Coated steel roofing systems are fast evolving

The roofing market should grow in high single-digit growth in the near future, once things stabilise after the pandemic, a double-digit growth can be expected, says Manish Garg, CEO, Interarch Building Products.

How is the market for roofing systems evolving in India? 

The market for roofing systems is growing in India at a rapid pace. The roofing systems which offer longevity, energy savings and which are green are in vogue. The trend to convert to a metal roofing system manufactured out of premium coated steel continues due to its proven performance benefits experienced by users. Tracdek metal roofing systems offered by Interarch is industry standard nowadays.

What kind of designs and materials are trending in roofing? 

There are mainly two types of roofing systems: 

• Through fastened roofing systems (the ones fixed to substructure using high-quality self-drilling self-tapping screws) Tracdek Hi-rib from Interarch range.
• Concealed fixed roofing systems (the ones fixed to substructure using concealed clips using snap lock and mechanical seaming mechanisms), Tracdek Standing Seam and Klippon from Interarch range. 

The through fastened roofing system is mainly used in buildings wherein building spans do not required sheet lengths of more than 12 m or where the roof gradients are greater than 5 degrees. The concealed fixed roofing systems are used for buildings wherein the roof gradients are less than 5 degrees, and the sheet lengths are required to be single lengths in excess of 12 m, eliminating the need for roof-end laps. 

The materials used are Aluminium Zinc coated high tensile steel with or without additional colour coating. This material, commonly known as galvalume steel, offers excellent corrosion resistance properties and lasts long. The high strength-to-weight ratio makes these an ideal choice for all kinds of roofing applications. The roofing materials are 100 percent recyclable and therefore green and environment-friendly.

What are the latest solutions offered in roofing and allied systems? 

The roofing systems are offered as single skin, single skin insulated, double skin insulated, PIR panels, PUF panels and many others. The roofing systems are adaptable to taking on allied systems like roof-mounted solar panels without piercing the roofing membrane. The roofing systems can be curved in convex and concave shapes to meet various architectural forms of the structures conceived by architects. 

What are the key demand drivers of roofing systems? How is the company gearing up to meet the emerging demands? 

A lot of demand is driven by the replacement of old roofing systems, which are dilapidated, corroded, broken and leaking. Another main driver is infrastructure projects like airports, metro rail, railways, and institutional, which are of national importance. The capex cycle is robust and driven by industrial/commercial buildings wherein these roofing systems are a default choice.

What is your outlook on the market growth for roofing systems, with the PEB and fabrication structures growing? 

Interarch is a major player in the PEB industry, and we are experiencing a robust demand pattern after abatement of the second wave of the pandemic. The roofing market should grow in high single-digit growth in the near future, once things stabilise after the pandemic, a double-digit growth can be expected. The roofing trends are fast evolving towards coated steel roofing systems and have a bright future outlook.