Garland UK has published its first benchmarking report on the commercial roofing industry in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading experts. The report reveals the main challenges commercial landlords and estates teams face with their roofing assets and shares expert advice, strategies and considerations to overcome them.
The report ‘A View From The Top: Commercial Roofing Report 2023’ shares insights from chartered surveyors, sustainability consultants and industry associations, discussing relevant topics such as roof retrofit works, EPC updates, carbon reduction strategies, future-proofing assets and how to mitigate risk on roof projects to name a few.
Currently, the UK roofing industry market value is expected to reach £4.7bn in 2023. Since 2015, the demand for flat roof systems has been the most significant influence on the market, accounting for 42% of total sales in 2020.
However, with the cost of living crisis and inflation dominating the news agenda in 2023, not to mention the continuing effects of Brexit, labour shortages, the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, the roofing industry continues to face new and increasing challenges.
Mark Fisher, Head of Metal and Technical Services at Garland UK, adds,
“There is the possibility that companies’ budgets won’t be approved in time to invest in capital projects, and private equity investors may need help finding profitable investments. This could slow growth in the industry’s comprehensive forward-looking order book and challenge the ability to turn a profit.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom; the outlook for 2023 is that the industry remains resilient – in fact, many opportunities are highlighted by the report experts, indicating where estate teams and commercial landlords can take advantage and quickly realise the benefits.
Sustainable roofing design is trending, where systems that embrace a cradle-to-cradle approach with recycle, reduce and reuse methodologies are being specified. Solar PV panels and thermal efficiency upgrades that reduce carbon emissions and gain control of reducing operational running costs are high on the agenda.
Investigative works at the earliest stages of a roofing project can reap significant savings. Long-term asset management is another positive trend, where preventative maintenance allows building portfolios to be managed cost-effectively.
