Win more contracts with sustainable metal roofing

MCS Influencer Jon Oslon says to focus on the benefits of metal when navigating HOA's.

Selling metal roofing to HOAs and other property owners isn't always easy. For contractors, one of the biggest challenges is helping price-sensitive customers look beyond the initial investment and understand the long-term value. While metal roofing may have a higher upfront cost than other roofing materials, its durability, longevity and lower maintenance requirements often deliver a much stronger return on investment over the life of the roof. 

Understanding how to communicate those benefits can make the difference between winning the project and losing it on price alone. Let's take a closer look at the sustainability advantages of metal roofing and how you can overcome common objections and build a stronger case with your customers. 

Not all roofing materials are created equal; it’s critical that owners understand the differences to ensure they make informed decisions. When it comes to the sustainability of roofing materials, it’s important to talk about the longevity of roofing products, the recyclability of the materials and what the materials are made of.  

Many compare metal roofs to asphalt roofs as these are the most common due to cost. Asphalt roofs last 15-30 years, but only premium shingles carry a class 4 impact resistance. This means they provide the shortest lifespan of roofing materials and are prone to storm damage. While exposed-fastener metal roofing is the most affordable metal roofing option, it also has the shortest lifespan, typically 25 to 40 years, because the fasteners and their seals eventually wear out. Standing seam metal roofs, by comparison, commonly last 40 to 70+ years, while copper roofs can exceed 100 years. 

Although the upfront investment is higher, the extended lifespan makes metal roofing a smart long-term choice. In many cases, a metal roof can last two to four times longer than an asphalt shingle roof, reducing maintenance, replacement costs and the amount of material sent to landfills over time. Many heavy-gauge metal roofing systems are also Class 4 impact rated, providing superior resistance to hail and storm damage and help the roof perform longer than many traditional roofing options. 

Fun Fact: Some copper roofs have been documented to last 200 years or more! Although this is an amazing lifespan, copper roofs are also one of the most expensive options.    

When discussing roofing options with owners, sustainability can be a powerful way to shift the conversation from upfront cost to long-term value. Asphalt shingles are made from new petroleum products and are rarely recycled and most end up in a landfill. Metal roofing, on the other hand, is made of steel, aluminum, copper or Zinc. New steel roofing material is typically made from 25%-80% recycled steel depending on the manufacturer. These metals are easy to recycle, with most if not all, being recycled after use.  

A roof that lasts longer, requires fewer replacements and can be recycled at the end of its service life offers benefits that extend well beyond the initial installation. For many owners, those advantages make metal roofing an investment worth considering.