This information has been accumulated through my experiences as a product representative for metal roofing manufacturers. During that time, I have done significant research using the internet, conversations with 100s of roofing contractors of all sorts, and first-hand accounts of successful and failure with metal roofing systems.

If you have found this, you probably have a problem with your roof, are researching metal roofing, or you are a roofing contractor. Who else would look for it? Metal Roofing is about two things: the right product and the correct installation. However, the right product cannot overcome an incorrect installation.

Here are the principles for buying a metal roof:

1) Know what you will pay before requesting bids- If you have a 2000 square foot 1-story home, your roof square footage is probably around 3000 square feet. Prices will vary based on roof slope, complexity, and work access around the roof. For a 24 GA painted standing seam, the price per square foot will be $5-$6 (dependent on location). So, your contract price will be $15,000 – $18,000. If this doesn’t startle you, you are ready for step 2.

2) Find qualified METAL roofing contractors to bid: search metal roofing contractor + city name- This will find two things, roofers who are good marketers and metal roofing manufacturers. Call a few of the roofers and a few of the manufacturers. Thoroughly research each of the contractor names you have collected. I like an answer when I call, especially when it is to give away my money. Allow the contractor only one opportunity to call back within 24 hours of your call. If they fail to do this, they either have too much business already or don’t deserve to have yours.

3) Buy a metal roof like a big screen TV. Know what you are getting. There are websites at the bottom of this page to help. Ask for references of previous work in the style of metal roofing that you seek for your home. Drive to those houses and view the metal roof. If possible, talk to the owner. As you know, many good looking things can have hidden problems.

4) Contracts and Payment Terms. You want to know when they will start, how long they expect it to take (weather depending), and how they expect to be paid. Phased payments are common. Did you know that your property can be liened if the contractor does not give your money to the manufacturer? Payment in thirds is fairly common. I would avoid down payments. Offer 1/3 when materials arrive or agree to pay for your materials directly. Another 1/3 can be paid at 50% completion. The final 1/3 can be paid after you have endorsed the roof as complete at a final walk-through.

5) Warranties. If a metal roof is going to leak, it will show itself quickly. Metal roofing contractors offer 2 to 10 year workmanship warranties. Once you have paid them in full, there is no financial motivation for the roofing contractor to respond. Make sure that your contract identifies how long they have to respond to your claim. This will not be a problem if you find a quality metal roofing contractor to install your project.

As I had a very competent contractor tell me recently, there are good contractors trained in numerous products and there are contractors trained in a few or only one. So many under-performing roofs are due to the incapable contractor looking out for himself and his wallet. Find a contractor that can give you several options to choose from and work together to select the best option for your project.