Should You Hire a Contractor to Install the Metal Roof of Your Home?

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Many homeowners are now opting for metal roofing for their homes due to the fact that it is more energy-efficient, has a lesser impact on the environment, and has a relatively long lifespan. This makes the extra cost of putting in a metal roof totally worth it. If you are looking for a roof installation that will last you anywhere between 40 to 60 years, you can go with metal roofing and save a significant amount of money in the long run. You can also reduce your air-conditioning costs by choosing metal roofing as it uses a reflective solar coating that minimizes heat buildup. Metal roofing is also quicker to install and is lighter than other traditional products.

Why You Should Consider Metal Roofing

Many homeowners may still be unsure if metal roofing is the option to go with. Here are a few more reasons why you can consider a metal roof for your home.

Attractive Resale Value

The longevity of the metal roof allows you to recoup a good percentage of the roof cost in resale value. This increases the overall resale value of your home enabling you to sell your home at a more attractive rate. If you go with the Colorbond steel roofing, your roof will look more attractive to future buyers, and it is more resistant to weather conditions, making it easier on your pocket as far as maintenance is concerned.

It Is Fire Resistant 

Something that makes metal roofing a very safe option is the fact that it is fire-resistant. This means, unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofing won’t ignite into flames in case there is a wildfire and won’t spark if there is a lightning strike.

Easy Installation

The majority of metal roofing comes in panels that are 12 to 36 inches wide and in multiple shingle sections. The best way to install the metal roofing is to hire experienced contractors. They will have the technical know-how to do it quickly and efficiently, enabling you to save on labor costs in the future by avoiding continuous repair jobs.

Lower Maintenance 

Conventional roofing materials require maintenance to be carried out regularly, something that you can avoid if you go with metal roofs as they don’t require regular maintenance. Environmental hazards such as damage from wind, hail, and fire can be minimized. Inspecting your metal roof annually will reveal that you don't require as much maintenance with metal roofing as you do with other materials.

Lightweight

The structural integrity of your home is best protected by installing metal roofing as it is one of the most lightweight materials that can be used for the roof. Asphalt Tile weighs in at about 4 pounds per square foot with the concrete running up to 9.5 to 12 pounds per square foot, whereas metal roofing will only run in around 1.5 to 2 pounds per square foot.

Why Is It a Good Idea to Hire a Metal Roofing Contractor?

After deciding to go with metal roofing for their homes, some homeowners may look to cut costs by getting a general roofer to do the job, or just try to do it themselves, which is far riskier. This way you run the risk of putting yourself and your new roof at risk by installing the metal roof improperly. Not installing the metal roof properly will make it less durable and unlikely to last as long as it should. You might also incur additional costs down the line to repair and maintain an ill-fitted roof. Hence, hiring an experienced metal roofing contractor, one who has specialized skills for the specific job, is essential. Listed below are a few reasons why hiring experts to install your roof is the best idea.

Easy to Avoid Collateral Damage

Like we have mentioned before, trying to install the metal roof on your own leaves the quality of your roof in question. This causes many people to hire a general roofer. The issue is, although these people might have good experience in installing a general roof, they still might not have adequate knowledge on how to work with metal roofs. Hence, hiring a general roofer will still present future risks. Not having the roof installed properly by a general roofer will cause you to have problems related in the future such as a leaky roof or water damage.

There are other dangerous outcomes to an ill-installed roof as well, and as you obviously want to avoid that, you should definitely hire a licensed company that specializes in metal roof installation. Such a company will also offer you a warranty or insurance as a pre-sales service and employ skilled people to complete your job. A warranty will assure that they will do all repairs in the future without you any extra cost.

The Quality of the Roof Ensures Longevity

Installing a new roof is a significant investment as no matter what type of roofing materials you decide to go with, none of them are cheap. This is why you need to make sure that the type of material you pick for your new roof lasts a long time to make the investment pay off as much as possible. Most metal roofs will last anywhere from 50 to 70 years, and keep in mind, the process by which you are installing your metal roof will also impact its longevity.

You might not get your money’s worth if the roof is installed poorly and the build is compromised, causing it to not last as long as metal roofs are supposed to. It might even end up costing you a lot more in the long run. This is why it is imperative that you hire professionals who will ensure a proper metal roof installation and cover all your future expenses if any issues were to pop up. A metal roof installed following the proper guidelines will last longer, and your investment will pay off.

Installing a Metal Roof isn’t Easy

If you decide to have a metal roof, you need to be aware of the fact that it is not the same as installing roof shingles. The reason behind this is that the parts of the metal roof differ from parts used in other roofing materials. For this specific reason, you should avoid hiring a general roofer to install your metal roof, simply because they might not be aware of a few of the technicalities involved with installing a metal roof.

Metal roofing requires some specific techniques and skills for a perfect installation. The roofers also need specific tools and equipment that are different from the ones required for normal roofs. This is why it is imperative that you hire specific metal roof contractors who have the skills, knowledge, and experience to complete your work perfectly. The expertise of metal roofers is crucial in order to ensure a long-lasting roof.

Concerns with Safety Are Mitigated

Safety is a major concern when installing a metal roof, especially if you try to install it yourself. Specific techniques need to be followed to install a metal roof, as well as the need to use certain tools. The roofer might be seriously injured if improper tools that do not match the process are used. Roof installations are risky by nature as they are done at an elevated area.

Since you need to have the whole process completed safely, it is crucial that you hire a metal roofing contractor that has the proper professional experience for the job. A skilled metal roofing contractor will know how to handle the work, taking into account the risk factors. They have done adequate jobs and have received the proper training to enable them to handle all risks associated with the process. The skill of these metal roofing contractors makes them the perfect choice for all metal roofing projects.

What You Should Seek from a Metal Roof Contractor

Now that you have decided that you want to hire a metal roofing professional, here are a few points you should consider before you pick someone for the job.

Do They Have a License?

Every state may have different licensing requirements, so you need to make sure the company you choose has the appropriate licenses that are required in your area. You also need to check the validity of the license and if the company has no violations. You want to hire someone who has extensive experience in the field so check how long the company has been licensed and in business.

Do They Have Insurance?

A proper metal roof contractor will have two types of insurance: workers’ compensation and general liability. If there is any damage to your property while the contractors are carrying on the work, then the general liability insurance will cover that. And if any of the workers were to get injured while working on your property then the worker’s compensation insurance will cover that. You need to check and ensure that the company is bonded, this will guarantee that the company finishes the job and that it is carried out in a way that satisfies you.

Do They Have Relevant Experience?

You need to find out beforehand if your contractor has the required experience to work with the type of materials that are required for metal roofing. The contractors will also need to have specific skills to do this type of work. It is ideal if the contractor you hire has at least three years of experience to install the panels of the metal roof. You also need to ask them to provide references for past jobs that they have done so you can make your call.

Do They Offer a Warranty?

The contractor should offer a warranty that covers both the work they do and the materials they use. And also make sure they provide the warranty in writing. Check in detail all the things that are covered in the contractor’s warranty and the manufacturer’s warranty. Be very thorough about it, as you don't want to have a bad surprise later on. 

Wrapping Up

Installing a roof is a solid investment, one that you cannot afford any mistakes with. Choosing a metal roof will be beneficial for you as it gives you a good resale value and lasts longer. But it is imperative that you hire the right professionals to do the job instead of trying to do it yourself or hiring a general roofer. Hopefully, the reasons we have provided were sufficient to guide you in picking the right metal roofing contractor for installing your roof. So choose right and get the benefits of a solid metal roof for your house in the long run.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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