July 10, 2025 - Mid-Year Momentum: $6B Market, ASCE 7-16 Inspections & Solar-Ready Membranes

🏗️ Market Trends: U.S. Low-Slope Market Hits $6 Billion

A new industry analysis from Freedonia projects the U.S. low-slope roofing market at $6 billion in 2025, driven by a surge in retrofit projects and demand for energy-efficient systems¹. With infrastructure spending on the rise and building owners chasing sustainability goals, contractors are tapping into growth opportunities in both commercial and residential sectors.

 

📋 Regulatory Update: ASCE 7-16 Inspection Mandates

Effective this month, many jurisdictions are enforcing ASCE 7-16’s enhanced roof inspection requirements². Key changes include:

Documentation of Roof Geometry: Inspectors must record roof slopes and drainage paths to verify they meet the ¼″-per-foot minimum.

Wind Uplift Verification: Field tests, such as pull-off adhesion checks, are now required to confirm membrane securement under updated design pressures.

Moisture Survey Protocols: Infrared scans or core-cut tests must be documented, especially following major storms, to guard against hidden deterioration.

Contractors should review local adoption timelines and update their inspection checklists accordingly.

 

🔧 Material Innovations: Solar-Ready & Storm-Proof Membranes

PACE Products International has unveiled a new single-ply membrane coated with advanced solar-ready pigments and engineered for cyclone-level uplift resistance³. This dual-purpose system:

Converts up to 10% of incident solar energy into usable electricity.

Maintains full wind-uplift ratings up to 150 psf (corresponding to 130 mph winds).

Early pilot installations in Florida and Texas report up to a 5% reduction in overall building energy costs during peak summer months.

 

🧰 Pro Tips for Contractors

1. Expand IR Surveys: Schedule infrared moisture scans not just after but also before major weather events to establish baseline moisture maps.

2. Verify ASCE Adoption: Confirm with local building departments when ASCE 7-16 becomes mandatory, some areas offer a six-month grace period.

3. Pilot New Membranes: Consider trialing solar-ready membranes on smaller projects first to gauge installation nuances and ROI.

 

📚 Learning Topic: Deep Dive into ASCE 7-16 Roof Inspection Protocols

ASCE 7-16’s latest update goes beyond traditional visual checks, imposing rigorous documentation and testing:

1. Roof Geometry Documentation

Measure and record slope, drainage flow lines, and ponding thresholds.

Use laser levels or digital inclinometers for accuracy.

2. Wind Uplift Testing

Conduct pull-off adhesion tests (ASTM D4541) on random membrane sections.

Compare recorded loads against design pressures specified in Table 29.2 of ASCE 7-16.

3. Moisture Detection Methods

Infrared Thermography: Best for early detection of wet insulation.

Core-Cut Analysis: Provides definitive moisture content but is invasive, limit to key areas.

4. Reporting & Record-Keeping

All findings must be compiled into a formal inspection report.

Retain digital photos, test logs, and thermal images for a minimum of five years or as required by local code.

Why It Matters: Proper adherence to ASCE 7-16 inspection protocols not only ensures code compliance but also extends roof lifespan by catching issues before they escalate.

 

This briefing reflects information available as of July 14, 2025, at 05:00 MST. We’ll continue bringing you the latest, see you next week!

 

Sources:

1. Freedonia Group, “U.S. Low-Slope Roofing Market Analysis 2025,” June 2025.

2. Nova Exteriors, “How Will ASCE 7-16 Affect the Low-Slope Roofing Industry? A Guide,” June 2025.

3. PACE Products International, “Solar-Ready and Storm-Proof: The Future of Roofing in 2025,” June 2025.

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