Roofing sector embraces next-gen materials

Next-generation materials are redefining roofing in India, with innovations like recyclable zinc, sandwich PUF panels, and fire-rated ACPs gaining traction across industrial, commercial, and smart city projects.

India’s roofing and allied sectors are experiencing a transformative phase, driven by a booming construction market valued at over USD 600 billion in 2025 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2 percent through 2030. Fuelled by urbanisation, government initiatives like Smart Cities, and a surge in industrial and commercial projects, the demand for advanced roofing solutions like pre-engineered buildings (PEBs), sandwich PUF panels, aluminium composite panels (ACPs), and sustainable materials like zinc is at an all-time high. With infrastructure projects such as metro stations and IT parks expanding, the industry is embracing automation, AI, and eco-friendly material innovations to meet the dual challenges of durability and environmental responsibility, positioning itself as a cornerstone of India’s construction landscape.

A dynamic industry landscape

The roofing sector is evolving rapidly to address the needs of modern construction. In 2025, the Indian roofing market is estimated to be worth $12 billion, with PEBs and metal roofing systems accounting for nearly 40 percent of the share due to their speed and cost-efficiency. Sandwich PUF panels, known for superior thermal insulation, are increasingly critical for cold storage and food processing, a segment growing at 8 percent annually. Sher Singh, Managing Director of Mount Roofing, underscores this integrated approach: “We’re proud to be among the few manufacturers in India producing pre-engineered buildings, sandwich puff panels, and polycarbonate sheets under one roof. This makes us a true one-stop solution provider.” Their fully automated production line, eliminating manual intervention, ensures consistent quality, particularly for hygiene-sensitive applications.

Aesthetics are also gaining prominence. N. Chandrashekhar, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Colorshine, highlights, “Our roofing solutions are available in a wide variety of colours and printed steel variants, including wood finish and wrinkle finish textures, which enhance the visual appeal of buildings.” Their use of aluminium-zinc alloy coatings (AZ150 and AZ200) boosts corrosion resistance, extending product lifespan by up to 20 years, a critical factor for infrastructure in coastal and high-temperature regions.

Sustainability at the forefront

Sustainability is reshaping roofing, with materials like zinc leading the charge. Praveen Kataria, CEO of ELZinc India, explains, “Zinc is one of the most sustainable building materials available today. It is 100 percent recyclable, so the material can be recovered even after 80 to 100 years without losing quality.” Zinc’s self-healing patina and high UV resistance (Class 4) make it ideal for diverse Indian climates, from coastal to arid zones. The ELZinc AlkimiA and Rainbow series, offering pre-weathered and pigmented finishes, enable architects to design complex parametric façades while maintaining environmental integrity. The global green roofing market, valued at $1.5 billion in 2025, is growing at 15 percent annually, and India is catching up with increased adoption in urban projects.

Innovative products like stone-coated roofing with embedded solar panels are also gaining traction. Sandip Timbadia, Director and CEO of Latim Metals and Industries, notes, “You don’t need to build an additional layer for solar panels—this is already added in.” These solutions reduce heat percolation by 6–7°C and improve noise insulation, addressing energy efficiency and occupant comfort in tropical climates. Such advancements align with India’s renewable energy goals, with solar-integrated roofing projected to grow by 12 percent annually through 2030.

Technology driving efficiency

Technological advancements are revolutionising roofing manufacturing and installation. As seen in Mount Roofing’s PUF panel production, automation ensures precision and scalability. Nitin Jain, Director of Viva ACP, emphasises their edge in façade innovation: “We have a complete setup where we make 3D louvres and 3D ACP panels for our clients. Nobody is offering in-house 3D louvres, which enhance the quality to a great extent.” Their adherence to fire safety standards, certified by NFPA 285 and EN 13501, reflects the industry’s response to stringent global regulations, particularly for high-rise buildings, which constitute 25% of India’s urban construction projects.

AI and robotics are also making inroads, with software solutions streamlining structural design and construction workflows. The roofing machinery segment, valued at $2 billion globally, is growing at 5 percent annually, with India emerging as a key adopter. These technologies reduce labour costs and improve safety, addressing the industry’s challenge of skilled workforce shortages.

Growth prospects and challenges

The 22nd edition of Roof India, held from April 24–26, 2025, at Mumbai’s Bombay Exhibition Centre, served as a vital platform for showcasing these trends. With over 150 exhibitors and 5,000 attendees, it facilitated networking and knowledge exchange through seminars like Let’s Talk Roofing, Flooring Ideas, and Innovative Infrastructure – explored solutions like robotics and AI to streamline construction processes. A session on insulation materials underscored their impact on energy efficiency, while discussions on innovative infrastructure highlighted the role of modular and prefabricated systems in reducing costs and timelines.

The roofing industry’s growth prospects are robust, with the Indian market expected to reach $18 billion by 2030. PEBs and modular systems are projected to dominate, driven by demand for rapid construction in industrial and commercial sectors. Green roofing and solar-integrated solutions are set to expand, supported by government incentives for sustainable building. However, challenges like volatile raw material costs and a 15 percent skill gap in adopting advanced technologies persist. As demonstrated by exhibitors at Roof India, investments in automation and training are critical to overcoming these hurdles.

A future built on innovation

India’s roofing and allied sectors are at a pivotal juncture, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation. From self-healing zinc to solar-embedded roofing, the industry is crafting durable, sustainable, and aesthetically versatile solutions. As construction demands escalate, the roofing sector is not just keeping pace but setting the stage for a resilient, eco-conscious future, ensuring that India’s skylines are as functional as they are inspiring.