Thinking of a Metal Roof? These 7 Questions Could Save You Thousands

Perhaps you’ve had it with the look of your old, outdated asphalt shingles or maybe you’re interested in getting better energy efficiency! Whatever the case, if you’re hear reading this it sounds like you’re considering getting a metal roof!

Great choice! Metal roofs are super tough, energy-efficient, and can seriously boost your home’s value. But before you go spending all your hard-earned savings, there are a few key questions you’ll want to ask to help you save you a ton of money (and headaches) later.

Here at Amy’s Roofing & Solar, your friendly roofing company in Sonoma County, we love helping folks in our community make smart home upgrades. To help you do the same, let’s walk through seven questions you should definitely ask before signing anything.

1. What’s the Best Metal Roofing Material for Me?

Metal roofs come in all kinds of flavors, aluminum, steel, copper, zinc, etc. Some are better for coastal climates, some are built for pure durability, and some, well, some just look amazing!

Picking the right one depends on your budget, your home’s style, and where you live. 

So don’t leave your roof up to chance! Make sure to talk with your potential roofer about your options and needs to find the best metal for your roof.

Pro tip: If you’re closer to the coast like out near Bodega Bay, aluminum is a solid choice for your roof because of its natural ability to resist rusting!

2. Will a Metal Roof Help Lower My Energy Bills?

Short answer?

Yep!

Longer answer?

Because metal roofing helps to reflect sunlight, it can knock away heat from your home. Less heat means your AC won’t need to work as hard during the summer! But, again, different metals provide different benefits. Light colors and special coatings can make a big difference.

Make sure you ask if the roof you're considering is Energy Star-rated or comes with “cool roof” technology. Those little details could save you big bucks every year.

3. Can My Current Roof Handle It?

When you think about putting metal on top of your home, it might sound like a heavy load! But metal roofs are usually lighter than traditional shingles!

Still, it’s super important to make sure your home’s structure is up for it. A good roofing company in Sonoma County will do a full inspection to check for any weak spots before they even think about installing anything.

If a company skips this step? Big red flag. You don’t want surprises halfway through the project.

Pro Tip: Getting your roof inspected during a big upgrade is also essential if you plan on getting solar panels in the future!

4. How Exactly Will the Roof Be Installed?

Installation methods matter, a lot. Standing seam roofs, where the fasteners are hidden, are the gold standard because they’re sleek and super weather-tight. Some cheaper options have exposed screws that might need more maintenance down the road.

Don’t be shy, ask about fasteners, underlayment, and how they’ll handle ventilation. Good contractors should walk you through all of it without any jargon or pressure.

5. Who’s Handling Permits and Inspections?

Let’s be real, permits and inspections aren’t exactly fun. But they’re really important. You want a company that handles all the paperwork and makes sure everything’s up to code.

If someone tells you to pull your own permit? 🚩🚩🚩 (Run away!!!)

A reliable roofing company in Sonoma County like Amy’s Roofing & Solar will take care of all of that for you.

6. What Kind of Warranty Am I Getting?

Not all warranties are created equal. You’ll want to know:

• How long does the warranty last?

• What exactly is covered (materials, installation, both?)

• Can you transfer it if you sell your house?
  

A solid warranty can save you thousands if anything goes wrong. So along with quotes for time and overall cost, always get your warranty details in writing!

7. What Kind of Maintenance Should I Expect?

Here’s some good news: metal roofs are super low maintenance. But they’re not “set it and forget it” forever. You’ll still need to check for loose screws, clean off debris, and maybe recoat it every so often.

Ask your installer for a simple maintenance checklist. Spending a little time on upkeep now will keep your roof looking awesome for decades.

Why Amy’s Roofing & Solar Is Your Best Bet

Picking a roofing contractor can feel overwhelming. That’s why, at Amy’s Roofing & Solar, we keep it simple, honest, and focused on what’s best for you and your home.

We’re proud to be the go-to roofing company in Sonoma County for homeowners who want quality work without the stress.

Have more metal roof installation questions? We’re always happy to chat. Reach out today at (707) 981-9801 or contact us online for a free, no-pressure consultation!