Whether your company’s services include roofing jobs, siding jobs or both, it's important to have the right roofing and siding materials. In turn, the right roofing materials and siding material supplies will aid in installation. Regardless of what your business specializes in, the right tools and supplies for roofing and siding materials will make every job safer and easier.

Finding the right supplies for roofing and siding materials starts with research. Different types of roofing and siding material require different application methods — nails for one, screws for another, adhesive for a third. In addition, you'll need ladders and specialized tools. When looking for the right supplies for roofing and siding materials, remember to do the following:

1. Use the correct fasteners according to type — slate, metal, shake, asphalt or vinyl roof material.
2. Consult industry tool checklists to make sure you are using the proper tools for the roofing and siding materials you're installing.
3. Keep the appropriate roofing materials and siding materials safety gear on hand for your business.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain the proper fasteners for roofing materials

The type of roofing and siding materials you install will determine the type of fasteners you should use. For example, pancake head screws are best to fasten standing seam roofing to studs, and hex head screws are good for corrugated or aluminum wall panels. Copper nails work well when installing a high-end slate roof.

I recommend: FiberTite Roofing Systems discusses standards for vinyl roof material, and its installation reference section discusses metal fasteners and adhesives used. Swan Secure Products offers a variety of fasteners for different types of roofing.

Consult tool supply checklists for vinyl siding, aluminum siding, brick siding and more

Regardless of the types of materials your business uses for siding jobs, it's important to have the right tools available to your employees. The best drip and rake edge flashings and ladders will ensure the high quality of your job and the safety of your employees.

I recommend: Bird Ladder has a selection of aluminum siding bending brakes, along with ladders and other necessary equipment for installation. The Family Handyman provides pictures of vinyl siding tools in use and shows installation of siding.

Keep your crew safe with safety gear when working with siding and roofing materials

Safety gear allows workers to stay secure on the job. Often referred to as fall prevention gear, these roofing and siding materials are essential for every project. Stock the highest quality harnesses and ladders to help your crew get the job done. Don't forget such basics as hard hats to protect workers from materials that fall from the roof.

I recommend: Big Rock Supply sells not only hard hats, but hard hat shades that block the sun's harmful rays, shade the back of the neck and keep workers comfortable on hot roofs. Check out Supply Line Direct for safety equipment that is appropriate for all roofing and siding jobs. For a safety checklist, check out the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're having trouble finding the right supplies for vinyl roofing material and siding materials, ask your materials provider or distributor for help. They can recommend the best tools to get the job done.

House siding and roofing materials make up a good percentage of the cost of a home. While most contractors initially bid out the cost of roofing and siding material, by proving yourself as a reliable source of these finishing materials you can increase your sales without directly marketing your business.

In order to become the contractor's choice for siding and roofing materials:

1. Have a variety of products in stock. Many stores carry one or two types of vinyl siding, with the ability to special order other products. To become a contractor's favorite, stock a wide variety of colors and grades of vinyl roofing material, as well as cedar siding and various roofing materials.

2. Offer value added service, such as same day or free delivery, free unloading, or no restocking fee on returns.

3. Keep track of what is selling, both in your own inventory and as part of a sales trend. Staying informed about new products is important, as the customer will likely be up on the trends.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Keep up with trends in roofing and siding material

It may not feel like part of your job description, but knowing if the trend is moving toward asphalt shingles or vinyl roofing materials is important to your business.

I recommend: Following trends in the marketplace at sites such as Builder.com takes just a few minutes each day. Let contractors and homeowners know what you have in stock by attending home shows in your area.

Sell accessories for your roofing and siding materials that other suppliers do not carry

Standard exterior siding and roofing materials are easy to find. To set yourself apart from the competition, carry products that other stores would have to special order.

I recommend: Trigger clips are a unique way to hang cement siding that lowers labor costs and prevents damage to the siding. Insulation such as that offered by Prodex provides soundproofing and insulation as well as ease of installation. There may not be a large demand for specialty items, such as aluminum and copper shakes, but if a homeowner wants them, they will want to see them before they order.

Look beyond local access of roofing and siding material

It is common for local companies to purchase their roofing and siding material from the same suppliers. While convenient, it limits your ability to stay competitive. Establish relationships with several suppliers. When a customer or contractor comes in with a specific request, if you do not have it in stock, you will have a contact.

I recommend: Cedar Valley is a supplier of cedar panels that provide the look of shingles, but are much easier and less labor intensive to install. Buffalo Lumber stocks redwood, cedar and knotty pine wood siding. CentainTeed has a user friendly website if you are interested in stocking fiber cement siding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With the relatively consistent price of roofing and siding materials, you must be innovative to attract and keep customers.
• •  Exterior siding is a large component in the total look of a home. Help the customer feel good about their decision, as their word of mouth will provide advertising for you.
• •  You may have to work harder to sell newer or more expensive products, such as vinyl roofing material and cedar and other wood siding material. It is easier to make the sale if you know the benefits and have samples of the product available.

House siding and roofing is a major industry that pulls in millions of dollars annually. Every year new homes are built and older houses are worn down due to exposure to dramatic weather conditions and they need new siding and roofs installed. Whether you are starting up a new company that addresses these needs, or your business has been established for years, it is always essential to make sure your employees are up on the latest roofing and siding materials education and training.

When home owners hire a contractor, they expect to find a professional who will get the job done quickly and proficiently. They will likely have a plethora of questions about which materials they should use to make the house sturdy, well sealed and good looking. Your staff will need to be able to:

1. Answer any questions your customers have about siding materials or roofing products;

2. Install any type of exterior siding that is requested;

3. Make people feel comfortable that they are getting the best service and quality materials available.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about every roofing and siding material available

There are many different options for roofing and siding products. A professional contractor should know all about wood siding, brick siding, aluminum siding, vinyl roofing material and every other variation your clients might be interested in. One good way to remain competitive is to be very familiar with the various materials that you may be called upon to work with.

I recommend: Read about vinyl siding and explore other options at the Asiding website.. Explore roofing materials at Roof Helper.

Remain educated about roofing and siding materials

No matter what industry you are involved in, it is best to keep up to date with the latest trends, advancements and possibilities to better serve your customer base. One of the easiest ways to do this is to simply read up on new articles about your chosen profession. Learn from the experts about what is happening now and what will be going on tomorrow in the world of roofing and siding.

I recommend: Read the latest articles to stay updated about roofing materials at BVWebTies or BuildDirect.

Train to deal with any type of house siding or roofing

Contractors must know how to get the entire job done right the first time. For people in the siding and roofing profession, this involves removing old products and replacing them with new materials. It is always beneficial to watch instructional videos or go to hands-on classes that will help you stay current on your roofing and siding materials education and training.

I recommend: Get some tips on how to do the job right from the This Old House site presented by Time. Learn about the dangers of asbestos in older homes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Participate in seminars about roofing and siding materials

A seminar is a great place to learn all about new products, installation techniques and methods to get the job done professionally and economically. They also offer an opportunity to meet with other people in your chosen industry and make networking contacts, swap tips and receive an informal education from people who have many years of experience in the business.

I recommend: Attend seminars about the roofing and siding industry that are hosted by Fabral or Nu-Ray Metal Products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many older homes contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. Make sure your employees know how to recognize these substances, and partner with a company that is certified to remove and dispose of them if that is not a service you offer.
• •  Get your staff together and practice working with lesser used products such as cedar siding or vinyl roof material so they are always prepared to do any job that comes up.

The roofing and siding business is a large and lucrative industry. There are many choices when choosing a roof or siding for a home or a business. A homeowner or corporation needs to have researched information when making choices regarding new roofing or siding. Quality roofing and siding can last for many years with little to no maintenance required by the owner. Review the key terms below to understand some of the basic siding and roofing materials used in the industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is made from exterior grade PVC. It is used for surfacing the outside walls of a frame building. Vinyl siding never needs repainting and it does not peel or rot like wood. Other types of siding include brick, cedar, clapboard, wood, steel, stone and stucco.

I recommend: This Old House gives you tips on how to correctly judge vinyl siding. Hometime Video Publishing reviews vinyl siding basics such as choosing, preparing, cutting and nailing vinyl siding.

Shingles

Shingles are a roofing material made from wood, asphalt or slate. Tiles of the shingle are laid on the roof in an overlapping pattern to provide water protection. Shingles are ideal for a pitched roof due to the moisture protective tiles.

I recommend: Roof Genius gives an overview of shingles and the many types of tiles used in the roofing industry. Composition, clay, slate, metal, concrete and wood shingles are covered. Demesne outlines the advantages and disadvantages of different types of roof and house styles.

Roof fasteners

A roof fastener simply fastens a roofing part or element to the roof deck. The type of roof deck delegates the type of fastener used. Types of roofing fasteners include pancake head screws, hand-drive nails, shake/shingle nails and wood or metal studs.

I recommend: Swan Secure offers a guide to a wide band of staples, nails and screws for fastening roofing materials of all types. Buildings discusses the need for fasteners, how they work and improvements in roof fasteners.

Trigger clips

Trigger clips help install fiber cement siding in a more cost effective manner. The trigger clip aids the worker in hanging cement siding hands free. The time that is saved enables one individual to work as two. The job is finished more quickly and money is saved.

I recommend: BTC Industries explains the function and benefits of the trigger clip. Click on frequently asked questions for more information on the trigger clip.

Membrane roofing

Membrane roofing is a type of roofing system designed to decrease the pooling of water and leaks affiliated with traditional roofing materials. It is frequently used on roofs that are flat or sloped. Modified bitumen, thermoplastic membrane and thermoset membrane are the three main membrane roofing systems.

I recommend: WiseGEEK explains membrane roofing and how it works. Ask The Builder by Tim Carter communicates the advantages, materials and inspection of membrane roofing for flat roofs.

Asbestos siding

Asbestos siding is siding made of asbestos which is made from six separate fibrous materials. Asbestos was used in the past for its heat retardant properties. It was mainly placed around water pipes, heat ducts and roofing shingles. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been found to be hazardous and has been proven to cause cancer, disabilities and heart and lung damage.

I recommend: How To Do Things explains how to remove asbestos siding yourself (if your state allows it) or by a certified professional. Environmental Health & Safety Online outlines steps to take if asbestos siding and/or roofing is found on or in your home. Regulation, repairs and removal are covered in detail.