Why metal roofing is booming

By Dani Sheehan. 

With growing consumer interest, strong product performance and robust industry support, metal roofing is one of the most exciting growth areas in construction today. 

Once seen as niche or primarily commercial, metal roofing is gaining ground with homeowners who are more informed and value-driven than ever before. And for contractors, this shift presents a major opportunity. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Andrew Wilson of Central States Manufacturing, to explore the factors driving demand in both commercial and residential markets and how you can get involved. 

Why homeowners are choosing metal 

The rise in demand for metal roofing is being driven in large part by increasingly savvy consumers. According to Andrew, homeowners today are far more educated about what their roofing choices mean for the long-term performance and sustainability of their homes. He shared, “Consumers — whether homeowners or building owners — are getting more educated about the benefits of metal. If you look at durability, sustainability and overall performance, metal has an awful lot to offer.” 

Metal roofs have shown superior resistance to hail, wind and even fire. “We’ve all seen photographs of buildings after terrible storms or wildfires, and you’ll see a metal building that’s still standing,” Andrew noted. “People are starting to pay attention to that.” 

Many consumers are also motivated by environmental considerations. Metal roofing's recyclability, longevity and energy efficiency aligns with a broader shift toward sustainable living. “Whether it's because buildings last longer or because there's no need to send old roofing to a landfill, these are things that are becoming more important to consumers,” Andrew added. 

It’s not hard — it’s just different 

Despite the rising interest in metal, some contractors are still hesitant to make the leap. Andrew says that’s understandable — but largely unnecessary. “There is a psychological barrier that contractors need to overcome,” he shared. “But the basic principles — flashing, sealing, waterproofing — those still apply. It’s just a slightly different approach.” 

Instead of stacking shingles, contractors measure and fit panels. But the learning curve is shorter than many expect. “We’ve worked with lots of contractors who, within a couple of jobs, feel pretty comfortable and start to see big benefits,” he explained. “They can walk into a homeowner’s space and confidently explain why metal is the better choice.” 

The support you need 

Transitioning into metal roofing doesn’t have to be difficult. Central States, for example, has built-in resources that help contractors succeed from day one. “In many areas, we have what we call Metal Central — a retail store where you can walk in, talk to experienced staff and get help with detailing and installation questions,” Andrew shared. “They’re there to help, and they have real-world experience.” 

In addition to Central States’ hands-on support, national organizations like the Metal Construction Association (MCA) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) offer training, educational content and networking to help contractors build both confidence and capability. 

“There are a lot of bodies out there offering educational materials that help you know what questions to ask and what pitfalls to watch for,” Andrew explained. “It’s really not as bad as people think it’s going to be. It’s just about taking that first step.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about expanding into the metal roofing space.