The process of buying a metal roof is more involved than ordering something off Amazon or going to the store. While big retailers like Lowes or Home Depot do sell metal panels, their selection in stock is often very limited in color, gauge, quantity and panel type.
If you're looking for a metal roofing supplier, there are three main ways we recommend looking into when you’re ready to invest in metal roofing material: buying from your contractor, buying from a distributor, and buying from a metal roofing manufacturer.
Western States Metal Roofing is one of the few metal roofing manufacturers that sells directly to homeowners (750 sq ft minimum). However, we know you have other choices when it comes to purchasing your metal panels.
In this article, we discuss each purchasing option and list reputable companies besides ourselves that you can consider so you know all your options when purchasing metal roofing.
Where Do You Buy Metal Roofing?
- Purchase from your roofing contractor
- Purchase from roofing distributor
- Purchase from metal roofing manufacturer
Purchasing Metal Roof Panels From Roofing Contractors
When you get a quote for your metal roof, the roofing contractor will give you a total price including materials and labor. Normally, the roofing contractor will have a 10% to 20% mark up on the metal roofing panels and will not provide them at cost.
Ordering from your contractor is a good option if you don’t have the ability to create a materials list that will include: panel lengths, panel quantities, trim and flashings, accessories, and more. The roofing contractors mark up is a fair price for doing the leg work of ordering and delivering the roofing panels.
Also consider if the contractor is able to get panels in the color or finish that you want. If you have a specific color in mind, then it’s best to instruct the contractor to buy from the manufacturer that sells the color that you want. We often hear from contractors that a homeowner found one of our unique and proprietary colors online and then instructed the contractor to purchase metal roofing panel from us.
Purchasing Metal Roof Panels From Roofing Distributor
A roofing distributor is the middle man between the manufacturer and the consumer and can also offer their expertise and guidance. In most instances, they will help you determine the necessary materials and will then order the material for you. Typically, there will be a markup on the metal roofing that’s normally in the range of 15% to 50% depending upon the size of the job.
This is the best option for you if you’re not working with a roofing contractor and want someone else to provide the materials list, figure out the trim, and do the leg work. A distributor or supplier offers a great service at a fair price. This is another option that is convenient, but not necessarily the most economical.
Metal Roofing Distributors
- ABC Supply
- Allied Building Supply
- Beacon Roofing Supply
- Lowes or Home Depot
ABC Supply
ABC Supply has been in business with nearly 40 years and has over 800 locations nationwide. They are one of the top distributors of wholesale roofing, siding, windows, gutters and more.
Allied Building Supply
Allied Building Supply has experience in distribution since 1950. In addition to roofing, they offer everything your home would need from siding, windows, doors, garages, and even solar products.
Beacon Roofing Supply
After acquiring Roofing Supply Group in 2015, Beacon Roofing Supply became the largest publicly-traded distributor of residential and commercial roofing. In addition to working with homeowners, they also offer homeowner financing.
Lowes or Home Depot, Inc.
Popular American retail stores such as Lowes or Home Depot are a great fit if you are only looking for a small quantity of galvanized sheeting. These home improvement companies provide a variety of construction products and are most likely located close to you in your local city.
Purchasing Metal Roof Panels From Roofing Manufacturer
Finding a metal roofing manufacturer that sells directly to the public is your best option to save money on your metal roof. However, unlike the other options of a contractor or distributor, a manufacturer does not figure out what materials you need. It’s your responsibility to provide a materials list and know information such as the quantity of panels needed.
Most metal roofing manufacturers do not sell directly to homeowners. If you spend some time researching you can find a few, but it’s the exception to the rule.
We at Western States Metal Roofing are a manufacturer that sells directly to homeowners, roofing contractors, and general contractors. Whichever company you choose, we advise checking their google reviews first to verify that you are dealing with a reputable company.
How To Purchase Metal Roof Panels From A Manufacturer
The process of purchasing metal roofing is different when using a manufacturer as opposed to a contractor or distributor.
As we mentioned earlier, you will need to provide a materials list to the manufacturer. This is a list that contains the materials needed for your job such as: how many panels, sheet lengths for each panel, list of trim and flashing pieces, the pitch of your roof, metal roofing underlayment, and accessories.
If you require a little help and guidance but generally know what you’re going to need, then a manufacturer will typically provide enough help to bridge the gap. At Western States Metal Roofing, we are always happy to answer basic questions and steer our customers in the right direction.
If you have no idea what you need and you cannot provide a materials list or take off, then we recommend doing one of the following options:
1. Ask the manufacturer if they can do the take-off for you. Keep in mind that not all manufacturers offer this service for all projects and if they do, it will delay your job by 2 to 6 weeks so plan accordingly. Take offs will not be available for small jobs and you must be ready to purchase. This is not done at the quoting stage of the job. Typically, you will need a job that’s a minimum of 3,000 square feet. Here is the take-off policy at Western States Metal Roofing.
2. Have the roofing contractor that you hire provide you with a materials list and then purchase the material directly from the manufacturer. This method works best if your roofing contractor knows that you’re planning on purchasing material directly yourself prior to receiving an installation bid. It’s also helpful if you want a color or finish that’s hard to find. It makes it easier to justify purchasing it directly from the manufacturer.
3. If there is a specific color that you want to purchase, but are unable to buy directly from the manufacturer. Order it through your roofing contractor or roofing distributor and let them figure it out for you. However, instruct them which metal roofing manufacturer to buy from.
Metal Roofing Manufacturers
Below is a list of other names in the metal roof manufacturing industry that can supply materials for your project.
- MBCI
- Metal Sales
- McElroy Metal
- AEP Span
MBCI
MBCI has been in the metal manufacturing industry for over 40 years with offices across the United States. While they do not work directly with homeowners, they make every component needed for a metal structure from roofing, siding, trim, rollup doors and more.
Metal Sales Manufacturing
Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation has manufacturing sites in 17 different states and works with homeowners to provide residential metal roofing and siding.
McElroy Metal
McElroy Metal is a family business that’s been in operation for over 50 years with factories across the US. They do not work directly with homeowners but will refer you to a distributor or contractor that can help you find the right panels for your roof or siding.
AEP Span
AEP Span has over 45 years experience as a manufacturer of steel roof and wall products as well as structural roof and floor deck products. They work directly with homeowners as well as contractors and architects.
Deciding Where To Buy Metal Roofing
When you’re ready to move forward on investing in a new metal roof, you have several choices on where to get your steel roofing materials. Which option is best for you depends on the circumstances of your project.
Purchase From A Contractor When:
- You do not have a materials list or ability to know what is needed for your roof.
- Convenience is more important than price.
Purchase From A Distributor When:
- You do not have a materials list or ability to know what is needed for your roof.
- You are not working with a roofing contractor.
- Convenience is more important than price.
Purchase From A Manufacturer When:
- You are looking for the best cost saving option.
- You have a materials list or are eligible for a material take off.
- There is some flexibility in the timeline of your project.
If you don’t need guidance selecting the right materials for your roof, buying directly from manufacturers is the most affordable route. At Western States Metal Roofing, we have delivery throughout the entire United States and Canada. In addition to steel roofing panels, we also offer Corten and copper roof panels. Our knowledgeable sales team is standing by and happy to provide you with a free quote.