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I'm looking to install a standing seam roof, and had a friend, who is a GC recommend a roofing company; he doesn't have specific experience with them as it relates to metal roofing.
The installation is around 45sq, and I would call moderate complexity (dormers, some odd angles, and also some large spans).
I understand how important the installer's role can be in standing seam, and that numbers alone, don't tell the education level or attention to detail.
How many standing seam roofs should a roofer do annually to be considered competent in the trade? This particular roofer mentioned maybe 5% of their 300 roofs are standing seam (about 15 annually). Is this in the Red, Yellow, or Green?
5/5/2020
You won't like my answer but I have seen metal crews that have put up a half dozen jobs be very well skilled and crews that have put up hundreds of jobs yet still do bad work. A lot of it comes down to whether they care. I would ask what training they have had, and what kind of relationship they have with the roofing manufacturer -- do they regularly connect with them to ask questions and learn? Also, do they consistently use the same crew for their metal jobs? As them for photos of jobs they have done. Perhaps even go see some jobs. Attention to "fit and finish" make a world of difference in terms of customer satisfaction.
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
5/5/2020
Thanks, Todd. I know it's not a cut and dry answer. It sounds like volume could build skills, but that someone doing 15 roofs a year, with a consistent and well trained crew that has attention to detail, could produce some good results.
Now the installation foreman who mentioned that 22 gauge might require an structural engineer for the additional weight, when when asked if they weigh more than asphalt shingles said they did, does make me pause a bit.
If I am able to look at some standing seam roof a roofer has completed, what are the fit and finish details I should be looking for, which would distinguish a grade B install from an A-grade install?
5/5/2020
Wow. That confusion over weight would prompt me to take pause a bit as well. Strange. I'd look for squareness, panels that are not split or cut funny ... flashings that go behind or into walls. Pay attention to chimney flashings. Perhaps get the manufacturer instructions ... if something "looks funny," it probably is.
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
5/5/2020
Thanks, Todd -- I appreciate all the help. Thread drift... I actually have your rustic shingle on my roof currently (which has worked well for 20 years), and given the insurance, we are transitioning to a more modern structure with standing seam steel.
I suspect the insurance claim value is low. For instance, I have the edition that was sprayed with foam for (presumably) noise and heat infiltration reduction (has worked great), but they just list 'aluminum shingle'. How do I get a real-time idea of what Insurance should be crediting me for this product, if I'm not going with the same product (and installers of your product seem to be hard to get a hold of)? I feel like this is a premium product, and want to make sure I receive full value on materials and labor.
5/6/2020
Oh wow. Thanks for your past purchase. Very interesting. While the integral sprayed-on foam was never figured into insurance, they do typically have a line item for "foam inserts" which would hold similar value. I hope this helps.
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
5/6/2020
Todd, you have been very helpful. Also found your information in some of the metal roofing channel very educational, as well. Thanks for your efforts to share information.
Any thoughts on how to confirm the current cost of that product for materials/labor on a per-square basis?
5/6/2020
If you're willing, drop me an email with your address. Let me take a look at the home and I can probably weigh in with some estimated costs. My email is [email protected] Thanks!
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
5/6/2020
Thank you, Todd. You are very generous with your time.
5/6/2020