3 metal trends for 2025

By Drexel Metals.

Find out the top trends inspired by last year’s METALCON!

Each year, it’s exciting to see which new trends emerge from the trade show floor of the biggest shows of the season. This year, the Drexel Metals team was excited to learn about the new products, services and business insights being showcased at METALCON, the largest expo dedicated to the metal industry. Keep reading to learn about their three key takeaways from the event.  

1 - On-site roll forming for smaller-scale projects

When it comes to prioritizing jobsite efficiencies on residential projects (a must in today’s climate), on-site roll forming can support fast and efficient construction. Essentially, on-site roll forming is a manufacturing process that is ideal for smaller-scale projects where large quantities of long-run panels are not needed. The roofing contractor can roll coils into the desired profile and then cut the panels to the exact length needed for the specific roof section.

The industry-leading provider of portable roll forming machines, New Tech Machinery (NTM), knows better than most how on-site roll forming can improve daily jobsite operations. At this year’s show, they highlighted 12 innovations they’re looking to bring to market. The NTM team gathered valuable information from customers across the industry to see which of these innovations would have the greatest impact on their daily operations. These innovations included:  

• Spring-loaded shear guards  
• Larger shear access points on the cover  
• Main drive gear covers  
• Windows integrated into the cover  
• Self-lubricating notching and shear  
• LED interior lighting  
• Quick-release tooling  
• Easier removal of guide rods  
• Flip-down entry guide covers  
• Remote start switch next to the power pack  
• Blue overhead reel racks  
• Z cutter attachments  

When brought to market, these types of innovations will help roofing professionals deliver higher-quality metal panels on residential and light commercial projects with more efficiency than was previously possible. Whether a company is buying their first machine or adding capabilities to a machine they already own, investing in premium roll forming technology can greatly improve a roofing professional’s daily operations.

2 – Specialty prints, finishes and profiles that offer design versatility like never before  

Metal panels have long been synonymous with design versatility thanks in part to their ability to accommodate multiple profile types and finish colors. In addition to low gloss and textured finishes, there were exhibitors at METALCON like steel producer Steel Dynamics who can now print almost anything onto metal coils. This demonstrates that metal roof and wall panels can significantly expand a project’s design possibilities.   

For instance, the wood grain look, which is offered in all different styles and prints, is shaping up to be one of the most in-demand aesthetics of 2025. With the amount of time and effort being put into manufacturing advances that create a realistic wood grain on metal coil, it’s clear that this trend is here to stay.   

Speaking of the wood-look trend, the board and batten profile was one of the most popular profiles on the show floor. This profile pairs the sought-after rustic appearance of wood with the durability and performance of a metal wall system.

3 – Increased emphasis on energy-efficient design

Whether it’s incorporating solar panels or designing continuous insulation systems, the message at METALCON was clear: designers and project owners are prioritizing strategies that minimize operational carbon emissions. Driven by state-determined standards and individual project goals, now more than ever building professionals are challenged to create aesthetically beautiful exteriors that support reduced energy consumption.  

Insulation (like Drexel Metals’ new roof and wall insulation products that use a polyiso foam core) can play a key part in achieving these goals. In application, these complete systems can improve a building’s thermal performance, reducing the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Metal roof panels can also be specified in cool roof colors to reduce the amount of solar radiation they absorb, further contributing to energy efficiency goals.