If you're still looking for good places to grab metal roofing sheets, I've had solid luck with local building supply stores. Big box stores can be convenient, but sometimes their selection is limited or the quality isn't quite there. Smaller, specialized suppliers often have better options and can even custom-cut sheets to your exact measurements, which saves a ton of hassle during installation.
Also, don't overlook agricultural supply stores—sounds odd, but farmers use metal roofing all the time for barns and sheds, so these places usually stock durable, rust-resistant sheets at decent prices. Plus, the staff there tend to be pretty knowledgeable and can give you tips on installation or maintenance.
One quick tip: when you're shopping around, ask specifically about the coating or finish on the sheets. Galvalume or coated steel sheets hold up way better against rust than plain galvanized ones. Might cost a bit more upfront, but it'll save you headaches down the road...trust me, learned that one the hard way.
Good points about the ag supply stores—people overlook those all the time. Have you checked if your local metal fabricators sell direct? Sometimes they do, and you can get custom profiles or heavier gauges that aren't always available elsewhere. Also, curious if you've considered aluminum sheets instead of steel? Bit pricier upfront, but they're lighter and pretty much rust-proof...might be worth it depending on your climate.
Yeah, ag supply stores are definitely underrated. I remember when we were redoing my buddy's barn roof—he was dead set on going to the big-box stores, but we ended up swinging by a local metal fabricator instead. Turned out to be a great call. They cut us custom lengths on the spot, and we got a heavier gauge than what the retail places had in stock. Saved us from dealing with seams everywhere.
As for aluminum vs. steel, aluminum is nice for sure, especially if you're coastal or in a wet climate. But honestly, steel's come a long way too. If you get quality galvanized or Galvalume sheets, rust really isn't much of an issue these days. I've seen steel roofs hold up beautifully even in rainy areas. Aluminum can dent easier too, so if you're somewhere prone to hail or falling branches, steel might actually be tougher in the long run. Just something to think about before you commit either way...
"Aluminum can dent easier too, so if you're somewhere prone to hail or falling branches, steel might actually be tougher in the long run."
Good point about aluminum denting—I hadn't thought about hail damage. I'm leaning toward steel now, but does anyone know if there's a noticeable difference in noise levels between aluminum and steel roofs during heavy rain? Don't want to feel like I'm living inside a drum every storm...
Steel roofs can definitely get noisy in heavy rain, but honestly, the difference between aluminum and steel isn't huge—it's more about the installation. If you go with proper insulation or a good underlayment, it'll dampen the sound significantly. I've had customers worried about the "drum effect," but after we installed some decent insulation, they barely noticed storms anymore. Plus, a little rain noise can be kinda relaxing...free white noise machine, right?
