I'm planning to redo my roof soon and I'm leaning towards metal roofing because of durability and eco-friendliness, but I'm kinda stuck between going with reclaimed steel panels or brand-new ones made from recycled content. The reclaimed stuff seems like a cool idea—has character, a bit cheaper maybe—but I'm worried about quality and warranty issues down the road. New panels from recycled steel seem safer but pricier... anyone have experience or insight on this?
Went through something similar last summer. I was all set on reclaimed steel because, honestly, it just looks cooler—more character, like you said. But then I started talking to a few local roofers, and it got complicated fast. A buddy of mine used reclaimed panels on his barn, and while it looks amazing, he's had a few leaks pop up. Turns out some of those reclaimed panels had tiny hidden rust spots or weak points that weren't obvious at first glance.
Meanwhile, I ended up going with new panels made from recycled steel. Yeah, it was a bit pricier upfront, but the warranty and peace of mind kinda balanced it out for me. Also, I didn't realize how much easier installation was with the new stuff—everything lined up perfectly, no weird surprises.
Still, if you're handy and willing to put in some extra effort inspecting and prepping the reclaimed panels, it could totally work. Just be ready for a bit more DIY detective work... and maybe keep a bucket handy in case of surprise leaks?
"Turns out some of those reclaimed panels had tiny hidden rust spots or weak points that weren't obvious at first glance."
Yeah, that's a really good point. I've inspected a few roofs with reclaimed steel, and while they definitely have character, those hidden issues can be tricky. If you're set on reclaimed material, here's what I'd suggest:
First, carefully inspect each panel individually—front and back—for any discoloration or rough patches. Rust often starts small and sneaky. Next, gently tap along the surface; weak spots usually sound duller or hollow compared to solid metal. If you find questionable areas, mark them clearly and either reinforce or replace those sections before installation.
Also, don't underestimate the importance of proper sealing and flashing around seams and edges. Even minor imperfections can become major headaches down the line.
Recycled new steel panels do simplify things quite a bit, especially with installation consistency and warranties. But reclaimed can still be viable if you're thorough and patient... just know exactly what you're getting into before committing your weekend (or two) to it.
