The roofing landscape has transformed dramatically over the past five years. What once was a straightforward decision between a few material options has evolved into a complex market where customers demand specific solutions for unique challenges. The contractors thriving in this environment share one common trait: they partner with manufacturers who offer complete product ecosystems rather than just individual panels.
This shift represents more than changing customer preferences—it's fundamentally altering how successful roofing businesses operate and compete.
When McElroy Metal developed their comprehensive product line spanning standing seam systems, exposed fastener panels, wall panels, and specialty retrofit roofing solutions, they weren't just expanding inventory. They were recognizing a fundamental truth about modern roofing projects: versatility drives profitability.
Consider the typical commercial contractor today. They might start the week installing a 238T standing seam system on a low-slope warehouse, transition to Max-Rib panels for an agricultural facility by Wednesday, and finish with Medallion-Lok on an architectural project demanding clean lines and premium aesthetics. Without access to this range of solutions, they're turning away revenue or compromising on project quality.
The concealed fastener metal roofing market offers a wide range of options, each designed for specific project requirements. Understanding these systems begins with two key factors: how the panels are attached, the panel profile, and the panel engagement.
Nailing flange systems—like McElroy's Meridian—feature a pre-punched fastening flange that secures directly to the deck or substrate. These panels typically snap together, making them the most economical entry point for standing seam applications. They're ideal for smaller commercial and residential projects with roof pitches of 3:12 or greater.
Clip-attached systems—such as McElroy's 138T, 238T, and Medallion-Lok—fasten to the roof deck with concealed clips, allowing for thermal movement and enhanced uplift resistance. Clip-attached systems are available in two main installation styles:
Snap-Together Panels – Asymmetrical profiles like Medallion-Lok snap into place quickly, reducing installation time and eliminating the need for a seaming machine. However, they generally provide lower uplift values than seamed panels.
Mechanically Seamed Panels – Symmetrical profiles like the 138T, 238T, and Trap-Tee are mechanically seamed after installation, delivering exceptional uplift and weather performance for demanding applications.
Standing seam panels can also be distinguished by their shape and method of engagement. These factors affect installation speed, weathertightness, panel replaceability, and overall performance.
Panel Profile:
Trapezoidal – The original workhorse of the standing seam family, trapezoidal panels are still common in pre-engineered building applications due to their lower price point. However, the large trapezoid shape at the eave and ridge can be difficult to keep watertight, making them less ideal for roofs with hips and valleys. Consequently, they are best used for straight runs without lap conditions.
Vertical Leg – Developed to address the weatherability and lap issues of trapezoidal systems, vertical leg panels improve performance and wind uplift values while also more easily maintaining modularity. They tend to cost more due to improved design and packaging requirements.
Tee Style – The latest evolution, tee style panels simply slide together, and a separate batten cap is seamed over the joint. This design enables single-panel replacement without disturbing surrounding panels—an advantage for long-term maintenance and repair.
The other identifying factor between standing seam panels involves how the panels engage with each other. For many years, most standing seam panels were asymmetrical—featuring a male and female leg shaped differently yet designed to lock together. These panels require a left-to-right or right-to-left installation sequence. In order to facilitate proper panel engagement, these panels normally require a left-to-right or right-to-left installation.
In recent years, a new breed of standing seam panels referred to as symmetrical panels have grown in popularity. Symmetrical designs, such as McElroy's 138T and 238T, eliminate the left-to-right installation requirement of asymmetrical panels. Savvy contractors have quickly discovered that symmetrical panels install more quickly and with less scrap than their asymmetrical counterparts. This not only reduces install time and material waste because contractors can start and stop at multiple points on the roof, but also allows for single-panel replacement—a long-term value for building owners.
In summary, mechanically seamed symmetrical systems represent the top tier of standing seam performance. They require specialized equipment but deliver unmatched weather resistance, long service life, faster installation flexibility, and easier maintenance. For commercial projects where performance, durability, and long-term value are priorities, they're often the best choice.
The geographic distribution of roofing optimism tells an important story for metal contractors. Commercial contractors in the South are the most optimistic about 2025, with 64% saying they expect sales volumes to grow this year. Just behind them are their compatriots in the West and Midwest at 63% each.
This regional strength correlates with several market factors. The South's continued population growth drives new construction, while the region's weather patterns—including hurricane threats and intense heat—favor metal roofing's superior performance characteristics. Western markets benefit from energy efficiency mandates and sustainability initiatives that align with metal roofing's environmental advantages.
Contractors in these growth regions who partner with manufacturers offering complete product lines position themselves to capture maximum market share across diverse project types. Rather than specializing in narrow segments, they can respond comprehensively to market opportunities.
Beyond product breadth, leading manufacturers continuously innovate to address evolving market needs. Energy-efficient coating systems incorporating PVDF technology with cool roof capabilities respond to increasing utility cost concerns and building code requirements.
Retrofit solutions represent a particularly compelling innovation area. Traditional remove-and-replace approaches expose building occupants to weather, disrupt operations, and generate substantial waste. McElroy's patented 138T Shingle Recover, 238T Metal over Metal Recover system and Trap-Tee Recover products exemplify how manufacturers develop new specialized solutions that minimize disruption while delivering superior long-term performance. The environmental advantages of recover approaches extend beyond convenience. These systems reduce landfill waste and often qualify for exemptions from updated building codes that would otherwise require expensive infrastructure upgrades.
On-site panel production capabilities represent another differentiator for contractors working with comprehensive manufacturers. Jobsite rollforming eliminates transport damage, reduces the time required to install an endlap condition for long panel runs, provides scheduling flexibility that enhances project efficiency and offers improved weather performance.
This capability proves particularly valuable on large commercial projects where panel lengths might otherwise require special transportation arrangements or multiple seams that compromise both aesthetics and weather performance.
Product breadth alone doesn't guarantee contractor success. The most successful contractors work with manufacturers who provide comprehensive support infrastructure, including local service centers, technical resources, and ongoing education opportunities.
Access to load tables, shop drawings, and submittal packages streamlines the bidding process. Online tools, including color visualizers and CAD/Revit files, enable contractors to present professional proposals quickly. Installation training and certification programs ensure crews can deliver quality results that protect both the contractor's reputation and the manufacturer's warranty obligations.
This support structure becomes increasingly valuable as projects grow more complex and performance requirements become more stringent. Contractors facing technical challenges benefit from manufacturer expertise gained across thousands of installations and diverse climate conditions.
Industry data suggests metal roofing's growth trajectory will continue accelerating. The global metal roofing market hit $22.55 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $32.83 billion by 2032. That's a compound annual growth rate of 4.81%. This sustained growth creates opportunities for contractors positioned to meet diverse market demands.
However, success won't automatically flow to every contractor. The companies that will thrive are those willing to invest in technology, training, and operational efficiency. The contractors who recognize complete product lines as competitive advantages—rather than inventory complexity—will capture disproportionate market share.
The 2025 State of the Roofing Industry Report reveals what we're all experiencing: 61% of commercial contractors cite lack of qualified workers as their biggest challenge. Yet this challenge has begun stabilizing in many markets. The labor situation in the commercial roofing industry has improved over the past year. What was once trending as a challenge is now an opportunity. This stabilization enables contractors to focus on growth rather than merely maintaining operations.
For contractors evaluating manufacturer partnerships, product line completeness deserves equal consideration with quality and support. The ability to say "yes" to diverse project types without compromising on performance or aesthetics directly impacts revenue potential.
Regional manufacturers typically offer limited product ranges, often focusing on commodity segments where price competition dominates. National manufacturers with comprehensive lines enable contractors to differentiate through solution capabilities rather than price alone.
The warranty landscape also favors contractors working with established manufacturers offering complete systems. Weathertightness warranties, in particular, require manufacturer financial strength and technical expertise that regional players often cannot provide.
The roofing industry's evolution toward specialized solutions and performance requirements creates natural advantages for contractors who embrace comprehensive product partnerships. Rather than viewing extensive product lines as complexity, successful contractors recognize them as tools for capturing more opportunities and delivering superior customer value.
Building owners increasingly expect roofing contractors to serve as consultants who recommend optimal solutions for specific applications. This advisory role requires deep product knowledge across multiple systems and the backing of manufacturers who invest in continuous innovation and support.
The residential market continues showing robust demand. According to the latest State of the Industry report, 72% of residential contractors expect further growth in 2025, with 77% anticipating expansion over the next three years.
The contractors who thrive in this environment understand that complete product lines aren't just about having more options—they're about positioning their businesses as preferred partners for customers who value expertise, reliability, and long-term performance.
As the industry continues its growth trajectory through 2025 and beyond, the competitive advantages will flow to contractors who recognize complete product ecosystems as strategic assets. The question isn't whether to embrace this approach, but how quickly to implement it.
The market is telling us that 2025 is our year. Customers want what we're selling. The question isn't whether the opportunities exist—it's whether you're positioned to capitalize on them.
The contractors who embrace comprehensive product partnerships, invest in their people and processes, and use technology to multiply their capabilities will look back on 2025 as the year everything changed for their business. The market is ready—success depends on strategic positioning and execution.