Safety Begins Before the Metal Roof or Gutter Installation Does

Let’s talk seriously about your safety procedures. Standing seam metal roofs are an increasingly popular roof option for residential construction because of their durability and energy efficiency.  As with roof work, using any type of materials, construction employees working at heights of 6 feet or more must be protected from slip and fall hazards.

You must continuously emphasize slip and fall safety to your workers. You must also provide fall prevention training to the workers before allowing them to work above 6 feet.

Over the last few years, metal roofing and gutter contractors have been focusing on job site safety. And rightfully so!  As insurance premiums rise, it is important that your installation crews follow the proper safety precautions. It is also critical that your crews be trained and retrained on a regular basis regarding these safety procedures.  Failure to do so could cost your company a great deal of money or worse.

These safety procedures are not just limited to the installation process. They may also include the use of required safety equipment or the proper protective clothing.

This is not a new issue! Job site safety has been an important part of the home improvement and building construction industry for quite some time.

But safety does not just begin and end on the job site. 

It is equally as important that your crews arrive to and from the job site safely as well.  Their vehicles should be properly maintained, and all traffic laws should be followed to the letter. This means that crews should not be distracted while driving to and from the jobs. So there should be NO phone calls, texting, eating, drinking or filling out paperwork while on the way to or from the job site.

Many companies are opting to install video cameras on their vehicles. They record both the driver’s activities, as well as a view out the back and the of the vehicle. This is a great way to insure that your drivers are not distracted. Also, the exterior views may come in handy in the unfortunate event of an accident, which may prove your employee was not at fault.

The footage can be seen in real time on your computer or phone so you can monitor the crews’ activities 24/7.

There are also other types of tracking devices to consider that can help you govern the driving speed, and insure the use of blinkers and proper breaking and turns. These methods can help you make sure your crew arrives safely to and from jobs.

Accidents are more common than you think and can cost you a fortune in insurance premiums and legal fees.

Sure, job site safety is very important, but you also want to keep your employees safe while traveling back and forth.

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“More times than not, when I receive a call for estimates, it will be a referral from a contractor that does not install metal roofing,” says Shirley Delgado.

Shirley is the construction coordinator for Olen Waldrep & Sons Roofing, Inc in Hollywood, FL. When it comes to the market for metal roofing, Florida is a big one. She says metal roofing has increased sales for Olen Waldrep & Sons and it’s bringing in jobs for her business.

“[Other contractors] are therefore losing the opportunity to bid that roof, since they do not install metal. It is the newer product on the market, although it has been around forever, it was not thought of as a design for residential homes,” Shirley says.

If she’s gaining jobs because other contractors don’t install metal roofing, that means someone is losing jobs.

Is it you?

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

All those referrals people like Shirley are getting are coming from somewhere– and they might be coming at your expense.

Even in areas like Miami where metal roofing is popular, some roofing contractors just don’t provide metal roofing solutions to homeowners. When you live close to the ocean and feel the impact of yearly hurricanes, metal roofing is a practical and functional choice.

More homeowners are latching onto the idea that metal roofing can look elegant and charming, too. It fits into the aesthetic feel they want from their homes, and it provides protection against the salty air and the elements.

Metal roofing is also sustainable and environmentally friendly, which is a trend more homeowners are latching onto. They’re concerned for the environment, and they appreciate the lower energy costs associated with metal roofing.

There are other reasons metal roofing is seeing an uptick in popularity, as well.

From James Bush, vice president of sales and marketing, ATAS International Inc:

“As far as residential metal roofing is concerned, metal shingles and tiles have become prevalent in the industry in addition to traditional standing seams… Re-roofing offers the greatest opportunities for contractors. Asphalt shingle products were predominantly used on homes built in the late 90s and early 2000s. These products are now nearing the end of a useful life. During the remodeling process, homeowners often consider upgrades in product selection. Astute contractors should offer metal roofing as an option to homeowners during the consultation phase of a re-roofing project.”

This report confirms the growth of residential metal roofing, as well.

Homeowners are buying in, despite higher initial installation costs. They see the benefits. Why don’t you?

Why You’re not Offering Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is hugely popular and growing in Florida, so it seems like a given that every area contractor should install metal roofing. It frustrates homeowners when they take the time to research a contractor, or get a word of mouth recommendation from a friend, only to find out that contractor doesn’t provide the product or service they want for their home.

We’ve found contractors don’t provide metal roofing because of three main reasons.

Do you fall into any of these categories?

• You just don’t carry the materials – You’re already trained in asphalt or other roofing installation, so you just don’t worry about carrying the materials. You might even know how to install metal roofing, you just haven’t given it much thought. Your business is doing fine, so what does losing a few jobs here and there to metal roofers matter? The trouble is, you’re probably losing more jobs than you think.

• You don’t know how to install it – You know roofing requires intense training and education. You already went through training, and possibly even attended continuing education events for other roofing styles. You might be intimidated by learning a whole new world of installation techniques, or you might not think there’s time to learn. We see it often.

• The recession scared you off – Metal roofing did experience a slight dip during the recession. It costs more upfront for materials than other roofing styles, so many cash-strapped homeowners were avoiding it. Many of those homeowners were avoiding re-roofing projects altogether, though. Now that they’re ready for a new roof because their old roof is falling apart, they’re more likely to choose metal– especially in the Miami area.

Whatever your reason may be, if you’re not providing metal as an option to Florida homeowners, you’re losing real jobs. Each time you give a referral to someone like Shirley Delgado, you’re losing business. She’s grateful for your referral, and her company does great work, so they deserve the business. The homeowner won’t be disappointed with the service her business provides, either. You’ll have a grateful homeowner on your hands, too.

But don’t you wish that homeowner was grateful to you instead– because you installed their metal roof?

How to Earn those Jobs Back

If you’re not installing metal roofing for your customers, there’s good news to go along with all the bad news– it’s easily fixed!

If you’re willing to educate yourself in regards to metal roofing, there’s a world of opportunity out there. You have the opportunity to become more profitable, to satisfy homeowners, and to provide roofing that’s both environmentally friendly and stands the test of time.

If you’re still hesitant, just think of all the jobs you’re missing out on. As a contractor, having a steady flow of jobs is your lifeblood. Learning a new skill and providing a new service opens up a whole new world for your business, and you’ll never have to refer a homeowner who wants metal roofing services you can’t provide, ever again.

• Training – We regularly hold metal roofing conferences that feature hands-on training for roofers. Expert metal roofing installers show you and your team the latest installation techniques and explain the latest materials. You can read about a past conference here. We’ll have more information on our next conference soon, but you can expect it to happen in 2016.

• Sales – Our metal roofing eBook can help you learn the metal roofing sales process. You’ll learn why quality is more important to homeowners than the initial cost of metal roofing, and why it’s ideal for the Miami area.

For metal roofing, Florida is an ideal location for contractors. Homeowners want a durable, weather-resistant roof that looks great and stands the test of time. They’re also interested in its sustainability and environmental benefits. As their old roofs decay, they’re looking at metal roofing more and more.

Metal roofing is still growing. If you’re not installing metal roofing, you’re missing out on jobs. Other metal roofers are grateful for your referrals, but isn’t it time you earned those jobs back?

~J.C.

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Many home and business owners who are tired of costly roof repairs, cracked and peeling shingles, rotting shakes and broken tiles are replacing their current roof with metal roofing.  Metal roofing is a compelling alternative in today’s search for a durable, maintenance-free roofing solution that stands up to severe environmental hazards like those sometimes experienced in the southern Florida area.

Asphalt and modified bitumen have previously been the most common choice when it comes to selecting a roofing material for home and business owners.  However in more recent years, standing seam metal roofing has increased in popularity as it has decreased in cost and its durability, protection and flexibility have increased.

Metal roofs have long been popular for their aesthetics and long-term performance characteristics, particularly their strength, durability and low-maintenance costs. According to the Metal Roofing Alliance, an estimated 5 to 8 million U.S. households enjoy the benefits of metal roofs.  This growth is a result of improved styling and color choices, proven long-term performance and durability, increased consumer and contractor education, and growing emphasis on fire and seismic risk reduction.

Despite being surprisingly lightweight, metal roofing is extremely sturdy. It’s non-combustible, offering the highest fire-retardant rating available. In addition, it stands up to hail, wind and severe storms and often comes with a 30-year+ warranty.

For all of the work that a roof does, you would expect it to be a part of a maintenance plan that home and business owners  take very seriously; but unfortunately it’s a factor that is often overlooked until the worst happens. Many home and business owners do not maintain their roof  – or even have it checked on a regular basis – but prevention is a much better option than a cure. By being proactive and having regular checks on your roof, you can prevent costly repairs when the weather becomes severe.

Metal roofs, however, are strong and require little-to-no maintenance.  Most other roof types require inspection on a regular basis to check for any structural problems or areas that may need to be repaired. This is not required for a metal roof. Of course, if the roof gets damaged by a falling branch or a hail storm, you will want to have it inspected; otherwise, it’s virtually maintenance free.

While the up-front costs of installing metal roofing is typically higher than traditional roofing such as shingle, the long-term costs are generally lower than other roofing material alternatives. Little maintenance cost, less repair expenses and longer life-span contribute to the long-term cost savings associated with metal roofing.

Additionally, some states sponsor energy efficiency programs that offer financial incentives and tax-credits for home and business owners who choose to install metal roofing. Some insurance companies even offer discounted insurance rates for having metal roofing as your roof surface.

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