LOOKING FOR GOOD PLACES TO BUY METAL ROOFING SHEETS

I hear you on salvage - lining up profiles and colors is a headache, especially after a big storm when everyone’s picking through the same piles. I’ve had mixed results with local metal suppliers too, but sometimes they’ll have overruns or misorders at a discount if you ask. Not always the color you want, but if you’re not picky, it can save a chunk.

One thing I’d add: check with agricultural supply stores if you’re rural or near farming areas. They sometimes stock panels for barns and sheds, and prices can be better than the big box stores. Just double-check gauge and coating so you’re not getting something too thin for a house.

Underlayment’s definitely key for noise - synthetic felt seems to help more than the old asphalt stuff in my experience, but nothing makes metal totally quiet in heavy rain. If you’re doing it yourself, watch out for panel length vs. what your vehicle can haul... learned that one the hard way when a 16-footer wouldn’t fit in my truck bed.

If you’re doing it yourself, watch out for panel length vs. what your vehicle can haul... learned that one the hard way when a 16-footer wouldn’t fit in my truck bed.

That’s a classic. I once tried to get a 20-foot run of galvalume home on a borrowed trailer, and let’s just say the wind had other plans for me - looked like I was trying to launch a kite down the highway. Ended up flagging it and driving about 20 mph the whole way, white-knuckled. Lesson learned: measure twice, haul once.

I hear you on the ag supply stores. Around here (midwest), the local co-op sometimes has a random stash of panels in oddball colors - last year I scored a stack of forest green at half price. Didn’t match the house, but it’s just a woodshed, so who cares. The gauge was decent, but I did have to double-check the coating. Some of that barn metal is only rated for outbuildings, not residential, and you don’t want to find out the hard way after a couple winters.

On underlayment, I’m with you - synthetic felt is a game changer for noise and moisture. I tried the old-school tar paper once and regretted it every time it rained. Still, nothing’s going to make a metal roof as quiet as shingles. I actually kind of like the sound, but my partner says it’s like living inside a snare drum.

One thing I’d add: if you’re thinking about going green (literally or figuratively), some suppliers will let you order panels with a high-reflectivity coating. Costs a bit more, but it made a noticeable difference in attic temps for us. Not every place stocks it, though, so you might have to wait a few weeks.

And yeah, salvage is a gamble. I’ve had luck with Habitat ReStore once or twice, but matching profiles is like playing Tetris with missing pieces. Sometimes you just have to embrace the patchwork look... or call it “rustic charm.”

I get the appeal of scoring cheap panels at the co-op or ReStore, but honestly, I’ve had more headaches than wins with salvage. The “rustic charm” thing is only cute until you’re up there trying to line up three different profiles and cursing every screw. I’d rather pay a bit more for new panels that actually match - less time on the roof, less patching later. And about underlayment, I know synthetic is all the rage, but if you’re on a tight budget, double-layering tar paper isn’t the end of the world. Just my two cents.

The “rustic charm” thing is only cute until you’re up there trying to line up three different profiles and cursing every screw.

That hits home. I’ve seen a few roofs where folks tried to mix and match salvage panels, and it’s almost always obvious from the ground - different rib heights, odd overlaps, sometimes even mismatched colors once the sun hits them. Have you ever run into issues with leaks at those seams? I’ve inspected a couple where water found its way in right at the profile transitions.

On the underlayment, I’m curious - has anyone actually had felt fail on them? I know synthetic is supposed to last longer, but I’ve seen plenty of 20+ year-old roofs with just tar paper underneath, still holding up. Is the extra cost for synthetic really worth it if you’re not in a super wet climate? I get the appeal, but sometimes I wonder if it’s more marketing than necessity.

For buying panels, I’ve noticed some local supply yards will cut to length, which saves a ton of hassle. Anyone had luck with that versus big box stores?

Mixing profiles is a headache - been there once, and I’ll never do it again. I had a spot where two slightly different panels met, and it was always the first place to drip after a heavy rain. Ended up having to run butyl tape and extra fasteners just to keep things dry. As for underlayment, I’ve only used felt, even on a barn that’s pushing 25 years old now. No issues so far, but I’m in a fairly dry area. The local yard here cuts panels to size, and honestly, it made install way easier than trying to piece together stock lengths from the big box store. Less waste, too.

Mixing profiles is just asking for trouble - I learned that the hard way too. I tried to save a few bucks by using leftover panels from two jobs, and sure enough, the seam was a nightmare every time it rained. I’m with you on the local yard thing; they cut mine to 14' exactly, which meant I didn’t have to waste time trimming or dealing with odd overlaps. Felt’s held up for me as well, but I do wonder if synthetic would be worth it for wetter spots...

Mixing profiles is just asking for trouble - I learned that the hard way too.

Yeah, I’ve been down that road. Saving a few bucks up front just isn’t worth the hassle later. Local yards are underrated - having them cut to size makes life so much easier. As for underlayment, I’ve stuck with felt mostly, but honestly, in spots where water pools or snow sits, synthetic might be worth the extra cost. It’s not perfect, but it does seem to hold up better long-term.

Cutting to size at the local yard really is a game changer - no more wrestling with awkward panels in the driveway. I’ve always used felt too, but after last winter’s ice dam mess, I’m thinking synthetic’s probably worth it in the trouble spots. Curious if anyone’s had issues with fading or rust from certain suppliers? Some of the cheaper sheets I got years ago started looking rough way sooner than I expected...

- Cutting at the yard really saved my back too - dragging those full sheets home was a nightmare.
- I switched to synthetic underlayment in a couple spots after reading about ice dams...seems to be holding up better so far.
- Noticed some fading on the cheaper panels I got from a big box store - wish I’d spent a bit more for the better finish.
- Haven’t had rust issues yet, but I’m in a pretty mild climate, so maybe that’s helped?
- Totally get wanting to avoid another winter mess. It’s a learning curve, but you’re not alone.

Cutting at the yard is a game changer, for sure - lugging full sheets is just asking for a sore back. I’d watch out for those big box panels, though...in my experience, the finish quality just isn’t there, and fading’s only the start. Local suppliers sometimes offer recycled or coated options that last longer and are way less harsh on the environment. Anyone else notice synthetic underlayment seems to breathe better? I’m convinced it’s helped with condensation under my panels.

Cutting at the yard definitely saves your back, no argument there. I’ll second the bit about big box panels - ran into some that scratched if you just looked at them funny. Local yards usually have better coatings, and I’ve had fewer warranty headaches. As for synthetic underlayment, I used it on a couple properties and yeah, it’s made a difference with moisture issues. Not perfect, but way less drippy than the old felt stuff.

“big box panels - ran into some that scratched if you just looked at them funny”

That’s been my experience too. Picked up a few panels from a chain store for a small shed job, and even being careful, they ended up with scuffs before I got them on the roof. Local yard stuff held up way better - coating was thicker, plus they cut it to length for me, which saved time and hassle. I’ve also noticed the local places are more willing to talk through options, which helps when you’re still learning the ropes. Synthetic underlayment has been a game changer for us in the rainy season - definitely less dripping through than old felt, though it can still get slippery if you’re not careful.

I’ve had the same issue with the big box panels - scratches just from sliding them out of the truck. The local supplier’s stuff felt heavier and the paint didn’t flake off as easily. Plus, they actually knew what I was talking about when I asked about fastener spacing... which was a relief. Synthetic underlayment is great, but I still get nervous walking on it after a rain.

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with the big box store panels - they just feel lighter and the finish scratches if you even look at it wrong. The local yard here carries a recycled-content panel that’s a bit pricier but seems way tougher, and they were actually able to answer my questions about solar mounting brackets, which was a nice change. Have you tried any of the “cool roof” coatings yet? I’m curious if they really make a difference with metal in summer. And yeah, synthetic underlayment gets slick fast... I always wonder if there’s a safer option for wet days or if it’s just something we have to deal with.

synthetic underlayment gets slick fast... I always wonder if there’s a safer option for wet days or if it’s just something we have to deal with.

I ran into the same problem when I helped my neighbor with his shed roof last fall. We tried using those grippy shoe covers, but honestly, they didn’t help much once things got damp. Has anyone had luck with a specific brand that’s less slippery? Also, about the “cool roof” coatings - I’ve read mixed reviews. Some folks say it drops attic temps by a few degrees, but I’m not sure if that’s enough to justify the extra cost. Curious what others have actually seen in real-world use.

We tried using those grippy shoe covers, but honestly, they didn’t help much once things got damp.

- Been there, slid that. I swear synthetic underlayment turns into an ice rink with just a little dew. My “grippy” boots might as well have been banana peels.
- I’ve heard Cougar Paws are supposed to be the gold standard for roof traction, but at $100+ a pair, I’d want them to come with a parachute. Haven’t tried them myself - anyone actually think they’re worth it?
- As for cool roof coatings, I put one on my garage last summer (white elastomeric stuff). Did it drop the temp? Maybe a couple degrees, but honestly, it was still hot enough in there to bake cookies. Not sure it was worth the hassle unless you’re in full sun all day.
- On buying metal sheets: Local lumber yard gave me a better deal than the big box stores. Plus, they actually loaded it for me instead of just pointing and laughing as I tried to fit 12-foot panels in my hatchback.
- If you’re going DIY, measure twice and then measure again. Those panels are less forgiving than shingles if you mess up your cuts (ask me how I know…).
- One more thing - metal roofs are LOUD in the rain. Like “can’t-hear-the-TV” loud. My dog’s still not over the last thunderstorm.

If anyone’s found an underlayment that doesn’t turn into Slip ‘n Slide 2.0, I’d love to hear about it. Otherwise, I guess we just keep perfecting our penguin waddle technique…

My “grippy” boots might as well have been banana peels.

That’s the truth - synthetic underlayment is just waiting to humble you. I’ve tried Cougar Paws and honestly, they’re better than most, but they still get sketchy if there’s any moisture. Worth the price? Maybe if you’re up there every day, but for the occasional job, I’d rather spend that cash on a better underlayment or just take it slow. And yeah, metal roof in a thunderstorm is wild - my kids thought we were under attack the first time.

synthetic underlayment is just waiting to humble you

Ain’t that the truth. I swear, those “grippy” boots just give you false confidence until you hit a damp patch and suddenly it’s like ice skating. I’d rather put my money into better underlayment too - boots only do so much when gravity’s involved. And yeah, metal roofs in a storm? Sounds like the world’s angriest drummer moved in overhead.

I’d rather put my money into better underlayment too - boots only do so much when gravity’s involved.

That’s exactly where I landed after my last project. I tried saving on underlayment once, and it just wasn’t worth the nerves, especially on a steeper pitch. As for places to buy metal roofing sheets, I’ve had decent luck with local building supply warehouses - they’ll sometimes cut you a deal if you’re buying in bulk. Just make sure to check their return policy. And yeah, the noise during storms is real, but honestly, it’s never bothered me as much as everyone says... maybe it’s just part of the charm?

the noise during storms is real, but honestly, it’s never bothered me as much as everyone says... maybe it’s just part of the charm?

Totally get what you mean about the storm noise - it’s weirdly soothing for me too. I’ve found that a good underlayment actually makes a difference with that, not just leaks. On buying metal sheets, I had better luck at a regional chain than the big box stores. They let me pick through the stack for straighter panels, which saved me some headaches later. Just double-check delivery fees - they can sneak up on you if you’re not careful.