Sustainable roofing solutions
Continuous infrastructure development across the segments generates new opportunities for roofing sector. Construction Times explores the emerging trends and the way forward for roofing systems and solutions in India.
Continuous infrastructure development across the segments generates new opportunities for roofing sector. Construction Times explores the emerging trends and the way forward for roofing systems and solutions in India.
The roofing market in India is experiencing a robust growth, driven by various market trends such as infrastructure development, manufacturing, logistics & warehousing, urbanisation, and sustainability. The India Roofing Market size is expected to reach USD 10.41 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2024-2029), according to a Mordor Intelligence report.
Growth trend
The demand for premium roofing solutions has increased with the growing infrastructure development initiatives in airports, ports, urban infrastructure, highways, logistics and warehousing etc. The demand surge is visible across residential, commercial, and industrial domains. Manufacturers have introduced tailored roofing solutions for diverse applications. Innovative solutions that are enhancing performance, durability, and sustainability for the structure are gaining more traction. Changing weather conditions with extreme heat, cold and rains can adversely impact the roofing systems. In order to sustain such extreme conditions, the product and solution providers are introducing cool roofing systems with necessary insulations and coatings to minimise the impact of the extreme heat, cold and water leakages.
Steel is the universally preferred building material and is extensively used in roofing and wall cladding applications due to its longer life span. However, other metals such as aluminium, zinc and copper are also being used for specific applications. Aluminium roofing sheets come with advantages such as lightweight, corrosion-resistant, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, making them a durable and attractive roofing option. Zinc and copper sheet roofing are long lasting and have other advantages such as recyclability, minimal maintenance, versatility for various roof shapes, and a natural, aesthetic appeal. They are naturally resistant to corrosion, so won't rust or degrade over time, even in harsh weather conditions. Copper and zinc roofing can withstand strong winds, hail, and other extreme weather events, providing excellent protection.
Emerging opportunities and challenges
India’s infrastructure development programmes have opened up wider opportunities for roofing systems and solutions. Increased adoption of pre-engineered buildings in industrial and commercial buildings is also driving the use of roofing solutions in the country. Government’s development plans in airports, urban infrastructure, logistics & warehousing and social infrastructure have a positive impact on the roofing systems market.
Presence of extreme weather conditions in many parts of the country is a major challenge for roofing systems. Proper use of sealants and coatings will make the roofing strong, leak-proof and sustainable. Momentive Performance Materials (India) offers advanced coating and sealant solutions for roofing systems. Pranav R. Joshi, Market Segment Leader – EMEAI (Construction Sealants), Momentive Performance Materials (India) Pvt. Ltd. elaborates, “The Momentive range of high-performance sealants and coatings is used to weatherproof, insulate, and protect every element of the building envelope. Momentive construction sealants and coatings are inherently resistant to degradation caused by UV rays, rain, snow, and wind. They can withstand severe temperatures, staying flexible in the cold and stable in the heat (up to 180°C). Our coatings and sealants can bond to most materials and help prevent damaging water leaks.”
“In airports, aluminium roofing is the preferred choice due to its durability, with a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Other materials like zinc and copper are also used, though copper remains rare. While the availability of good-quality materials is not a challenge, proper system design and installation play a crucial role in ensuring long-term performance,” says Vijaynath Shetty
Airports are the major users of roofing systems. However, there are many challenges faced by the roofing players in the airport projects. According to Shetty, the roofing standards in government and private airports differ significantly, with private projects adhering to much stricter specifications while government projects often struggle with expertise and enforcement. He presents a scenario of government and private airports. “In government airport projects, many consultants lack specialized knowledge of roofing systems and instead rely on vendors for specifications. As a result, recommendations often prioritize a vendor’s product range rather than the best solution for the project. Another major concern is the manipulation of roofing installer qualifications to accommodate new vendors offering lower prices. This cost-driven approach frequently leads to roof leaks, poor long-term performance, and, in extreme cases, roof failures. Private airport projects bring in experienced foreign architects who ensure rigorous quality control. Specifications are strictly adhered to, warranties are enforced, and extensive testing is conducted to guarantee long-term performance.” According to him, while no project is without its challenges, the key issue lies in the inconsistent enforcement of specifications, which compromises the overall integrity of the roofing system.
A change or update in roofing specifications is imminent that ensure safety, durability, and long-term performance. “Stricter material testing, well-defined vendor qualifications, and a more rigorous selection process are essential to maintaining high-quality standards in roofing systems,” points out Shetty.
Advancements in roofing systems
India has made a significant headway in adapting roofing systems to withstand diverse weather conditions. High-quality materials are widely available, and when the right system is used and installed correctly, roofs can last over 20 years with minimal maintenance.
“Sustainability and weather resistance are now core priorities in the evolution of coated steel roofing systems, especially as the construction industry leans more into climate-conscious and long-life building materials,” says CR Kulkarni,
Looking ahead
The Budget 2025-26 has proposed expansion of regional airports across the country under the UDAN scheme. Government is also planning to set up more logistics and warehousing facilities, modernise railway stations, and set up more urban and social infrastructure facilities. All these are opportunities for roofing systems market.
