1. Do your steel roofs look like a machine shed or pole barn roof?
You are referring to a standing seam type of steel roof which is used on farm and commercial buildings and more recently, even on residential homes. However, currently there are many styles of steel shingles which have a beautiful appearance for residential use. At Schmidt Siding & Window Co. we offer a wide selection of colors, styles and even stone-coated steel, which has the visual appearance of a conventional asphalt roof, but has all of the qualities of a permanent steel roof.
2. How does the warranty for a steel roof differ from an asphalt roof?
Most warranties for asphalt shingles pro-rate quickly, never cover labor and submitting a claim to an asphalt manufacturer usually includes mailing them shingle samples from your roof. Not an easy process. The warranties for steel roofs may vary by brand, but for the most part, have lifetime guarantees, are not pro-rated and do include labor for warranty replacement. When filing a claim, both the dealer and the manufacturer will make an on-site inspection.
3. How does a steel roof perform in terms of ‘mother nature’?
Many steel roofs are rated for wind up to 160 to 170 miles an hour. A steel roof is the most fireproof roof and is classified as a non-combustible roofing material with a class “A” rating – the highest rating given. Many insurance companies offer discounts on their homeowner’s insurance policy rates when you have a steel roof.
4. Does your warranty cover parts and labor?
Many warranties sound good until you dig a little deeper. The last thing you want is to be stuck with an expensive service bill for a defective product. Make sure to find out the terms of the manufacturer’s written warranty, as well as the installation warranty. You will be able to tell if your installer has confidence in the products they carry.
5. Why is steel roofing considered environmentally friendly?
You must consider that petroleum-based asphalt shingles are guaranteed to fail. During the 100-year lifespan of a permanent steel roof, tons and tons of asphalt shingles are being dumped into landfills. Steel roofs, manufactured with 20% recycled steel, are completely recyclable when they eventually need to be replaced.
6. Is metal roofing noisy?
Metal roofing associated with farm machine sheds and pole buildings can be very loud in wind and rain storms. In a residential application, however, the attic space combined with the insulation make the sound difference inaudible.
We've been transforming and protecting homes and businesses in southern Minnesota since 1949.
