Mastering Data in Roofing: The Key to Success in 2025

In the dynamic roofing world, success today demands more than skilled labor and quality materials—it demands data. As technology becomes a cornerstone of construction, roofing contractors are sitting on a mountain of untapped information. However, many still operate without a solid data strategy, leaving revenue, performance, and competitive advantage on the table.

The original insight was clear: data is growing rapidly, but most remain underutilized. As we approach 2025, this challenge has only intensified. Contractors who master harvesting data will not merely survive—they'll dominate their markets.

Let's explore how today's roofing leaders use data to drive smarter, faster decisions—and how you can follow suit.

The Data Surge in Roofing

Data in roofing is exploding. From drone footage and time logs to delivery schedules and change orders, today's roofing contractors are collecting more information than ever. A recent study by McKinsey revealed that over 80% of construction companies experienced a 50%+ increase in data volume over the past three years. Roofing contractors are no exception.

But here's the catch: only about 50% of that data is usable. The remainder is incomplete, inconsistent, or dispersed across silos that don't communicate with one another.

By 2025, the gap between data-rich and data-smart companies has widened. The most profitable contractors do not only possess data—they effectively turn data into insight and actionable strategies.

Why Roofing Companies Struggle with Data

Many roofing companies face distinct challenges when it comes to leveraging data effectively:

• No formal data strategy

Research by Deloitte shows that most contractors lack a clear plan for capturing, managing, and applying their data.

• Data is fragmented across platforms

Field reports might be in one app, material orders in another, and job costing in Excel. Without proper integration, your data cannot provide a comprehensive view.

• Lack of skilled data personnel

Many roofing businesses rely on operations managers or project leads for data collection and interpretation, piling additional responsibilities on their already full plates.

The 2025 Outlook: What's Changed

1. AI is Now Accessible to Mid-Size Roofing Companies

Artificial intelligence tools are proving invaluable for roofing contractors. They help flag anomalies in job costing, predict weather-related delays, and recommend schedule changes. AI is no longer exclusive to billion-dollar general contractors; it's now integrated into popular platforms like Roofr, Jobba, AccuLynx, and others.

2. Real-Time Dashboards Are the New Normal

Contractors are transitioning from weekly reports to live dashboards. These dashboards display job progress, material usage, crew performance, and projected revenue in real time, allowing field leaders to act promptly.

3. Data Roles Are Being Formalized

An increasing number of roofing businesses are hiring full-time operations analysts or project data coordinators. Even smaller firms are training administrative staff to better manage reporting and system integrations.

4. Material and Delivery Data Matter More

Given the continuing unpredictability in supply chains, roofing companies now rely heavily on delivery and warehouse data. This allows them to pre-stage jobs more efficiently and minimize lost time.

The True Cost of Bad Data in Roofing

Using poor-quality data isn't merely inefficient—it's costly.

• In 2021, incorrect or missing data led to rework that cost U.S. roofers an estimated 5% of the total project value.

• This amounts to approximately $1 million in yearly rework for a $20 million roofing contractor.

• About $140,000 of that could have been avoided with accurate data, as indicated by internal CCG analysis.

  
  

Alarmingly, one in three bad decisions on a roofing job stems from incorrect data.

Creating a Data-Driven Roofing Business

1. Build a Data Strategy

Start by identifying what data is critical for your operations: labor productivity, material usage, safety incidents, change orders, and weather delays. Standardize how that data is collected and determine its storage.

2. Use Connected Tools

Integrate platforms for estimating, project management, CRM, and accounting. Software like Procore, JobNimbus, and CompanyCam are now connecting better than ever with QuickBooks and other systems via open APIs.

3. Train Your Teams

Even without hiring a full-time analyst, training field leaders and project coordinators is crucial. They should be able to:

• Input data consistently

• Read reports and dashboards

• Spot red flags early

  
  

4. Audit Your Data Regularly

At least once quarterly, review your data for gaps. Check if job costs are aligned with actuals. Are time entries logged daily? Is your backlog accurate? Data integrity requires ongoing attention.

The Competitive Edge in 2025

Data-driven roofing contractors can:

• Make quicker and better job decisions

• Prevent costly rework

• Improve profit margins

• Win more bids through transparency in performance

• Operate confidently, leaving guesswork behind

  
  

The best part? You don't need to be a tech genius or hire a large IT team. You need a strategy, the right tools, and a commitment to using data as a core business driver—not merely as a byproduct.

Final Thoughts

Data is no longer optional in roofing. It fuels real-time decision-making, enhances job site performance, and fosters long-term business growth. With material costs remaining unpredictable and labor availability tight, the ability to react quickly and accurately is more valuable than ever.

Make 2025 the year you stop merely collecting data—and start actively using it.

For more insights on harnessing the power of data, consider exploring resources on data strategy to enhance your business practices.