How Metal Roofing Transformed the Business of Two Contractors

By Sherwin-Williams. 

Discover the number of advantages of metal roofing with Todd Meinhold and Adam Parnes.  

With 25 years of experience in metal roofing, Adam Parnes’ Global Home Improvement serves customers in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware. He began in metal roofing because he was enamored by how metal roofing looks great and lasts a long time while being more durable than shingle roofs in high winds and weather. 

Todd Meinhold is the owner and president of H&D Quality Builders and the company’s Cool Roofs brand, founded to offer its customers metal roofing as a superior alternative to conventional roofing options. Todd started in metal roofs because the consistency in workflow allows him to keep his employees year-round.  

The metal roofing business isn’t a tough business to break into, but the “labor learning curve and initial cost mean it’s an investment,” says Todd.  “Not from the standpoint of competition, it was only tough on the front end because of the financial investment,” said Adam. 

“Metal roofing requires a higher attention to detail, and more time to devote to putting the roof on. When you’re doing asphalt shingles, you typically put on squares per hour. In the metal roofing industry, that becomes hours per square. It’s a different way of thinking. You’re going to have three times the labor in a metal roof compared to an asphalt shingle roof,” says Todd.  

Proper Installation is the key to a quality roof. “Just like anything, not all metal roofs are created equal. There are different levels of metal roofs and installation — the best roof can suffer from poor installation. That’s something people miss. We sell a service — installation — not just a product,” says Adam. 

The switch was worth it, however, metal roofing increased Todd’s profit margin exponentially. “We have a constant workflow, because everybody needs a roof. We’ve been able to make better business decisions, because we have cash flow. In fact, we can now offer health benefits, vacation, holiday pay and IRAs to our employees. We’re updating equipment and constantly looking for new opportunities. We’re pickier about the projects we take on. And we’ve seen an increase in business.”  

“Metal roofing sets you apart from the competition,” adds Adam. “We’re able to define our target market, which is a higher-end customer who sees value in lifelong products.” 

“It can be a huge, profitable side of your business. And, with profit comes warranty. If I make money, I can stand behind my workmanship,” says Todd.  

His advice to contactors looking to get into the business is “seeking out those who are installing metal roofs in the industry to learn from them. I also recommend getting plugged into some associations and digital marketing platforms.”  

When talking to customers, Adam and Todd are adamant about the benefits making up for the higher upfront cost. “The price difference is huge, but metal roofing is well worth it. Asphalt stains and discolors, and it’s bad for the environment,” says Adam. “Metal is worry-free," adds Todd, citing the benefits of “longevity, energy efficiency and durability” as well worth the investment. 

Learn more about Sherwin-Williams in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit makemorewithmetal.com. 

Original article source: Sherwin-Williams