West Coast metal roofing mastery: Tips for contractor success

By Colin Murnan, Sheffield Metals International. 

Putting the spotlight on California and Oregon’s metal roofing markets and trends!  

Metal roofing is growing increasingly popular in coastal areas like the West Coast of the United States. Specifically in areas like California and Oregon, contractors and fabricators are finding a high demand for the modern look and durable structure that metal delivers. Many roofing professionals are finding success working in these markets. If you’re just stepping into the ring, there are many factors — such as the varying West Coast weather conditions — that you should be aware of. 

That’s why Sheffield Metals International, whose team boasts decades of experience helping metal roofing contractors and fabricators succeed in many different markets, has put together this overview of what should be considered for metal roofing professionals on the West Coast. They are dedicated to helping customers throughout the entire project, from providing high quality metal coils, sheets and accessories to making sure installations are done right.  

What is the metal roofing industry like on the West Coast? 

Weather 

One of the defining elements of the West Coast is the Pacific Ocean, which plays a significant factor in material choice when it comes to metal roofing. Designers will have to consider the effects of corrosive salt spray. Since steel will corrode easily in those conditions, aluminum is the typical choice for roofs on the West Coast, as it oxidizes when it begins to rust, defending against corrosive effects.  

The Pacific Southwest sees a lot of hot, humid weather which can drive up energy costs — opting for a cool metal roofing system can help rein those prices in. In contrast, mountainous regions can experience heavy snow and frigid conditions. In these regions, snow retention systems, which help keep snow on a roof for safety purposes, are often utilized.  

The West Coast also receives their fair share of heavy wind and rain. One of the more intense and unique climate effects of this region is wildfires. Wildfires are hard to defend against, as they can start suddenly and spread extremely quickly. Home and building owners in areas prone to wildfires may want to, or even be required, to get fire ratings for their roofs. Fire ratings are attained through testing, with Class A being the highest and most effective in standing up against fire exposure. 

The unique climate of your region will have a great impact on how you design your metal roof and which accessories you include. Looking at the different trends of your specific area can also help you look at what’s in demand and what people find important. 

Trends   

The West Coast has a very diverse and robust economy, which is reflected in the varying projects seen across this area, both in scale and design. Recently, the trend on the West Coast has been towards sleek, contemporary standing seam roofing with darker, modern colors. As mentioned earlier, aluminum is a popular choice due to its anti-corrosive properties. 

Installing solar panels on roofs is also becoming very prevalent on the West Coast in part due to local mandates requiring solar panels on new construction. On typical asphalt shingles, you have to puncture the roof structure to fasten the solar brackets. On metal roofs, you can attach the brackets to the roofing panels without having to make holes in the roof, which adds convenience for installers. It also maintains aesthetics and watertight integrity since you won’t have those penetrations on your roof.  

Ultimately, many people on the West Coast are looking to adhere to their local regulations while also building a structure that matches the modern aesthetics they’re looking for, is long-lasting and durable enough to withstand coastal effects and the threat of wildfires.  

Architectural styles   

On the West Coast you can find huge sprawls of older neighborhoods, which feature bungalow-style homes. Many of these bungalows are being remodeled to fit modern, sleeker tastes, which often include the addition of a metal roof. In California, and of course in the areas like Palo Alto or the Hollywood Hills, you’ll see a lot of contemporary and modern-style homes. 

Market 

This region has seen a steadily growing diversification of contractors and fabricators working in the metal roofing industry. In recent years there has been a huge demand for contractors and fabricators in the sheet metal and metal roofing market. One of the common challenges is trying to catch up with the heavy workload. A solution for many contractors is to invest in a portable rollforming machine, which allows them to make their supply chain more efficient by controlling their production and output of metal roofing panels for installations. 

How to succeed in metal roofing on the West Coast   

It’s clear that there is a demand for metal roofing in this region — as a contractor, fabricator, or architect, it’s important to take actionable steps that will set you on the right track and enable you to complete projects the right way. 

Understand the unique climate and design projects accordingly  

One of the most important aspects to remember about metal roofing is that every project is unique. Your location in relation to saltwater, frequent storms, or wildfires will dictate how the roof is designed, which system is used and the panel profile you choose.  

Adequate testing will be needed to ensure the roof will stand up to local weather conditions. Be sure to talk to other local companies in that area to figure out what is best and which additions, whether it be snow guards or fire rating testing, will be adequate for your project. 

Know the local laws and regulations   

California has some of the most regulations in the United States, so it’s important to understand these before you begin a project and know what requirements you have to meet. Not only will this ensure you’re operating under the correct codes, but it will also guide your project in critical points, such as which testing you need done and which system may be best for your project. 

Find a reliable metal roofing supplier  

While doing your own research and talking to others in the business can help you get an idea for how to best approach your next project, one of the best ways to ensure you’re doing things right is to partner with a local metal roofing supplier. Aside from offering metal roofing materials, the right supplier can also offer additional services to guide you through design and installation phases.  

Sheffield Metals International (SMI) has a branch in La Mirada which services the West Coast, and we can offer a variety of advantages in addition to our stocked inventory of metals, coils and sheets, including:   

• Short lead times: Lead times for Sheffield’s West Coast branch are typically three days. Servicing customers quickly and getting products shipped efficiently is one of the top priorities and something our teams pride themselves on.  
• Unbiased help: Because Sheffield Metals does not fabricate panels, it puts us in an advantageous position to offer unbiased help and partner with customers to help them grow as a business, instead of competing against them.  
• CAT (commercial, architectural and technical) team: The CAT team was assembled to guide our customers through every step of their metal roofing project. Whether you need to put together a submittal for a commercial project, need specific testing for one of your systems or need a weathertight warranty and inspections throughout installation, Sheffield Metals can assist you.  

How can metal roofing contractors and fabricators find support on the West Coast?  

In this article, we’ve covered what the metal roofing market is like on the West Coast, including how the climate affects projects, trending styles and architecture and ways to succeed in this region. Check out some of our additional content related to this topic:  

• Fire ratings for roofs: Class A and product vs. assembly  

• Looking to grow your metal roofing business the right way? 7 ways to sustainably take your company to the next level  

Partnering with a trusted metal roofing supplier can help you take your business to the next level, as you can get vital information quickly, find a network in the region and work with a reliable source that has your best interests in mind.  

Watch this video from the Sheffield Metals International YouTube channel for more information! 

Original article and photo source: Sheffield Metals International