Roofers' Satisfaction Gauged by Industry Survey

The roofing industry is currently facing a significant challenge of a declining workforce. 

Studies of age-related demographics show that the roofing industry will not be able to meet its future workforce demands under current conditions. 

This presents a need to build a platform to retain current professionals and prepare its next generation of leaders.  

With this objective in mind, the Roofing Alliance, a foundation affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors Association, and Clemson University's Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management partnered together to conduct a study to understand the perspective of current professionals in the roofing industry focusing on economics, career advancement and overall satisfaction. 

An industry-wide survey was developed and distributed to the roofing professionals in the U.S.; specifically, NRCA members and the Roofing Alliance members.

The top three satisfaction factors for contractor professionals were overall work, yearly compensation and job variety/diversity.

The bottom three satisfaction factors were affordability of benefits, work-life balance and the benefits offered.

The major attraction factors into the roofing industry for contractor professionals were family business, overall work and the yearly compensation.

The major retention factors that enable the contractor professionals to stay in the roofing industry were yearly compensation, overall work and family business.

Also, 92% of roofing contractor professionals would recommend working in the roofing industry to future professionals.

The top three satisfaction factors for distribution professionals were benefits offered, overall work and job function.

The bottom three satisfaction factors were work-life balance, promotion path/structure and career advancement opportunities.

The major attraction factors into the roofing industry for distribution professionals were overall work, yearly compensation and career advancement opportunities.

The major retention factors that enable the distribution professionals to stay in the roofing industry were yearly compensation, overall work and work-life balance.

Also, 85% of roofing distributor professionals would recommend working in the roofing industry to future professionals.

The top three satisfaction factors for manufacturer professionals were overall work, yearly compensation and benefits offered.

The bottom three satisfaction factors were promotion path, career advancement opportunities and work-life balance.

Also, 92% of roofing manufacturer professionals would recommend working in the roofing industry to future professionals.

In conclusion, the roofing industry must identify ways to retain its current professionals to address the workforce challenge.

This study provides a snapshot of various aspects that need to be considered from the professional’s perspective to retain them in the roofing industry.