It wasn’t long ago that seeing a metal roof in residential areas was the exception rather than the rule. Today it is not uncommon to see multiple metal roofs on the same street. When a person knows what they are looking for it becomes apparent that the great majority of these roofs are installed using inferior materials and methods. All metal roofs are not created equally but all of them come at a premium price. Some metal roofs can be as much as 25% less than a premium roof but they will include such detriments as exposed fasteners which change colour, rust and potentially leak; low quality paint that fades and discolours; wood strapping with a risk of rotting with water contact, and they cannot be walked on. Wood strapped roofs are inferior in wind resistance because of the way they are fastened directly to the top strap which is fastened to the lower strap which is fastened to the roof. Some of these roofs require maintenance. Some companies charge a yearly maintenance fee defeating the premise of why people buy metal roofs.
What makes a premium metal roof one might ask. All of the best roofs available are four way interlocking systems where one panel locks to the next on all four sides. These roofing systems do not use wood strapping, they do not have exposed fasteners and most can be walked on.
A number of companies that claim to be a four way locking system are simply not truthful, they don’t mention that their valleys are not locked and simply sit on top hiding the miters and allowing water to creep underneath. Snow guards are necessary on metal roofs and most companies purchase them from a supplier, often they are plastic which discolour, weaken and break as well as destroying the aesthetic of your house.
When deciding on a metal roof it is always desirable to deal directly with a manufacturer who installs and takes responsibility for labour and materials. This is extremely important because most roofs come with a fifty year warranty. When dealing with a distributor rather than manufacturer direct the labour portion of the warranty is from the distributor and the material from the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is in another country and the distributor disappears you essentially have a roof without warranty.
Few people realize the curb appeal value of their roof. Often the roof is the biggest feature facing the street. Putting the wrong roof on can literally destroy your homes curb appeal. On the other hand a beautiful roof makes an impressive difference and sets your house apart from other cookie cutter houses in the area.