Hochstetler Metals sets up in Bonduel

Homeowners looking at replacing the roof on a current home or putting a roof on a new home will have some options, and it won’t require a drive to a metropolitan area.

Hochstetler Metals held an open house Sept. 23 at its new facilities on Commerce Court in Bonduel. The facility is the second in Wisconsin, with the other one located around Sheboygan.

“A lot of people look at us like a lumber yard,” said owner Brad Hochstetler. “We supply whole building packages — doors, windows, insulation. You name it, we supply it.”

Where Hochstetler Metals differs from Home Depot or Ace Hardware is that it provides contractors and homeowners with steel roofing supplies, which Hochstetler said are more durable than asphalt roofs, especially in Wisconsin where the winters sometimes yield a lot of snow.

“The difference is how long it lasts,” Hochstetler said. “A typical asphalt roof will last you 15, 20 years max. Occasionally, it can go a little bit longer. Our steel roofs are warrantied for up to 40 years, and oftentimes, they will last longer. It’s just the longevity of it. Some people love it for the curb appeal, and you have a lot of different color options.”

The steel applies also to the other exterior necessities as well, according to Hochstetler, including walls. Most of that is manufactured on site, he said.

“Lead times, companies are waiting up to three weeks,” Hochstetler said. “Had someone come in yesterday and say they’ve been waiting five weeks on the material to come in from the manufacturers, and that’s just because they were so busy. We usually can promise most orders within 24 to 48 hours from the time they order it. We have the product here on hand, and we can usually schedule it.”

Hochstetler noted that some insurance companies offer policy discounts if homes have steel roofs. He added that there are smooth and textured options.

“The snow slides off a lot easier, especially if you get our smooth product,” Hochstetler said.

Prior to starting Hochstetler Metals, Hochstetler had never been involved in manufacturing. He said his previous experience was as an installer, putting up roofs, but when he saw the need to provide roofing materials, he said goodbye to installing and moved into the sales and manufacturing fields.

“I just noticed the need for something that was quicker and faster, a better product and a better quality than the options out there were,” Hochstetler said. “We also had other friends who were contractors, and we saw the opportunity to supply them and sell the product.”

Hochstetler’s first facility was set up near Oostburg, but he saw the opportunity to set up shop in Bonduel after his church merged with a congregation near Cecil.

“I saw some good potential in this area, better than I had there,” Hochstetler said. “That’s what drew us up here.”

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Hochstetler Metals

WHERE: 517B Commerce Court, Bonduel

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

INFORMATION: 715-509-0550, www.hochstetlermetals.com

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com