What to know before investing in a metal roof

By The Coffee Shops®.

Education and contractor experience help homeowners make a more informed investment.

A metal roof can be a significant investment, and choosing one involves more than comparing materials and prices. 

In a recent AskARoofer™ podcast episode, Travis Sliger, owner of 4Ever Metal Roofing, explains that homeowners should begin by understanding exactly what contractors are proposing for their homes.

“The biggest thing is that there's no such thing as just a metal roof. It's more of a category of roofing systems rather than just a product,” Travis said.

Available options include standing seam systems, interlocking metal shingles and stone-coated metal shingles. Materials may also differ by gauge, substrate, coating and paint system. Because of these differences, two estimates may not represent comparable roofing systems. One contractor might propose an exposed-fastener roof while another recommends mechanically seamed standing seam.

Installation preparation also affects the price. Homeowners should determine whether the estimate includes removing the existing roof, completing decking repairs, installing underlayment and addressing ventilation. Roof size and complexity can further influence the final cost.

Contractor experience is equally important. Travis recommends asking how much metal roofing a company installs and whether the crew has experience with the specific system being proposed. Homeowners can also request addresses of completed local projects, allowing them to view the contractor’s work rather than relying on manufacturer photographs.

Warranties deserve close attention as well. Product, paint, coating and workmanship warranties may provide different forms of protection. Homeowners should request the documents in writing, review exclusions and ask what circumstances would result in a repair or replacement.

When evaluating long-term value, Travis advises looking beyond the initial investment. Future roof replacements may involve higher material, labor, disposal and repair expenses. However, metal roofing is not necessarily the right choice for every homeowner, particularly when the budget, expected time in the home or structure does not support the investment.

Ultimately, materials are only part of the decision. “Don't just buy a metal roof. Buy the system and the contractor that's going to be responsible for putting it on your house,” Travis said.

Listen to the full podcast to learn more about choosing, installing and maintaining a metal roof.