How Do You Pick the Right Roofing Contractor for Metal?

 Just ten years ago if you mentioned having a metal roof installed your neighbour would have thought you were going to turn your house into a barn! Now they’re all over subdivisions and honestly they look great. Home owners are becoming tired of having to change their shingles every 12-15 years, especially in areas with intense sun exposure and unexpected hail storms. Metal roofs can last 40-50 years, some even 70 years if installed correctly. This is an important factor to consider and we’ll talk about this below. Choosing a reliable metal roof company is equally important because even the best roofing materials need proper installation to deliver long-term performance. They also save you money on your energy bills as they reflect the heat rather than absorbing it meaning your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard in August. Some insurance companies also offer reduced premiums for impact resistant roofing. There is definitely a lot of interest in metal roofs however if you have a poor installation with a good product it can be an expensive mistake.

What Makes a Good Metal Roofing Company?

There are a lot of ‘one man bands’ out there, anyone can print a business card and say they’re a roofer. A good metal roofing company should have a good process in place. They should check your decking to ensure there is no rot, soft spots and old leaks. They will carry out accurate measurements. They should explain the different types of panels available, colours, finishes and warranties. They should also be clear with what is included in the price such as underlay, flashing, trims, ridge caps and clean up. Also ask who will be carrying out the work. Some companies will sell the job and sub it out to an unverified crew. You want a team who have experience in metal roofing. Metal roofing is very different to shingle roofing. They will require different tools and tolerances.

Metal Roof Panel

Metal roof panels come in different variations and generally the price will reflect this. You have steel, aluminium, copper and zinc. Steel is the most popular and will generally be galvanised or Galvalume coated so they don’t rust after a few years. Aluminium is lighter and will cope better with coastal air. The gauges will also vary. The lower the number the thicker the metal. 24 gauge will be stronger than 29. Cheaper panels will be 29 gauge and can be easily dented and oil canned (the waves in the flat part of the panel). Once you’ve seen it you can’t unsee it. You want a paint finish such as Kynar 500 or similar PVDF coating. This will keep the colour for decades rather than chalky after 5 years. Ask to see a sample. Get a feel for how heavy it is.

Standing Seam or Exposed Fastener?

Standing Seam panels have raised seams and hidden screws. This means there’s nothing sticking through to cause leaks. They look neater, cope better with expansion and contraction and are more expensive. Exposed fastener panels are the cheaper option. The screws go straight through with small rubber washers. Over time these will dry out and crack. Not immediately but after 10-15 years. You’ll need to go back up and re-screw or replace the fasteners. Some people are happy with this trade off, especially if it’s for a garage, shop or budget home. Some people prefer to have it done once and forget. Both options are fine. However it’s important to know what you’re being quoted for. An unprofessional contractor may not mention it unless you ask.

Be Wary of Quotes

Get multiple quotes (at least 3). Don’t just look at the price but what is included. If one is much cheaper than the rest something is missing. Usually the underlay, proper flashing and gauge. Be cautious if they try to pressure you into taking the deal. A roof is a long term investment so no one should be rushing you. If they can’t show proof of insurance/ licence or only accept cash payments and a large deposit be wary. Storm chasers can be an issue after bad weather. These are people who come into town and knock on doors. When they come to lay a claim for the warranty they disappear. Check online reviews. Look for mid ranked reviews (3 stars) these will give you the honest information. Also ask how long they’ve been at the same address.

Cost

No one likes this part! Metal roofing will be more expensive than asphalt shingles. Often 2-3 times the price depending on the system. An average home could cost you anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000+. Complex roof lines, steep pitches, skylights and chimneys will increase the price. Standing seam will be towards the upper end of the price range. However if you’re replacing your shingle roof twice in the time it takes your metal roof to need replacing it starts to balance out. Plus you’ll have saved on your energy costs, less repairs needed and sometimes insurance discounts. However if you’re selling within 2 years it may not be worth it for you. Be honest with yourself on how long you’ll be staying. A good contractor will help you work this out.

Texas Weather

We have some tough weather down here. High temperatures, high humidity, heavy rain, strong winds and the occasional hurricane remnants and golf ball sized hail. Metal can cope with a lot of this however it needs to be fixed and sealed properly. The main issues are wind uplift. If the panels aren’t clipped in properly they can lift like a sardine tin during a bad storm. Flashing around penetrations such as vents and chimneys can be an issue. This is where most leaks start regardless of the roof type. Metal also expands in the heat and contracts in the cold. This means there must be room for expansion. A professional installer will know this and add room. However if they don’t they can cause rattling, buckling and popped fasteners after a few summers. Local knowledge is important.

Ask Questions

Before signing any contracts ask the awkward questions.

• What brand and gauge of panel are you using?

• Are they standing seam or exposed?

• What is the warranty on materials?

• What is the labour warranty?

• Who will carry out the clean up?

• Do they use a magnetic sweeper to pick up any loose nails?

• How do you deal with rain?

• Will you obtain permits?

• What happens if there is a leak in year 3?

These are 2 different things and people often confuse them. A good contractor will be able to answer these without getting defensive. If they’re avoiding answering, shrugging or saying not to worry then that’s your answer. Always get everything in writing. What date, what materials and payment schedule. Whilst it’s nice to have a handshake it won’t help if there’s a stain on your ceiling!

Summary

Choosing a roof can be tricky. A great metal roof panel can be a costly mistake if not installed properly. Take your time, get multiple quotes, ask the annoying questions and trust your gut. If you’re in the Sugar Land or Greater Houston area and looking for honest answers with no sales pitch then contact the team at Metalguard.

Contact us at Metalguard

Address: 14019 Southwest Fwy. #256 Sugar Land, Texas 77478

Phone Number: 713–449–3430

Call them and ask your questions.

FAQs

How long does a metal roof last?

Most will last between 40-70 years depending on the material, coating and installation. The standing seam will be on the higher end.

Is a metal roof worth it?

Yes if you’re planning on staying in your home for a long time. You’ll have less replacements, less cooling costs and sometimes insurance savings.

How do I find a reliable metal roofing contractor?

Ensure they’re licensed, insured and check online reviews in your local area. Get at least 3 written quotes. Ask about their experience with metal.

What’s the difference between a metal roof panel and metal shingle?

Panels are larger and longer meaning they cover more area quickly. Metal shingles are smaller and replicate the look of traditional shingles/tiles. They’re more expensive per square foot.

Are metal roofs noisy in the rain?

No! As long as they’re installed on solid decking with underlay it’s a myth from the old barn days.

Can I install metal over my existing shingles?

Sometimes depending on local regulations and the condition of your existing roof. Many professionals will advise a tear off to ensure the decking is in good condition and to prevent moisture getting trapped.