Metal Roofing Mastery: Why Proper Training Matters for Colorado Contractors

TL;DR

• Metal roofing demand is rising in Colorado, mirroring national growth in metal as a resilient roofing option in severe‑weather regions
• Specialized training helps reduce liability and gives your crews the skills to install standing seam and structural systems correctly
• CRA’s Metal Roofing Advanced program is a two‑day course with over 50% hands‑on installation training and strong emphasis on safety and proper metal roof detailing

Metal roofing installations in Colorado appear to be increasing, consistent with national trends toward more resilient, hail‑ and wind‑resistant roofing systems. For roofing contractors accustomed to composition shingle work, the transition to metal systems presents both a market opportunity and a set of technical challenges that require specialized knowledge beyond standard roofing practices.

Technical Differences in Metal Roofing Installation

Metal roofing systems respond to environmental conditions in ways that require different installation approaches than traditional materials. Thermal movement, for instance, affects fastener placement and panel attachment methods because metal expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes. Fasteners driven too tightly restrict this movement and lead to oil-canning, stress cracks, and premature panel failure. Fasteners driven inadequately create leak points and compromise the roof's structural integrity under wind and snow loads.

Standing seam profiles require specialized seamers and hemming tools that most roofing crews have never operated. The learning curve for these tools is not insignificant. Improper seaming technique produces weak panel connections that fail under stress, while incorrect hemming creates edge conditions that allow water infiltration. Panel cutting and notching techniques also differ from composition work, as metal panels require specific tools and cutting patterns to prevent edge deformation and maintain structural integrity at terminations and penetrations.

Flashing and trim details represent another area where metal roofing diverges from standard practice. Valley construction, eave and rake treatments, and penetration flashing all require approaches specific to metal systems. The consequences of incorrect flashing work typically appear months after installation, often after weather events that test the roof's weatherproofing. These delayed failures create warranty claims and callbacks that damage contractor reputations and profit margins.

Safety considerations for metal roofing extend beyond standard fall protection. Metal panels are significantly more slippery than composition materials, particularly when wet or frost-covered. The sharp edges of cut panels and the conductive properties of metal introduce additional hazards that require modified tool handling and jobsite safety protocols. Crews trained exclusively on composition work often lack familiarity with these metal-specific safety requirements.

Manufacturer Certification Programs and Warranty Requirements

Several metal roofing manufacturers maintain their own installer certification programs, which serve both educational and warranty enforcement functions. Nucor's 2.5-day Contractor Installer Certification Program, for example, requires participants to complete hands-on assembly of full-scale standing seam roof systems in controlled laboratory conditions. For certain manufacturers, successful completion of their installer certification is required for specific standing seam warranty programs, making these certifications more than optional credentials.

These manufacturer-specific programs focus on individual product lines and installation requirements tied to warranty coverage. They are separate from general metal roofing training and serve a different purpose. A contractor planning to install a particular manufacturer's standing seam system will likely need that manufacturer's certification to access warranty coverage, while general metal roofing training provides broader installation knowledge applicable across multiple systems and manufacturers.

CRA's Metal Roofing Training Program

The Colorado Roofing Association offers a two-day metal roofing course that covers structural and architectural metal systems with emphasis on hands-on instruction. The program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. over two consecutive days and requires either six months of field roofing experience or completion of an introductory roofing course as prerequisites.

Day one addresses tool familiarization, system types, and jobsite preparation. Participants work with seamers, hemming tools, and fastening equipment used in metal roofing installation. Day two focuses on flashing, trim work, penetration details, and valley construction, with instructors demonstrating common installation problems and correction techniques.

The program limits enrollment to a maximum of 16 students per class, with no more than two students from any single company. This enrollment structure is designed to ensure adequate equipment access and personalized instruction during hands-on segments. Participants receive a certificate of completion and eight Continuing Involvement Units (CIUs) recognized by the Colorado Roofing Association.

CRA members pay $525 for the two-day program, while non-members pay $800. The program is scheduled multiple times annually, including March 2026 and May 2026 sessions. Additional training offerings and schedules are available through the CRA Training Center.

For contractors seeking CRA membership, benefits extend beyond training discounts to include networking opportunities, industry resources, and professional development programming.