Celebrating 35 years of retrofit roofing innovation

By Jenny Yu.  

Roof Hugger reflects on 35 years of engineering and industry partnerships while reaffirming its commitment to advancing sustainable, contractor-focused solutions. 

For 35 years, Roof Hugger has helped shape the metal-over-metal retrofit market, building a reputation for engineering expertise, rigorous testing, and long-term performance. As the company celebrates its 35th anniversary, Roof Hugger is reflecting on the partnerships and innovations that have fueled its growth while reaffirming its commitment to advancing retrofit solutions for the future. 

Founded in 1991, Roof Hugger has specialized in sub-purlin retrofit framing systems that allow new metal roofs to be installed over existing metal roofing systems. The approach helps building owners avoid costly tear-offs while improving energy efficiency, structural performance, and sustainability. Over the decades, the company’s systems have been used on projects across a wide range of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. 

Company leaders say the milestone is less about looking backward and more about recognizing the relationships that have made the company successful. “As Roof Hugger takes on its 35th year this feels like the perfect moment to reflect on how far we’ve come — and to thank the many partners who helped us get here,” the company shared in its anniversary message. 

Roof Hugger didn’t get here alone; in its early years, it was contractors who embraced their sub-purlins for their strength and ease of installation.  Later, the metal building manufacturers noticed their testing, consistency with their standards and dedication to providing a performance-tested, reasonably priced and dependable result for retrofitting their buildings.  “To our customers, contractors, engineers and industry leaders: your trust in our metal-over-metal retrofit systems is the foundation of our success,” the company stated. “Every project, every installation and every conversation has shaped who we are today.” 

Going forward, Roof Hugger will continue to center innovation in their mission, emphasizing its focus on engineering systems that help contractors differentiate themselves while meeting growing demands for resilient, energy efficient and high-performing long life roofing assemblies. “As we move through our 35th year, our commitment remains stronger than ever — to innovate, to test and to engineer retrofit solutions to meet today’s rigorous code standards to set our customers apart from their competitors,” the company wrote. “From rigorous real-world testing to continuous improvements in performance and design, we’re dedicated to delivering systems built to last and built to lead,” the company added. 

As the retrofit roofing market continues to expand and evolve, the legacy of Roof Hugger’s 35-year milestone underscores the role experience, innovation and industry partnerships play in helping contractors and building owners extend the life of existing structures. 

Learn more about Roof Hugger’s retrofit roofing solutions and 35-year celebrations!