Cowboys are well known for their abilities to innovate and find solutions. Dennis Johnson, owner of Bridger Steel is no exception. He gave up ranching, loaded his cow dog in his truck, and moved to Bozeman, Montana. There he found a need and filled it. Johnson determined that people want a higher grade of metal roofing and siding products than they can buy through distributors. He started fabricating siding and roofing to higher standards of material quality and thicknesses, and developed an unequaled overlap system. Then he retailed the products directly to customers.

From the beginning, he recognized the importance of customer service. He established sales expertise to guide customers through the benefits and strengths of their choices, and once connected to a salesperson, they worked with the customer throughout to complete the order and follow it through delivery. “We have a large variety of products, and we’re willing to fill custom orders. Our customer service people start by asking about the location where the client is building. The elevation, wind, snow conditions, all make a difference to product selection,” says Johnson.

He continues, “We want to match people with the right products, and work directly with them to develop a cut list and to figure sizes, quantities, and fasteners. That’s why our sales staff is all in-house, where they know the products, and we can deliver on their promises.” To ensure the timely delivery of materials so that his customers’ jobs stay on schedule, Johnson started up his own trucking line.

The heart of the operation is still manufacturing. Starting with a higher grade of steel, they produce metal siding and metal roofing in an overlap system that sustains the pressures of tough mountain weather. To make the metal work for all the different shapes of roofs and buildings, Bridger Steel provides a wide range of trim, accessories, adaptive pieces and fasteners, including hip caps, ridge caps, snow brakes, and gables. All trim can be designed and bent for the customer’s needs in 10-foot, two-inch pieces.

With the combination of design impact and practicality, metals and mountain buildings just go together. Metal roofs and siding echo the feeling of the old west with its mines, ranches and hand-built towns. Bridger Steel has expanded its lines to retain metal’s practicality, but to offer a range of products that work with today’s designs with both its traditional galvanized products, and its lines of weathered products. Bridger Steel’s metal products come in two standing seam patterns and three corrugated patterns, including the hard-to-find 1-1/4 inch corrugated.

Cor-ten roofing offers the strength of 22-gauge steel, and lasts two to three times longer than wood or composite shingles. The product is a cold-rolled steel mixed with an alloy. Weather induces an iron oxide matte finish. The oxidation progresses until it develops an oxide that completes the process. Depending upon whether the alloying metal is zinc, copper, or nickel, the finish adds color, richness, and a sense of history to the building. Bonderized is a new product that offers a different historical and aged look.

Bridger carries the highest quality steel available, so it is not surprising that they similarly offer the best in painted products. Bridger Steel offers 40 colors, and they are willing to create custom colors. Painted surfaces face the tough challenges of bright sunlight and tough winter weather, conditions that can cause fading and a dusty, powdery finish. That’s why Dennis Johnson uses a ceramic impregnated product. It is warranted to not peel, crack, check, or flake for a period of 30 years.

Today, there are many people considering new homes and commercial buildings that are thinking green, and they find metal siding and roofing ideal for sustainable design. Dennis Johnson notes, “The steel we use is from 30-40% recycled content, and is completely recyclable. It has a long life, and can be painted to refresh or change the look of the home.” In addition, the less reflective products have evolved to not absorb as much heat to save energy. ULTRA-Cool™ metal coatings’ heat defection and energy efficiency have earned it the designation of an Energy Star® partner.

Good ideas keep growing. That is true for Bridger Steel, as it recently opened a new location in Billings Montana with an all-new expanded product line. They are also growing their client base, and now serve clients nationwide.

Dennis Johnson says,

“My focus continues to be on how to do things better. That means expanding our knowledge, seeking out new products, and making certain that our one-on-one customer service is unmatched. You can call and get help at any time, and our 30-40 year warrantees will surprise people. We are really committed to innovation. We recently spent a year developing machinery to manufacture 1-1/4-inch corrugated profile in the full range of finishes because of the demand for it for interior and exterior siding. It was once rare and nearly obsolete, so now we are filling a need.”

There is a lot to know about metal siding and roofing, and a good place to start finding out more is Bridger Steel’s website, wwww.bridgersteel.com. The next step is to make a call to the sales staff. They will stay with you from that first call until you have successfully installed the product, including finding a competent installer in your area. Bridger Steel offers the finest, most durable and lasting products on the market for residential and commercial buildings. It is available to customers and builders only through direct sales. One cowboy’s very good idea for offering quality products can make a difference in your project.