Here’s What to Expect During a Metal Roof Installation in Wisconsin

Roof repairs are typically some of the most expensive home renovations that homeowners in Wisconsin encounter. When a homeowner in Milwaukee needs a new roof, it’s essential to find a contractor who can provide high-quality work at a reasonable price with the requisite tools and experience for the type of roof the homeowner wants.

Many homeowners in Wisconsin and throughout the United States are switching to metal roofs due to the various benefits they provide over traditional asphalt shingle roofs. If you live in the Akron area and want a new roof that will last much longer than a standard shingle roof, a metal roof can be the ideal choice. The same goes for building a new home in Milwaukee or renovating a commercial property in the area. Metal roofs may have a higher cost of entry, but the value they offer is unmatched when compared to standard roofing options.

If you decide to upgrade your roof in Wisconsin to a metal roof, there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting the process, and a few essential tips you should follow when it comes to choosing your new roof.

Find the Best Contractor for the Job

While it may be tempting for some homeowners in Milwaukee to choose the lowest available bid for a roof replacement, it’s vital to remember that you ultimately get what you pay for when it comes to home renovations and upgrades. Ask your friends and family for their recommendations if they have worked with trustworthy roofers in your area. Once you narrow down a few options, spend some time researching your candidates before choosing one.

It’s a good idea to ask a few potential roofing contractors for quotes before you sign any contracts. A good roofer will offer to conduct an inspection so they can give you the most accurate quote possible, and it’s worth taking the time to go through this process if you want to get the most value out of your new roof and want to have the most positive experience possible with your roofer.

Review Contracts Carefully

Homeowners throughout the Milwaukee areas must take the time to review roofing contracts before signing. These documents may be daunting and detailed, but knowing the full contents helps you make a more informed decision with your money. A good roofer will be happy to sit down with you and review your contract piece by piece.

During the initial inspection process, your roofer will measure the roof’s dimensions and help you determine the cost of your new metal roofing materials. The contract should stipulate the costs of all materials, warranty coverage for your chosen metal roofing materials, and the roofer’s format for charging you for labor. If there is any aspect of the contract that doesn’t sit right with you, ask the roofer for clarification. Additionally, make sure the contract has some type of clause that refers to what will happen in the event of unexpected delays, equipment malfunctions, or any other potential disruptions to your metal roof installation.

Keep a Record

Whenever you pay for any type of professional service for your home you should keep a detailed record including the contract and any other paperwork you sign related to the job. This helps you protect the investment you make into your new metal roof in several ways. It allows you to hold irresponsible roofers accountable if they violate contract terms or fail to install your roof correctly in such a way that it causes damage to your home. You may also need this record in the future for insurance or appraisal purposes.

Prepare for Your Installation

A metal roof installation follows roughly the same first steps as any other type of roof installation. Although some roofers may perform “roof-overs,” or installing new roofing material over old roofing material, this is typically not the best option for a new metal roof. While it’s certainly possible to install a new metal roof over top of an asphalt shingle roof, this opens the possibility of problems with the existing roof influencing the new metal roof.

For example, metal roofing material typically features a galvanized coating that prevents corrosion and rusting. If asphalt shingles below the metal roof panels remain, they can grate against the metal panels and remove the coating, making it easier for the panels to rust or corrode. Additionally, the pressure of the panels against the shingles will eventually cause the pattern of the underlying shingles to press through and create a horizontal lined pattern visible through the metal panels.

A good roofer will recommend removing all existing roofing materials and exposing the roof bed before installing a new metal roof. This ensures proper installation of the waterproof underlayment and eliminates the possibility of the old roof damaging or interfering with the performance of the new roof.

Metal roof installation itself is a straightforward process and may even take less time than a standard asphalt shingle roof installation, depending on the type of metal roof the Ohio homeowner wants. For standing seam metal roofs, the installation team must connect the panels correctly across the roof’s surface and then apply the manufacturer-supplied fasteners to connect each seam together. The final phase is electric seaming. As long as the roofing team follows proper safety protocols and knows how to properly handle the seamer, this process isn’t very time consuming and finishes the installation.

Other types of metal roofs such as metal dimensional shingles may take more time to install, but many Wisconsin homeowners are surprised at how quickly and efficiently roofing crews in Milwaukee can install new metal roofs while following all manufacturer guidelines, safety protocols, and best practices for professional roofing.

Enjoy the Benefits a New Metal Roof Provides

Following these steps will help you get the most out of your investment in a new metal roof. Homeowners throughout the Milwaukee areas are choosing metal roofs for the several advantages they offer over traditional asphalt shingle roofs, including reduced rain noise, increased durability, low maintenance, and stellar cost of ownership. If you take the time to choose the right roofing contractor for your metal roof installation, your new metal roof could last up to three times longer than a typical asphalt shingle roof.