Start with your cash cycle
Roofing expenses often arrive at several different points: the supplier order, delivery, crew start, and job completion. Customer deposits and progress payments may not align with those dates. Start with the job’s cash calendar rather than borrowing against its full contract value.
Materials and payroll before the next milestone
Imagine a contractor starting one job. The amounts below are a planning example, not a Sunlight offer.
- Materials due before collection
- $30,000
- Crew payroll before collection
- $12,000
- Mobilization and other job costs
- $5,000
- Customer deposit received
- −$18,000
- Uncovered job cost before collection
- $29,000
This example excludes existing available cash, a contingency reserve, and other jobs. If the next progress payment arrives later than expected, update the forecast before adding a repayment obligation.
Match the expense to a funding structure
| Business need | Structure to consider | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated supplier and payroll gaps | Revolving business line of credit | Check draw access, payment timing, and whether principal becomes reusable. |
| One defined job cash gap | Working capital term financing | Match the repayment source to realistic customer collections. |
| A dump trailer, vehicle, or larger tool purchase | Equipment or term financing | Compare asset security, down payment, and the equipment’s expected useful life. |
These are topics for a funding review, not preapproved products or a recommendation that one structure fits every business. Third-party providers set eligibility, pricing, and final terms.
Include retainage and delays in the cash plan
A final amount withheld under a contract is not cash available for a near-term payment. Keep that receivable separate from amounts you can reasonably collect during the financing period. If weather or a supplier delay moves the work date, check whether payroll, storage, or rescheduling adds another cash need.
Avoid assuming insurance-related proceeds or a future progress payment are guaranteed. The financing agreement’s obligations can continue while the job is delayed. Ask the provider how the repayment schedule fits the expected collections.
Use the same time period for expenses and receipts
An expected future payment does not cover an earlier obligation. The cash-gap calculator helps organize amounts; a dated cash forecast is still needed to check timing.
Documents and numbers to prepare
- Signed job or purchase-order details when relevant.
- Deposit, progress-payment, and retainage schedule.
- Supplier quotes and timing of material payments.
- Crew payroll and subcontractor costs before collection.
- Recent business bank statements and existing financing payments.
The provider may ask for additional business, owner, tax, or financial documents. Ask what is required before sending sensitive documents and use the application’s intended upload process.
Questions to answer before applying
Your funding conversation checklist
- Which materials must be paid for before delivery?
- What cash has actually been collected from the customer?
- When does the next invoice become due—and when do customers normally pay?
- Is any amount withheld until final inspection or another milestone?
- What happens to repayment if weather, permitting, or inspection delays the job?
Then compare the full offer: net proceeds, total payback, payment frequency, fees, guarantee, lien, and early repayment terms. Use the loan and factor-rate calculators to understand sample costs without entering contact information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I finance roofing materials?
Discuss material costs and the collection plan with the provider. Availability and permitted uses depend on the financing program and underwriting.
Is a line of credit suitable for roofing payroll?
A credit line can be discussed for recurring cash gaps, but each draw still needs a repayment source. Compare payments with the payroll and customer collection calendar.
Can I borrow against a contract before it is paid?
Some products consider contracts or receivables, but a signed contract by itself does not guarantee approval or cash. Ask what documents, eligibility, and payment conditions apply.
Tell us what your business needs.
Discuss your cash timing, requested amount, and potential financing options with Gerold at Sunlight Capital Pros.
Sunlight Capital Pros is a financing brokerage. Final approval, amount, rate, permitted uses, and terms depend on the third-party provider and underwriting.