Due to durability, sustainability, and long-term cost-effectiveness metal roofing is becoming more and more popular. It is currently the only roofing material gaining market share in the United States.
Understanding that installing a metal roof on your property is a major investment, it is important to understand who is installing your new roof, how it is being installed, and what materials are being used.
In this article we will provide you with a brief framework on what to look for and what questions to ask when meeting with your metal roofing contractor. You will want to understand the following aspects of your new metal roof installation – the company, the installation, and the material.
The Company
- Basic items every roofing company should have and be able to provide or discuss:
o Valid License.
o Insurance including Workers Compensation. While some states do not require workers comp insurance it is important to require your roofer to carry this policy to protect the property owner in case of an accident.
o Years in business.
o Photos of previous installations and addresses for which they have installed metal roofing.
o A written detailed proposal. What are the possible additional costs in the quote?
o Payment Schedule. Most metal roofing companies will ask for a deposit and progress payment due to the high cost of materials.
o Online reputation. Google reviews and the Better Business Bureau are the best and most accessible sites for reliable reviews.
- Experience, Experience, and Experience.
o A properly installed metal roof is the key to achieving your high return on investment. It is most important to hire a company that specializes in metal roofing. Ask the following questions:
§ How many metal roofs do you install annually?
§ What equipment do you own and use on site?
§ Can you provide pictures of your installations on similar properties to mine?
The Installation
- While you should not be expected to understand every aspect of the installation, here are a few questions to ask. You should be seeking a logical answer that is easy to understand. These details should also be provided in a written proposal.
o What underlayment is included? Where is it being used?
o How are the penetrations (chimney, skylights, plumbing vents, etc.) in my roof being treated?
§ If you have a chimney, lead flashing at the base is a dissimilar metal that can corrode metal roofing panels. A competent metal roofing company should be able to explain how they approach this aspect and provide photos.
o What trim is included in your installation?
o How long will the installation take? Do you work “start to finish”?
The Materials
- Choosing a high-quality material for your roof is vastly important to ensuring a long lifespan and return on investment. Electing to save a few thousand dollars upfront on a lower quality metal roof may be enticing but lead to much earlier replacement due to aesthetic or performance issues. Here is what to look for:
o The Metal substrate – Aluminum and Galvalume are the most used substrates. While Aluminum should be used in coastal environments Galvalume is the preferred material in most situations so we will focus on that.
§ USA made Galvalume – it is important to choose USA made as there are strict regulations on the quantities and mill thickness of the Aluminum/Zinc coating. USA made also means a true gauge thickness, not nominal. Imported materials are not reliable or held to nearly the same standard as USA made.
§ Gauge thickness – with Standing Seam metal it is important to specify 24-gauge (the lower the gauge the thicker the metal). While 26-gauge may be temping, it is 25% thinner than 24-gauge.
o The Paint system – the most overlooked material component is paint quality. Can you imagine the feeling of your roof color fading just a few years after installation? Repainting a roof that is already installed is costly and an extremely temporary solution. For this reason, it is important to get the paint system right the first time.
§ KYNAR – this paint resin is what you should be specifying. It is the only paint the Metal Roofing Alliance provides its “Investment Grade” stamp of approval to for its resistance to fading, chalking, peeling, and blistering.
§ Polyester and Siliconized Modified Polyester – should be avoided in every situation where aesthetics is even remotely important.
We hope you enjoyed this overview on how to choose your metal roofing contractor. If you are interested in a Free Roof Inspection & Estimate for a new Metal Roof on your Home - Call or Click today! www.AdvancedMetalRoofing.com 800-519-9944
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