Metal Roofing Contractors – Should You Hire a Contractor to Install Your Metal Roofing?

While the cost of installing a metal roof can seem prohibitively high to some people, there has been a recent trend amongst home DIY enthusiasts of trying to install metal roofing themselves. Essentially, these people are trying to get the durability and energy-efficiency benefits of metal roofing without having to shoulder the cost incurred by hiring a metal roofing contractor.

While the frugal thinking that informs these efforts is admirable, there are a lot of good reasons you should find some other way to diminish your metal roofing costs. While there are a few companies out there that make metal roofing shingles specifically designed for the amateur to install (from panels that pretty much clip together by hand to those requiring little more than the standard tool arsenal of screw gun, hammer, metal snips, caulk gun, and tape measure) these uniformly shaped shingles will only work on homes with a very regular roofing structure.

But your typical home doesn’t have that. Odds are your home has a sidewall, a chimney, a dormer or a skylight somewhere up there, and the average homeowner trying to work around such structural irregularities without any panel-reshaping is almost bound to leave weak spots that make the internal structure of the roof vulnerable to water damage, possibly decreasing the lifespan of a roof which, properly installed, could last half a century without maintenance. The cost of installing a metal roof on your own could, in reality, be that you’ll need to get the entire job redone by a professional. When even a simple mistake like leaving a mark on one of your metal panels with a lead pencil instead of duct tape can lead to massive corrosion and compromise the integrity of the roof, is it really a risk you want to take?

This is the reason that, unless your house is featureless and box-shaped, calling on the services of a metal roofing contractor is often the most sensible way to go. Odds are, a skilled contractor is probably not going to charge you nearly as much as he would to install clay, fiber glass or asphalt shingles, as the lightweight and easy, clip-on installation of metal shingles makes their assembly a far less labor-intensive job.

Metal Roofing Contractors Materials

If you’re considering using the use of metal roofing on your residential or commercial construction, it’s an excellent idea to talk to a professional metal roofing company. A reputable roofing contractor will have experience with various types of metal roofs materials and are able to complete the job with a high-quality and cost efficiently.

Here are some information to help you decide whether metal roofing is right for you.

Metal shingles are more expensive than wood or asphalt shingles initially, but this cost almost always pays off over the life of the roof. Metal shingles are typically covered by warranties for as long as 50 years.

Residential Metal Roofing Contractors – Be Careful in Your Choice 

Residential metal roofing is available in aluminum, steel, copper, stainless steel, as well as Tin. It is possible that you will have an easier time selecting which kind of residential roofing you’d like than will finding a roofer who can install it. Your choice of residential roofing materials will be based on a variety of factors, including the cost of your roof, the climate in your region, and whether you live close to salt water factories, which release harmful pollutants into the air, or receive plenty of rain. You can’t control any of those things however, you can select the type of residential metal roofing that is most suitable for your local climate.

How can you find a residential roofing contractor to install metal roofing?

Cowboy Contractors and The Metal Roofing Alliance. Whatever how anxious or frustrated you might be over getting your roofing system for your home installed, you must avoid falling prey to the lure of hiring a “cowboy” contractor. Poor roofing work will be angry with a roofing company who is trying to make things work his way. Responsible roofing contractors commit to maintaining their standards and observing all local and state roofing laws.

Metal Roofing Contractors Explain The Options 

Metal Roofing Contractors FAQs

Need a new roof? If your living room or kitchen sports large buckets for catching rainy drips, the answer is probably “yes.” Assuming that you are unable or willing to replace it yourself, you will be looking for a reputable roofing contractor to handle the job for you. The question then becomes, how do you find a dependable roofer?

The answer may not be as hard as you think. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

1. Check the telephone directory’s yellow pages. Browse the section called “roofing” for the names of local persons you can call for an estimate. Sometimes the ads will reveal key information about the person, such as location, hours of operation, and specialty areas. You also might find out whether the person accepts credit card payments, and whether he or she provides free estimates. Call two or three names, at least, for an idea of available contractors.

2. Contact the Better Business Bureau. While this organization will not provide a list of names for you to call, it can give you an indication of someone’s response to complaints so that you get an idea of his or her character and reputation.

3. Locate roofer-related organizations. There may be a roofers’ group or construction companies that can tell you what to look for in a roofing contractor, and perhaps recommend a few local names.

4. Ask local home building supply stores. Often they keep a list of specialists they recommend to area folks who are looking for consulting or hands-on help with building projects. Occasionally the store might sponsor a workshop or seminar featuring one of these experts. Attending a session may give you a better idea of the roofer’s credentials.

5. Browse online websites. Building companies and contractors as well as independent roofers are increasingly advertising their skills on the Web by hosting a website. Some offer free newsletter sign-ups or updated FAQ’s that help to answer visitors’ questions.

6. Ask for referrals. Wherever you get the name of a possible roofer for your project, ask for referral letters from clients, and then follow up by contacting these people. You may even want to take a glance at the workmanship.

7. Pay in portions. Never pay for a roofing job (or any type of home construction or remodeling project) up front. You can pay a third or a fourth as a down payment if you really want to, but make an agreement to collect partial payments in two or three intervals. Get a written estimate first, and if the person does not follow this or tries to change the terms of your agreement, report him to the Better Business Bureau or local authorities.

Having your roof done is an important job. Don’t let just anyone tamper with your roof. It is an important part of your home’s structure, and only an expert should tackle needed repairs and updates. For more information, contact your local Chamber of Commerce or building supply store.