Yeah, local suppliers can be great, but honestly, I've found some decent online specialty places too. Did you notice a big difference in gauge thickness between the big box stuff and local? Curious if that's the main factor or if coatings matter more...
"Curious if that's the main factor or if coatings matter more..."
Gauge definitely matters, but honestly, I've seen coatings make a bigger difference long-term. Had a neighbor who went with thicker gauge sheets from a big box store, but skimped on coating quality—within a few years, rust spots started popping up. Meanwhile, my thinner gauge sheets with premium coatings from an online specialty place still look great after nearly a decade. So yeah, gauge is important, but don't underestimate the coating...
Totally agree with you on this. Gauge matters, sure, but coatings are the unsung heroes of metal roofing. I've seen roofs with thinner gauge sheets hold up amazingly well because they invested in quality coatings from specialized suppliers. Meanwhile, some thicker sheets from generic stores rusted out way too soon. Your neighbor's experience isn't uncommon—it's frustrating to see folks spend good money only to have rust spots pop up after a few short years. Good coating really is worth every penny in the long run...
"Gauge matters, sure, but coatings are the unsung heroes of metal roofing."
That's a great point about coatings. I've always wondered how much difference they actually make in real-world conditions. We manage several properties, and I've seen firsthand how quickly some roofs deteriorate—even when they're supposedly "heavy-duty." Makes me question if suppliers are upfront enough about coating quality or if they're just pushing gauge thickness as the main selling point...
Have you found any particular suppliers or brands that consistently deliver good coatings? We're considering a few options right now, and I'd rather avoid learning the hard way again.
You're definitely onto something there—I've seen plenty of roofs that looked great on paper but didn't hold up in real storms. Coatings really can make or break longevity, especially when you're dealing with harsh weather. From my experience, suppliers who openly discuss their coating processes and warranties tend to be more reliable. It's smart you're digging into this now rather than after another roof fails...good luck!
