Raise the Roof

Led by concrete and clay tiles, the demand for roofing materials in China is expected to increase by 4.6 percent per year through 2008, according to a study by Cleveland-based research firm the Freedonia Group.

Concrete and clay tiles and bituminous roofing will continue to dominate the materials demanded, however, elastomeric and plastic membranes are expected to enjoy strong gains in market share in the next five years, according to the study.

Among bituminous roofing products, the Freedonia Group predicts modified bitumen membranes and asphalt shingles will enjoy particularly good prospects.

And at 5 percent per year, Chinese demand for nonresidential roofing is expected to outpace residential through 2008, according to the study. The Freedonia Group predicts that continuing industrialization and sustained strength in direct foreign investment in China will fuel the nonresidential building market.