Although they frequently have a higher upfront price, data shows that metal roofing and accessories are among the most popular and profitable roofing products in both commercial and residential settings.

The latest survey results from RC’s 2025 State of the Industry Report show 79% of roofing contractors offer metal roofing, and accounts for, on average, 13% to 16% of their overall sales revenue. Additionally, 67% of residential contractors and 73% of commercial contractors expect metal roofing sales to grow in 2025.

Familiarize yourself with this durable and sustainable roofing system by attending “Understanding Metal Roofing” Part I and II during the International Roofing Expo. Led by Rob Haddock, president of S-5! and director of Metal Roof Advisory Group, these courses have become a reliable part of the IRE’s educational offerings for years.

Considered a “Metal Roofing 101” course, Part I will teach the fundamentals of metal roofing, including the history of metal roofing, different metals and metallic coatings, and specifics about metallurgy, galvanic weathering and proper material selection. About 70% of the course is devoted to the principles of design, fabrication, thermal response and other relevant topics. The remaining 30% is divided between steep-slope and low-slope material.

In Part II, attendees learn about the coil coating process, curved applications and wind issues and common and popular critical details of steep-slope and low-slope construction. Other aspects of metal roofing covered include drainage principles, system design and system selection criteria. Haddock also covers the principles of hydrostatic designs and water-shedding.

It may sound like a lot of technical information, but Haddock’s common-sense approach makes these topics easy to understand and digest. This comes from years of honing his craft — Haddock has spoken at industry tradeshows, including METALCON and IRE, for more than 35 years.

Contractors, architects, specifiers, roof consultants, engineers, building owners and maintenance staff can benefit from these sessions. It is considered one of the best “crash courses” available for sales personnel.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO

In addition to learning about – or further improving – your understanding of metal roofing, the benefits of metal roofing systems are becoming clearer to customers in light of natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires in Los Angeles.

Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, said the group advises homeowners to take the extra step to understand the materials used on their roofs, so when a contractor can educate them on how metal roofing works, it’s one step closer to locking in a contract.

“There’s a huge amount of stress on homeowners when it comes to making decisions to repair or re-build after massive destructive storms like Hurricane Helene,” said Ramey in a written statement. “To add insult to injury, when [the] new roof they thought they were getting begins to fail prematurely, it’s only then they realize they didn’t get the workmanship or quality they thought they had originally paid for. By then, they often have no recourse.”

WHAT YOU WILL GET

• A grasp on the various types of metal roofing systems and materials in steep- and low-slope roofing
• Expert advice on the coil coating process and common steep-slope construction issues
• A better understanding of metal roofing fundamentals
• Tips on fabrication and manufacturing techniques, various seam types and panel profiles in addition to underlayments, the use and misuse of sealants, seam technologies and the principles of thermal cycling and panel anchorage.