Metal Roofing "Experts"

Observing multiple metal roof installations in various cities and states, it becomes more and more clear that the world of roof contractors and installers is a a remarkably polarized one. The number of roofers who claim competency at installing “all kinds of roofs” is very near 100%, but getting a close look at their work puts the lie to that boast - and yielding a dramatically lower percentage of truth-tellers.

With my concern being exclusively metal roofing, my concern is focused there and all of my recent experience is proving again that the 80/20 rule applies to roofers as much as any profession. While it’s true that laying down any roof material isn’t rocket science, it’s also true that training, care, and attention are required before any job can stand the test of time. The number of shortcuts that can be found by roofers working alone up high in the air (almost certain that no one will be around looking over their shoulder!) shows remarkable resourcefulness!

I understand completely why the average building owner can regret their buying decisions because one of the identifying characteristics of roofers is price. Roofing labor is exactly like roofing materials - you get what you pay for. I know good roofers and roof contractors that have had the same people with them for 5, 10, 15 years or more – and for good reason. They get paid well. So many contractors consistently hire whoever’s available when a job comes along and take a chance that no one will notice that they might have a new and un-tested crew up there on the roof. Besides, money’s tight and the bid was low to get the job and we’re not paying the crew very much as a result. Makes it easy to understand how second-rate work results when you think about it for a moment.

So, when you think about picking a material that might cost two or three times as much as something like an asphalt roof, consider carefully your installation options and don’t immediately dismiss a contractor who might be considerably higher in price that the bottom-feeders. There’s likely a good reason for the difference – and well worth the matching extra investment.