The Business Case for Metal Roofing

With industry innovations and rising demand from consumers, there’s never been a better time for contractors and installers to get into the metal roofing business.

Consumer awareness of metal roofing has grown over the last 20 years, bringing it from an “unknown curiosity to something that many homeowners aspire to,” shares Todd Miller of Isaiah Industries.

While the demand for metal roofing is on the rise, Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), says there still aren’t enough qualified metal roofing installers available to meet that demand in many areas. “There is no shortage of work from a roofing installation perspective,” Ramey says.

The reasons for that rising interest come down to the endless choices and quality of product available to consumers. Today’s metal roofing is available in a wide array of color options and can beautifully mimic a variety of styles, patterns and designs—including clay tiles, slate, wood shake and even asphalt—while providing exceptional durability and protection.

“Metal roofing is made out of a variety of metal material, from steel to aluminum to copper—you name it. The look and feel that you can get from a metal roof has just exploded in options,” says Ramey.

Beyond the myriad options for aesthetics and materials, metal roofing is a draw for many looking to incorporate sustainable products into their homes. Ramey notes that metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable and can help bring down heating and cooling costs for homeowners.

While metal roofs may be more expensive, Ramey says the quality and proven longevity makes it worth the investment from a business perspective. “The roofs last longer, and there are fewer quality and performance issues down the road—which is also money in your pocket,” she says.

Isaiah Industries’ Miller says contractors getting into the metal roofing business have the opportunity to command their local markets and become leaders in the industry.

“With metal roofing,” he adds, “contractors can enjoy higher profitability while having to do a lower number of jobs, meaning fewer crew members are needed and they have lower overall liability.”

Matt Braaten of EDCO Products, Inc., agrees that metal roofing is now more accepted than ever. He notes that contractors can make better margins on metal roofing, allowing them to do fewer jobs than they would with asphalt. Doing fewer, more profitable jobs means contractors can grow their business without having to add more installers in a tight labor market.

The growing metal roofing market shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s up to contractors to take the leap and meet rising demand.

“People are looking for longer lasting, extremely durable, and more sustainable roofing products,” Braaten says. “Because of that, metal roofing has a great future.”

For more information about how contractors can pursue and build their metal roofing business, visit www.metalroofing.com.