“I think 2008 was a better year than was planned for by many,” said Rob Therrien, President of the National Roofing Contractors Association. “New construction on the residential side stayed down but both low slope and steep slope reroofing was steady from what I experienced and heard quite often. Many regions of the country reported that they had a good year - nowhere near as abysmal as our media portrayed. I have even heard from some folks recently that they have some pretty good backlog, but they do think things will tighten.”
Asked about the outlook for the industry 2009, Therrien replied that most people he’s spoken with indicate things look to be tougher, but he wonders how much of this negative assessment to attribute to comments by politicians and the mainstream media. “I wonder where we could be if both of these entities boasted that they see things getting better? Just watch what will happen when they start to talk positively,” he said. “I hope by mid-second quarter or third quarter we get to a better place - where we should be.”
Fiscal responsibility will be essential for contractors in 2009, said Therrien. “Teamwork with your key employees, suppliers, and customers will be instrumental to weathering the storm. I feel working harder for less will probably be the message we hear next year, but hopefully that will be only for the short term.”
There are some hopeful signs, according to Therrien. “Federal influence and new initiatives are a strong bet,” he said. “The recently announced unprecedented interest rate that is being proposed can help if it flows fully through the system. A message of confidence heard by Americans and the world could also swing the pendulum.”
Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly roof systems should continue to see increased demand, said Therrien. “It never ceases to amaze me how people are willing to spend money on these products and systems, which is refreshing,” he said. “Many times this can be as simple as increasing insulation or putting on a reflective system. Vegetated and solar are growing segments also, but they may be hampered in some areas by costs unless we continue to see initiatives and/or incentives increased by the federal, state or local governments. The good news is our industry; the roofs themselves have a great ROI if we sell it.”
