How 2025 is shaping up to be a major year for metal

As metal roofing sales continue to climb and homeowners see the value in switching to metal roofing materials, now’s the time to lean into the trend. 

For metal contractors, it’s hard to miss just how quickly the market has changed its tune for metal roofing materials. As the demand for metal continues to grow, it’s critical to take advantage of this shift and prepare to take on these sales opportunities head-on. As 2025 continues to mark itself as a great year for metal, here’s an overview from the experts at McElroy Metal of what the year has seen so far, and what’s to come.  

The market is speaking — and it's saying "metal" 

Let's talk about numbers for a moment. The global metal roofing market hit $22.55 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $32.83 billion by 2032. That's a compound annual growth rate of 4.81% — consistent, strong growth that translates directly to more opportunities for contractors like you. 

But here's what those numbers really mean for your business: customers are finally understanding what we've known all along. Metal roofing isn't just another option — it's the smart choice. The Metal Roofing Alliance reports that metal roofs can slash energy consumption by up to 40% in certain regions. With energy costs climbing and sustainability becoming non-negotiable for many customers, that's a selling point that practically sells itself. 

Weather is your competitive advantage 

Remember the storms from last season? Your metal roof customers probably do too, because their roofs are still intact. Fraser Roofing's latest analysis confirms what we see in the field: the best metal roofs can withstand wind speeds up to 140 mph. In hurricane and tornado-prone regions, that's not just a feature — it's peace of mind you can deliver. 

This weather resilience is becoming your biggest differentiator, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. When homeowners watch their neighbors replace traditional roofing materials year after year, metal's durability becomes an easy value proposition to make. 

Sustainability isn't just trendy — it's profitable 

Here's something that might surprise customers who haven't done their homework: most metal roofing products contain significant recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. For eco-conscious consumers, that's a compelling reason to choose metal. Combined with the energy efficiency benefits from metal's reflective properties, you're not just selling a roof — you're selling a responsible choice that saves money long-term.  

The challenge we all face: finding good people 

Let's address the elephant in the room. The 2025 State of the Roofing Industry Report reveals what we're all experiencing: 61% of commercial contractors cite lack of qualified workers as their biggest challenge. The Associated Builders and Contractors projects we'll need an additional 439,000 construction workers by year's end. That's a massive gap affecting every aspect of our business. 

But here's the thing — challenges create opportunities for contractors willing to think differently. 

Smart contractors are getting creative 

The most successful contractors in our industry aren't waiting for the labor shortage to solve itself. They're taking action: 

Grow your own talent: Instead of competing for experienced installers, develop in-house training programs. Yes, it requires patience and investment upfront, but you'll build loyalty and maintain your quality standards. Plus, workers trained your way do things your way. 

Embrace technology: Drone technology is revolutionizing how we approach inspections and estimates. As IKO's recent analysis points out, drones eliminate safety risks like tripping hazards, accidental contact with power lines and walking on damaged roofs. They also reduce weather delays and equipment setup time — meaning you can do more with the same crew size. 

Build a culture people want to join: In a tight labor market, your company culture becomes a competitive advantage. Focus on safety, professional development and fair compensation. The survey data shows that nearly two-thirds of contractors believe a safe work environment is critical to employee retention. 

Streamline everything: According to JBKnowledge's Annual Construction Technology Report, approximately 60.7% of commercial contractors now use estimating software, with 83% using enterprise or accounting software. These tools help you do more with fewer people — and that's not just helpful, it's essential in today's market. 

Where the growth is happening 

The residential market continues showing robust demand. According to the latest State of the Industry report, 72% of residential contractors expect further growth in 2025, with 77% anticipating expansion over the next three years. What's particularly exciting is the geographic expansion — Southern contractors are especially optimistic, with 81% expecting sales growth compared to 64% in the Northeast. 

On the commercial side, metal roofing system sales growth is expected to significantly exceed the growth we saw from 2023 to 2024. Commercial property owners are finally recognizing what residential customers have been discovering: metal delivers long-term value, energy efficiency and sustainability that other materials simply can't match. 

Technology that's changing everything 

Beyond drones, we're seeing advancement in metal coating technology that's expanding color options and performance characteristics. Modern coatings offer improved energy efficiency, enhanced durability and greater resistance to fading and corrosion, giving you even more selling points when talking to prospects. 

Digital business tools continue transforming operations. The right software can streamline everything from initial estimates to final billing, helping you operate more efficiently despite staffing constraints. 

Safety can't be an afterthought 

Many residential contractors do not hold daily or even weekly safety talks. Many only have them just once a year. With less experienced workers entering our industry due to the labor shortage, robust safety protocols aren't just important — they're business-critical. 

Consider increasing your safety meeting frequency. Weekly toolbox talks take minimal time but keep safety awareness high. Ensure all workers receive proper training and document it. Regularly inspect and maintain safety equipment. Most importantly, lead by example — when leadership prioritizes safety over production speed, workers follow suit. 

Your path forward 

The metal roofing industry is positioned for substantial growth, but success won't automatically flow to every contractor. The companies that will thrive are those willing to invest in technology, training, and operational efficiency. They're the ones solving the labor shortage creatively rather than simply complaining about it. 

The market is telling us that 2025 is our year. Customers want what we're selling. The question isn't whether the opportunities exist — it's whether you're positioned to capitalize on them. 

The contractors who embrace these changes, who invest in their people and their processes, who use technology to multiply their capabilities — they're the ones who will look back on 2025 as the year everything changed for their business. 

The market is ready. The question is: Are you? 

Original article source: McElroy Metal