Fair points, but I've had decent luck with reclaimed sheets myself. The key is thorough inspection beforehand—checking edges, seams, and paint closely. If you're careful and selective, you can still find quality materials without breaking the bank...just gotta know what to look for.
Good tips on reclaimed sheets, I've had similar experiences myself. Curious though, have you found certain types of coatings or finishes hold up better over time when buying reclaimed? I've noticed some seem to weather faster than others...
I've noticed the same thing—got some reclaimed sheets a couple years back that looked great initially, but man, they aged faster than my knees after yardwork. Galvanized finishes seem to hold up better in my experience, especially if you're dealing with unpredictable weather...
"they aged faster than my knees after yardwork."
Haha, relatable... Good to know about galvanized sheets holding up better. Just got my first place and I'm leaning toward galvanized too—seems worth the extra upfront cost for durability. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Galvanized is definitely worth it, especially if you're planning to stay put for a while. I've inspected plenty of roofs over the years, and galvanized sheets consistently hold up better against rust and weathering compared to standard metal options. As for buying them, local roofing supply places usually have decent prices and can offer good advice specific to your area's climate. Big box stores sometimes have deals too, but quality can vary quite a bit—I've seen some sheets from those places that were thinner than advertised.
One thing I'd recommend: check out any nearby metal fabrication shops or agricultural supply stores. They often stock higher-quality galvanized panels at competitive prices because they're catering to farmers who need durable stuff. Plus, you might avoid shipping costs if you buy locally. Congrats on the new place, by the way... exciting times ahead!
