A sustainable approach in roofing systems
The industrial and social infrastructure developments are transforming towards eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies and solutions. In this scenario, Construction Times explores the emerging trends and the way forward for sustainable roofing systems and solutions in India.
The concept of roofing systems is on a total transformation from the traditional materials to innovative and attractive ones that suit the needs of changing weather conditions, aesthetics and sustainability.
Market trends
The India Roofing Market size is estimated at USD 7.59 billion in 2024, and 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. The growing infrastructure and industrial segments are expected to drive the demand for roofing solutions. Several manufacturers are now offering sophisticated and sustainable roofing solutions. The government’s interim budget announcement of setting up rooftop solar projects will push the solar rooftop systems in the country.
Emerging trends in roofing
With Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEBs) gaining traction, especially in social and industrial infrastructure, sustainable roofing solutions play a crucial role. In line with this, customers are now more inclined towards maximum durability, efficiency, and resilience. As the weather is changing drastically with extreme heat and cold, sudden downpour of rain and prolonged rainy season, people are looking for resilient roofing to withstand these extreme weather conditions. The cool roofing materials and systems is a new trend with the summers are becoming severe. The cool roofs are designed to reflect sunlight and absorb lesser heat to the surface compared to the traditional roofing materials. Another trend is metallic roofing materials which can last longer. Improved insulation methods can enhance the metallic roof’s energy efficiency. New synthetic roofing materials are now emerging as an alternative offering the advantages of being lighter, more flexible, durable, and sustainable.
According to U.N.Sharma, Executive Director, Colorshine Coated Pvt Ltd, sustainable roofing solutions, green roofs, cool roofs, energy efficient roofing and self-healing and self-cleaning roofs are some of the new trends which are driving innovation in roofing industry. “At the heart of our offerings are high-quality coated coils with various paint types such as PVDF, SDP, UDP, SMP, RMP, Epoxy & PU. Besides, Colorshine manufactures different topcoat printed finishes like flower, wood, Camouflage patterns along with high gloss, matt, and wrinkle topcoat finishes. All these features provide the exceptional performance, durability and our capability to give high mass coatings, various type of paint systems, print patterns type of coating specially engineered to deliver exceptional aesthetics without compromising the product quality performance and durability,” he adds.
LA TIM Group offers versatile roofing solutions for various applications. Rahul Timbadia, Chairman & Managing Director, LA TIM Group elaborates, “Versatility in steel is increasing day by day - be it the bare galvanized & galvalume coated steel or the more aesthetic durable and versatile colour coated galvanized or galvalume steel. These value-added steel roofing and cladding products can be offered in a range of painted options like regular coated, special coated high durable or PVdF coated.” According to him, designed steel products with patterns of wood, marble, stone, tiles, floral etc. are also being increasingly used for roofing, cladding and false ceiling baffles.
Abhinav Sharma, Marketing Officer, Everest Industries, adds, “We have latest roofing solution Evercool cement sheets used in residential, factories house extension, shops, poultry farms etc. “The Evercool roofs offer 7-degree reduction in indoor temperature. They also have water repellent and anti-fungal features.”
According to Timbadia, traditionally pastel & light colours in blue, green, off-white or terracotta were dominating in the roofing & cladding industry. Nowadays, increasingly dark and bold colours like grey, black, dark blues, greens, reds and even orange are being demanded. “There is an increasing trend of wood and other design coated steel being used in aesthetic roofing, wall claddings, ceiling panels and soffits. It was already popular in the US and Europe, and has now started trending in India too,” he adds.
Solar roofs
The latest innovation picking up pace is incorporation of solar photovoltaic systems into roofing materials themselves. Instead of mounting solar panels on rooftops, solar roofing integrates photovoltaic cells directly into roofing components. For example, Visaka Industries has introduced the world’s first Integrated Solar Roof with patents in India, USA, and South Africa. “ATUM has revolutionized conventional solar technology by seamlessly integrating solar cells within a robust and weather-resistant structure. This patented breakthrough not only serves as a roof but also functions as a power generator, facilitating both on-grid and off-grid systems,” highlights Vamsi Krishna Gaddam, Joint Managing Director, Visaka Industries. Elaborating on the advantages, he adds, “ATUM’s solar modules, housing monocrystalline solar cells within a specialized framework, outshine traditional panels by yielding up to 30% more power, delivering superior efficiency while ensuring insulation, durability, and a leak-proof design. This microcrack-free roof stands as an optimal choice for diverse climatic conditions, including regions susceptible to hurricanes and cyclones.”
Demand trend and outlook
The growing industrial and social infrastructure sector is pushing the demand for PEB sector in India. This trend has also influenced the growth of sustainable roofing solutions. Rajesh Modi, Vice President (Infrastructure Division), Bajaj Steel Industries Ltd, highlights, “There is a palpable enthusiasm in the construction industry and with the rapid growth in the foreseeable future, the demand for steel buildings is set to grow at a healthy pace. The customer is getting aware of the many possibilities in the PEB domain and we see high double-digit growth in the coming years.”
“We are experiencing good demand from industrial construction, commercial projects and also residential construction, especially individual (and gated communities of) farmhouse, bungalow and villa projects, in both, budget and premium range. With greater awareness among architects, interior designers and roofing contractors, our products are being well received in all of the above segments based on their recommendations,” says Timbadia.
Going ahead various factors such as growing industrialisation, population, urbanization, and extreme weather events are expected to put the growth of sustainable roofing systems on fast track in the coming years.
