Why should you choose experienced metal roof installers when you can save money doing it yourself?

After all, you are probably already aware of the environmental and maintenance benefits of such a roof. You likely know that your new roof will be 100% recyclable, will last much longer than a traditional shingled roof, and can reduce your energy consumption by as much as 25%.

You might even be at the point in the order and installation process that you have already selected a company that will be supplying your materials. However, if you're considering installing your metal roof yourself, you may not know about these six reasons to find experienced metal roof installers rather than going the do-it-yourself route.

Professional Techniques and Tools

Installing a metal roof is not the same as installing a traditional roof. It will require specialized techniques, tools, and skills, which are not easily learned. In fact, there is a longer learning curve for metal roof installers, and the skill is probably not something you will be able to learn properly over a weekend. Additionally, you will use different materials such as metal roofing screws rather than nails, so you may not be as comfortable with the required tools.

The materials can also be difficult to maneuver and if you do it on your own,  you may need to rent expensive equipment to unload the metal roofing sections, flashing, and trim components. When you hire a professional metal roof installer, the metal will be roll-formed on-site and stacked with all other required materials in a designated area. This will reduce damage to the panels and eliminate unnecessary delays.

An experienced metal roof installer will also know how to handle the metal and materials properly when moving it from its storage area to the roof itself. This is critical because if the metal is not handled correctly, it could be damaged before it ever gets on your roof or cut you up pretty badly. Damaged metal panels cannot be used, and more material will need to be ordered, potentially causing a delay in finishing your job.

Proper Installation

You are already investing a significant amount of money into your new roof. If it is installed improperly, it could reduce its longevity. Metal roofs can last up to 70 years with dedicated care, but if it is not installed correctly, it could lead to leaks that can damage the underlying structure. For example, if the fasteners are under- or over-tightened, leaks will likely occur, thereby weakening the wood base.

Incorrect measurements are another issue that can lead to improper installation and can either result in leaks or in having to order replacement materials. As mentioned before, leaks will shorten your metal roof's life and ordering replacement materials will delay the completion of your project. Either way, it will cost you more to replace your roof sooner than normal or replace the incorrectly measured materials.

Hiring experienced metal roof installers, then, should really be viewed as an investment rather than an additional expense. Ensuring that your roof is installed properly will cost you less in the long run, even if you think you could do it cheaper on your own or by hiring less experienced installers. Remember that you get what you pay for and in this case, paying a bit more for experience is the cost-effective choice.

Safety

No matter what your roof is made of, safety is a top concern. Experienced roof installers already know how to make sure they are safe when putting on a metal roof. Even if you think it doesn't look that dangerous, working on a sloped roof with metal sheets is actually extremely dangerous. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics rates roofing as one of the most dangerous jobs in America, even for professionals.

Professional roofers know how to evaluate the roof's conditions, ensure the underlayment is sound, and prepare for how the weather conditions may affect the roof's safety. Moreover, they already know how to handle both the materials and tools, so they won't be dealing with a learning curve at the same time they are trying to install the roof. They will be also equipped with a specialized fall protection apparatus that you won't have access to.

Insurance is another reason that hiring an experienced installer is safer than doing it yourself. Professional installers are properly insured for the job they are doing. They understand the risk and will do everything necessary to mitigate that risk. If an accident does occur, you would likely have no liability. While your insurance would cover any injury you sustain from a fall or other accident, you would probably still have a deductible and may incur other out-of-pocket charges as well.

Faster Completion

Since experienced roofers already know what they're doing and understand how to use the required tools for installation, your roof will be completed much faster than if you try to do it on your own. Plus, you may only be able to work on your roof during the weekends, whereas professional installers can work throughout the week, with crews of several people that can work together more efficiently than a single worker.

Most professional installers have also perfected certain aspects of the installation process that will make the job faster as well. For example, rolling the metal roof panels on-site allows for minor last-minute changes that would otherwise need to be ordered, re-manufactured, shipped, and then installed. That chain of events causes schedule delays that can mean you'll be without your metal roof for a longer period of time.

If you order your metal roof materials from the same people who are doing the installation, this can make your roof installation even faster. The reason for this is that you will have just one company to deal with if you need more materials or if there is a damaged panel along the way. In most cases, materials can be ordered by the installers and delivered the next day, reducing unexpected delays.

Cleanup

While everyone likes getting new things, cleaning up afterward can be a chore, and very few people want to do it. Not only does it take up valuable time, but it also can be a headache when it comes to disposing of scraps or unused materials. Professional installers include the cleanup in their costs and will ensure your property is returned to its state prior to the roof installation. You won't have to worry about anything but enjoying your new roof.

Companies that roll the metal panels on-site will also have an advantage during cleanup because there will be very few unused or damaged materials that will need to be removed from your area. Expert installers, even those who do not roll the panels on-site, will make fewer mistakes and therefore, have less to do to clean up once the job is completed. Likewise, many will clean up as they go, which will get them out of your way more quickly.

Installing your roof on your own will mean that you have to order supplies from various companies that will need access to your yard or driveway. Heavy trucks can damage yards and driveways, which may not be fixed and could be left to you to deal with once your roof is installed. This can lead to more expense and wasted time as you have to repair the damage yourself or hire another company to do it for you.

Cost Savings

Overall, hiring experienced metal roof installers is really not an optional decision when you're getting a new metal roof. It may seem like you could save money by doing it yourself or by hiring a roofer who is not experienced in metal roof installation, and you might in fact be able to save some money upfront. However, the extended costs that you will likely incur down the road will far exceed the do-it-yourself savings.

You will also save money on specialized tools that are necessary for metal roof installation, even if you decide to rent rather than purchase outright. Rental costs can be quite high, especially if you have to rent the tools over and over again if it takes you longer than expected to complete your roof. Safety equipment is yet another expense that you'll be responsible for that will be included in a professional installer's price.

If at all possible, hire an installer from the company that is supplying you with your metal roof. This is especially a good idea if the company rolls your metal panels on-site. Not only will you be able to make most changes on the fly, but you will also reduce the amount of damage done to pre-fabricated panels, prevent costly delays in your roof's completion, and reduce the time and expense related to site cleanup.

Work With the Best

Professional installers are a necessary expense when putting on a new metal roof for the six reasons listed here. Contact Hill Country Metal Roofing Supply today to get a free quote on your roofing project. We guarantee you'll get a quality metal roof with expert installation in a timely manner.