Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization

By Jenny Yu.  

By prioritizing the end-user experience, Van Mark Products has developed metal bending tools and accessories that push contractors ahead of their competition. 

In this episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with Gary Weinert, director of sales and marketing at Van Mark Products, about the company’s longstanding innovative solutions that meet contractors’ needs out on the jobsite. 

The core tool Van Mark Products is known for are their brakes — high-quality metal bending machines for roofing, siding and windows. From there, the company has continued to expand its product offerings based on customer feedback and demand. 

“Our goal is to make the end user's job more efficient,” Gary stated. “What started out as a simple machine to make 90-degree bends on a piece of metal has morphed into many, many other tools. We make various stands based on that user's needs. We have legs that are very easy to store and accessories to hold the rolls of coil, cut it, form it.” 

On top of prioritizing jobsite efficiency, Van Mark also highlights customization as a key differentiator in their equipment. Gary used drip edge to exemplify this. 

“When people buy shingles, they can buy boxes of drip edge, but the standardized sizes don't always fit the situation,” Gary explained. “What if they need a gutter or a drip edge that's an inch longer than standard? What do you do? That's where the brake would become very, very handy. Now, I can custom make the drip edge.” Gary noted that this customization is especially useful for structures that were built in the 50s, 60s and 70s that no longer have standard replacement pieces readily available on the market. 

Furthermore, Van Mark’s tools provide contractors with the necessary edge to beat their competition. One popular tool Gary mentioned was the trim former, a mini roll forming tool that rides on the front of the brake to detail brick mold and form the aluminum into the desired shape. 

“When they're putting that up, it does two things: for the contractor, it adds rigidity to the metal. For the homeowner, it adds that decorative look. It’s a win-win,” Gary said. “It helps the contractor do their job better and gives them a sales tool, where somebody could be coming in with a lower price, but they don't use all the proper tools.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about Van Mark Products’ various unique solutions for the building envelope.