A nationwide homeowner “2021 Roof Purchasing Study” conducted by Signet Research Inc. for DaVinci Roofscapes, shows that consumers want durable roofs.

Nearly 85% of those surveyed indicate that durability has a lot of influence on the type of roof they would purchase. The longevity of a roofing product was the second-highest influencer, followed by resistance to severe weather, according to the survey results.

Results of the study indicate that severe weather damage is the most likely event to prompt homeowners to replace their current roofs, followed by age of their existing roof. 

When it does become necessary to replace the roof, 32% of respondents indicate they are “very likely” or “likely” to consider a faux roofing product, such as composite slate or shake materials, that typically stand up to severe weather and are known for their longevity.

“Mother Nature pounds roofs on a regular basis,” said Mark Pagel, GM of DaVinci Roofscapes. “Homeowners recognize that hail, high winds and severe weather can take their toll on roofs. They’re reacting by seeking out roofing materials that will stand up to strong weather conditions on a regular basis.

“While price is an important consideration, respondents of the survey are focused more on value. They’re interested in investing in durable roofing materials, like synthetic slate and shake tiles, which are guaranteed to hold up to severe weather conditions.”

When it comes time to select a specific roofing brand, homeowners are primarily looking for a quality product (61% of respondents). 

To find that roofing brand, they are relying on their contractor (57% of respondents) for recommendations more than they do on family and friends (35% of respondents), or even their own personal experiences with a brand (37% of respondents).

“Homeowners understand they may choose a new roof only once or twice in their lives,” Pagel said. “They also understand that contractors make these decisions many times a year for their projects. The research indicates homeowners respect and value the recommendation of contractors who work regularly with different building products.”

In a comparison of the 2011 Color Study (conducted by Harris Research) and the 2021 Roof Purchasing Study, results show:

A review of both studies also shows some changes in roofing considerations by homeowners in the past decade:

One thing the study analysis showed consistency to in the roof over the past decade: Color preference. Black is still the most popular roof color, followed by gray, brown and beige/tan.

Both the 2011 and 2021 studies surveyed 1,000 homeowners who were 40+ years in age, with a household income of $150,000 or more and own a single-family home with a current market value of $400,000 or more. The studies were geographically divided, with 250 respondents each from the Northeast, South, Midwest and West regions of the U.S.