Rethinking risk for the future of low-slope roofing

By Dani Sheehan. 

Proactive risk management requires systems and materials that not only meet today’s requirements but also reduce the likelihood of future issues. 

From tightening labor pools to shifting weather patterns, the pressures on commercial roofing are building. But for contractors looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the real challenge isn’t just keeping up with these changes. You also have to understand how they compound risk across every project.  

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Derrick Hutchinson of USG offered a glimpse into what’s ahead for low-slope roofing. While the industry continues to talk about durability and performance, his perspective points to something deeper: the contractors who succeed in the next decade will be the ones who know how to manage risk before it shows up on the roof. 

Designing for the unknown 

For years, roofing systems have been designed around known conditions like regional weather patterns, historical data and long-standing installation practices. But as Derrick pointed out, that foundation is starting to shift, and severe weather events are not only more frequent, but Factory Mutual (FM) has expanded their severe hail map because these events are happening in more regions. 

This unpredictability raises a critical question: if yesterday’s conditions no longer define tomorrow’s risks, what are you building for? 

Forward-thinking contractors are starting to move beyond designing what’s typical in their market. Instead, they’re choosing assemblies that can handle a wider range of conditions, even if those conditions haven’t historically been a concern. 

The hidden risk in labor shortages 

Labor challenges are nothing new, but their impact is evolving. Not only do you have fewer hands on the job, but you also have to think about how that shortage affects the consistency of installation. As Derrick explained, a new generation of contractors is making up a growing percentage of crews.  

Less experienced crews, tighter timelines and increased pressure to move quickly from one job to the next all create more opportunities for small mistakes to turn into larger issues. “How do we make sure that we have products that are durable, but also efficient for contractors to install?” Derrick continued.  

That's where manufacturers play a critical role in helping contractors manage risk. It’s not just about creating products that meet performance standards but also designing systems that account for real-world installation conditions and long-term demands. For USG, this is evident in their continued innovation across the Securock® roof board portfolio, developing materials that are engineered for both strength and jobsite efficiency. Whether it’s optimizing board weight, reducing the number of fasteners required or ensuring consistent performance across applications, the goal is to help contractors install with confidence while minimizing risk of future issues.  

Building beyond the minimum 

Weather is less predictable, labor is less consistent and building performance expectations are higher than ever. Contractors can’t control these factors, but they can control how they respond to them.  

Listen to the full podcast episode to hear more from Derrick Hutchinson on the future of low-slope roofing and the role contractors play in shaping it.