4 Things to Consider Before a Metal Roof Replacement
You may have heard some good things about metal roofing, such as long lifespan and durability, and have decided that a metal roof replacement is the way to go. But there are many considerations to factor in before hiring a metal roofing contractor in Manassas, from budget to warranties.
Here are four things to consider before undergoing a metal roof replacement.
1. Stick to Your Budget
It’s important to remember your budget when replacing a metal roof, because it’s easy to go overboard if you’re not careful. First off, you will need to budget more than if you were installing an asphalt shingle roof. That’s because metal roofs cost two to three times more than shingle roofs.
While you want to maximize your dollar value, you also don’t want to spend more than you’re comfortable with. When coming up with a budget amount:
- List out the amounts of all your other bills, and determine how the cost of a metal roof will affect your available funds.
- Determine how much money you can spend on a new roof, as well as how much you’re willing to spend.
- Prioritize the basic necessities of the project required for a functional metal roof that you cannot cut from the budget, such as metal panels and underlayment.
- Make a list of additional items that you may want if the budget were to allow for it.
- Choose the option and amount you feel comfortable paying.
It’s normal to go slightly above or below your budget, but it’s very easy to add parts, pieces, and customizations as you go along. Constant communication with your roofer will help to keep costs in check.
2. Check with Your Town or HOA Before You Decide
Before you gather quotes from metal roofing contractors, check with your city or town, or your Home Owners Association (HOA) if you have one. Many community organizations do not allow metal roofs on residential homes for these reasons:
- Metal is thought to be industrial looking.
- Metal may look inconsistent with the existing aesthetics of a neighborhood.
- Metal roofs may not be in keeping with historical district standards.
- Some paint finishes may be considered to have a high glare.
Do yourself a favor and check before you commit to metal roofing.
3. Gather Several Quotes
As with any time you shop around for high-priced items with varying add-ons and options, you should gather several quotes. Three is a good rule of thumb, as this will give you a solid idea of pricing ranges and services. Here’s what to look for in a quote:
- Full scope of work
- Roof specs, including pitch and slope, square footage, layers, and number of penetrations and flashings.
- Material costs, including metal, underlayment, fasteners, clamps, roof deck materials, sealants, and gutters.
- Labor costs, including tear-off cost/hour and total hours to complete, installation cost/hour and total hours to complete.
- Warranties.
If something seems missing from your quote, or you don’t completely understand a line item, clarify with your contractor. This is the time to ask!
4. Know Your Warranties
Warranties are a big draw for metal roofing customers because they’re usually longer lasting than other material types and offer peace of mind when it comes to performance and longevity. But not all warranties are created equal, so always do your research and make sure you understand what each type of warranty entails.
Types of metal roof warranties
- Paint: This covers varying levels of degradation of the paint being applied to the substrate, usually offered by the manufacturer acting on behalf of the paint company.
- Substrate: Offered by the manufacturer, this applies to the metal that comprises the core of the coil or sheet, usually stating that the substrate won’t rust or degrade through the material for a particular amount of time.
- Weathertight: This covers leaks in the roofing system for a particular time period, available from the manufacturer.
- Workmanship: This is offered by the roofing contractor and covers installation errors that result in problems or failures. This means the contractor will return to your home to fix the problem at no additional charge. You want to see a workmanship warranty that covers at least two years.
No matter what, all warranties should be detailed and in writing, letting you know exactly what is covered and what is not. If anything is unclear, ask your metal roofing contractor to explain.
Contact NVB Contracting For Metal Roof Replacement
Choose NVB Contracting for quality, efficient, long-lasting metal roof replacement, backed by fully licensed and insured contractors. Still not sure about which roofing material you want? We offer consultations on metal vs. asphalt shingle roof replacement. Book your consultation and get a free quote when you contact us. NVB Contracting specializes in metal roof installation, replacement and repair services for homeowners in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.