Table of Contents:
- Inquire about your family and friends’ recent projects and who they would recommend.
- Review contractor websites.
- Search the internet.
- Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
- Pros of Metal Roofs
- Cons of Metal Roofs
Helpful information for homeowners, building owners, and anyone interested in metal roofing and siding.
If you’ve determined that you need a new roof and are contemplating all of the advantages that metal roofing has to offer, the next step is to find qualified metal roofing contractors in your region.
Contractors that only “dabble” or “sometimes” install metal roofing, as you might expect, generally push homeowners toward shingles because it’s their comfort zone. Allowing them to force you into a shorter-term solution for one of your most significant investments, your home, is not a good idea.
These next steps are critical. Before picking up the phone or sending an email to request an estimate, take the time to check out the contractor a bit.
Inquire about your family and friends’ recent projects and who they would recommend.
Review contractor websites.
- Look for things like client testimonials and the many types of products that are available.
- Give any content on substrates and paint systems a read if you can find it.
- If they list any merchants on their website, go to those websites as well.
- If they have a blog, read a few of them to determine if they look like a trustworthy organization you’d like to collaborate with.
- Look at the website to see if the names of the owners/team members are listed.
NOTE: A website is not required for all contractors. The lack of a website does not always imply danger. Some smaller contractors provide good service but lack the financial or human resources to create a website. While analyzing contractor websites is an essential aspect of your research, don’t rule out someone because they don’t have their website.
Search the internet.
- Do some general investigation work while you’re online.
- In most cases, all you have to do is type “reviews for XYZ Roofing in city, state” into Google and push enter.
- You may come across a lot of favourable information, which is excellent, but keep an eye out for unfavourable situations that have been reported to organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
It’s finally time to decide after you’ve done your study and picked your top two or three candidates. Inquire about their experience, product recommendations, and procedures when you contact them.
While you’re certainly not limited, here are some questions to consider as you start talking to contractors:
- How long have you been installing metal roofing on homes?
- What is the total number of metal roofing projects you have completed?
- What kinds of systems have you utilized in the past?
- Which of the two systems do you favour, and why?
- What kind of material do you work with?
- What is your preferred paint system for residential metal roof jobs, and why?
- What kind of residential metal roofing training has your staff received?
- What warranty can I expect on both the product and the installation?
- If I have a warranty claim, does it include labour or just product replacement?
- Could you give me a list of references where you’ve completed residential metal roofing?
Requesting a metal roofing estimate is the next step. Contractors frequently come to your house to learn about the particular features that need to be taken into mind. After choosing your contractor and materials, you want to be sure there are no surprises or adjustments.
While choosing the right contractor is vital for a successful home metal roofing installation, you should also make sure you’re getting certified materials. Two examples are the UL Label and the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, both designed to offer consumers confidence in the products they buy.
Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs
It’s no wonder that metal roofs are
becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and builders alike. Metal roofing nowadays can transform any style property with improved longevity and a wide range of materials from traditional tin to futuristic red. However, there are several disadvantages to using it as a building material. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of a new metal roof before making your decision.
Pros of Metal Roofs
Durable: Metal roofs, one of the most long-lasting roofing solutions, can last up to 50 years if properly constructed and maintained. You might be worried about rust, but modern metal roofing has a protective coating that prevents oxidation, which causes rust.
Reflects Heat: While you might think of metal as a heat conductor, metal roofing reflects rather than absorbs sunlight. When combined with a well-ventilated attic, this heat reflection can lower the cost of temperature control inside the home.
Suitable for the Environment: Unlike other roofing materials that contribute to landfill waste, many metal roofing materials are created using 25-95 percent recycled content and are 100 percent recyclable at the end of the roof’s life.
Customizable: Metal roofing, which comes in a variety of hues, can be a standout feature or complement the design of a property. Almost unlimited alternatives set metal roofing distinctive, including vivid colour possibilities and conventional copper and tin aesthetics.
Fire Resistant: Metal roofing, unlike other roofing materials, will not catch fire in the event of a wildfire or a lightning strike.
Sheds Rain and Snow: Rain and snow run down and off the roof more quickly than other roofing materials because metal panels interlock, and the roof surface is hard and slippery as long as the roof is built correctly.
Even with all of the benefits of metal roofing, there are certain drawbacks to consider when considering whether or not a metal roof is ideal for your home. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages listed above with the penalties listed below is an essential component of the decision-making process.
Cons of Metal Roofs
Can be Expensive: Metal roofs are often 2 to 3 times more expensive than regular asphalt shingles, making them prohibitively expensive for some households. If a whole metal roof is out of your price range, consider replacing portions of your roof with metal embellishments over a porch or window awning.
Noisy: Metal roofs do not have the same layers as regular asphalt roofs, which help to muffle sound in your home. On a metal roof, noise from heavy rain or hailstorms can be loud, but this can be considerably reduced if the attic is adequately insulated.
Unexperienced Installers: If the contractor is skilled, metal roofing is relatively simple to install. Metal roofing, like any other roof replacement, will fail and leak if not done correctly. Choose a reputable metal roofing business with good warranties and a track record of reliable service.
Dents & Dings: Metal roofs are tricky, but they can dent if there is an extreme hailstorm or if branches fall on the home. However, if the storm is severe enough to destroy a metal roof, it will most likely cause damage to other roofing materials as well.
Difficult to Repair: Metal roof panels are more challenging to replace than single shingles because they are huge panels. Repairing a bright metal roof can also be problematic because matching patches are difficult to come by.
Leaky Exposed Fasteners: Most exposed fastener systems are not built to the exact specifications as standing seam metal roofing. Rainwater can seep through the screw holes if you choose a metal roof with exposed fasteners, which many expert roofers advise against.
