Are you thinking about buying a metal roof? Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments someone will make in life, and a roof is the first line of defense on that investment and the people inside. The last thing you want to experience after a roof purchase is regret – otherwise known as buyer’s remorse.
If you do your research, understand common pitfalls, and get support from trusted, reliable experts in the industry, you can be happy with the roof you put on your home.
In this article, we’ll outline seven ways to avoid buyer’s remorse with your metal roof. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know what you can do to gain confidence in your purchase – before installation even begins.
1. Find a Reliable Contractor
One of the biggest determiners of satisfaction when it comes to roof installation – especially metal roofing – is the contractor you choose. Metal roof installation is more challenging than other types of roofs, like asphalt shingles, and it typically requires years of practice and mentorship to become an expert.
The bar of entry is higher, and if you choose a contractor that isn’t familiar with metal roofing, or cuts corners to speed up the process, it could create problems for your roof in the future.
Check out our resources on finding the right metal roofing contractor below:
How to Find the Best Metal Roofing Contractors for Your Roof Project
Roofing Contractor or Installation Problems: Top 5 Issues to Watch For
2. Get Multiple Bids
When it comes to deciding on your metal roofing contractor, be sure to do your due diligence, and be patient. Get multiple bids and compare them side by side to see what products the contractors are using and how their prices differ. If you’re unsure about why prices are different, or why one contractor is using a product and the other isn’t, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You have the right to know. Read our resources on comparing contractor bids below:
Metal Roofing Bids & Quotes: How to Pick the Best Price For You
How to Compare Quotes When Buying a Metal Roof – Sheffield Metals
3. Ask the Right Questions
The more information a contractor can provide and the more transparent they are, the easier it is to trust them with your project. Make sure you’re asking the right questions – check out our guide below for help:
Questions to Ask Roofing Contractors During a Consultation – Sheffield Metals
Asking the right questions is easier said than done. To know what questions to ask, you first need to have a basic understanding of metal roofing, including the different systems, products, paint systems, and warranties.
4. Do Your Own Research Beforehand
If you started to do any digging into metal roofing, you might have already found that there’s a lot to it – from the various panel profiles to SMP and PVDF paint systems to the different materials you can use. The good news? There’s a whole trove of resources you can access that range from basic topics to in-depth subjects.
The Metal Roofing Channel releases new videos weekly on metal roofing topics – many of them targeted at homeowners – and the Metal Roofing Learning Center is full of free articles and downloads to assist you with your educational journey.
Getting educated on metal roofing as you enter the buying process helps you ask better questions and build confidence in your decisions before installation starts.
5. Know Common Metal Roofing Problems
Just like asphalt shingles have their own set of common issues like blistering and cracking, metal roofing is at risk of complications, too. And while metal roofing does offer a durable, long-lasting option, especially in areas of severe weather like Florida and California, and snow-heavy areas like Colorado, there are issues to keep in mind so you can express any concerns you may have to your contractor:
- Leaking: Leaks are often a product of installation errors, whether it be failed flashing areas or use of the wrong roofing details. Weather events like ice damming can also make a metal roof vulnerable to leaking. Choosing the right material and profile can help defend against leaks.
- Paint fading and chalking: Fading refers to the loss of a color’s intensity over time, while chalking refers to the white chalky substance that leaches out of the paint. After a certain number of years these issues are inevitable, but choosing a premium paint system like PVDF can help retain color intensity and reduce chalking for as long as possible.
- Oil canning: This refers to the perceived waviness on panels after installation. And while it’s strictly a visual issue, some home and building owners don’t like the way it looks. Choosing narrow, ribbed panels with low-gloss paint can reduce the effects of oil canning.
6. Understand the Common Metal Roofing Myths
Myths pervade all industries, and with metal roofing, we come across many that typically hold some elements of truth. Here’s a few we commonly hear:
- Metal roofs are loud when it rains: People tend to think of metal roofs on carports or barns, which are usually single sheets of metal with nothing underneath. Metal roofs on houses typically have multiple layers beneath the metal – underlayment, deck substrate (like plywood or OSB), insulation, and attic space – that help to buffer noise. In most cases, a metal roof will be just as quiet as asphalt shingles.
- Metal roofs rust: Modern metal roofs have coatings – like Galvalume – that help prevent corrosion. Galvalume is warranted and can protect against failure-related corrosion for 50 years. And choosing the right material – like aluminum in coastal, saltwater environments – will effectively prevent corrosion.
- Metal roofs hold heat: Cool metal roofing – referring to special pigments in metal roofing paint systems – dissipates heat by reflecting the sun’s energy. Many colors help reduce heat transfer and in turn will lower energy costs for home and building owners.
7. Work with a Trusted Supplier
A metal roofing contractor can be a great resource for any concerns or questions you may have. Additionally, it might be helpful to find a metal roofing supplier in your area that can give you another perspective. Suppliers can give you the information you need or even connect you to local metal roofing contractors in their trusted network. Here’s how a supplier can help:
- Technical info: Some metal roofing suppliers have dedicated technical teams that can answer any questions you may have. Sheffield Metals has a full library of resources you can access that answer common metal roofing questions.
- Personalized advice: Every metal roofing project is different and has its own unique details. A supplier with a knowledgeable team can listen to your situation and make personalized suggestions – geared specifically for you.
- Contractor referrals: Some suppliers may be able to refer you to local contractors in their network. This can give you a head start on finding an experienced contractor.
Thinking About Buying a Metal Roof?
Sheffield Metals International is a leading metal roofing supplier, selling metal coils, sheets, and accessories to contractors. We work with architects, contractors, and home and building owners to ensure projects are done the right way.
If you’re thinking about buying a metal roof, feel free to reach out to us today. We can help answer any questions you may have and guide you to our library of free metal roofing resources. Plus, we can help connect you to a local contractor in your area who we trust.
