With any big renovation, you’re bound to get questions from homeowners – especially when it concerns the roof that covers their house.
It’s their first line of defense against the elements, so homeowners want to make sure they have all the necessary information to make a decision.
To help contractors prepare for these conversations, we answered some of the most commonly asked questions about DECRA Metal Roofing. So whether you’re in the middle of a consultation, inspection, or installation, you can answer any question that comes your way.
1. Can you tell me about your history working with DECRA?
Not every metal roof is manufactured the same. When talking with homeowners, make sure to speak to your experience installing stone-coated metal roofing, as there are differences between the materials.
DECRA Metal Roofing products combine the strength of multi-layered steel with acrylic bonded granular stone coatings to replicate the style of asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and wood shakes without the shortcomings in durability or longevity.
If you have pictures from past projects, be sure to share those with homeowners. They’ll showcase the craftsmanship of your work, as well as the ageless beauty of DECRA products.
2. Why does DECRA cost more than other roofing materials?
With a long-standing reputation for durability, efficiency, longevity, and design versatility, DECRA offers more value for your money.
While they may cost more upfront, metal roofs have a lifespan that is two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, tile, or wood. It’s not cost-effective for homeowners to purchase an asphalt roof that will need replacing every 10 to 12 years.
Plus with metal, homeowners can recoup up to 85.9% of the initial cost of the roof. Plus, it can increase a home’s value by up to 6%. To help a homeowner visualize a metal roof on their home, use DECRA’s Roof Designer.
3. How long do DECRA roofs last?
With proper maintenance, a metal roof can last up to 40 to 70 years, making it well worth the investment.
Whether the homeowner is planning to sell their home in the near future or stay in their “forever home,” it’s important to explain the long-term and immediate benefits of a DECRA roof.
4. How long will the project take to complete?
The length of a roofing project can vary between a few days or weeks depending on the time it takes to inspect the existing roof, source the material, and install the new roof.
DECRA products are manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in Corona, California, so this speeds up the time it takes for contractors to source materials. When sourcing materials from overseas manufacturers, projects can be delayed due to logistical and supply chain issues–hence derailing the project’s completion date.
Weather also influences the time it takes. Since metal roofs can be installed year round, homeowners don’t have to worry about weather interfering with their timeline. With asphalt shingles, homeowners have to wait until temperatures are above 45 degrees for installation, which can push renovations till spring or summer depending on the location.
5. Are DECRA roofs more energy efficient?
When it comes to improving energy efficiency with a roof upgrade, there are three factors for homeowners to consider. These include:
- Thermal Resistance: The insulation value of the entire roof.
- Emissivity: The ability of the roof to radiate solar heat gains up and away from the house.
- Reflectivity: The ability of the roof to reflect radiant heat back to the direction from which it came.
6. Is the warranty transferable with my new roof?
Some roofing manufacturers limit the length of the warranty or do not permit transfers of the warranty if the home is sold.
DECRA roofs are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty that is transferable to the subsequent property owner within 20 years of the initial installation.
The warranty also comes with the highest possible Class 4 impact rating and is warrantied for:
- Wind up to 120 miles per hour.
- Hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
This gives homeowners peace of mind, knowing their roof is protected against the elements.
7. Can you do a layover instead of a full roof replacement?
In some cases, the house may simply need a roof-over versus a complete tear-off, saving homeowners time and money. Carefully explain the differences between each for homeowners, so they understand their options.
If building codes allow, DECRA's lightweight profiles can be installed directly over asphalt shingles to prevent a full tear-off. Other materials, like concrete tile, weigh 10 times more than DECRA products, so a roof-over isn’t always possible. Help the homeowner understand when a roof replacement is and isn’t necessary.
Get Access to More Resources About Metal Roofing
The demand for metal roofing has doubled in recent years. As more homeowners learn about the long-term benefits of metal roofing, the easier it is for contractors to secure projects. Coming prepared to conversations with homeowners can help set you apart from the competition.
For more information about DECRA Metal Roofing, view our Knowledge Base to easily search for all the resources you need.
