Experts predict that the 2021 hurricane and tornado season will be above average in terms of activity yet again. Since residential properties are especially susceptible to significant damage from storms, contractors should expect a busy season.
One way for contractors to cement their status as a go-to resource for roofing is to educate homeowners about the different options they have when it comes to roofing materials. Metal roofing is a top choice when it comes to weathering severe events, and adding DECRA Metal Roofing to your service offerings adds a valuable and lucrative segment to your business.
Additionally, the demand for metal roofing is rapidly increasing. Metal is the second most popular roofing material on the market and, in most areas, homeowner demand exceeds the number of qualified contractors able to install it.
Take advantage of this golden business opportunity by knowing how to market a DECRA roof during storm season. Here are the top selling points to help you educate your customers on the benefits of DECRA Metal Roofing.
Pro Tip: Come extra prepared to conversations with customers by educating them on the top five metal roofing myths.
DECRA has the highest possible hail impact rating.
Roofing materials are rated Class 1 through Class 4 based on their resistance to the impact of steel balls dropped from varying heights. The Class 4 test, conducted by Underwriters Laboratories, simulates the damaging impact of a 2 inch hailstone from 20 feet or higher on a roof. This test is considered the industry-standard for impact-resistance. In order to achieve a Class 4 rating, the roofing material cannot exhibit any signs of fracture.
DECRA goes above and beyond the required testing, and conducts additional testing through an independent third-party lab for things like material thickness, coating quality, humidity resistance and more. Our products have the highest possible UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating, and are warrantied against hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
DECRA products are warrantied for winds up to 120 mph and lab tested at twice that velocity.
Asphalt shingles are prone to cupping, warping, delaminating and loosening around the fasteners, which can increase the risk for wind uplift. This occurs when the air pressure below the roofing system is greater than the air pressure above. As wind flows over the house, the pressure directly above the roof surface decreases. This results in a push-pull force working together to separate the roofing materials from the roof. Clay tiles and wood shakes are also prone to wind uplift, which is why most aren’t covered by wind warranties at all.
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DECRA roofs use a unique interlocking system that helps the profiles remain firmly in place and are rigorously tested to comply with high-velocity hurricane zone requirements, including Miami-Dade, Florida, which is known as the most severe wind region in the country.
DECRA Metal Roofing products come standard with a Lifetime Limited Warranty for winds up to 120 mph and tested at twice that velocity.
While some roofing manufacturers limit the length of the warranty, DECRA does not, so homeowners can rely on that if a repair or replacement is necessary.
Metal roofs last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials.
No homeowner wants to have a new roof installed only for it to need replaced in the next 10 years. This is one of the strongest selling points for a DECRA metal roof–the lifespan is two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, clay tiles and wood shakes.
This is important to note when educating customers on the price difference between DECRA Metal Roofing and asphalt shingles. While the initial installation of traditional asphalt roofing materials is cheaper, they only have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years before needing to be replaced. With frequent exposure to storm damage, the lifespan may lower, making a metal roof much more cost-effective in the long-term. Even if a homeowner doesn’t plan to stay in their home for the long-term, the immediately value that a DECRA roof brings is important to share:
- A new metal roof can increase the average value of a home by up to 6%.
- Homeowners who renovate their home with metal roofing are typically able to recoup an extremely high rate of the roof’s cost, 85.9% according to national averages, with homes in the Eastern states recouping up to 95.5%.
- DECRA roofs can qualify for insurance discounts in many states. For example, in Texas a metal roof can lower your homeowner's insurance by up to 35%. (Check with your local insurance carrier for available discounts).
Get Access to More Resources About Offering DECRA Metal Roofing
With above-normal activity predicted for this year’s storm season, now is the perfect time to add DECRA Metal Roofing to your service offerings. Ready to get started? Visit the DECRA Knowledge Base for resources like installation guides, rebates, estimating sheets, marketing materials and product information. You can also contact a DECRA Metal Roofing advisor to answer any questions you may have. We are here to help you get started with DECRA and win more projects!
