Text: Ville Klem, Forecon Oy and Sauli Ylinen, Puutuoteteollisuus ry

Nearly all builders and developers who have used wooden roof elements have stated that they are satisfied with their choice. Most of them also estimate that the share of prefabricated construction will increase in the roof structures of wide-frame buildings. This growth estimate is also supported by the quite positive views of wooden roof elements by builders who ended up with other structural solutions, as well as by designers’ strong perceptions that the use of wooden roof elements often facilitates and simplifies the design work as well. This is evident from the report published in August 2024, which was based on a customer survey of roof element manufacturers by Forecon.

Read the article in Finnish here.

In 2023, the market share of prefabricated roofs in the roofs of wide-span buildings was approximately 40–45%. The share of wooden elements in the total number of roof elements was about 40%. The market will grow at an average rate of five percent in 2024 and 2025. The market for wide-span buildings will grow despite the challenging economic situation in construction.

The number and types of wide-span buildings vary every year. The most significant building type is industrial buildings, and the most typical size category of buildings is 5,000–20,000 m3.

Customers are satisfied with the roof elements and estimate that their use will become more common

More than 90% of customers are satisfied with roof element deliveries. The main reasons for satisfaction are process knowhow, professionalism, quality of work, reliability of delivery, adherence to the schedule and moisture management.

83% of customers believe that the share of wooden roof elements in wide-span roof structures will increase in the future. Even those who have not used wooden roof elements have a positive perception of the use of wooden roof elements. Schedule savings, ease and quick installation were particularly highlighted.

The investigation revealed deficiencies in communication

Uncertainty about fire safety, the limited number of element suppliers and long spans were cited as the main reasons for not choosing wooden roof elements. Especially with regard to fire safety, manufacturers will produce more comprehensive instructions for designers and customers, because fire requirements very rarely prevent the effective use of a wooden roof element.

The wooden roof element is a contractor’s solution

The decision to use roof elements was most often made by the contractor. The decision to build on site was mostly made by the customer. Accordingly, the most frequently used form of contract for wooden roof elements was the KVR contract. The most used form of contract for sites built on site was the turnkey contract.

In the spring of 2024, Forecon Oy carried out an extensive market survey, which investigated the position of roof elements in the roof structures of wide-frame buildings. The study investigated the size, structure and future growth potential of the market, as well as the views and experiences of builders, developers and designers regarding prefab construction as well as other roof structure solutions.