Pacific Northwest Metal Roofing

What is the metal roofing market like in the Pacific Northwest? We’ll look at the unique weather of this region, how readily available materials are, and more.

Metal roofing markets change from region to region. Depending on where you’re located in the United States, anything from architectural styles to the availability of certain materials can differ. If you’re a metal roofing contractor operating in a specific region or looking to branch out to a new market, it’s essential to understand the unique aspects of that particular area.

Sheffield Metals International (SMI) is a metal roofing supplier that provides coil and sheets to customers all over the United States and beyond. With an effective distribution network and an expert team on staff, we strive to serve customers as best as possible with high-quality, trusted metal roofing materials. Sheffield Metals also provides valuable information on a variety of metal roofing topics to help contractors succeed.

In this article, we’ll focus on the metal roofing market in the Pacific Northwest. We’ll cover various subtopics, including:

  • How metal roofing contractors and fabricators operate in the Pacific Northwest
  • How contractors can find support in the Pacific Northwest
  • How Sheffield Metals can offer metal roofing support for this region

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a better feel for the metal roofing market in the Pacific Northwest and understand how to set your business up for success.

What Is the Metal Roofing Market Like in the Pacific Northwest?

A feather metal roofing design at Montana State University

To understand the overall market in the Pacific Northwest, it’s a good idea to look into some specific attributes and characteristics of this region.

Weather

Metal roofing projects need to be able to withstand the unique weather conditions of where they’re located. In the Pacific Northwest, temperatures can vary drastically – you can have over 100°F on summer days and well below freezing during the winter.

One of the major concerns for the Pacific Northwest is snow. States like Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota can receive significant snowfall. Because of this unique weather, many building owners in the area will be looking for ways to protect their structures and utilize strategies for reducing the harmful effects of excessive snow.

Architectural Styles

You can see anything from typical residential homes with a standard metal roof to extravagant ranches in places like Montana, which may require more detail and customization to suit the customer’s needs. Recently, low-slope metal roofing applications have become very popular in this region, as people are looking for a unique design that allows them to see the finished aesthetic.

Likewise, snow retention systems are also common in the Pacific Northwest. These systems help combat the snow loads in this region by keeping snow on the roof, instead of having it fall and pose a hazard to those walking underneath.

Metal Roofing Popularity

Metal roofing is hugely popular in the Pacific Northwest. With the severe weather found in states in this region, from tornadoes to fires to blizzards, customers are looking for the best when it comes to roofing. People are shifting from asphalt shingles and entry-level products to materials they will only have to purchase once and will last them for the rest of their lives.

Even though it may be more expensive, metal roofing is an investment that will keep their home or building safe and last long into the future. Aside from just its functionality, customers are also looking to make their roof part of their aesthetic design, and something like a standing seam metal roof provides the sleek, modern appearance many people in this region are looking for.


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Metal Roofing Materials Availability

As a metal roofing contractor, one of the most significant considerations is how you’re going to get your materials for projects. In a region like the Pacific Northwest, getting your materials can be challenging. It’s a vast area, and geographically, everything is spread out. You can face long drive times and transport times, and the weather can also delay shipments.

Many companies will stock a large amount of inventory to combat slow lead times.

How Do Contractors and Fabricators Operate in the Pacific Northwest?

A green standing seam metal roof dusted with snow

Contractors and fabricators will operate in different ways in the Pacific Northwest. Typically, you’ll find two main types of operations:

First, you’ll have people who are working strictly in manufacturing. They will have a shop with portable rollformers to shape the metal and a brick-and-mortar store where you can walk in and order what you need. You can then either install it yourself or hire an outside contractor for installation.

You’ll also find contractors with portable rollforming equipment who can form the metal, come to the job site, and complete the installation.

The size of the operation can also vary – some larger-scale contractors can work on elaborate projects and create intricate roofs with weathertight warranties, while others want to keep it small and simple and stay with residential projects.

Since the Pacific Northwest is such a sprawling area, many contractors are willing to drive long distances to complete projects. However, this will also depend on the season and weather conditions.

How to Succeed in Metal Roofing in the Pacific Northwest

A hemlock green standing seam metal roof

Do Market Research

Especially if you’re starting up a business in a new region, it’s essential to conduct market research and really understand the area you’ll be working in. Starting with videos and articles like this can be helpful, but you should also talk with others who have been in the business and may be able to shed some light on what it’s really like.

Network

Reach out to other companies in the area – in many cases, others will be more than willing to give you information and talk to you about the region they work in, including the struggles they deal with on a day-to-day basis. Many metal roofing operations are collaborative and work well with one another.

Find a Trusted Metal Roofing Supplier

One of the best things you can do as a metal roofing contractor starting work in a new region is to partner with a trusted metal roofing supplier who can give you the products and information you need to succeed.

In the metal roofing industry, you may find businesses that don’t offer the level of detail you want. With an expert team ready to assist you, you can gain confidence in your operation and complete projects efficiently.

Where Can Metal Roofing Contractors Find Support in the Pacific Northwest?

With significant distances to travel and a wide array of extreme weather, the Pacific Northwest can pose many challenges to metal roofing contractors. Finding the right help can be an ideal way to set you on the right track and avoid common pitfalls.

Sheffield Metals International (SMI) has a branch in Denver, Colorado. We have an outstanding inside sales team ready to answer questions and calls, from day-to-day ordering to getting something as small as a paint pen. Our production crew is informed and knowledgeable about all of our products, and we also have a technical team who can assist with questions related to testing or specific design criteria on metal roofing projects.

How Sheffield Metals Can Help Contractors in the Pacific Northwest

What are some specific ways Sheffield Metals can assist metal roofing contractors in the Pacific Northwest?

  • Quality products: Sheffield Metal stocks bare and coated metal coil and sheets, plus a variety of metal roofing accessories. We understand how important the quality of materials is in the metal roofing industry and provide only products that reflect that.
  • Technical help: Our expert technical team understands all the ins and outs of the intricate parts of metal roofing, including specific testing standards and the various criteria your roof needs to meet for your region.
  • Networking support: Sheffield Metals has business relationships all across the Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking to make connections or build your reputation in the area, we can work to get you in touch with others in the area.
  • Mutual partnership: We aren’t just looking to make sales at Sheffield Metals. Instead, we’re looking to guide our customer through their project from day one, assisting them in their design, engineering, and installation process. Instead of one transaction, we’ll be there the whole way, ensuring you can complete your metal roofing project effectively.

Sheffield Metals International is ready to assist you with your next metal roofing project. Feel free to contact our branch today or visit our website, where you’ll find other resources related to metal roofing to help you succeed in metal roofing.


Contact Sheffield Metals today!