So you went with metal. Honestly, we think that’s a great pick for Minnesota. It lasts for decades, snow slides right off, and it takes a beating from summer hail without much fuss. The thing nobody mentions at the start, though, is that the roof can only be as good as the people who install it. That’s why picking the right metal roofing installation contractors is a bigger deal than most homeowners expect. Probably a bigger deal than the panel color you spent three weeks deciding on.
We’ve walked onto jobs where a nice standing seam roof was already leaking after two winters. Wrong clip spacing. No ice and water shield. Stuff like that. And we’ve seen metal roofs from the ’90s that still look great today. Same material, very different crews.
So how do you tell the good ones from the rest? Let’s go through it.
Why the Installer Matters More Than the Metal
Metal is strong, sure. It just doesn’t let much slide. The panels move a little with heat and cold, and our weather swings hard (anyone who’s gone from -20 in January to 90 in July knows). If the install is off even a bit, you might end up with:
- Wavy, rippled panels, which roofers call “oil canning”
- Leaks at the seams or around vents, chimneys, and skylights
- Fasteners slowly backing out
- A manufacturer warranty that no longer counts
So really, the life of your roof gets decided on install day. Not later.
8 Things to Check Before You Hire
1. A Valid, Current License
In Minnesota, residential roofers need a state license. Get the number. Look it up online and make sure it’s active. It takes two minutes. (If you’re in another state, the rules may be different, so check locally.)
2. Liability and Workers’ Comp Insurance
You want both of these. General liability covers your house if something gets damaged. Workers’ comp covers the crew if somebody gets hurt up there, which matters more than people think.
Ask for the certificates and check the dates so they don’t run out mid-job. If something feels off, call the insurance company. No decent contractor is going to be bothered by that.
3. Real Metal Roofing Experience
A lot of roofers are really good with shingles and just don’t do much metal. It’s a different skill set. A few questions worth asking:
- How many metal roofs have you done lately?
- Standing seam, exposed fastener, or both?
- Got any photos of jobs like mine?
If they get vague here, that tells you something.
4. Manufacturer Training and Certifications
Most metal roofing brands train installers and sign off on them. Ask which brands they’re certified with and get proof on paper. A bonus: certified metal roofing installation contractors can often get you a better warranty than someone who isn’t.
5. A Track Record You Can Actually Check
Anybody can say they have great reviews. Check for yourself. Call a couple of references. Ask for addresses of roofs they’ve finished nearby and go take a look. Search the company on the Better Business Bureau. It’s also a good sign if they’re part of the National Roofing Contractors Association or your local chamber.
6. A Detailed Written Proposal
If the quote fits on a sticky note, keep looking. A real proposal should cover:
- Square footage of metal panels
- Underlayment, ice and water shield, drip edge
- Clip type and spacing
- Tear-off of the old roof, and whether hauling it away is included
- Labor and materials listed on their own lines
- Cleanup and a timeline
Having all this written out also makes it way easier to compare bids side by side.
7. Clear Warranty Terms
Usually there are two. The contractor covers their work, and the manufacturer covers the materials. Read both of them, even though it’s boring. Ask what voids them. Bad attic ventilation or a repair by some other company can void them.
8. Money in the Bank and Local Roots
A 20-year warranty doesn’t help much if the company folds in year three. Local metal roofing installation contractors who’ve been around a while care about their name in town, and they’ll still answer the phone down the road.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Some warning signs we see a lot:
- Guys knocking on doors the day after a hailstorm
- Asking for a big cash deposit before any work starts
- “This price is only good if you sign today”
- No office address, no local number
- A bid that’s thousands below everyone else
That last one gets people all the time. Cheap roofs tend to get expensive.
Residential vs. Commercial: Does It Change Your Choice?
Somewhat. Commercial roofs are bigger and often flatter; they’ve got HVAC units sitting on them, and the business usually needs to stay open the whole time. If you manage a building and you’re shopping for commercial roofing in Plymouth or commercial roofing in Maple Grove, ask for commercial references only. And ask how they plan to keep tenants and customers safe while they work.
Homeowners are usually thinking about other stuff. The look from the street, ice dams, attic ventilation, and the insurance claims following a storm. You should choose a roofing service for your home in Maple Grove, MN that performs a true inspection and communicates without using technical terms.
Good metal roofing installation contractors can handle both. The best ones will also tell you straight up if your job isn’t a good fit for them.
Why Local Property Owners Trust Intelligent Design Corp
If you’re around the Twin Cities, Intelligent Design Corp is a good one to call. They’re based in Maple Grove and have been doing this since 2001, for both homes and businesses. What they offer:
- Residential and commercial roofing, including metal
- GAF Master Elite certification (only a small share of roofers have it)
- Licensed, insured crews
- Gutters, ice dam removal, siding, windows, and decks
- 24/7 emergency service after storms
- Services offered in Plymouth, Brooklyn Park, Wayzata, Medina, Orono, Minnetonka, Corcoran, and many other cities
Past customers usually mention these two things about the service – the thoroughness of the inspections and how easy it was regarding insurance following hail. That says a lot.
FAQs
1. How many quotes should I get for a metal roof?
Three, at least. You’ll get a feel for what’s fair, and a bid that’s missing stuff will stand out fast.
2. How long does a metal roof installation take?
For most houses, a few days up to about a week. Roof size, how many angles and penetrations it has, and the weather all change that. Commercial jobs usually run longer.
3. Are metal roofs good for Minnesota winters?
They’re great for it. Snow slides off, ice doesn’t do much damage, and freeze-thaw isn’t a big issue. On the condition that it is properly installed, with correct underlayment, ventilation, and ice/water barrier.
4. Is it possible for me to have a metal roof installed over existing asphalt shingles?
Maybe. This is going to depend on whether local regulations allow it and the state of your roof deck, but again, someone needs to be up there.
5. What’s the most important question to ask metal roofing installation contractors?
“Can I see a few metal roofs you’ve done like mine?” Then call those owners. You’ll learn more from that than from any sales pitch.
Conclusion
Metal roofing needs to last for a very long time once it goes on your roof, so it is important that it is installed correctly. It is wise to look at the license and insurance of your installer. Be sure to inquire about their experience installing metal roofs. Have everything in writing and read your warranty.
Now you are ready to begin, regardless of whether it is for your home or a business building; just give us a call at Intelligent Design Corp. You’ll get a roof that’s built for Minnesota and done right the first time.
