For a successful metal roofing project, you need an experienced and qualified contractor.
In most cases, the installation quality plays a crucial role in constructing a durable metal roofing system. Therefore, choosing the right roofer is vital.
According to BBB, there are around 130 roofing contractors in Durham. Among them, about 20-30 are qualified to be metal roofing contractors. The qualifications are based on their brand name, local reviews, and the number of project completions.
The process of selecting the right contractor can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we discuss the criteria based on which you can choose the right person for the job.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Metal Roofing Contractor
Experience and Specialization
A material like metal requires a different set of skills from those of its traditional counterparts. It requires an extensive knowledge of the material (standing seam, steel, copper) and specific installation techniques.
As stated earlier, knowing proper installation is critical to building a solid metal roof.
Any contractor you choose must have at least three years of proven track record with metal roofs.
If necessary, visit the sites where they have done similar projects like yours. Also, ask whether or not they specialize in the kind of material you want. If they are hesitant to answer, it’s better to walk away.
Local Expertise
The weather conditions, roofing regulations and building codes vary widely for each state. A contractor with local expertise in Durham must be informed of all this information.
It is crucial to know the city’s specific requirements and compliance with North Carolina’s building codes. If they don’t, they aren’t qualified for the job.
Also, they must factor in the weather challenges it imposes on your roofing system in this city. For instance, according to Wikipedia, North Carolina has dealt with over 15+ storms since 2020.
In this case, the contractor must understand the importance of wind-resistant installation. It ensures your roof is appropriately set up to withstand storm damage.
Licensing and Certifications
Before starting any roofing project, always check if the contractor is licensed. A licensed contractor is likely to be well-versed with local regulations and building codes. Also, check from where they got their certifications and training.
For instance, certificates from significant metal manufacturer associations like Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) or National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) show they are equipped with the right tools.
If they lack any proper training or certificates, walk away from them.
For better research, check the license requirement for North Carolina.
Apart from that, they must be insured. It showcases that the contractor follows the industry standard. Also, protects their workers and clients. In case of any accident, you won’t be held liable for it. It applies to the property or any injury sustained by the contractor.
Portfolio and Past Work
An experienced and reputable contractor can showcase a detailed portfolio of previous work. It must consist of projects in Durham and nearby areas that experience similar weather conditions.
For your due diligence, consider checking their online reviews and ask for references from past customers. As stated earlier, visit one of their previous project’s sites.
A contractor who receives positive feedback is likely to deliver a high-quality project for your property as well.
Warranties and Guarantees
A metal roofing project requires a significant investment. Therefore, ask for warranties on material and contractor’s artistry. Depending on the manufacturer, a metal roof’s warranties can last up to thirty to fifty years.
Also, the contractor must offer a guarantee for proper installation of the project. If necessary, ask them what are the factors included in it. If the project goes south, warranties protect you from unnecessary expenses.
Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Lack of Credentials or Licenses
The state of North Carolina states if a project is valued at $40,000 or more, the contractor must have a license issued by the state. In terms of metal roofs, such valuation is average.
Even if the project is worth less, you should still ask for credentials.
If a contractor is not willing to provide their license, it is a major red flag. A confident contractor wouldn’t have any hesitation with it. If you work with an unlicensed roofer, you are at several risks. It includes sub-standard work and even potential legal issues.
Vague or No Written Contract
For any roofing project, a precise, detailed estimate or contract is crucial. Any roofing contractor who fails to provide any written contract is a walking red flag. Also, the project timeline might still need to be finished on time. In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to incomplete work.
A reliable roofing contractor must work you through the entire process. They will showcase every aspect of the estimate. It includes the cost of labor and materials, timeline, insurance process, financial assistance and many more.
Pressure Sales Tactics
Refrain from trusting any roofer with a snake oil salesman attitude. A reliable roofer will give you the space and time to make the best decision, even if it means comparing the estimates and quotations with other contractors.
If any of them pressurizes you to sign a contract, you should walk away. A proper metal roofing project requires a decent investment; you need to think clearly before committing. If the quotation is higher, the work will likely be sub-standard. It is a clear sign of cutting corners or scamming.
On the other hand, if it is too expensive based on the material and square footage, ask for a thorough breakdown.
Why Metal Roofing is Popular in Durham
Durability and Longevity
Metal is a “Class IV” rated material. It is one of the highest ratings achieved by a roofing material. It can withstand harsh weather conditions with little to zero dent on the material.
They go through rigorous testing and procedures to ensure their durability.
The material is highly resistant to wind damage. In Durham, we experience severe thunderstorms and hurricanes during the late summer months. Therefore, a material like metal does a decent job of protecting and safeguarding your property in such conditions.
A properly installed metal roof can last up to fifty years with little to zero maintenance. Unlike asphalt shingles, it will need replacement every ten to fifteen years.
Energy Efficiency
A metal roof can reflect a significant portion of solar heat. As a result, it keeps your home cooler during the hot summer months. They radiate and reflect heat better than other materials.
The key is to choose a light color, then it will reflect better. Research suggests it can reflect up to 85% of the solar heat.
According to Decra, a properly installed metal roofing system can reduce energy costs by 40 percent. For businesses and houses, in the long run, it can save thousands of dollars in expenses and utility bills.
Wise Investment
As stated earlier, a metal roofing system requires a significant investment. The return on investment (ROI) will vary for each person. Homeowners and businesses will want a roofing system that lasts up to fifty years or more, and it certainly does.
On the other hand, some people might want to sell their homes. From a financial point of view, a metal roof’s ROI is quite positive.
According to Remodeling, with a metal roof, you can recoup about 48.9 percent of your investment. Also, as stated by Advanced Aluminium, homes with metal roofs tend to have an increase of 6 percent in selling price.
A key consideration to make is that the ROI will vary for each metal material. For example, a premium material like copper can increase the selling price much more than corrugated steel.
Choose Proway Works for Your Metal Roofs in Durham
When it comes to metal roofing projects, experience and knowledge is essential. At Proway Works, we have completed over 10,000 roofing projects in North Carolina.
It is across residential and commercial projects. Also, a large section of them consists of metal roofs.
We are a trusted local name in Durham and its nearby areas. Our team is licensed, insured and certified to install metal roofs.
We also understand the weather challenges imposed on roofing systems in Durham. If you want, you can check our certificates and credentials at any given time. At Proway Works, our goal is to deliver quality work for all our clients.