- Elastomeric coatings are definitely worth considering, especially if budget's tight.
- Did mine about 5 years ago—prep was a pain, but it's held up surprisingly well.
- Still, if your roof's already pretty far gone (rust, leaks everywhere), coatings might just delay the inevitable.
- For metal sheets, I've had good luck checking local building supply auctions or surplus stores. Saved a ton compared to big box prices.
- Also, don't overlook smaller local roofing suppliers—they sometimes have better deals and more helpful advice than the big chains.
- Just my two cents...
Elastomeric coatings can be a decent short-term solution, but honestly, they're not always the best move if your roof's already compromised. I've inspected plenty of roofs where homeowners tried to stretch out the lifespan with coatings, only to find moisture trapped underneath, accelerating rust and corrosion. It's a bit of a gamble, especially if prep isn't meticulous.
Also, while surplus stores and auctions can offer good deals, quality can vary widely. I've seen batches of metal sheets from surplus suppliers that had subtle manufacturing defects or inconsistent coatings, leading to premature issues. Not saying you can't find good stuff there—you definitely can—but just be cautious and inspect materials carefully before buying.
If you're really tight on budget, another avenue might be checking with local roofing contractors. Sometimes they have leftover materials from larger jobs they're willing to unload at discounted prices. It's hit or miss, but I've personally seen folks get lucky going that route. Just another angle to consider...
Totally agree about surplus stores—had a neighbor who scored some sheets cheap, but turns out they had uneven galvanizing. Rust spots popped up within months. Another route I've seen work is checking local classifieds or FB marketplace...sometimes folks over-order and sell off extras pretty cheap.
I've had mixed luck with classifieds and FB marketplace, honestly. Last summer, I grabbed some leftover sheets from a guy who ordered too much for his barn. Seemed like a steal at first, but turns out they were stored outside uncovered for months—ended up with scratches and rust spots hidden underneath. Sometimes the savings aren't worth the hassle. Might be safer to just bite the bullet and buy new from a reputable dealer...at least you know exactly what you're getting.
I've been down that road myself—thought I scored big on some discounted metal sheets a few years back, only to find out later they were warped from improper storage. Lesson learned the hard way, haha.
Honestly, if you're looking for reliability and quality, local building supply stores or specialized roofing suppliers are usually your best bet. They might cost a bit more upfront, but you save yourself headaches down the line. Plus, reputable dealers often have warranties or at least some kind of guarantee against defects or damage during storage and transport.
That said, I wouldn't completely rule out classifieds or marketplace deals. I've had decent luck occasionally—but only when I could inspect the sheets thoroughly in person before handing over cash. Bring gloves and flip them over to check underneath; rust loves hiding there. If the seller seems hesitant about letting you inspect closely...well, that's your cue to walk away.
Good luck with your project!
