Why training is the key to success in metal roofing

By Jenny Yu.  

Certification and education are becoming essential as metal roofing demand accelerates. 

As demand for metal roofing continues to rise, contractors are increasingly looking for ways to enter or expand in the segment. In a recent Roofing Road Trips® episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Ray Kimble, general manager of Western States Metal Roofing (WSMR), about the keys to success in metal roofing.  

Since 1996, Western States Metal Roofing has developed a reputation for being not only a premium metal manufacturer, but also a knowledgeable partner ready to help customers with design, development and construction.  

“We want to be the one-stop-shop for anybody in metal,” Ray shared. “Whether you buy from us or not, we want to be the knowledge source, we want to help out. We want to be the people that you go to ask questions.” 

In striving to be the industry leader on all things metal, WSMR has worked to fill the knowledge gaps that exist between vendors, suppliers and contractors. “It’s not that metal roofing is really hard. It’s just that it’s very precise,” Kimble explained. Unlike more forgiving systems, metal requires careful attention to several factors. “You’ve got to take into account panel layout, fastening patterns, thermal movement and substrate flatness. All of those things matter.” 

That level of precision is driving demand for formal training and certification programs. As building owners become more educated, they are placing greater emphasis on who installs the system, not just the product itself. “Who installs the metal is just as important as who you buy it from,” Ray said. “Good panels can’t hide a bad installation.” 

To address this need, Western States Metal Roofing has invested in contractor education, offering structured training and certification programs designed to build both technical skills and sales confidence. These programs help contractors understand not only how to install metal systems correctly, but also how to communicate their value to customers. 

For contractors new to metal, mindset is often one of the biggest hurdles. Ray noted that many experienced roofers must adjust how they approach projects. “The biggest challenge is thinking differently about the system,” he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding system nuances and minimizing common issues like misalignment or oil canning. 

As the market evolves, contractors who prioritize training and certification will be better positioned to compete, reduce callbacks and deliver higher-quality installations. With demand showing no signs of slowing, investing in education is quickly becoming a necessity. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about how Western States Metal Roofing helps contractors get started in metal roofing.