Taking the next step to expand a roofing construction business can be full of uncertainty. Some of these doubts revolve around investing in the equipment necessary to expand. Which machinery will bring the most return on investment? Is this the same equipment needed to fulfill customer requests? How can it be used to its maximum potential?
For metal roofing contractors, investing in a portable rollforming machine can give a company more control over its materials, services and installation times. But is it really worth it? The following will explore five benefits of portable rollforming machines and how they can help a contracting business reach the next level in roof construction.
One of the most touted benefits of portable rollforming machines is that they help lower costs while shortening installation times. With this equipment, contractors only need to purchase metal coil, saving on production, shipping and service fees. Since coil can be easily stored, contractors can order back stock to be shaped into any profile for shorter lead times when compared to ordering panels.
These benefits can give contractors an advantage when negotiating contracts and allow them to deliver exceptional services, increasing business and the ability of a company to take on new jobs.
Portable rollforming machines also help contractors use materials more efficiently. Preformed panels can be limited to certain sizes. When they’re trimmed onsite to fit a project’s specific dimensions, crews can often be left with easily damaged excess material that more than likely will not be able to be used. Portable rollforming allows contractors to form panels to exact lengths, so they only use the material they need for a project. Not only does this help maximize yields on material purchases but it is also more ecologically friendly.
Since portable rollforming machines can shape metal coil into almost any profile, it can provide speedy service to projects requiring specific profiles. As such, it can sideline delays from having to order a particular profile. The freed-up storage space allows contractors to invest in a larger range of coil materials and colors—to offer more options to potential customers.
Likewise, because these machines can create longer panels, they can complete larger than standard roofing projects with fewer seams. For customers, this translates to a more aesthetically pleasing and higher performing roofing system. For contractors, this simplifies projects for increased efficiency.
Contractors with portable rollforming machines have more control over their materials, quickening install times and more. Because formed panels can be easily damaged in transport, they may arrive unfit for installation. Damaged panels can halt a project, frustrating customers and contractors alike. This can lead to poor reviews and potential delays of future projects, both of which directly affect a business. Portable rollforming machines ensure this risk is a thing of the past to help contractors more easily satisfy customers and increase the number of projects they take on.
While most of the benefits of a portable rollforming machine are directly related to a contractor’s ability to provide premium services to residential and commercial customers, there is also an indirect way contractors can improve their business. With the power to manufacture roofing panels, contractors can diversify their services with a cut and drop business model.
A cut and drop business model lets roofing contractors form and cut roofing panels for other contractors—without having to purchase materials or install them. Instead, a contracting company only needs to provide the rollforming equipment.
This means contractors can become fabricators for other contractors, which easily boosts profits. Not only does this turn potential competition into customers, but it also helps companies generate income with a minimal crew.
While purchasing a portable rollforming machine can be a difficult decision to make, it’s not one a contractor has to make alone. Contractors can collaborate with metal manufacturers like Drexel Metals for unique industry support. Working with Drexel means more than gaining a metal supplier, it means gaining access to a wealth of metal roofing knowledge and local hand-in-hand assistance, including helping contractors learn how to use their new rollformer and solving any related issues that may arise. Drexel Metals is committed to fulfilling contractors’ needs for business growth and industry knowledge.
Additionally, the Drexel DM-ARM program provides contractors with a full range of superior-quality engineered metal roofing systems, equipment and custom fabrication services. It also allows contractors more time in front of customers by offering back-office support.
With Drexel Metals backing a company’s products and services, contractors can focus more on satisfying customer needs and taking the next steps to grow their business.
