Inspirational Metal Roofing Project in Naples, Florida: Quality Matters, Especially In Extreme Climates

Before and after a new metal roof was installed.

At first, Jayne Sventek and her husband thought they might be seeing things.

Their home’s sparkling white metal roof, only just eight months old, had begun to show a distinctive black tinge creeping over the surface like a five o’clock shadow.

As the weeks and months went by, it was clear that something was seriously wrong. The black fungus menace began to grow thicker, until the entire roof was nearly covered with a mottled, ugly discoloration.

The nightmare didn’t end there for these Naples, Florida homeowners. In fact, it was just beginning. For nearly five years, Jayne desperately tried to get the original local installers to stand behind their work and fix the problem. She called building officials and worked to hunt down the manufacturer of the roof’s material, all to no avail. Cleaning the roof wasn’t an option, for fear of voiding any warranty that may have been in place. In the region’s warm, humid climate, the fungus continued to thrive.

More research confirmed what Jayne and her husband were beginning to suspect: the installer had used an inferior material from an unknown manufacturer with a sub-quality, under-cured foreign paint system. The problem wasn’t going to go away, it was only going to get worse unless addressed.

Out of options, the Sventeks happened to get in touch with the Metal Roofing Alliance and subsequently, Drexel Metals, a leading metal roofing systems and custom fabrication company with an excellent reputation. Drexel worked closely with the homeowners to ensure the replacement product would withstand the region’s environmental conditions. The Sventeks installed a beautiful Drexel Metals Mansard Brown standing seam metal roof that came complete with a 35-year warranty and Valspar's Fluropon® 70% PVDF coating, a highly-durable finish designed stand up to severe climate conditions, including saltwater, humidity and storms. While a darker color, the coating on the Sventeks’ new roof also provides cooling benefits, helping reflect the sun’s rays and saving energy.

The Sventeks couldn’t be happier with their new roof, but the true test came in 2017 when Hurricane Irma, an extremely powerful and catastrophic hurricane, hit Naples. Winds up to 130 miles struck the region, leaving massive damage, downed trees, and homeowners like the Sventeks without power for 10 days. Miraculously, even with all the surrounding destruction, their house was not only still standing, the roof was intact and in great shape.

“That was a true test,” said Jayne. “Our new roof looks and performs beautifully. It’s great peace of mind for us to know that now, the roof will not only stand up to the test of time, but to Mother Nature as well.”

Lessons Learned

Do installer due diligence: Reputation is everything. Before you start a re-roofing project, be sure your installer is licensed, bonded and has strong experience in the type of roof you want to install. Make sure they guarantee–in writing–their work and the materials they plan to use. If they won’t, don’t hire them. Industry involvement also is important; find out if they are members of organizations such as the MRA and that they are willing to provide references.

Complete your homework: Ask and get source verification for the proposed material and do some research yourself to evaluate the finish, warranties and regionally proven performance. Consider what key factors are important to you, such as durability in severe weather, protection in extreme conditions (wildfires, hail storms), energy efficiency, sustainability, low maintenance and more. Invest in the best quality roof you can afford that aligns with your priorities and the climate conditions in your region.

Get at least three references: Get local referrals of completed projects and contact them to ask how satisfied they are with their roof. If possible, ask for and do a drive-by of other projects that use the same material and have been completed by the installer to ensure you will be happy with the curb appeal of the work and the product.

Download the case study here.