Frequently Asked Questions

General

Q: Why should I choose Erie Materials?
A: Erie Materials provides exceptional contractor focused service with trusted long-term industry presence, deep inventory with fast delivery, and operational expertise.

Q: Whom does Erie Materials sell to?
A: We primarily serve professional contractors, builders and remodelers, but homeowners are welcome to visit our showrooms, explore product options, or buy products. We recommend that homeowners make an appointment to ensure we can provide appropriate time to you.

Locations

Q: How long has Erie Materials been around?
A: Erie Materials was founded in 1973 in Syracuse, NY and has grown into a trusted building materials supplier with a strong presence across the Northeast.

Our Locations:

Syracuse, NY- Established 1973
Auburn, NY- Established 1982
Binghamton, NY- Established 1985
Elmira Heights, NY- Established 1994
Scranton, PA- Established 1995
Utica, NY- Established 1996
Watertown, NY- Established 1997
Williamsport, PA- Established 2003
Albany, NY- Established 2006
Distribution Center, Syracuse, NY- Established 2006
NEG Building Products- Acquired 2023
Poughkeepsie, NY- Established 2026

Q: What is Erie Materials’ service area?
A: Erie Materials serves professional contractors throughout Upstate New York and Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as bordering areas in Western Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut, through a network of branch locations that provide local service, product availability, and reliable, fast delivery across the region.

Q: There isn’t an Erie Materials location near me, can you still service my project?
A: Yes, we regularly serve customers within a one-hour radius of each location, and often beyond.

Products

Q: What types of products do you carry?
A: We supply windows, doors, roofing, siding, trim, decking, railing, stone veneer, gutters, and more.

Q: What brands does Erie Materials carry?
A: Erie Materials partners with many of the industry’s leading manufactures. Some of our top brands include CertainTeed, GAF, IKO, Owens Corning, Andersen, Marvin, Trex, TimberTech, Viwinco, VWD, Mathews Brothers, Everlast Siding, LP SmartSide, Tando, DiamondKote, James Hardie, TruExterior, Cultured Stone, Versetta Stone, Fairway, ThermaTru, Central States, RLS Metals, Carlisle, and Versico.

Q: Can I go in and pick up materials on the same visit?
A: Yes, most in-stock materials are available for immediate pickup from the warehouse. In addition, we transfer products daily between all our locations and our distribution center to provide next-day delivery on thousands of items.

Q: Can I see products before buying, or talk to someone about my options?
A: Yes, visit one of our showrooms to compare materials and one of the salespeople will help you find the best fit for your project.

Q: Can I go into showroom to browse products?
A: Absolutely! Our showrooms are open to everyone. Feel free to stop by, explore your options, and get expert advice. Visit the “Locations” tab to find hours for your nearest branch.

Values & Philosophy

Q: What are Erie Materials’ core values?

A: Our core values are:

Exceptional service
Care for people
Excellence
Integrity

Q: What is Erie Materials’ philosophy?
A: Our philosophy is simple: Offer contractors quality products at competitive prices while providing the best service possible.

Q: What is Erie Materials’ mission?
A: Our mission is to help contractors succeed. We do this by offering high-quality materials, dependable service, and ongoing support to be a partner in every project.

Contractors’ Benefits

Q: Do you offer product samples?
A: Yes. We provide samples and product information to help guide your selection.

Q: What if you don’t have a product?
A: We can special order thousands of items beyond our normal inventory.

Q: How quickly can I get materials?
A: Erie Materials maintains deep inventories, with many items stocked at local branches, so many products are available for same day pickup or next day delivery.

Q: How does Erie Materials meet different project needs?
A: With a broad range of products, Erie Materials helps customers find solutions that match both their budget and style without compromising on quality.

Q: Can a salesperson visit my job site?
A: Absolutely, we have dedicated territory managers that are available to visit your job site and focus on supporting your projects.

Q: Can you help with large or complex projects?
A: Yes, we regularly support large and complex projects. Our team ensures materials and logistics are handled efficiently from start to finish.

Q: How does Erie Materials support contractors on the job?
A: We have one of the largest outside sales forces to serve contractors in the field, providing hands-on support, product expertise, and jobsite assistance to contractors when and where they need it.

Q: What is Erie Materials’ approach to working with contractors?
A: We focus on helping contractors as much as possible through the whole process. Through product selection, jobsite support, educational seminars, and reliable service, we partner with our customers every step of the way.

Q: What support do you offer for commercial roofing contractors?
A: We provide a dedicated commercial roofing department focused on the needs of commercial roofers. Our experienced roofing staff are available at our major locations to support your projects.

Q: How can I learn about the products you offer?
A: We host seminars and trade shows throughout the year where contractors can learn about new products, installation techniques, and anything else you have questions on.

Q: Do you provide estimating or takeoff services?
A: Absolutely. Our estimating department works directly with builders and general contractors to provide takeoffs and project estimates.

Delivery

Q: What delivery options does Erie Materials provide?
A: Our fleet includes a wide variety of specialized delivery vehicles to handle any project. We use boom trucks to deliver shingles directly to rooftops and forklift-equipped trucks to place materials in the ideal location on-site, to achieve our goal of helping contractors work faster and more efficiently.

Q: How fast can I expect delivery?
A: Erie Materials’ distribution center, along with a network of 10 branches and a fleet of delivery vehicles, allows us to offer next-day delivery of manyproducts.

Q: How does Erie Materials’ distribution center and transfer system benefit me?
A: Erie Materials’ distribution center maintains its own deep inventory of specialty products while also serving as the central hub for transferring materials between all Erie Materials locations each day. This connected system gives every branch access to a “virtual inventory” that incudes products from all locations and the distribution center which allows us to deliver virtually any item to your job site, often by the next day.

Pricing & Billing

Q: Are your prices competitive?
A: Yes, Erie Materials is committed to our mission that has made us successful for over five decades of offering competitive prices while providing the best service possible.

Q: Can you provide quotes on materials?
A: Yes, Erie Materials can provide material quotes tailored to your project needs. Whether you’re looking for a ballpark price range or detailed estimate, our team is here to help. We can also provide takeoffs from residential blueprints to ensure accurate material quantities and pricing.

Q: How can I pay my invoice?
A: Our online payment portal gives you 24/7 access to pay invoices, review past billing, and manage your account quickly and securely.

Q: Do I need an account to purchase materials?
A: While many contractors have accounts for convenience, history and credit terms, walk-in purchases are welcome.

Returns & Refunds

Q: Am I able to return unused material to Erie Materials?
A: Yes! Unused and undamaged stock items can typically be returned, with some exceptions (see our return policy). When you bring items back, our warehouse team will complete a return slip, and you’ll receive a refund based on the returned materials. We can also pick up returns at your job site for a nominal fee.

Q: What is Erie Materials’ return policy?
A:

Stock merchandise accepted within 90 days of invoice; accompanied by an original invoice.
Merchandise MUST be resaleable, clean, unused, and free of damage.
Special order products will NOT be accepted for return or credit.
PVC Trim Board, PVC Moldings, Manufactured Stone & Fiber Cement products will NOT be accepted for return or credit.
Charges apply to merchandise picked up at a jobsite.
A 25% fee will apply to merchandise in need of cleaning and repackaging.
All merchandise returns are subject to manager approval.

Q: What is Erie Materials’ refund policy?
A:

Returns originally purchased by Check or Credit Card will be refunded in the same manner.
Returns of less than $100.00 purchased in Cash will be refunded in cash. If accompanied by proof of purchase.
Returns in excess of $100.00 will be refunded by Erie Materials check in 7-10 business days.
Credits & Refunds will only be issued to the person or company who originally purchased the product

Careers

Q: What job or career opportunities are available at Erie Materials?
A: Check job postings under the “Careers Tab” and apply! Erie Materials is known for strong company culture, high employee satisfaction, and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified company.