If you’re looking to change up your roof or if it’s time for some roofing maintenance, there are many things you need to take into consideration. One common factor that most people miss out on is choosing the right metal roofing supplier. Installing a metal roof requires expertise and technique, two things that only professional roofing suppliers can provide you with. Let’s take a closer look at how you can choose the right metal roofing supplier.

Types of metal roofing materials

Metal roofing has been around for decades, beginning with copper roofs in the Industrial Revolution. With the advancement of time and technology, metal roofing materials have become lighter, more durable and environmentally friendly. Conventional metal roofing materials include tin, copper, aluminium, and so on. Today, however, the most durable metal roofing material is galvanised steel and galvalume. These materials primarily consist of steel roofing sheets that undergo a hot dip galvanisation process that coats them in a protective layer of zinc. You can also read our blog on the top five metal roofing materials here.

Location

This means taking into consideration your metal roofing supplier’s shipping policy. If you plan for a vertical seam roof, the metal roofing sheets will have to be customised in sizes ranging from the bottom of the roof up to the top. Most roofs today require panels that are 15 – 30’ in length or even longer. Depending on the size of your metal roofing sheet, shipping them across long distances will cost you more. However, prices will depend on each roofing supplier. So make sure you look at a few roofing professionals before finalising your decision.

Experience

The number of years of experience your metal roofing supplier has is extremely important. There are specific techniques or skills that companies will pick up over the years, particularly in terms of installation and flashing design that directly affect your roof’s long-term performance. In addition, your metal roofing supplier has to provide you with a product warranty. This is mandatory. In such a situation, you will want to seek out a metal roofing supplier with stability and credibility that will act as an indication of their ability to support any potential warranty claims. By checking up on their experience and credibility you can avoid hiring the wrong roofing team.

Raw materials used

Another point to keep in mind while looking for metal roofing suppliers is the quality of raw materials used. In the case of metal roofing sheets, in particular, it is imperative you confirm the quality of the metal and coatings used by your metal roof supplier. Using low-quality products will result in lousy installation and a roof that is quite easily prone to damages. Your roof holds your home together and protects from the elements. By being aware of the quality of materials used, you will be able to safeguard your roof and ensure its durability and sustainability for years to come.

Pre-formed accessories

Many metal roofing suppliers offer pre-formed accessories that can accommodate several common roofing angles and details. These accessories will have to be tested and time-proven to be effective parts of your home’s overall roofing system. Sometimes your metal roofing supplier won’t have pre-formed accessories to offer. In such situations, you will have to check with your contractor. Make sure to keep an eye on ensuring these accessories meet the supplier’s requirements. You will also need to verify the warranty of these accessories as well as the quality of metals.

Service and delivery

Two important things to keep in mind when choosing a metal roofing supplier is researching how long they take for final delivery as well as their servicing capabilities. Email, call or meet your suppliers in person and ask some technical questions regarding the materials used, signs of roof damage, maintenance and so on. Depending on responsive they are to queries, you will be able to gauge their customer service and post-installation service.

Warranty

Different metal roofing suppliers offer different warranties that vary in coverage, duration and transferability. In most cases, you will be presented with two kinds of warranties upon completion – one is a product warranty that covers the integrity and performance of the product and the second is a workmanship warranty. The product warranty will come from the metal roofing supplier, and the workmanship warranty will come from your contractor.

We hope this checklist gives you a better idea of what to look for when choosing a metal roofing supplier. Head over to Dura Roof today to fulfil all your metal roofing requirements.