15 Questions Every Fort Wayne Homeowner Should Ask a Metal Roofing Contractor

Fort Wayne Metal Roof Pros Team • Updated April 2026

A metal roof is a $20,000-$45,000 decision. You probably get 2-3 quotes, the contractors all sound confident, and you pick one based on price or gut feel. Three years later, when the warranty has a gap or the panels are oil-canning or the flashing is leaking, you realize you didn't ask the right questions upfront.

This is the list of 15 questions that separate qualified Fort Wayne metal roofing contractors from the door-knockers and the under-qualified. Print it. Take it to every estimate appointment.

Licensing and Insurance

1. What's your Indiana contractor license number?

A legitimate Fort Wayne metal roofer will rattle off the number without hesitation. Indiana requires licensed contractors for roofing work over $1,000. Verify the number with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at in.gov/pla.

2. Are you insured, and can I see a current certificate?

General liability insurance should cover at least $1 million. Workers' comp is required if they have employees. Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) issued directly from the insurance company to you — not a photocopy, which can be forged or expired.

3. What's your physical business address in Fort Wayne or Allen County?

A real local operator has a real address. P.O. boxes and "we're based in the area" answers are red flags. Drive by the address before you commit.

Experience and References

4. How long have you been installing metal roofs specifically?

Metal roofing is a specialized skill. An asphalt roofer who "also does metal" is not the same as a dedicated metal specialist. You want at least 5 years of metal-specific experience, ideally more.

5. Can I see 3 recent metal roof installations in Fort Wayne I can drive by?

Not photos on a website — actual addresses. Any legitimate contractor should have dozens of recent local jobs and be happy to send you drive-by addresses. If they hesitate, they don't have the portfolio they claim.

6. Do you have references from customers who have owned their metal roof for at least 5 years?

Anyone can get a thumbs-up from a customer 30 days after install. The real test is whether the roof still performs after 5+ years. Ask for long-term references.

Materials and Specifications

7. Exactly which manufacturer, product line, and gauge are you quoting?

"Standing seam metal" is not specific enough. You want the manufacturer (McElroy, ATAS, Drexel, Union Corrugating, etc.), the product line, the metal type (steel, aluminum, galvalume), the gauge (24 or 26 most common for residential), and the paint system (Kynar 500 vs. polyester vs. SMP). See our gauge guide and types and styles guide for the specs that matter.

8. What underlayment are you using?

Synthetic underlayment is standard. Ice and water shield in the valleys and eaves is required by Fort Wayne code. Some contractors skimp on underlayment to save cost — this is a bad place to save.

9. What are you doing about thermal expansion?

Metal roofs expand and contract with temperature. Standing seam systems accommodate this with specific clip and fastener patterns. A contractor who says "we just screw it down tight" is doing it wrong and your panels will eventually warp. See our thermal expansion guide.

Installation Details

10. Will you tear off the old roof or install over it?

Fort Wayne code sometimes allows metal over shingles, but it's usually not a good idea. Tear-off lets the contractor inspect and replace damaged decking, install proper underlayment, and ensure a clean finish. "Metal over shingles" saves 2-4 days of labor but can hide problems. See metal over shingles.

11. How are you handling the flashing, especially around chimneys and valleys?

Most metal roof leaks happen at flashing, not the panels. Ask specifically: "Will you use manufacturer-supplied flashing components or hand-bent custom flashing?" Hand-bent custom is usually better but requires more skill. Get details. See flashing guide.

12. What's your ventilation plan?

Metal roofs need ridge and soffit ventilation just like asphalt. A contractor who says "metal roofs don't need ventilation" is wrong — and your attic will overheat in summer and grow mold in winter. See ventilation guide.

Warranty and Post-Installation

13. What's the manufacturer warranty and what's YOUR warranty?

These are different. The manufacturer warranty covers the metal and paint (usually 30-50 years). The contractor warranty covers workmanship (should be at least 5-10 years). A contractor who only offers a 1-year workmanship warranty is not confident in their install. See warranty guide.

14. If I have a leak in 3 years, what's your response process?

Answer you want: "Call us, we come out within 48 hours at no charge during the workmanship warranty period." Answer that's a red flag: "We haven't had a leak" or any non-answer.

15. Can I see the written contract before I commit?

You should receive a written contract that specifies: scope of work, materials (brand, gauge, color, warranty), start and completion dates, total cost, payment schedule, and cancellation rights. If a contractor is reluctant to provide a detailed written contract, walk away.

Red Flags: Run If You Hear These

• "We can start tomorrow." (Legitimate operators have waitlists.)
• "I'll cover your deductible." (Insurance fraud in Indiana.)
• "We only take cash upfront." (Fraud setup.)
• "This price is only good today." (Pressure tactic.)
• "We don't do written contracts." (Walk away.)
• "Our crew is from [out of state]." (Storm chasers.)
• "Just sign this assignment of benefits." (Takes your legal rights.)

What Legitimate Contractors Will Tell You

A real Fort Wayne metal roofing contractor will:

• Take 60-90 minutes for a full inspection
• Climb on the roof (not estimate from the ground)
• Measure precisely and show you the math
• Give you a detailed written estimate within 24-48 hours
• Explain warranty specifics in writing
• Never pressure you to sign on the spot
• Welcome all 15 of these questions without getting defensive

If you want an honest free metal roof estimate in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntington, or anywhere in Allen County, call (260) 255-4551. We'll walk you through every one of these 15 questions before you sign anything.