Originally Published as: 25 Years of Metal Roofing Magazine
When Metal Roofing Magazine first hit the scene in 2001, it was entering a niche that industry professionals knew needed attention but hadn’t yet been fully served. At the time, there were plenty of trade publications for general roofing, construction, and agricultural building — but none focused exclusively on metal roofing. That gap is exactly what Metal Roofing Magazine was created to fill, and over the past two decades it has become the go-to resource for metal roofing professionals.
How It All Started
Originally, metal roofing was included as a supplement within Rural Builder magazine starting in 1999. A handful of these supplements ran through 2000, but the growing interest in metal roofing made it clear that something more dedicated was needed. In February 2001, Metal Roofing Magazine debuted as a standalone title, and it hasn’t looked back since.
From the very beginning, the magazine sought to challenge misconceptions about metal roofing while educating professionals and helping the industry grow. Early issues tackled myths like metal roofs being noisy, attracting lightning, or being prohibitively expensive—misunderstandings that many homeowners and contractors held at the time. Through technical articles, real-world case studies, and expert insights, the magazine helped reshape perceptions and pushed metal roofing into broader acceptance within residential and commercial markets.
Filling a Critical Industry Need
What set Metal Roofing Magazine apart from the start was its focus. It wasn’t a general construction or agricultural publication that happened to cover metal roofing occasionally. Instead, it looked at metal roofing from every angle: from coil and coating, through manufacturing and installation, to maintenance and repair. Whether readers were metal roofing contractors, architects, specifiers, or material suppliers, the magazine became a trusted source for practical guidance and industry trends.
Today, the magazine is published seven times per year and reaches a circulation of more than 25,000 readers across North America. A majority of its audience is made up of roofing contractors and general contractors, with many subscribers holding senior management roles within their companies. That means the insights, product information, and best practices found in its pages aren’t just interesting—they matter to the people making buying decisions and shaping how metal roofing work gets done every day.
Keeping Pace With Change
Metal roofing itself has changed a lot since 2001, and the magazine evolved right along with it. In the early years, a few iconic moments helped shift industry thinking. For instance, in the wake of major wildfires in Southern California in 2002, Metal Roofing Magazine ran a powerful cover story showing a home with a metal roof that survived while surrounding structures burned. That issue was widely shared and helped elevate metal roofing’s reputation as a resilient, weather-resistant choice.
Similarly, after multiple hurricanes impacted Florida in 2004, well-installed metal roofs stood up far better than many alternative materials — further strengthening the case for metal’s performance in extreme conditions. These real-world examples, combined with the publication’s ongoing technical articles, played a role in expanding metal roofing’s market reach.
Expanding Influence and Resources
Over time, Metal Roofing Magazine has broadened its content to cover more than just installation techniques and product profiles. It now includes award programs like the Metal of Honor Awards, which celebrate suppliers and manufacturers that support the industry with quality products and service — a program that has been going strong for more than 20 years.
The magazine also produces specialized resources like the annual Metal Roofing IDEA Book, which is a tool to help professionals find project inspiration and source products and services efficiently.
A Trusted Industry Voice
One of the keys to the magazine’s longevity is its strong connection with its readership. Rather than presenting information from a distance, the editorial team actively listens to what contractors, suppliers, engineers, and installers want to know more about. Topics evolve with industry trends and challenges — whether that’s new panel systems, coatings technology, or best practices for safety and installation.
Another strength is continuity. Many of the companies and advertisers that supported Metal Roofing Magazine in its early years continue to engage with the publication today. That loyalty reflects both the magazine’s deep roots in the industry and the trust it has built over time.
Looking Ahead
As Metal Roofing Magazine moves into its third decade, its mission remains the same: to inform, educate, and connect the professionals who keep the metal roofing industry strong. With a growing audience, ongoing industry programs, and a commitment to quality content, the magazine continues to be a cornerstone resource for roofing pros across North America and beyond.
Whether you’re a seasoned installer, an architectural specifier, or new to metal roofing altogether, the pages of Metal Roofing Magazine will continue to offer insight, inspiration, and practical knowledge you can put to work.
