The South represented the largest regional share (43%), followed by the Midwest (25%), West (18%), and Northeast (14%). Roughly 27% identified themselves as corporate/executive management, and 16% identified themselves as general managers. [ n=44 ]
WHO PARTICIPATED?
43%
25%
18%
14%
Roofing Contractor commissioned myCLEARopinion Insights Hub to conduct the annual Commercial Roofing Report research study. This online research initiative focused on capturing the industry perspective on 2025 successes and challenges, while keeping an eye on the year to come.
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FOCUS ON COATINGS
52% of contractors report commercial sales of coatings have increased from 2024 to 2025, among product users. [ n=25 ]
0
%
61% of contractors expect sales of coatings to increase in 2026. [ n=36 ]
Solar
Single-Ply Roofing
56% of contractors report commercial sales have increased from 2024 to 2025, among product users. [ n=16]
83% of contractors expect commercial sales to increase in 2026. [ n=41]
Workforce Woes
Labor costs continue to climb for many contractors. More than half (n=44) report increases since January 2025, with those affected citing an average rise of 12% (n=24).
Lack of qualified workers, current economy/inflation, and lowball pricing/bidding wars are among some issues rising this year, followed by 32% of respondents showing concern for increase building material costs. [ n=44 ]
On average, field labor is constructed of:
0
%
0
%
0
%
Full-Time Employees
Subcontractors
Part-Time Employees
[ n=44 ]
Communication on the Job
25% of crew members and 24% of senior management members speak a language other than English in order to perform daily job responsibilities. Respondents report that Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, followed by English.
25% of crew speak non-English languages
24% of senior management speak non-English languages
Salut!
Hello!
Hola!
Language most commonly spoken, aside from English:
0
%
Spanish
0
%
English
0
%
Other
[ n=33 ]
[ n=30 ]
METHODS TO RECRUIT TALENT & EMPLOYEE RETENTION
The majority of respondents’ companies use online job postings to identify and recruit talent in the roofing market. In order to retain employees, respondents report that their companies are paying well/awarding bonuses, ensuring enough work, and/or ensuring a safe work environment.
Methods to Retain Commercial Employees
Online Job Postings – 68%
Employee Referrals – 61%
Social Media – 55%
Family/Friends – 50%
Job Fairs – 39%
Paying Well/Giving Bonuses – 77%
Ensuring a Safe Work Environment – 70%
Ensuring Enough Work – 66%
Providing Benefits – 59%
Providing Training – 50%
Methods to Recruit Talent
[ n=44 ]
[ n=44 ]
TRAINING METHODS
Training is largely provided in-house while on the job, followed by manufacturer provided training, in-house formal training programs and association training.
In-House Training (On the Job Training)
0
%
0
Manufacturer Training
%
0
In-House Training (Formal Training Program)
%
0
Association Training
%
[ n=44 ]
As we transition into 2026, technology upgrades and a demand for roofing innovation continues to be a high priority for commercial roofing contractors who want to make a difference with their customer base and maximize efficiency in production.
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IMAGE CREDITS:
Opening buildings/clouds, Hardhat linear icon: Isovector (iStock / Getty Images Plus); 2026 Flipping Blocks, State regions illustration: filo (DigitalVision Vectors/ Getty Images); Applying waterproof product: David_Rey (iStock / Getty Images); Construction materials linear icons: MicrovOne (iStock / Getty Images); Piggybank linear icon: ilyaliren (iStock / Getty Images); Bidding concept linear icon: Graphic Stock (Royalty-free / Getty Images); Coins and construction background illustration, foreign-speaking engineers: useng (Royalty-free / Getty Images); Training team on site: djvstock (iStock / Getty Images); Isometric builder carrying boards: Macrovector (iStock / Getty Images); Part-Time employees: elenabs (iStock / Getty Images); World Globe line icon: Joel Masson (Royalty-free / Getty Images); Circular portrait illustrations of workers: TopVectors (iStock / Getty Images); Construction Workers: smartboy10 (DigitalVision Vectors/ Getty Images); Training team on site: djvstock (iStock / Getty Images); Business software, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Estimating Software, Closing Engineer in hardhat illustrations: Creattie (iStock / Getty Images); Closing construction site background: Manfort Okolie (iStock / Getty Images).