As a contractor, what should you know if you’re making the switch to metal roofing?
Adopting an entirely new type of roofing in your business can be an exciting and advantageous prospect. The demand for metal roofing has soared in recent years, and it will likely continue to be a top choice for home and building owners due to its longevity, performance in extreme weather, and sustainability benefits.
But metal roofing is also one of the more complex roofing types and requires a very different skillset compared to traditional roofing options like shingles.
At Sheffield Metals International (SMI), we strive to help our customers grow their metal roofing businesses. We offer quality materials, unparalleled services through our CAT (Commercial, Architectural, Technical) team, and a full library of resources, including articles, videos, and downloads all relating to metal roofing.
To help you prepare for a transition into metal roofing, we’ve put together some of our top resources that cover everything from the fundamentals of metal roofing to more in-depth installation practices, to location-based content suited for your specific region.
Fundamentals
Even if you already have a basic understanding of metal roofing, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the basics. You can build on your existing knowledge and communicate more effectively to your customers. Below you’ll find content on standing seam metal roofing, the different types of metal roofing systems, how metal roofing differs from shingles, and more.
Equipment, Accessories, and Material
One of the significant differences between metal and shingle roofing is the equipment you’ll be using for installation. Whereas shingle roofing will likely require only basic tools, metal roofing may require products like portable rollformers and unique clips and fasteners for various panel systems.
In this section, you can find information on the equipment and accessories needed for metal roof installations.
- What is Metal Roof & Wall Sealant? Types, Uses, & Applications (sheffieldmetals.com)
- Metal Roofing Weathertight Warranties: Uses, Types, & Definitions (sheffieldmetals.com)
Free Download: Engineered Clip and Fastener Guide – Sheffield Metals
Installation
Trying to adopt an entirely new installation method from shingles can be daunting. Be sure your team is set up for success and understands metal roofing installation best practices.
The first video in this list covers an entire metal roofing installation — it’s perfect for those contractors looking to get a close-up view of how installation works for metal.
- How To Install Standing Seam Metal Roofing – YouTube – (a playlist of over twenty videos going in-depth on various installation processes on a metal roof)
Free Download: Metal Roofing Installation Checklist for Supervisors (sheffieldmetals.com)
Check out training programs and classes hosted by other metal roofing resources such as the Metal Construction Association and Sheridan. They offer trainings from the leading voices in the industry.
Common Problems
Explore these links to become aware of common metal roofing problems — and how to defend against them before they show up in your project.
Regional Content
As a contractor, it’s important to tailor your business to your unique region. Every market will be slightly different when it comes to designs, trends, and preferences. Some regions will have to contend with hurricanes, while others will need to prep their roofs for heavy snowfall. Knowing your region and understanding what your customers want will help you respond to demand and keep the materials and accessories you need in stock and ready.
Check out our regional articles and videos below to gain some insight into the metal roofing market in your region.
Growing Your Business
Even if you’re just starting out in the metal roofing business, it can still be helpful to take a look at some different strategies for growing your business:
- How to Break into and Succeed in the Commercial Metal Roofing Industry – Sheffield Metals
- Leasing vs. Purchasing Rollforming Equipment: What Is Best for Me? (sheffieldmetals.com)
Looking for More Assistance with Your Metal Roofing Business?
As the demand for metal roofing grows, so does the number of metal roofing contractors. It’s important to stand out from the crowd by completing quality installations efficiently.
At Sheffield Metals, we can help you find your way into the metal roofing industry and thrive. From our network of regional contractors, fabricators, and manufacturers across the country, to our library of resources, to our commercial, technical, and architectural support, we are the comprehensive resource that can get your business on the right track.
Reach out to us today to start our partnership.