How to Choose a Metal Roofing Contractor
A metal roof is something that remains a part of your house for a long time. It is a sort of semi-permanent fixture that you cannot change frequently. You must therefore choose the right metal roofing contractor when you decide to install a metal roof. It is extremely important to find a qualified and reputable contractor because it is not the material but the contractor who will make the roofing job right or wrong. The right contractor is a key factor in your roofing job, especially when it involves steep slopes combined with heavy lifting that makes it potentially dangerous. If the roofing job involves sheet metal roofing, make sure that you select a contractor with at least three years experience in metal roofing installation.
Roofing work puts your home and many people at risk, therefore do not forget to check if the roofing contractor you award the work to, is suitably insured. The contractor should have a Certificate of Insurance with your name as the Certificate Holder. If the contractor does not have Worker’s Compensation Insurance and general liability coverage i.e. Property and Casualty Insurance, you may stand liable for any damage that he may cause or injuries sustained by him or by his employees.
Your metal roofing contractor must be able to provide you with a roofing contractor’s warranty for workmanship and materials for at least one or two year duration. This will bind him to repair any leaks etc due to faulty workmanship or for failure of the roof due to sub-standard material for the period of the warranty, which is the critical period during which most roofing problems will show up. If a problem crops up during this period, you can immediately ask the contractor to repair it. If he does not give a proper response, you can send a certified return-receipt letter with a specific time mentioned within which you expect the repairs to be taken care of.
One way to get hold of a reliable contractor is to ask family, friends or neighbors who have had metal roofs installed in their homes. This may not be easy because metal roofs are fairly uncommon and there may not be many people around who have had one installed. Another way is to seek a reference from architects who have designed houses that incorporate metal roofing.
Yet another way to find a metal roofing contractor is by logging onto the website of the Metal Roofing Alliance. This company lists metal roofing manufacturers, material suppliers, paint companies etc as members and is a good resource for information and details on everything related to metal roofing including locating experienced and qualified metal roofing contractors. You can also surf the net to find pre-screened metal roofing contractors.
The National Association of Roofing Contractors (NRCA) is also an excellent resource to locate a reliable metal roofing contractor. The NRCA is over a century old and has a page on its website to help locate a good roofing contractor including one to install a metal roof. You just need to fill in the type of roof you need installed and your zip code and the radius within which you want to locate a contractor.
Watch this video about flat roof contractor
How to paint your flat roof. An experienced liquid roofing contractor demonstrated how to apply a high spec roof coating: Rust-Oleum’s Dacfill SB with a reinforcement fleece. All Rust-Oleum roof coatings are available from www.paintshop.ie Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorA flat roof has not been done in 15 years. Contractors recommend rubber roof others tar/paper. Difference?
Do rubber roofs crack? How much longer do they last than old fashioned black paper and tar? Does a protective coating have to be reapplied every few years?
About Author
Classic Metal Roofs offers a variety of Metal Roofing products. Do you know if a hybrid car saves more energy that a Flat Panel Roof check out this website to find out. http://www.classicmetalroofs.com.
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April 23rd, 2011 | by roofing contractor |
By Trey on Mar 9, 2010
It depends entirely on how strong the addition was made. If the roof is just 2×4 studs instead of 2×6 or greater, you have a good chance of problems. And if the waterproofing of the flat surface may break if you try to use it to walk on a lot in all kinds of weather and poke through with chair legs, etc.
The usual solution if the strength is there is to build the "patio" almost like you were making a deck near the ground: a strong sill atfached to the house and pads to rest on the roof and spread the force. Then the waterproofing of the addition stays intact and the deck can be level even if the roof has some slope for drainage.
If the floor of the house is very close to the level of roof, then there isn't really space to do that above. I would suggest getting someone to design it or ask for estimates based on a design being described to you and see how much trouble they think it will be.
By thegurlupstairs on Mar 9, 2010
Make sure it's in writing as to how they'll charge if water damaged sheeting is found, ie, time and materials, or will you supply the material and they repair. They won't know if there is damage until the roof is exposed.
Absolutely ask for references.
Check the BBB.
Don't hesitate to get more than one estimate.
Find out what kind of roofing material they plan to install…is it good quality or some cheapy stuff? That info should be included in the contract and can be verified at your local lumber yard.
How will the roof be loaded? Is a truck with a boom bringing it in? If so, how will the contractor ensure that your yard won't be hammered.
Who will be responsible for getting rid of the debris? Easier for them to do it…just get it in writing!
Ask that it be in writing that they "sweep" the yard (with a magnet) to get rid of any nails that fall to the ground. Even if they tarp the area, nails bounce
As far as meeting with the foreman, it might not be a bad idea. Good to know beforehand if you'll be able to communicate with him.
Best to you!
By bellshouse1 on Mar 10, 2010
You need to check with your local Registrar of Contractors to see if there are any open or previous infraction by the builder. You will also be able to see how long the builder have been in business for (the longer the better). When comparing estimates, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A $20k spread is huge for a small project so somehow, one of the bids are missing services, whether it is demolition, hauling fees, materials to match existing, etc. If you're putting concrete tiles on the new gable roof, does it happen over a large expanse of windows/sliding door? Any of those builders include additional support on the header and foundation due to the increased load?
Just compare the differences in terms of included scope of work from each builder. By doing so, it may give you a better understanding of the price discrepancies.
By starlight on Mar 11, 2010
Definitely a rubber roof requires a great deal let maintenance and will last 15 to 20 years. This will be a true water proof roof system. Paper and tar is old method and will last 7 to 10 years before needing replaced. UV rays effect both but tar faster. Long term Rubber. Short term is moving in 5 years paper and tar.
By arjzv on Mar 11, 2010
You can do one of two things. Either ask a competitor to come inspect the roof and give you an itemized list of what's wrong with it *just tell them what happened and that you are looking for someone who can show you what's wrong and what needs repaired* or you can contact your insurance company who can set you up with someone who can check it for code. Once you get the documentation showing the lack of work done you can put in writing your complaint and demand it be redone. If they refuse, you have it in writing that you are unhappy with the product and also paperwork showing what damage is done. Take pictures! That way if they DO try to sue you for the money you can have that on your side. They won't get a DIME if you're in the right.
Do NOT pay until all the above has taken place or they can claim you damaged it etc. you wouldn't have paid if you weren't satisfied etc. and you won't get it fixed by them.
By mealking on Mar 12, 2010
A metal roof is not a good idea. Ponding water will leak through the seams even if they are soldered because expansion and contraction will open up the seams. Ponding water will also cause the steel roof to rust prematurely.
A better option is a rubber membrane roof. Warranties as long as 40 years are available. A reputable roofing contractor will make quick work of the roof job and be around for any problems that may develop … in other words, they will be around to take care of any warranty problems.
Good luck with your roofing project.