Quality Metal Roofing: Where It’s Made and What to Ask

Two metal roofs can look the same on install day and age very differently. Often, the difference comes down to the metal itself: where it comes from, what coating protects it, and what the warranty actually promises. So before you choose quality metal roofing for your home, here’s what to ask.

1. Where is it made?

Armadura steel roofing is made in Ontario and our Classic Aluminum roofing is made in the USA. However, some lower-cost metal roofing comes from overseas, and it can be hard to find out where the metal started. If a roofer can’t tell you where their product is made, that’s worth noting.

Many of our customers want to know exactly where their metal comes from. Our salespeople can tell you, so just ask.

2. What protects the metal?

Steel needs a zinc coating to keep it from rusting. Armadura uses G90 galvanized steel, the standard for residential steel roofing. Aluminum, on the other hand, doesn’t rust at all, which makes it a strong choice near water.

On top of that sits the paint. Armadura uses an SMP coating. Classic Aluminum uses a PVDF finish, which many in the industry consider the most fade-resistant roof finish available. In contrast, a cheap coating can fade or turn chalky within a few years.

3. How thick is it?

Gauge tells you how thick the metal is, and a lower gauge number means thicker metal. Thickness matters, but it isn’t everything. In fact, the coating, the way the panels lock together and the quality of the installation matter just as much.

4. What does the warranty cover?

Armadura carries a 50-year non-prorated warranty, and Classic Aluminum carries a lifetime limited warranty. On top of that, we give a 10-year workmanship warranty on every installation. Ask any roofer whether coverage drops over time (a prorated warranty), and whether it covers the finish as well as the metal. Here’s how metal roof warranties work.

5. How will it be installed?

Even the best metal won’t last if it’s installed badly. Every roof we install goes directly on the roof deck, with panels that lock on all four sides and fasteners hidden out of the weather. Here’s why we never install on strapping.