Ask-The-Experts forum

Below is a forum for exchanging information concerning residential metal roofing, including general material and metal roofing installation questions. Should you have questions or concerns that deal with specific branded metal roof products please contact the manufacturer directly.

Expert Panel

• 

  Tom has been in the metal roofing industry for the past twenty years, serving in product and business development, marketing, as an industry consultant, and in his current position as Executive Director of the MRA. Tom writes, "I'm not an 'expert' installer -- but I know enough to be dangerous! I've installed small metal roofing projects and organized installation training seminars. And I know when I need more expert help to answer your questions. So when you get an answer from me, you know there's expertise behind it."

  X

• 

  Todd has served as President of Classic Products, Inc., one of the country's leading metal roofing manufacturers, since 1996. Before that, he served for 15 years in various marketing-related roles at the company. Under Todd's leadership, Classic Products has taken an active role in educating homeowners across North America about the many advantages of metal roofing. Todd participates in various metal roofing industry associations, and is a Board Member of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and Metal Construction Association (MCA).

  X

• 

  Mr. Bus has over twenty years experience in the metal roofing and siding industry. Dick is President of ATAS International, Inc., a family owned manufacturer of architectural and residential metal roofing and siding. ATAS manufactures profiles in aluminum and steel for the residential and architectural roofing market. Panels are manufactured with high performance coatings. Dick was Chairman of the Residential Roofing Council for the Metal Construction Association (MCA). He Chaired the committee to write the Minimum Performance Guideline for Residential Metal Roofing. He is now the 2nd Vice President of the MCA, which is part of the Board of Directors and he is also, President of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), a consumer awareness campaign.

  X

• 

  Ken Buchinger is Vice President of Corporate Warranties and Certifications for Houston based NCI Building Systems. He has been with the company for 18 years. He is responsible for product testing, improvements, and development. In addition, he is in charge of the company's Erector Certification Program, which trains erectors in the proper installation techniques of the company's metal roofing systems. And, he also is in charge of inspection and review of projects for weathertightness warranties. Ken has written numerous articles for various trade magazines and gives presentations for various organizations. Prior to joining the company in 1988, Ken erected metal buildings, architectural roofing systems and structural steel for 13 years.

  X

• 

  David Stermer is the Director of Engineering for Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation based in Louisville, Kentucky. He has been in his current position since 2005. David is responsible for product testing, product approval, product development, documentation and project design. Prior to joining Metal Sales, David worked for a major metal building manufacturer for 15 years in various roles, including Design Engineer and Engineering Manager. David is a Professional Engineer, has a Master of Sciences degree in Structural Engineering and is currently serving on the ASCE 7-16 Wind Load Subcommittee.

  X

• 

  Melissa is the Territory Manager for the Northeast and Texas for Umicore Building Products, manufacturers of VM Zinc. She has been with the company for five years in a variety of roles and is now responsible for meeting with architects and installers, giving presentations on metal roofing and reviewing details. She is not an installer by trade, but has taken part in installation training sessions and understands the mechanics of metal roof systems.

  X

If you have a metal roofing question, please post it below and a member of our panel of contributors will provide a response. Answers provided by contributors are based on the limited information posted and, therefore, may not provide a complete or accurate answer under all of the relevant facts and circumstances. No advice or information obtained through the forum or this website shall create any warranty by MRA or its contributors whatsoever and all warranties are disclaimed. MRA and its contributors disclaim any liability of any kind arising out of or relating to use of the answers or information provided hereunder, and by using the forum, you agree to waive any claims against MRA and its contributors and hold them harmless from any liability or damages of any kind arising out of or relating to the forum. For a detailed description of the terms and conditions of use of the Forum and this website, including a more detailed description of disclaimers of warranties and limitations of liability, please see the Terms and Conditions section of this website. MRA does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes, or services. The views and opinions of contributors to this Forum do not necessarily state or reflect those of MRA or its members, and they may not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Log In

Ask-The-Experts >

Detroit are Contractor
Northstarroofers I am a residential contractor here in the Detroit area,and a Memeber of the MRA and every lead that comes in is a lead that is too far to go to ,tell me why doesnt the company,s like Decra and Dura Loc Metal Works start an education type campaign to educate consumers on the benifits of a Metal Roof over here? It appears that folks here dont even know about it. I think for too long manufacturers have depended on contractors to advertise their products . Now if manufacturers would co op the contractor for all this advertising that would be a different story. I think that the market here in the Detroit area is a good one and its virtually untapped . Anyhow it would be nice to see some more people over here getting interested in the Metal Roof. I know its always been basically the tradition so to speak for the contractor to do all the advertising of the product to the consumer,but wouldnt help if manufacturers helped out a bit with the advertising? Posted On: 12/21/04 9:19AM
Allan Reid 834 Posts "Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc." The main reason the MRA was formed was because individually, the manufacturers did not have enough money to make an impact. Since the MRA was formed 6 years ago we have made significant strides however we have been restricted finacially because of the steel industry problems. Most residential roof manufacturers have co-op programs to help the contractor reach the consumer in his local market such as home shows newspaper and radio ads. From our data base, I can see that you contacted Dura-loc this fall vie email and our rep made 3 phone attempts to contact you without success leaving messages and then he emailed you and sent an information package out and has not heard back. If sure if you contact him he will be glad to sit down with you and discuss a program. Replied On: 12/22/04 7:51AM
Northstarroofers Hi Alan, First of I would like to thank you for your speedy reply,however when you mentioned that a rep from Dura Loc tried to contact me I didnt respond back because quite frankly I thoought it was going to be some kind of join this program and spend your money,I guess I,m used to some of the shingle manufacturers trying to get you to become one of their preferred installers all the while charging you the contractor outragouse amounts to become one of those specialty contracytors. Like GAF Master Elite programs, besides its tough I was slammed with residential shingle work and being a one man show in the office makes it hard to actually get to take the time to meet with a rep. So I apologise for my ignorance concerning this matter I raised. I didnt know that the MRA was doing all that and I didnt know about any co/op programs. Replied On: 12/22/04 8:56AM