I’m not approaching the solid roof market as a career commentator or long-standing industry spokesperson. I come at it from a slightly different angle, from a newer generation involved directly in manufacturing, operations, and day-to-day decision-making, watching how products are specified, sold, installed, and ultimately lived with.
From that perspective, one thing stands out clearly: the market has moved on, but much of the conversation around solid roofs hasn’t.
When solid roofs first gained traction, they were positioned as a straightforward upgrade, stylised as warmer, heavier, more permanent than polycarbonate. That was true at the time. But today’s systems are far more complex and reducing them to simplistic comparisons no longer reflects how they perform in the real world.
A lot of discussion still centres on headline figures or material choices alone. Thermal performance is important, but it isn’t the full story. Structural design, condensation risk, junction detailing, and how a roof is manufactured and installed all influence long term performance. Looking at any one factor in isolation often leads to poor comparisons and, in turn, poor decisions.
Another area where I think the industry sometimes misses the mark is building control. It’s often talked about as a hurdle, when it should be a baseline. Systems that are properly designed, structurally calculated, and supported with the right documentation generally don’t struggle with compliance. Where problems arise, it’s usually because products are brought to market without enough validation, leaving installers to manage uncertainty on site.
Commercial pressure is also reshaping how installers think. Margins are tighter, lead times matter more, and callbacks are more damaging than ever. From what I see, installers are becoming more selective, not just on price, but on predictability, technical backup, and how confidently a system can be installed without surprises. That shift feels significant.
I’m still earning my miles towards industry expert, but being close to manufacturing gives you a clear view of where friction occurs and, more importantly where it doesn’t. The strongest systems tend to be those designed as complete solutions, not assembled from loosely connected components or propped up by outdated messaging.
The solid roof sector is maturing. As it does, the industry conversation needs to mature with it by moving away from oversimplification and towards clarity, evidence, and accountability. From where I’m standing, that’s where the real progress will come from.
