Equipment Review March 2009:
The Tools of Metal Roofing

by Gary Zimmerman, Roof Master Southwest Territory Sales Marketing Manager

Metal roofing has not really changed much over the years except it's in much greater usage and acceptance, and new equipment and innovation has allowed more styles, patterns, colors, and special design features. A full gamut of metal roofing is available prefabricated by manufacturers or you can use your own forming machine at the job site or in your shop. The latter option puts control of the job right where you want it, at the job site.

Metal roofing has some valuable marketing features, one being able to fit into the ideology of the 21st century market place. It can be energy-effecient and can also boast that it is recyclable and can be made from recycled materials. The longevity makes metal roof truly a lifetime roof. Metal is also lightweight, making it ideal for retrofit applications.

Traditional metal roof applications include mostly commercial roofs. However, the metal residential roof market is blooming. The industry has introduced many new styles in shingles & shakes that defy the eye to know they are metal. They come insulated, textured, are very durable and have proven they can withstand the notorious Texas & Oklahoma hail storms. Installation techniques and products, contrary to belief, do not allow for the drumming effect to be magnified during inclement weather. They may be a little louder, but not to intolerable levels.

With craftsmanship, come the tools of the trade. In the category of hand tools one would need folders, forming irons, multiple styles of hand tin snips, scribes, hammers and mallets, tongs and pliers. If standing seam is involved, seam folders and edgers will be needed. Helpful power tools include shears and seam closers of various types. Depending on the material, a soldergun will be needed as well (copper).

Safety on the job site will require the same as any roof application, perimeter edge protection, personal fall protection appliances, as well as gloves, eye protection and a hard hat. There are specialty items for the metal roofer. Safety sandals (Korkers) with metal roof insert (magnetic) pads that fit over work boots. This allows for excellent footing while preventing scuffing of the roof. Other safety materials include standing seam roof clamps for attaching retractable life lines. A ridge mounted rotating anchoring system (Skymast) for attaching up to three retractable life lines and lines in 30-, 50-, and 65-feet lengths. Metal roofing should be considered for the marketing opportunity. The commercial market will require a greater investment in tools and equipment as well as installation skills. However, there will probably be fewer competitors. The residential metal market will offer an easier entry since installation methods are more traditional, and tools-of-thetrade are cheaper and simpler. Don't shy away because it's different. Look into it carefully as you would any new material and evaluate its benefits, profit opportunities and compare it to you and your employee's skill levels before embarking into this area.

Until next time sell well, work safe, and enjoy the road you are traveling it only passes once.

Gary is the Southwest Territory Sales Marketing Manager for Roofmaster Products Company based in Prescott; AZ. Gary has over 35 years experience in the roofing industry and has been with Roofmaster almost 10 years working with distributors and roofing contractors.