I get the appeal of saving cash, but honestly, I’d be wary of surplus metal sheets for a main roof. Even if you luck out with a solid batch, you never really know how they’ve been stored or if there’s hidden rust. Plus, a lot of those “bargain” sheets aren’t coated for energy efficiency or durability. If you’re already investing in metal, why not look into recycled or sustainably-sourced panels? They might cost a bit more upfront, but they’ll last longer and can actually help cut down on cooling costs. Just my two cents—sometimes the greener choice is the smarter one long-term.
You’re spot on about the risks with surplus sheets. I’ve seen folks try to save a few bucks and end up dealing with leaks or rust after just a couple of storms. Sometimes those bargain panels look fine at first, but one good hailstorm and you’re patching holes. I do like the idea of recycled or sustainably-sourced metal—especially in places where summer heat is brutal. The coatings really do make a difference for cooling bills. If you’re in an area with wild weather swings, paying a bit more upfront can save a lot of hassle down the road.
TITLE: METAL ROOFING SHEETS—WHERE I FOUND QUALITY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
I’ve been down the surplus sheet route before, and honestly, I’d never do it again. The price tag looks tempting, but after a couple of Texas hailstorms, I was up there with a can of sealant and a patch kit. Not fun. I get wanting to save money, but sometimes it just doesn’t pay off in the long run.
What worked for me was checking out local building supply yards first. Some of them actually carry “factory seconds” that aren’t quite surplus—maybe a scratch or a dent, but still structurally sound and with the proper coatings. I found a batch of galvalume panels that way, and they’ve held up great for five years now. The key is to look for the warranty—even if it’s just a few years, it’s better than nothing.
If you’re leaning toward recycled or sustainably-sourced metal, I’d suggest calling around to see if any local suppliers carry those lines. Sometimes they’re not advertised online, but they’ll order them in for you. The recycled stuff can be pricier, but I noticed my attic stays noticeably cooler since swapping out the old asphalt shingles for metal with a reflective coating. Our AC bill dropped a bit last summer, which was a nice bonus.
One thing I wish I’d known: check the thickness (gauge) before you buy. Thinner panels are cheaper but way more likely to dent or rust out if you get wild weather. I went with 26 gauge, which seems to be a good middle ground for cost and durability.
If you’re doing the install yourself, measure twice and order a little extra—cutting mistakes happen, and it’s a pain to go back for one more panel. Also, don’t skimp on the fasteners or the underlayment. I tried to save on those my first time around and ended up with leaks at the seams.
Hope that helps someone avoid my rookie mistakes... It’s definitely worth paying a bit more upfront for peace of mind when the next storm rolls through.
One thing I wish I’d known: check the thickness (gauge) before you buy. Thinner panels are cheaper but way more likely to dent or rust out if you get wild weather.
Couldn’t agree more on the gauge. I’ve seen folks try to save a few bucks with 29 gauge, and after one good hailstorm, it looks like someone took a baseball bat to their roof. Around here (Oklahoma), 26 gauge is pretty much the minimum I’ll recommend unless you like patching holes every spring.
Factory seconds can be a solid deal if you’re not picky about looks. Just make sure those scratches aren’t deep enough to mess with the coating—otherwise, rust will find its way in sooner than you think. Warranty’s a big one too, even if it’s just a couple years. Had a client who skipped that and ended up eating the cost when his panels started peeling.
And yeah, don’t cheap out on fasteners or underlayment. Seen too many leaks from folks using whatever screws they had lying around. Spend a little extra up front and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road... trust me, crawling around in an attic with a flashlight looking for leaks is nobody’s idea of fun.
Had to laugh about the attic comment—been there, flashlight in my mouth, insulation everywhere. I’m with you on the fasteners; people forget how much those little things matter until water starts dripping in. Out of curiosity, have you noticed any difference between brands on coating durability? I’ve seen some panels that look great after a decade and others that start chalking or fading way sooner than you’d expect. Makes me wonder if the warranty really tells the whole story...
