Builders and homeowners have turned their attention to the weather in recent years, and construction trends are changing. In 2024, 60% of homeowners faced significant expenses as a result of extreme weather damage, with many paying $5,000+ out of pocket for repairs, according to Leafhome's recent Extreme Weather Report.
Unlike ever before, a rise in extreme weather events guides the future of construction and underscores the importance of choosing strong, durable housing materials.
"Our weather patterns are becoming increasingly more challenging to address," shares Tyler Grace, Owner of TRG Home Concepts/Co-Host of the Modern Craftsman Podcast. "The heat continues to rise while the air quality becomes worse. With renovation or remodeling projects, we must balance and discuss how our renovation will impact the entire performance of the home and how to properly do this without creating issues elsewhere."
According to its 2024 U.S. Industry Trend Report, CertainTeed reported that 70% of consumers acknowledge that the trend in weather is noticeable, only 48% admit to feeling as though their homes are prepared for the worst. Professional builders and contractors cite higher awareness of the changes in the environment, with 86% agreeing there have been extreme weather changes in the past two years. Of that percentage working to help customers, only 62% feel that their customer's homes are adequately prepared. Additionally, 63% of women are more likely to value resilience in construction compared to 47% of men.
The Importance of Durable Building Materials
“More regions across the country are seeing an increase in severe weather resulting in damage to their homes, and the building materials you choose act as a first line of defense in these conditions," noted James White, Sr. Product & Market Manager at CertainTeed.
Homeowners and contractors should consider a home's risk factors and choose products with features that mitigate damage:
- Class 4: Impact ratings against hail damage
- Class A. Roofing material and Type X gypsum to help limit the spreading of wildfire flames
- Class F. Wind rating to withstand up to 110 mph strong winds.
White adds, "Solutions that offer a Class 4 impact rating have a stronger chance at protecting your home along with underlayments and house wraps with self adhering properties and watertight seals to protect against moisture intrusion and wind uplifts.”
Durability in weather-resistant materials is of most importance for both consumers and the construction sector, with 58% of each audience citing that it is a top-of-mind factor. Also ranking high:
- 54% of consumers cite energy efficiency (reduced energy consumption), while 52% and 49% rank water resistance and physical comfort inside the home as important factors
- 56% of professionals focus on insulation, temperature regulating systems, and performance across seasons. 51% cite water damage resistance as a leading factor.
How Geography Affects Weatherproofing Factors
- Western consumers are more likely to prioritize energy efficiency and focus on their carbon footprint compared to Northeasterners. While 62% of western homeowners prioritize opportunities for integration, trends have continued to show us that Northeastern homeowners trail behind, possibly due to snow and ice factors.
- That said, the midwest and south experience extreme weather conditions, too. Midwestern and Southern consumers place greater value across a range of priorities, including temperature, UV, wind and hail resistance, especially compared to their Northeastern counterparts.
- 62% of Southern professionals prioritize durability and seasonal performance
- 55% of Westerners prioritize initial costs
Sustainability in the Building Materials Industry
In today's building materials sector, sustainability and reducing carbon emissions remains a focus for many. With 46% of consumers and professionals actively seeking sustainable building materials derived from renewable energy sources, the demand for sustainable materials is evident. Products like Modern Mill's ACRE siding and MDLR Brands' LiteSIP panels are on the forefront of this innovation.
Additionally, 47% of residential builders and contractors are open to integrating solar roofing systems (and yes, these are some of the best we've seen yet), indicating a growing awareness of eco-friendly materials and innovative options.
When it comes to using durable materials, metal roofs have been top-of-mind for many. “Metal roofs are one of the most sustainable roofing options available," shared Carlos Dias, Division President of Englert, a Great Day Improvements company. Metal roofing is also extremely durable. Dias adds, “Whether it’s strong winds, hail, or heavy snowfall, metal roofs are engineered to withstand the toughest weather conditions."
The motivation behind sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns, with 21% citing energy cost savings as a leading factor. Notably, Millennials exhibit a heightened interest in sustainable alternatives, being nearly twice as likely as Gen X and almost four times as likely as Boomers to consider solar roofing systems.
