Building strength before the storm

By Dale Nelson, President, Roof Hugger, LLC. 

Why contractors are turning to retrofit systems to weather economic uncertainty. 

When the market shifts, contractors who rely solely on new construction often find themselves on shaky ground. But those who diversify, especially by tapping into the steady demand for roof retrofits, build resilience that outlasts economic storms. Companies like Roof Hugger show how metal-over-metal systems are emerging as more than a roofing solution, they’re becoming a strategy for long-term stability and growth. 

This same advice applies to our businesses. New construction has been booming recently but we all remember the massive slowdown during Covid when many projects were slowed down; many have been postponed and others cancelled. Having another steady base of business is critical to dealing with these sudden and unforeseen market changes. 

  
So why retrofit and, specifically, why metal-over-metal (MoM)? Let’s take a quick look at the market size of existing metal rooftops and why it is worth your time to consider adding retrofits to your business. 
  
Almost 19 billion sq. ft. of existing roofs between 25 and 60 years old make this a huge market that is continually growing each and every year. Next time you are driving around town or in an industrial area, check it out. I guarantee you can spot older metal roofs needing to be repaired or replaced.

What makes the retrofit unique? 

The retrofit market is a pretty steady business. If you currently have a roof maintenance division of your company retrofit will fit perfectly!  The simple truth is that no roof lasts forever, not even metal. This means when there is an economic downturn, retrofit will still be chugging along. If you can’t build new, you will fix the roof you have. When an old roof has reached the end of its useful life, despite the economic climate, it will be replaced. There are not a lot of contractors and installers that focus on this market. This means there is less competition on any given project.

The jobs are frequently negotiated, with owners getting pricing from three or fewer contractors, making your success rate much higher than it might be for new construction. Since the buildings already exist, the permitting process is dramatically simpler. In Florida, for example, there are also several Florida Product Approved assemblies, further speeding up the permit process.  

Three facts to keep in mind:

1 – The projects are shorter in duration, and when things are slower CASH FLOW IS KING.  Getting your money more quickly than you would in new construction and typically with no long-term retainage.  This can really help keep things going. 

2 – Installation is much faster and easier than new construction. Your installers are not working over open framing which requires more equipment, while exposing them to increased fall hazard, instead, they are working on top of the existing roof. This makes stacking of material, equipment, tools, etc. much faster and easier. 

3 – The framing to support the new roof is installed on top of the old roof, making it unnecessary to add structure from underneath. The framing systems can be designed to meet current codes and fit most existing roof panels. 

4 – Retrofit is owner friendly, more than likely they are experiencing a slowdown as well.  Retrofitting their old roof means they can continue operation the entire time their roof is being replaced...........a Win Win for everyone. 

This simple addition to your business can mean everything at a time when you need it the most. 

About the author 

Dale Nelson is the president of Roof Hugger, LLC, Tampa, Florida. Roof Hugger, founded in 1991, became a division of the LSI Group, Logansport, Indiana in 2016. They are a nationally recognized manufacturer of retrofit framing systems for existing metal roof buildings. Dale holds a Florida Real Estate Brokers License and a Class-A Florida Contractors License. He has been in general contracting since 1973, constructing commercial and industrial buildings of all types, including wood column and beam, masonry, formed and poured, tilt-wall and specializing in pre-engineered steel buildings. 

Original article and photo source: Roof Hugger