Ten things worth asking before you commit.

Not when it is built as a system. Rain noise comes from the panel vibrating, and what controls that is the solid deck, the underlayment and the insulation beneath, not the metal itself. Over a solid deck with a good underlayment, a standing-seam roof is typically comparable to other roofing in heavy rain.

Metal laid over open purlins with no deck, as on a barn, is a different matter. If quiet matters to you, tell us early so we can specify the deck, underlayment and insulation to suit.

Smooth metal sheds both quickly, which is a strength in the Pacific Northwest. The seams run eave to ridge so water has an uninterrupted path to the gutter.

Snow is the thing to plan for. It can slide off in one piece, so we discuss snow guards or rails above doors, walkways, decks and neighbouring roofs. Gutters, downpipes and valleys are sized for your roof area and local rainfall, and we flag where overflow would land.

Yes. Every metal moves with temperature, and aluminium moves more than steel. A properly designed roof allows for that: panels are held by clips that allow them to slide, and fixed points are limited and placed deliberately.

Movement that is not accommodated shows up as ticking, buckled panels or stressed fasteners. This is one of the main reasons the fastening system matters as much as the panel.

Metal roofs generally outlast most other residential roofing, and well-detailed zinc and copper roofs have a long track record. We will not put a single number on it, because the honest answer depends on the metal, the coating, the installation, your climate and how the roof is maintained.

What we can do is tell you what governs the answer for your roof, show you what a manufacturer's warranty actually covers and excludes, and put our own workmanship terms in writing.

Less than most roofs, but not none. Plan on a visual check once or twice a year and after major storms: clear leaves and needles from valleys and gutters, look at sealants and flashing terminations, and check that nothing is scratching the surface.

Do not let people walk on it casually, and avoid pressure washing against the seams. We provide care guidance specific to your finish at handover.

Sometimes. A single layer of sound asphalt shingle can be a suitable base for certain systems, and local code must allow it. The trade-offs are real: you cannot see or repair the deck beneath, the roof gains weight, and ventilation details are harder.

For most architectural projects we prefer to strip back to the deck so we can inspect, repair and install a proper underlayment. If an overlay makes sense for your building, we will say so and explain what you give up.

Metal is among the easier roofs to add solar to. On standing seam, rail-free clamps grip the seam without drilling through the panel, which protects the weathertight surface.

It still needs planning: seam spacing, clearances, wiring routes and roof loading are easier to resolve before the roof is installed. If solar is on your horizon, tell us and we will build it into the design.

It can, which is why material choice matters near the water. Aluminium does not rust and is a common choice for marine exposure; zinc and copper also perform well; coated steel needs a premium coating and careful treatment of cut edges and fasteners.

Fasteners and flashings should be compatible metals. Tell us how close the house is to salt water and how exposed the site is, and we will recommend accordingly.

Metal, profile and gauge are one part. The larger swings usually come from roof geometry (hips, valleys, dormers, penetrations), pitch and access, the condition of the existing deck, how much flashing and detailing the design needs, and add-ons such as snow guards or gutters.

Our estimator gives an illustrative range and shows what moves it. A real quotation follows a roof assessment and comes with a written scope.

In most places, re-roofing needs a permit, and some areas also require design review, homeowners association approval or conformity with wildfire, snow-load or energy rules. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.

We confirm what applies to your address during the assessment and state in the written scope who is responsible for obtaining each approval. Do not assume it is covered unless it says so.