Roofing Contractor Interview Guide

Roofing Contractor Interview Guide

At Top Sheet Metal Roofing we want your project done right the first time every time. We know we have the skilled workmanship and proven materials to deliver roofs that last, but now we need to meet your expectations and you need to know you have chosen the right team for the job.

To achieve this here is our guide to getting the right contractor for your needs:.

The "Tile-to-Metal" Interview Guide

Carry this list with you when talking to any roofer who walks your property. Their answers will tell you if they are cutting corners or doing a premium job.

1. Structural & Compliance Questions

• The Question: "Since we are doing a Tile Off, Metal On conversion, how will you ensure the Battening meets current wind-loading tie-down requirements?"

  • Why ask: Tiles are heavy and held by gravity; metal is light and can lift. They should mention checking the rafters and using specific screw gauges.

• The Question: "Are you providing a 'Certificate of Compliance' for the structural changes and the Colorbond installation?"

  • Why ask: This is vital for your home insurance and future resale.

2. Water Management & Flashings

• The Question: "Will you be replacing all the Valleys and Barge Caps, or are you planning to re-use any of the old ones?"

  • Why ask: You want a "Yes" on replacement. New metal roofs should always have new, color-matched flashings to ensure a watertight seal.

• The Question: "With the faster water run-off from metal, do you recommend upgrading from Quad Guttering to Half Round, or increasing the number of Downpipes?"

  • Why ask: Metal sheds water much faster than tile. If your drainage isn't up to par, your gutters will overflow in a storm.

3. Profile & Performance

• The Question: "For the flatter sections of the roof, are you quoting for Trimdek or a concealed-fix profile like Klip-Lok?"

  • Why ask: If a roof pitch is below 5 degrees, standard Corrugated Iron can leak. A pro will suggest Klip-Lok for low pitches.

• The Question: "What R-value Roof Insulation or 'Anticon' blanket are you including under the sheets?"

  • Why ask: If they say "you don't need it," walk away. Insulation is essential for noise reduction and preventing condensation under metal.

4. Special Features

• The Question: "How do you handle the Flashings around the Velux Skylights to ensure they integrate with the new metal profile?"

  • Why ask: Skylights are the most common leak points. They should mention using full custom bespoke flashing designed for skylights in metal roofs.

• The Question: "Is the Leaf Guard you use compatible with the specific gutter profile we chose?"

  • Why ask: Leaf guard needs to be compatible with not just the gutter profile but with the sheet profile. Different profile leaf guard is ordered for different profile roofs.

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