Last year the UK roofing contracting market grew by 6% to a value of ￡1.9bn, equivalent to about 139 million m~2 of roof coverings. Despite the downturn and falling property prices, it is forecast that annual growth of 3-5% will continue over the next five years, which will equate to an overall growth of 21% from 2007 to 2012, reaching a peak of 168 million m~2 of roof coverings. In 2007 metal roofing accounted for half of the roofing market, and about 95% of industrial and commercial applications. Sales of steel roofing in 2007 rose 12% and, despite continuing rises in steel prices, it is forecast that metal roofing will command 55% of the market by 2012. This is attributable to greater use of trade centres, self-storage units and out-of-town retail warehousing, distribution and retail schemes. Pitched roofing, comprising concrete, slate or clay tiles, commands about 30% of the roofing market, and is used predominantly in the residential housing sector.
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