Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Standing seam metal roofing is one of the most important investments you can make for your home or building — but not all standing seam metal roofs are the same. Before you hire a roofing contractor, ask the following questions, and know what to look for:

  1. Is this a mechanically locked standing seam system or a snap-lock system? Many roofing contractors sell snap-lock systems, because they are less expensive and easier to install. Mechanically locked systems take more time to install and require specialized equipment; however, this results in a stronger seam that has been proven for decades on commercial and architectural buildings.
  2. How are the eaves, ridges, valleys, and flashings detailed? A quality contractor should be able to explain these details clearly and how they do each to ensure they won’t leak when the wind is blowing, leaves are on the roof etc. Every flashing has specific performance criteria, and inadequate or improperly installed flashing can result in leaks, some that are not apparent for years causing damage in wall cavities and other areas that are difficult to inspect. Ask your contractor to explain exactly how they finish:
    • Eaves
    • Rakes
    • Valleys
    • Ridges
    • Chimneys
    • Skylights
    • Pipe penetration.
  3. Are the panel ends hemmed and notched? Many contractors cut square panels, sometimes putting a screw at the bottom of each panel to hold them in place. At NW Metal Roofs, we hem and notch our panels, because these details improve drainage, increase rigidity, and create a cleaner finished appearance. and help to eliminate ice dams and undesirable insect habitat. These are the kinds of details most homeowners never see—but they contribute to the long-term performance of the roof.
  4. What type of clips are used? Or how are the panels attached? Standing seam metal panels should allow the metal to expand and contract with temperature changes. Our systems use concealed clips fastened to the roof structure, allowing the panels to move naturally while keeping fasteners protected. Systems with screws through the sides and bottom of the panel do not allow for thermal movement potentially resulting in screws loosening or cracks forming in panels at the screw attachment points. Ask:
    • Are the clips concealed?
    • Are they engineered for thermal movement?
    • Are screws exposed to the weather?
  5. Who manufactures the panels? Some contractors purchase pre-made panels from distributors. Others manufacture panels on site. At NW Metal Roofs, we manufacture our own panels and flashings, allowing us to:
    • Produce custom lengths
    • Maintain quality control
    • Reduce unnecessary seams
    • Fabricate custom trim for your specific project
  6. Is the roof designed for future solar? One of the advantages of mechanically locked standing seam roofing is that solar panels can typically be attached using seam clamps. This means no holes are drilled through the roofing panels, helping preserve the integrity of the roof while making future solar installation much easier. See our Solar panel page for more info.
  7. What guage steel are you installing? Not all steel panels are the same thickness. Many residential systems use lighter gauges. We’ll recommend the gauge that best matches your project rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. At NW Metal Roofs we typically install:
    • 26 gauge for residential projects
    • 24 gauge for premium residential and commercial applications
    • 22 gauge for commercial, industrial, and large-span systems where additional strength is beneficial
  8. What warranty do you provide? A warranty should be easy to understand. We stand behind our workmanship with a lifetime workmanship warranty. While no roofing system is immune to damage from extraordinary events, we are committed to addressing any workmanship-related issues should they arise.
  9. Can the contractor explain why each detail matters? Anyone can say they install a metal roof. A knowledgeable contractor who can explain how water moves, why flashings are shaped the way they are, how thermal expansion is managed, and why installation details affect longevity is demonstrating an understanding of the system—not just following a set of instructions. At NW Metal Roofs, we believe an informed customer makes better decisions. That’s why we take the time to explain the “why” behind our recommendations.

Schedule a Roof Design Consultation

Learn how a mechanically locked standing seam roofing system can be designed specifically for your home or building.