You need a new roof and have decided to go with metal- congratulations! Now, you’re probably wondering how to get the process started.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we’re here to help as we’ve been metal roofing manufacturers for over 25 years and work with architects, contractors and homeowners on their roofing and siding projects everyday.
While you can purchase your metal roofing from a contractor or a roofing distributor, a metal roofing manufacturer is your best option to save money on your metal roof. Most metal roofing manufacturers do not sell directly to homeowners. However, Western States Metal Roofing is one of the few exceptions to the rule that does work directly with homeowners and roofing contractors. No matter which company you consider, we advise checking Google Reviews on any company you plan on working with to make sure they are reputable.
In this article, we will focus on the step-by-step process of purchasing metal roofing through a metal roofing manufacturer.
What Do I Need To Know Before Getting A Metal Roof?
- Choose Your Panel Profile/ Color/ Gauge
- Submit A Materials List
- Request A Quote
- Place Order
- Delivery or Pickup (if local)
Choose The Type Of Metal Roofing
There are different types of metal roofs and before you can place an order, you have to know what it is you are looking to buy.
You must decide on:
- The panel profile
- The color
- The gauge
Metal Roofing Panel Profile
Metal roofing panels come in concealed fastener and exposed fastener panels.
Types of exposed fastener metal roof panels include:
Types of concealed fastener metal roof panels include:
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of metal panel. Below is a brief comparison.
|
Greater Leak Resistance |
Lower Cost |
Faster To Install |
Modern Appearance |
More Likely To Show Oil Canning |
More Readily Available |
|
|
Exposed (Corrugated) |
X |
X |
X |
|||
|
Concealed (Standing Seam) |
X |
X |
X |
We highly encourage learning more about the differences. For an in-depth comparison, we recommend watching our video below or reading:
Download our FREE Standing Seam vs Corrugated Comparison Chart
Metal Roofing Colors
There is a huge variety of colors when it comes to metal roofing. Western States Metal Roofing manufactures over 100 unique colors and finishes. That may seem overwhelming, but we offer multiple tools to help you narrow down your choices, including:
It’s important to keep in mind that not all metal roofing panel are available in every color. To learn more about choosing your metal roof color, download a free copy of our guide "How To Choose A Metal Roofing Color".
Metal Roofing Gauges
One of the last decisions to make when choosing your metal panels is gauge.
The most common gauge types for metal roofing are 22, 24, 26, and 29 gauge. 22 gauge is a lower number and a thicker metal than 29 gauge.
The most common gauges for metal roofing are 26 and 24 gauge. Below is a comparison of these gauges.
|
|
24 Gauge Panel |
26 Gauge Panel |
|---|---|---|
|
Thickness |
.0239 - .0276 |
.0179- .0217 |
|
Weight |
1.00- 1.156 lbs per sq. ft. |
.75- .9063 lbs per sq. ft. |
|
Cost |
$1.00 to $5.00 per sq. ft. |
$1.50 to $2.00 per sq. ft. |
|
Paint Finish |
PVDF or SMP |
SMP |
Submit A Materials List For A Metal Roof
A materials list is the list of products needed to complete a metal roofing project. This includes everything such as:
- panel quantity
- sheet lengths for each panel
- trim and flashing pieces
- the pitch of your roof
- metal roofing underlayment
- accessories
The process of developing the materials list is known as a take-off. Some manufacturers will do a takeoff for you, otherwise you will need a roofing professional such as a contractor to create one.
Keep in mind that not all manufacturers provide a take-off service. Western States Metal Roofing does complementary take-offs for projects over 3,000 sq ft. Here is the full take-off policy at Western States Metal Roofing.
Request A Metal Roof Quote
Once you know what you are looking to buy, it’s time to request a free quote. Keep in mind that you should only request a quote once you are ready to move forward on a purchase. This is because generally all quotes are time sensitive. For Western States Metal Roofing, quotes are valid for 10 days and then subject to re-quote thereafter.
We strive to respond to all quote requests within 24 hours except on weekends. You will be assigned a sales executive who will be able to answer all of your questions and have your quote completed and returned to you.
Place Metal Roofing Order
Based on your materials list, a sales order sheet will be made for you to review. If everything looks correct and you are ready to move forward, you will work directly with the sales representative to sign the necessary paperwork. Once everything has been signed, the process of making your custom metal panels will begin.
It’s important to incorporate the manufacturing time into your project timeline to ensure you order your materials on time. Metal roofing panels currently have a 2 to 3 week lead time, plus delivery.
Metal Roofing Delivery
After all the decision making and waiting comes the big day when your metal roofing products are delivered. This process looks different depending on which company you work with. For Western States Metal Roofing, delivery is available across the United States. Delivery times depend on where you are located within the country.
Delivery times are usually estimated and not exact. There are several factors out of your driver’s control that could impact the time of your delivery including:
- Weather
- Traffic
- Mechanical issues
When working with Western States Metal Roofing, you will be contacted 2-3 days before your order arrives with delivery details. At that time, you will be given a four hour window for time of delivery. You will be informed if any unexpected delays occur. Our regular delivery times are Monday through Friday, 7 am- 5 pm, and you must be present when the truck arrives to receive the delivery, have equipment and people onsite to offload the material.
Metal Roofing Pickup
Some manufacturers may allow you to save on delivery costs by letting you pick up your materials.
Western States Metal Roofing gives our customers the option to pick up an order during regular business hours from any of our locations in Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, and Nevada, TX. If you choose to do pickup instead of delivery, you must bring the right kind of vehicle that will properly fit all your materials to ensure a safe transport.
Get Started On Your New Metal Roof
Western States Metal Roofing offers several tools to help you decide on the type of metal roof to install.
For design inspiration, please visit the resources below:
Once you know what materials you are looking for, please request a free quote and a member of our sales team will be in touch with you shortly.
