Metal Roof in New Haven, CT

Review from the Homeowner

Buying a metal roof is a commitment, both financially and to the house. Here's what I would say about East Coast Metal Roofing, and about deciding to buy a metal roof. You need to feel confident. ECMR uses Perma Lock aluminum shingles, and they come with a lifetime guarantee or a transferable 50 year guarantee, so this roof will be there after you are gone! So before you buy, do your research. I looked at 10-20 metal roofing websites, watched Youtube videos, asked friends, and made sure it was what I wanted. I will say it's a little confusing at first. There are two types of metal roofs - standing seam - which are Steel/Galvalume metal panels. These have great longevity, durability, and are cheaper than aluminum shingles. BUT... they are not good near the ocean, and they require really careful installation around gutters and any wood siding. Plus, in CT, where we get hot summers, installation is tricky to prevent 'oil canning' or heat warping. Further north, you might not have that concern. And, with a complicated roof line, standing seam isn't the right product. So the other kind is what ECMR (and other companies) install - aluminum shingles. To me, they look like shiny shingles. Benefits? Great fire rating, great wind rating (after a tropical storm and a tornado this year, that's important!), longevity, no ice dams (another plus here with so many trees), and no moss on the roof. Recyclable and made of recycled materials. Energy star rated, so they reflect heat away from the house. You may (or may not!) get a break on insurance - at least Progressive and State Farm discount, my company bumped me up for 'higher replacement cost' but gave me the 'new roof' discount. Shingles are ~ 12" x 18" and can be snipped, so whatever roof you have, they will work. Negatives? Spendy. Expect to spend 2-3 times the cost of an asphalt roof. When it's raining, you'll hear the rain hitting the roof upstairs. Downstairs I don't hear it at all. And when acorns hit the roof, it is pretty loud! Before your sales visit: I made appointments with 2 companies (And I bought the roof from the first, ECMR, so here are some PRE-APPOINTMENT tips). Read all the companies reviews, check the BBB, do due diligence. Ask the companies you are considering for the house addresses and go look at them. That made a big difference in picturing our house with the roof, what color, what style, etc. Try to get reference email/phone numbers so you can ask about cost, installation, add-ons. Here's why. You SHOULD NOT have a company come out to your house unless a) you want a metal roof and b) you'll buy it that day. It's a long appointment - 2-3 hours - don't waste anyone's time. Secure your financing in advance (they offer financing, and that company was nice, but it's higher than a home equity), look at houses, and feel ready. The appointment is a negotiation. Don't take the first offer. Understand add-ons. New plywood? that adds $$. New gutters? More $$. You don't want installation surprises so really hammer costs out during the appointment. Okay, installation! Yes, I am getting to ECMR specifically. My sales rep was Kyle, and he is LOVELY. One of the nice things about ECMR is Kyle sells the product and DOES NOT DISAPPEAR. He is available to you from start to finish. Guaranteed, you will have problems with installation - expect some (It rained during mine - advice for you - move everything out of your attic, tarp the floor, and cover any beloved bushes in your yard with hard plastic.). But I could call Kyle, and he ALWAYS offered solutions. (There's a quality manager, too, but I found Kyle more responsive and useful). The men doing the work were great - it's loud (but not horrendous) and messy (forget your plants), but they clean IMMACULATELY each night and at the end of the job left my yard perfect (I think they even weeded!). My job took 7 work days, and my roof is about 1600 sq ft. I found Kyle and ECMR more straight forward than most companies. They depend on referrals so they want you happy. And I am! No experience is perfect, but definitely worth it.