Survey Investigates Factors in Choosing Roofing Systems

When building owners evaluate roofing systems, cost and warranty are the most important factors, according to a survey conducted by BUILDINGS for the EPDM Roofing Association (ERA).

The survey found that 39% of respondents cited cost as the most important factor, followed by warranty/guarantee at 37%.

The survey also asked respondents about roofing performance factors such as durability. Weatherability and resistance to cracking/crazing was the most important factor (20.6%), followed by membrane resistance to punctures, physical damage and fire (18.9%), and length of warranty (15.7%).  Among the least important performance factors were high solar reflectance (1.3%), heat island mitigation (0.3%), and roofing color (0.2%).

The survey methodology involved a web questionnaire for commercial building owners/managers and other professionals who subscribe to BUILDINGS publications. Completed questionnaires from 258 respondents were analyzed.