When it comes to making an investment in something as important as your roof, people tend to know a lot of the bits and pieces of the process – but don’t quite understand where to start. Sometimes it’s the most obvious things that can represent the biggest obstacles.

Today, we’re going to discuss the five steps you need to take if you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in a metal roof. Here they are!

What do I need?

So you’ve made the decision to get a new roof; now it’s time to determine what you’re going to need for your new roof. Are you looking for functionality or aesthetic? How steep is your roof’s slope? What kind of climate do you live in and how will weather impact your roof? Understanding what you need will help give you a clearer understanding of what to buy.

Choose the product

Your next step is to choose the roofing product that fits your criteria. Don’t fall overly in love with brands or your idea of what a certain product could be. Invest in it for what it is. And seek out opinions. There are plenty of contractors out there who can help you.

Will it work for your home?  

This might be a little redundant. But your criteria and the product you choose from that needs to fit realistically within the limitations of your home. Send photos of your roof to a manufacturer and they can let you know if their product is suitable for your home’s limitations. A common mistake made throughout the home improvement industry is using good products for the wrong application. And the best way to avoid that is simply seeking input.

Find a contractor and ask for help in doing so  

A lot of people tend to do business through referrals of their friends, etc. And for many things, that works – but when it comes to roofing – it’s not always the best way to go. We actually advise you to speak to a product manufacturer and get their input. Why? Because those will be contractors who have experience and a proven track record of working with that, specific product. Roofs are certainly not a ‘one size fits all’ proposition and making finding the right fit for your contractor is just as important as finding the right fit in terms of product for your home.

Meet with the contractor

Form a short list of contractors and be sure to interview all of them. Do they take the time to discover the unique needs of your home? Do they do a thorough inspection of your home? Do they present you with references and have an extensive portfolio of homes they’ve worked on in the past? Do they have a specific plan for how your project will be completed? Do they have financing options? Are they certified and are their installers well trained? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking.

When all is said and done, you’ll be ready to start your project. Follow these tips and you’ll have a great product that meets your needs, works for your home, being installed by someone who will do a good job. Good luck!