Evaluating profit margins: A look at metal roofing profitability

The Coffee Shops™. 

Taking a closer look at the true value of metal roofing in an evolving market.  

For the contractor considering adding metal roofing services to their line-up, the biggest question is obvious: is metal going to make me enough money to be worth it? The question is reasonable and is merely one consideration roofing professionals should keep in mind when deciding on whether metal is the right move for their business. McElroy Metal breaks down the most important questions regarding metal profitability, sorted in an easy-to-follow guide for readers to contemplate and take into account when making this decision.  

Let’s take a look at the most pressing concerns contractors might have, and what the experts have to say.  

Is metal roofing a profitable enough route to justify the shift away from shingles?  

Absolutely! For contractors focused solely on traditional materials, industry reports found the usual returns in net profit are slim, ranging in the 6-10% for net profit and gross margins of 25-40%. Meanwhile, those numbers hardly scratch the surface for metal contractors, who tend to bring in double digits, a major shift from what shingles bring. To boot, metal frequently and commonly achieve gross profit margins well above 35%.  

With these figures in mind, one must consider the lasting impact of the choices each contractor makes; fighting for every digit gained in percentage working with shingles, meanwhile, metal contractors feel secure in knowing the value and sturdy lifespan their products can offer customers for decades to come.  

The durability of a metal roofing system is singlehandedly one of the most valuable selling points of the material choice. Customers desire a system that will not only deliver on its promise of protection, but the investment cost as well. With that in mind, securing sales for these systems isn’t a hassle in jumping through hoops of empty promises – metal is certain to deliver!  

What is the ultimate cost of installing metal roofing? 

Of course, many have heard about the upfront price tags attached to metal roofing systems. While material costs are certainly higher compared to shingles at face value, it’s critical to understand that the quality and incredible lifespan that’s tied to the cost of these roofs makes every penny worth investing. Not only that, but the installation process for metal roofs is surprisingly efficient. Designed as panels made to interlock and fit together strategically, installers can get the work done at incredible speeds, without sacrificing work quality. The time saved from quick installations can mean significant time spent elsewhere for your crew, bringing in even more leads and sales.  

Metal’s appeal 

In the end, the value of investing in metal roofing systems comes down to understanding what makes these systems superior in practically every way to traditional systems. From a wide range of color options and aesthetics to the 50+ year average lifespan, it’s hard to look at all of the benefits that come with a metal roof and decide that it’s not with every penny. By learning what makes these products superior and worth it in every way, contractors can set themselves up for success, again and again, as home and building owners continue to turn towards modern solutions like metal.  

To learn more about the profitability of metal and contractrors’ most pressing questions about metal profit margins, read McElroy Metal’s article.