How to Choose a Metal Roofing Contractor
Quick answer
Choose a contractor with specific metal-roofing experience — not just general roofing. Verify licensing and insurance, ask for metal-roof references and photos, confirm they are trained or certified for your product, and get a detailed written quote. Metal is installed differently from asphalt, so installer expertise directly determines whether your roof performs and stays under warranty.
Why metal-specific experience matters
Metal roofing is installed very differently from asphalt shingles — the flashing details, fastening, panel handling, and allowance for thermal movement all require specific know-how. A crew that installs asphalt every day may not have that expertise, and installation mistakes are the leading avoidable cause of metal-roof problems. Because the manufacturer's warranty assumes the roof is installed to specification, choosing a contractor who genuinely knows metal is the single most important decision you make.
What to verify before you hire
Cover the basics and the specifics. Confirm the contractor is licensed for your area and carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation — ask for certificates. Then confirm metal-roof competence: manufacturer training or certification for the exact product you're installing, a portfolio of completed metal roofs near you, and references you can actually call. Read reviews across independent platforms, not just the ones on their own site, and make sure the company has a physical presence and history rather than a just-formed shell.
Questions to ask and red flags to avoid
Ask how many metal roofs they install per year, whether their crews are in-house or subcontracted, what the workmanship warranty covers and for how long, and how they handle flashing, ventilation, and penetrations. Get everything in a detailed written quote — vague, verbal, or unusually cheap bids are a warning sign, as are high-pressure "today only" tactics and requests for large upfront cash payments. A confident, experienced metal installer will welcome these questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a good metal roofing contractor?
Look for a contractor with specific metal-roofing experience, proper licensing and insurance, manufacturer training for your product, verifiable local references, and strong independent reviews. Metal installs differently than asphalt, so metal-specific expertise is essential.
Can any roofer install a metal roof?
Not well. Metal requires different flashing, fastening, and thermal-movement techniques than asphalt. A crew without metal experience is more likely to make installation errors that cause problems and can affect the manufacturer warranty.
What should a metal roofing quote include?
A detailed written scope: tear-off or overlay, underlayment and flashing, the specific product and color, accessories, cleanup, the price, the timeline, and the workmanship warranty. Avoid vague or verbal-only quotes.
Does the installer affect my warranty?
Yes. The manufacturer warranty assumes the roof is installed to specification, so a qualified installer protects it. You also receive a separate workmanship warranty from the contractor covering the installation itself.
Sources
- Interlock — Certified installer network — Installer certification
Explore Interlock Metal Roofing
Last reviewed 2026-07-11 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing