Choosing Wisely: What to Ask Your Peterborough Roofer Before Installing a Metal Roof (Featuring Bullarco Expertise)
- Bullarco Roofing
- May 20
- 10 min read
So, you're thinking about a metal roof for your Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes home? Smart move! It's no secret that living in our beautiful corner of Ontario means weathering some pretty dramatic seasons – from those picture-perfect (but heavy!) snowfalls to biting winds and summer heatwaves that make your AC work overtime. That's precisely why metal roofing isn't just a fleeting trend here; it's a robust, long-term solution that stands up to whatever Mother Nature throws its way. With its impressive durability, fantastic snow-shedding abilities, and a lifespan that can see you through decades, metal is a true champion for our local climate.
But let's be honest, investing in a new roof, especially a premium one like metal, is a big decision. And to truly reap all those amazing benefits, choosing the right roofer is just as important as choosing the right material. Here in Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes, we at Bullarco have seen firsthand how a well-installed metal roof can transform a home, boosting its protection and curb appeal. We firmly believe that an educated homeowner is an empowered one. That's why we've put together this guide – to arm you with the essential questions to ask any roofer before you sign on the dotted line.
What's Trending? Modern Metal Roofing in 2025
Before we dive into the questions, let's talk about why metal roofing is more exciting than ever. Gone are the days when "metal roof" might have conjured images of something purely industrial. Today's metal roofing is all about incredible versatility, stunning aesthetics, and impressive performance.
Aesthetic Evolution: More Than Just Functional
The biggest news in metal roofing is the sheer variety available. You're no longer limited to a single look.
Standing Seam: This is a hugely popular choice, and for good reason. Its sleek, vertical panels offer a modern, clean look that’s fantastic for contemporary homes and, importantly for our area, excellent at shedding snow.
Metal Shingles, Tiles & Slates: Love a traditional look but want metal's longevity? You're in luck! Metal can now mimic the appearance of classic asphalt shingles, charming cedar shakes, elegant slate, or even Mediterranean tiles. This makes it a fantastic option for heritage homes or anyone wanting to maintain a timeless aesthetic without compromising on durability.
Stone-Coated Steel: This option gives you the best of both worlds – the strength of steel with a textured finish of stone granules that can replicate traditional roofing materials like shingles or tiles, offering great impact resistance too.
Exposed Fastener Panels: These offer a durable and often more budget-friendly metal roofing solution, and they're also part of Bullarco’s offerings.
Colour Palette Trends for Ontario Homes
Forget basic silver (unless that's your jam!). The colour options for metal roofs have exploded:
Sophisticated Neutrals: Darker shades like Charcoal Grey, Matte Black, and Bronze are incredibly popular in Ontario right now. They offer a sleek, contemporary look that works beautifully with various architectural styles, including our lovely Victorian homes.
Earthy Tones: For homes aiming to blend with the natural landscape or achieve a cozy farmhouse or cottage vibe, Forest Green and Rustic Red are beautiful choices.
Classic White: Always a winner for a bright, clean aesthetic, and it boasts high reflectivity for energy savings. A quick peek at Bullarco’s project visuals shows they work with a range of modern aesthetics, featuring both dark and light-coloured metal roofs.
The Surge in Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
This is a big one. Modern metal roofs are workhorses when it comes to energy savings:
"Cool Roofing" Technology: Many metal roofs feature highly reflective pigments (you might hear terms like Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® with solar reflecting technology). These coatings reflect a significant amount of solar radiation, keeping your home naturally cooler in the summer and potentially slashing those air conditioning bills. This is a huge plus for our sunny Ontario summers!
High Emissivity: This fancy term simply means that metal releases any absorbed heat quickly, rather than holding onto it and transferring it into your attic.
Sustainability: Metal roofs are often made with recycled content and are 100% recyclable at the end of their very long life. This means less waste heading to landfills, which is a win for the environment.
Emerging Tech (A Quick Peek!)
Looking ahead, metal roofing is set to get even smarter. Think integrated sensors for leak detection or temperature regulation, and seamless solar panel integration, making it a truly future-proof choice for your home.
To help you navigate these trends when talking to a roofer, here’s a quick summary:
Trend | Description | Why it Matters for Peterborough/Kawarthas | Key Questions for Your Roofer |
Enhanced Durability & Longevity | Metal's lifespan (40-70+ years), resistance to extreme weather. | Essential for harsh local winters (snow, ice, wind) and summer storms. | What specific materials (steel gauge, aluminum) and coatings do you recommend for our climate? What's the expected lifespan and warranty? |
Aesthetic Versatility | Wide range of profiles (standing seam, shingles, tiles, stone-coated, exposed fastener) and colours. | Complements diverse local architecture from historic Victorian homes to modern builds and cottages. | Which styles and colours would best suit my home’s architecture and the neighbourhood aesthetic? Can you show me local examples? |
Superior Energy Efficiency | "Cool roof" pigments reflecting solar heat, high emissivity, proper ventilation integration. | Reduces summer cooling costs and can help mitigate winter ice dams. | Do you offer "cool roof" certified colours/finishes? How much could I potentially save on energy? How will you ensure proper attic ventilation with the new metal roof? |
Sustainability Focus | Use of recycled materials, 100% recyclability, reduced replacement frequency. | Aligns with growing environmental awareness and desire for long-term, low-waste solutions. | What is the recycled content of your roofing materials? Are they fully recyclable at the end of their service life? |
The Crucial Questions: Vetting Your Peterborough Metal Roofer
Armed with what's new and exciting in the world of metal roofing, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty of choosing your installer. A great roofer will welcome your questions!
Credentials & Experience: The Foundation of Trust
Before you talk about colours and styles, make sure your roofer is legitimate, experienced (especially with metal, which is a different ballgame than asphalt shingles), and knows the ins and outs of working in our local area.
"Are you fully licensed to operate in Ontario and specifically in Peterborough/Kawartha Lakes? Can I see your license number?"
This is non-negotiable.
"Do you carry comprehensive liability insurance and WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) coverage for your crew? May I have a copy of your insurance certificate?"
This protects you from liability if an accident happens on your property.
"How many years have you been in business, and specifically, how long have you been installing metal roofs in the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes area?"
Local experience matters. A roofer familiar with our climate and building styles is invaluable.
"Metal roofing installation requires specialized skills. What specific training or certifications do your installers have for metal roofing systems?"
"Can you provide a list of recent, local (Peterborough/Kawarthas) metal roofing projects I can look at? Do you have references from homeowners, particularly those with homes similar to mine (e.g., heritage, cottage, specific architectural style)?"
Seeing is believing! Bullarco, for example, notes over 400 projects completed and more than 300 satisfied clients – that’s the kind of track record you want to see.
"Have you worked on older homes or heritage properties in Peterborough/Kawarthas before? How do you approach those projects differently?"
This is key in our area, with its rich architectural history. Bullarco's team, for example, understands the need for "thoughtful historical roof repairs or retrofitting" for such properties.
Materials & Products: The Building Blocks of Your Roof
The quality and type of materials your roofer uses will directly impact your roof's lifespan, performance, and how it looks.
"What specific types of metal (e.g., galvanized steel G90 , galvalume, aluminum) and profiles (e.g., standing seam, exposed fastener, shingles, tiles) do you recommend for my home, considering its style, roof pitch, and our Peterborough climate? Why?"
Bullarco offers options like Mechanical Standing Seam and Exposed Fastener metal roofs.
"What gauge of metal do you typically use for residential projects here? What are the pros and cons of different gauges?"
(Commonly, 24g or 26g are used ).
"What type of paint finish or coating (e.g., Kynar 500®/Hylar 5000® , SMP) is on the metal? What are its benefits for fade resistance, chalking, and overall durability in Canadian weather?"
"Where do you source your metal roofing materials? Are they from reputable North American or European manufacturers known for quality?"
Bullarco, for example, emphasizes using "premium materials" and "high-quality steel".
"What colour and finish options are available for the recommended profile? Can I see physical samples?"
Don't rely on a brochure alone; see the real thing! Some profiles can come in over 20 colours.
The Installation Process – From Start to Finish: Details Matter
A metal roof is a system, and every part of that system needs to be installed correctly for it to perform as expected. This is where a roofer's expertise truly shines.
"What is your complete installation process? Will you tear off my old roofing material, or do you install over existing shingles? What are the pros and cons of each method for my situation?"
While installing over old shingles can add some thermal mass, a full tear-off allows for deck inspection, it will affect the overall cost.
"How do you inspect the roof deck once the old roofing is removed? What's your process and typical cost for replacing any rotted or damaged decking?"
You want to ensure a solid foundation for your new roof.
"What type of underlayment will you use? Is it a high-temperature synthetic underlayment specifically designed for metal roofs to withstand heat and prevent sticking?"
This is crucial for metal.
"How will you address attic ventilation with the new metal roof? What types of vents (e.g., ridge, soffit) will be used to ensure it meets or exceeds Ontario Building Code requirements and helps prevent issues like ice dams?"
Proper ventilation is key for energy efficiency and roof health. Some metal roof installations even include strapping to create an air gap for enhanced ventilation.
"Can you detail your flashing installation methods, especially for critical areas like chimneys, skylights, valleys, and wall intersections? What materials do you use for flashing?"
Poor flashing is a common source of leaks.
"What type of fasteners (screws, clips) will be used for this specific metal system? How are they designed to accommodate the natural thermal expansion and contraction of the metal panels to prevent loosening or 'oil canning' (waviness)?"
Standing seam systems often use concealed clips, while other profiles might use exposed screws with neoprene washers for a watertight seal.
"Given Peterborough's heavy snowfall , will snow guards or other snow retention systems be necessary or recommended for my roof's design and slope? If so, where and what type?"
The Ontario Building Code has requirements for snow guards over public walkways if the roof slope is 10:12 or greater.
"How will you protect my home’s siding, windows, landscaping, and driveway during the installation process?"
A considerate roofer takes care of your property.
"What does your daily site cleanup entail, and what is your final cleanup and debris disposal process?"
No one wants to be left with a mess.
Warranties & Guarantees: Your Long-Term Protection
Warranties offer peace of mind and protect your significant investment. It’s important to understand what’s covered.
"What manufacturer's warranties come with the metal panels and the finish (e.g., against rust-through, fading, chalking)? Can I get a copy of these warranties?"
Many manufacturers offer impressive 40-50 year warranties.
"What is your workmanship warranty? What specific aspects of the installation does it cover (e.g., leaks), and for how long?"
A reputable roofer will stand by their work. Bullarco, for example, mentions backing "every project with comprehensive warranties". Some companies offer a 5-year workmanship warranty.
"Are the warranties transferable if I sell my home?"
This can be a great selling feature!
"What is the process for making a claim under either the manufacturer's or your workmanship warranty if an issue arises?"
Costs, Contracts & Contingencies: The Fine Print
Clear communication about costs, what the contract includes, and how unexpected issues are handled is vital to avoid misunderstandings.
"Can I get a detailed, written, itemized quote that breaks down the costs for materials, labour, tear-off, disposal, permits, and any optional items?"
Transparency is key. Bullarco, for example, highlights their "transparent estimates".
"What is the total cost, and are there any potential hidden fees or circumstances that could increase the price later on?"
"What are your payment terms and schedule? Do you offer any financing options?"
"Who is responsible for obtaining the necessary building permits from the City of Peterborough or the City of Kawartha Lakes? What is that process like?"
Permit requirements can vary. For instance, Peterborough may not require a permit for simple re-shingling if there's no structural modification, but a full metal roof installation might be different. The City of Kawartha Lakes generally requires permits for most work. A roofer with experience in both jurisdictions, like Bullarco, will know how to navigate this.
"What is the estimated start date and completion timeline for my project, weather permitting?"
"How are unforeseen issues, like discovering extensive deck rot after the tear-off, handled in terms of additional costs and time? Will change orders be documented and approved by me in writing?"
"What happens if there's a problem or I have a concern during or after the installation? Who is my main point of contact?"
Good communication is crucial.
Beyond the Questions: Considering Peterborough's Unique Charm & Your Home's Style
Once you've vetted the technical and business aspects, take a moment to think about aesthetics. With today's metal roofing, durability definitely doesn't mean sacrificing style! This is especially important in our area, which boasts such a wonderful mix of architectural character.
Consider a metal roof profile and colour that truly complements your home and its surroundings. Whether you have a historic Victorian or Gothic Revival home in Peterborough, a charming cottage in the Kawarthas, or a more modern build, there's a metal option that can enhance its beauty. A standing seam roof can give an older home a crisp, modern update while respecting its lines, or metal shingles designed to look like slate can preserve a traditional feel.
A peterborough roofer with deep local experience, like the team at Bullarco, should be able to offer valuable guidance on styles that are sympathetic to older homes or fit well within specific neighbourhood aesthetics. Bullarco's own blog touches on the importance of "thoughtful historical roof repairs or retrofitting", showing an awareness of these local nuances. Don't hesitate to ask for their design advice and to look at local examples to see how different styles and colours appear on homes similar to yours.
Conclusion: Your Partner for a Lasting Metal Roof in Peterborough
Whew! That's a lot to consider, but asking these detailed questions is absolutely essential for a successful metal roofing project and a truly wise investment in your home. A quality metal roof, professionally installed by a knowledgeable and reputable local roofer, will protect your Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes home for decades, enhancing its value, resilience, and even its energy efficiency.
Feeling more prepared to find the right roofer? We certainly hope so!
If you're in the Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes area and are considering the many lasting benefits of a metal roof, the team at(https://www.bullarco.ca/) is ready to answer all these questions and more. We pride ourselves on transparent communication 6, using premium materials, and delivering expert installations tailored to our unique local environment and your home’s specific needs.
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