View from the Top: Mastering Metal
August 1, 2006
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Have you mastered metal in your market? Contractors are often hesitant to try anything new. We have a tendency to stick with what we know. After all, that's how things have always been done.
Have you mastered metal in your market? Contractors are often hesitant to try anything new. We have a tendency to stick with what we know. After all, that's how things have always been done.
The only problem is, that doesn't mean things have to continue to be done that way, especially when there is a better way.
We're at that point in the roofing industry, and consumers are responding. The response is coming from metal roofing. This little corner of the roofing industry isn't so little anymore, and it's growing at a double-digit rate at the moment. In the southern markets, it's wildly popular, and it's catching on in other parts of the nation as well.
Consumers have spoken. They want metal roofing! As a business owner, though, I know your first thoughts are probably about the costs, the noise, and the fear of rust and denting. That's the fear of change that I mentioned before, but it's also reminiscent of the myths that surround metal roofing.
Fear No. 2 What about dents, dings and wind? If you're afraid of walking on a metal roof because you'll damage it, don't worry. Normally, you can safely walk on the roof without causing any damage or denting. Plus, they are able to withstand huge bouts of high winds. That's why they're becoming so popular in the southern states. In fact, I've seen metal roofs that have been installed in the Florida Keys in the 1920s. They are still holding strong today after almost 100 years of hurricanes and storms.
Fear No. 3 What about lightning? It would seem to make sense that metal would attract lightning, but that's not the case. In fact, metals roofs won't increase the likelihood of being struck by lightning, and if a home does happen to be struck by lightning, the metal roof will disperse the energy safely. Plus, since the metal roof isn't combustible, there's much better protection for the home.
Fear No. 4 What about rust? Today's metal roofing is built to last. The metal roofing available to your customers today has a metallic coating that prevents rust from forming. Then, paint is applied to the roof to provide the color that your customers want.
Fear No. 5 Will it cost too much? Will it cost more? Yes. But as a business owner, you're going to charge more, too. In my experience, metal roofs tend to be two to four times more costly than asphalt roofs. You might think that consumers would balk at that type of increase, but the whole story is about value.
Often, a metal roof is the last roof that a homeowner will ever purchase. They are simply built to last. Plus, when you factor in the energy savings a homeowner will see because of a light colored metal roof's ability to deflect sunlight, the value of the roof increases again. In some states, having a metal roof may even lower homeowner insurance rates.
If you want some more information on metal roofs, www.metalroofing.com is a great place to start.
Metal roofs are an outstanding way to set your company apart from the competition by offering an alternative that homeowners will be excited about and will gladly pay a premium for. Once you show them the value that a metal roof brings to their home, you'll be a master of metal.
Have you mastered metal in your market? Contractors are often hesitant to try anything new. We have a tendency to stick with what we know. After all, that's how things have always been done.
The only problem is, that doesn't mean things have to continue to be done that way, especially when there is a better way.
We're at that point in the roofing industry, and consumers are responding. The response is coming from metal roofing. This little corner of the roofing industry isn't so little anymore, and it's growing at a double-digit rate at the moment. In the southern markets, it's wildly popular, and it's catching on in other parts of the nation as well.
Consumers have spoken. They want metal roofing! As a business owner, though, I know your first thoughts are probably about the costs, the noise, and the fear of rust and denting. That's the fear of change that I mentioned before, but it's also reminiscent of the myths that surround metal roofing.
Photo courtesy of Decra Roofing Systems.
Myths About Metal Roofing
Fear No. 1: What about the noise? The reality is that metal roofing is often quieter than your standard shingle roof. With the solid sheathing underneath, a metal roof can actually silence rain and hail.Fear No. 2 What about dents, dings and wind? If you're afraid of walking on a metal roof because you'll damage it, don't worry. Normally, you can safely walk on the roof without causing any damage or denting. Plus, they are able to withstand huge bouts of high winds. That's why they're becoming so popular in the southern states. In fact, I've seen metal roofs that have been installed in the Florida Keys in the 1920s. They are still holding strong today after almost 100 years of hurricanes and storms.
Fear No. 3 What about lightning? It would seem to make sense that metal would attract lightning, but that's not the case. In fact, metals roofs won't increase the likelihood of being struck by lightning, and if a home does happen to be struck by lightning, the metal roof will disperse the energy safely. Plus, since the metal roof isn't combustible, there's much better protection for the home.
Fear No. 4 What about rust? Today's metal roofing is built to last. The metal roofing available to your customers today has a metallic coating that prevents rust from forming. Then, paint is applied to the roof to provide the color that your customers want.
Fear No. 5 Will it cost too much? Will it cost more? Yes. But as a business owner, you're going to charge more, too. In my experience, metal roofs tend to be two to four times more costly than asphalt roofs. You might think that consumers would balk at that type of increase, but the whole story is about value.
Often, a metal roof is the last roof that a homeowner will ever purchase. They are simply built to last. Plus, when you factor in the energy savings a homeowner will see because of a light colored metal roof's ability to deflect sunlight, the value of the roof increases again. In some states, having a metal roof may even lower homeowner insurance rates.
If you want some more information on metal roofs, www.metalroofing.com is a great place to start.
Metal roofs are an outstanding way to set your company apart from the competition by offering an alternative that homeowners will be excited about and will gladly pay a premium for. Once you show them the value that a metal roof brings to their home, you'll be a master of metal.
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