and is a designation that is awarded and monitored by IBHS, which is a nonprofit that is funded and run by insurance companies. The goal of both IBHS and the FORTIFIED standard is to develop a building code that is designed to be more resilient to weather events, specifically hurricanes in the Gulf South area.”  

Success for this program hinges largely on the buy in and follow through from roofers. To take advantage of the grant program, he says, “You have to be certified to be eligible to receive the funding from the state as a roofing contractor. Homeowners can only work with certified FORTIFIED contractors to receive this funding as well.” While anyone can install a FORTIFIED roof, Kenny says the benefit of using certified contractors with this program is to help homeowners understand how important it is to find a roofing contractor you trust. 

Louisiana’s building codes as of last January are almost identical to FORTIFIED Roof standards. Unfortunately, with inflation and these more stringent building codes, Kenny says it costs about 20% more to put up a new roof to code than it did last year. Homeowners can be very resistant to investing in the changes, especially when there are still contractors in the state offering roofs at lower costs because they aren’t installing to code. Kenny’s advice to contractors is this: “Don’t view stricter codes as a hindrance, view them as a tool to be better at your job... Our mission is to put up products that homeowners, business owners and anyone who lives under a roof can trust.” 

Replacing a roof with a FORTIFIED roof is an up-front investment for homeowners, but this grant offers financial assistance to reduce that burden. When contractors install a FORTIFIED roof, a homeowner will be better protected against weather events like hurricanes. This in turn reduces the need for insurance claims, reducing state spending and encouraging more competition in the private insurance market. Contractors increase their profit margins up front and build increased credibility with their customers by providing a product that holds up over time. It’s a win for everyone involved. 

Learn more about Louisiana's grant program and see how you can become a FORTIFIED certified contractor.

Study finds borrowers in homes built after 2007 experience lowest default rates.

A new report released today by the Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and CoreLogic® found modern building codes decreased the expected spike in post-hurricane mortgage delinquency rates by about 50 percent. Borrowers in homes built to modern building codes — which emerged in 2002 — were least likely to experience mortgage delinquency following a hurricane when all other factors were equal.

The study explored the impact of landfalling hurricanes on mortgage delinquency rates and how more resilient modern building codes and their adoption impact local housing markets.

“When building codes are strong and effectively enforced, we see less structural damage, and families have a better chance of staying in their homes with less financial uncertainty in the aftermath of a damaging hurricanes,” said Dr. Ian Giammanco, managing director of codes and standards at IBHS. “This shows not only do modern building codes and the system of enforcement reduce damage, but they also strengthen the resilience of the financial sector, helping to keep communities intact.”

The modern building code era is marked by the inclusion of more stringent wind design requirements in 2000, one of the most critical milestones in building code advancement to reduce damage from windstorms.

The study shows borrowers in the modern building code groups default at a statistically significant lower rate following a hurricane event. By comparison, a model for the period prior to the event shows newer homes built under modern codes actually default at a significantly higher rate than older homes within the pre-modern code era groups.

“Modern building codes provide stability when weather-related disasters occur,” said Tanya Havlicek, principal, science and analytics at CoreLogic. “As we seek adaptive solutions to the growing impacts of climate change, modern building codes are a proven mitigation tool to reduce the damage, disruption and displacement that comes with severe weather.”

The report is publicly available at https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/building-codes-impact-mortgage-delinquency/. 

About the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)

The IBHS mission is to conduct objective, scientific research to identify and promote effective actions that strengthen homes, businesses and communities against natural disasters and other causes of loss. Learn more about IBHS at ibhs.org.

About CoreLogic

CoreLogic is a leading provider of property insights and innovative solutions, working to transform the property industry by putting people first. Using its network, scale, connectivity and technology, CoreLogic delivers faster, smarter, more human-centered experiences, that build better relationships, strengthen businesses and ultimately create a more resilient society. For more information, visit www.corelogic.com.