What to Ask Before You Order
You may already know the roof you want: a diamond pattern, a particular color, or a metal that will develop a natural patina. Choosing a metal roofing manufacturer is the next step. You need to know what the company will supply, how the system suits your building, and who will answer technical questions before and during installation.
These five questions will help you compare options before you order, whether you are replacing a house roof or planning a larger architectural project.
1 What is included in the roofing system and quotation
Ask for a written scope that identifies the shingles or panels, attachment components, flashings and accessories included in the price. Confirm which items the manufacturer supplies and which your contractor will obtain separately.
The details deserve a place in that conversation. If the roof meets a wall or surrounds a chimney, ask which components are available for those connections. Discuss the eaves, gable edges, ridges and valleys shown on your plans. If the project needs snow retention or solar attachments, raise those requirements early.
When comparing quotations, ask how the quantities were calculated. Do they represent finished roof coverage, and what allowance has been made for cutting and layout? Packaging and freight should also be identified so you understand the cost of getting the specified materials to the project.
Spengler Industries manufactures interlocking diamond shingles and coordinating components, including clips, flashings and ridge and hip caps. We can help you identify the components needed for your selected system and clarify the scope of your order.
2 Which metal and profile suit this building
Start with the project location, roof pitch and geometry. Tell the manufacturer about coastal exposure, significant snow, existing materials that will remain, and any requirements already established by your architect or contractor.
Ask why the proposed metal, finish and roofing profile suit those conditions. The recommendation should relate to the building you are working on. Request samples and product information to help you assess the appearance as well.
Consider the scale of the pattern across the roof and how it meets the rest of the exterior. If the project includes wall cladding, discuss those selections together. Spengler’s diamond shingles and Quadro panels offer different patterns for roof and wall applications, with the appropriate system and details selected for each use.
A straightforward roof can be an excellent setting for an established shingle or panel design. Discuss where standard components will serve the project and where a particular connection needs additional attention.
3 What documentation applies to the exact system
Ask for product information, installation instructions, warranty terms and any approval documents relevant to your project. Your architect or contractor should be able to compare the proposed roof assembly with the requirements in those documents.
For example, Spengler’s painted Galvalume diamond shingle system carries Miami-Dade NOA approval. Ask for the current Notice of Acceptance and confirm that the material, profile, roof deck, attachment and installation conditions match the proposed assembly.
Warranty language also deserves a careful read. Ask what is covered, who provides the warranty, and which conditions apply. A coating warranty, for example, addresses a different part of the purchase than an installer’s workmanship warranty. Have the relevant terms available before you commit.
4 Who helps with installation questions
Before ordering, find out who will answer product and installation questions and how your team can reach them. Ask what instructions, drawings, technical guidance and training are available for the selected system.
Use a detail from your own project to start the conversation. How will the shingles finish at an existing wall? Which flashing belongs at a change in roof geometry? What information does the manufacturer need to help resolve that connection?
If the installation team is new to the system, involve the manufacturer while you are planning the order. That gives the team time to understand the installation sequence, identify the necessary components and discuss questions before work begins.
Spengler offers technical support for metal roofing projects and installer training. Our work draws on the German Spenglermeister tradition, with practical guidance on product selection, components and installation details.
5 What should you send to get a useful quotation
Give the manufacturer enough information to understand the building and the work you are planning. Useful starting information includes:
The project location and whether it is new construction or a renovation
Plans, roof drawings or clear photographs of the existing building
Approximate roof area and roof pitch, if known
The shingle or panel style, material and finish you are considering
Any approval requirements or specifications already identified by the project team
Your anticipated installation date and delivery location
If you are still deciding on the material, say so. Early conversations can help narrow the options. Send what you have, explain what you want to achieve, and ask what additional information is needed for a quotation.
As the selections become clearer, confirm availability, production lead time and delivery arrangements. A useful quotation should give you a clear description of the proposed products and the scope of supply.
Talk with Spengler Industries about your project
Spengler Industries manufactures metal roofing, wall cladding and architectural metal components in Salt Lake City, Utah. We work with architects, contractors and property owners to select systems and work through the details their projects require.
Whether you are considering diamond shingles for a home, Quadro panels for a commercial building, or coordinated roofing and cladding for a renovation, we welcome the conversation.
Call 801-462-5264 or contact Spengler Industries to discuss your plans and request a quotation.