- Totally get the “surprise in every order” thing. Had a batch show up last fall where half the panels were bent at the corners.
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— nailed it.“Sometimes it’s like they dragged them behind the forklift for fun.”
- Local yards have been more reliable for me too, even if prices are a bit higher. Worth it for less hassle.
- Those “free” extras usually just end up in my shed too. Not sure who actually uses them.
- Double-checking color is a must. Learned that one after getting two shades of red on the same roof... not my best look.
Anyone else notice the “free” extras are usually just a random grab bag of stuff you’ll never actually use? I swear I’ve got enough oddball trim pieces to build a spaceship, not a roof. But about those local yards—do they actually handle the panels better, or is it just less shipping damage because you’re hauling them yourself? I’m always skeptical until I see how they store things. And yeah, color mix-ups... I’ve seen some wild patchwork jobs thanks to that. Ever had them try to pass off the wrong color as “close enough”?
The “free” extras are usually just overstock odds and ends—sometimes useful, but more often not really tailored to your job. As for local yards, I’ve found they do tend to handle panels better, mostly because you can see how they’re stored and loaded. Less risk of bent corners or scratches than with long-haul shipping, but I’d still check their storage setup. Color mix-ups are a real pain—had a client get “close enough” panels once, and it was obvious in the sunlight. Always worth opening the bundles before leaving the yard if you can.
Always worth opening the bundles before leaving the yard if you can.
That’s definitely smart, but I’ve actually had better luck with direct delivery from certain suppliers. They’ll sometimes wrap panels better than what I’ve seen at some yards, and if there’s a problem, they swap them out pretty quick. Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky, but I wouldn’t totally count out shipping—just gotta pick the right folks.
I get the logic behind opening the bundles at the yard, but honestly, I’ve had more dings and scratches show up from yard handling than from delivery. Maybe it’s just the places around here, but some of these yards toss stuff around like it’s scrap metal. The last time I went to pick up panels myself, half the bundle had bent corners from the forklift.
Direct delivery’s been smoother for me. I use a local supplier who actually wraps the panels in foam and plastic, and they unload with a lift right onto my driveway. If something’s messed up, they’re quick to fix it. Sure, you gotta be picky about who you order from—some of the big box stores just slap a shipping label on and hope for the best—but if you find a good supplier, it’s way less hassle.
Bottom line, I’d rather deal with a reputable delivery than gamble with the yard. Just my two cents, but it’s saved me a few headaches.
