A quality metal roof should last between 50 and 100 years, depending on its construction and certain factors, such as weather, salinity and maintenance. When you’re getting a new roof installed, there are some common pitfalls that can reduce the lifespan of your roof or see you forking out more than you should on maintenance and repairs.
Metal Roofs Are Not All the Same
Some people seem to think steel roofing is basically all the same but this is a massive misconception. Metal roof panels are available in a wide variety of types, thicknesses, finishes, shape, and profiles, such as corrugated steel or Five Rib. Make sure your metal roofing supplies are strong enough for the area you’ll be installing them.
Not All Roofing Contractors Have Metal Roofing Experience
There are special skills and knowledge involved in the correct installation of metal roofs. Unfortunately, not every contractor who is willing to take your money for the job necessarily has those skills and knowledge. Ask any prospective contractors the following questions:
- How long have you been in business?
- Is this your only business?
- Are you under legal action?
- Are you a member of a roofing industry or steel building organisation?
- What guarantee do you offer for your work?
- Do you work directly with the manufacturer or are you a dealer or broker?
- Can I see some of your completed projects?
If you don’t like the answers, look for someone else. You’ll probably pay more per hour for a truly professional roofing crew, but they’ll get the job done faster and it will last longer.
Don’t Forget About Your Needs
You shouldn’t choose your metal roof without thinking about the context it will be used in. Where is your home or business? Do you get a lot of rainfall and storms? Are you near the ocean? Does it get very hot or very cold? These factors will all affect the type of roof you need.
In areas where there is a lot of salt in the air or where storms are common, you’ll need highly durable steel such as Unicote Steel or Magnaflow Metal Roofing to minimise damage, rust and maintenance requirements.
Don’t Be Too Price-Obsessed
No one wants to get ripped off on a big purchase like a new roof, so it can be tempting to go bargain hunting. But beware, sometimes a low price tag hides a different kind of rip-off – poor quality materials, inferior finishes, a warranty you can’t trust, and so on. That doesn’t mean you need to always buy the most expensive product around, but be realistic about the balance you need to strike between cost and quality.
Never Guesstimate Measurements
Measure twice, cut once: some clichés have stuck around for a reason, and this one is very accurate. Measurements that are inexact, out of date, or just plain wrong will make any job harder and more expensive. Hire a professional estimator and ensure that any architectural drawings or other materials they use are up to date and accurate.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Before starting any major roofing work, check that your home insurance won’t be affected by installing a new roof for the property. If you are installing a new roof to replace an old or damaged one, your insurance company may even cover some of the cost, so be sure to check with them before starting work.
For expert guidance and top-quality products, speak to Rollsec today about your roofing needs. Call us today on 07 3041 4980 or contact us online with any enquiries.
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