Great Northern Metals Co.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Resources

Payment and Set Up

How do I pay?

If you’re a new customer, we will ask for payment up front or 50% down as a deposit. Payment can be made with ACH, credit card, cash, or check. No cows and goats! Statements will be sent out on the 1st and due by the 15th, and invoices will be emailed to you.

How much does an estimate cost?

Estimates are free! To sign up for an estimate fill out the form on our website. Once you’ve filled out the form, we will reach out to you to start a conversation and to begin the process of finding the right metal roof for your project.

How do I get an estimate for a metal roof?

To get started with an estimate, first fill out our estimate form. To get the most accurate estimate and to expedite the process, please provide us with a set of plans or hand drawings. Then, we will start a conversation with you to find out more about what you’re looking for and have in mind, why you’re considering a metal roof, which type of building this is for, and to start finding the perfect metal roof for your project.

What do I do if I don't have plans?

If you don’t have plans for your metal roof, we’ll talk to you to find out more about your project and to get a sense of what you’re looking for. The more information you can give us, the better! We’ll want to know things like: 

  1. What is the size of the footprint? 
  2. What is the roof pitch? 
  3. What is the sidewall height? 
  4. Is there any roof overhang, and if so what dimension? 
  5. Do you have any garage doors or windows? If so, how many and where are they? 
  6. Do you have dormers?
What does pricing look like for metal roofs?

After we have the plans and all of the information on your project, we’ll be able to provide you with accurate pricing information. To give you an idea of what we’re looking at when we price the project, we’ll be considering the amount of metal first, since metal is bought and sold by the square foot. Other factors that can affect the price of your project include the gauge, panel length, and whether you’re looking for exposed fastener or concealed fastener roofing systems.

Do you install metal roofs?

We do not install, but we have recommended installers that we can point you towards. Contact us and we can talk!

What are your lead times for orders?

This depends on the season so it’s worth checking with us. For metal roofs, usually you’re looking at 2-3 weeks at most, though we’re at our busiest between August and late November so our lead times may be longer between those months. For our custom trim shop, lead times look a little different and will be around 4-5 days depending on material in stock.

Do you offer samples?

Yes! We have a variety of samples on hand that are available for you to take a look at. While we can’t offer samples in all of the color and style combinations, we’d love to invite you to come and visit us at the shop to see all of the options we have available. Our shop itself is a sample, too. The best way to get a real sense of the look and feel of the metal is to come in and see it. That lets you see it in different lights, it lets you get a sense of what it feels like, and there’s really no match for seeing it in person. Some finishes will take on the colors of their surroundings, and photos won’t do them justice at all so come in and take a look!

Do you offer any help for architects?

Yes! We can help with specifying the right product for the right roof. We would also love to talk to you about what to take into consideration when designing a roof, such as: Roof pitch, penetration positioning, substrate, gauge and thickness of metal, location and snow load based on geography.

What is the steel price doing?

The steel prices are going crazy right now! Give us a call and we can talk about the latest prices and what’s happening with steel prices.

Company Information

Where are you based? Where can I order from?

We are based in Bozeman, MT. We will accept orders from anywhere in Montana between Butte, Bozeman, Big Sky, Dillon, and West Yellowstone.

What are your shop hours?

We’re available from 7:30AM – 4:30PM, Monday – Friday. We’d love for you to stop by our shop to check out our samples, chat about your project, and to meet Hank (our shop dog and mascot)! Please note that our shop is closed for all major holidays.

Do you have any job openings?

We always love to hear from skilled people and people that would like to join our team. There are a few ways to apply, so feel free to come in and see us to talk, or otherwise you can email us here.

Metal Roofing

What are the benefits of a metal roof?

There are a few benefits to choosing metal roofing over shingles and asphalt. The main ones that folks tend to look for are:

  1. Longevity – Metal roofs are strong, highly durable, and need to be replaced far less than shingles and asphalt. Because of this durability, metal roofs won’t require regular, expensive repair jobs. Year after year, and decade after decade, they retain their integrity and strength, saving you from costly repair bills. 
  2. Weather resistance – The way that metal roofs hold up to potential weather damage is unrivaled. Metal roofs will keep their structural integrity when faced with intense weather from pounding hail and ice storms, strong winds, and searing summer heat. Again, this will save you from expensive repair bills and also means that they are more eco-friendly as solar heat is reflected back out and your home will stay cooler than it would with shingles.
How long does a steel roof last? How often do metal roofs need to be replaced?

How long your steel roof lasts depends on how well maintained it is. Essentially, it will last until it rusts (which is a long time!). To extend the life of your roof you’ll want to make sure it gets proper care, and you’ll want to rinse it off every six months or so. Other things that you’ll want to do to properly maintain your metal roof are: keep it clear of debris (don’t let sap, pine cones, and needles sit for long periods of time), clean your gutters, and watch for screw pop— the first time the screws loosen you’ll want to tighten them, and then every 3-5 years you’ll want to replace all fasteners on exposed fasteners.

Is metal roofing better than shingles or asphalt? Will it hold up to hail?

Yes! Metal roofs are significantly better than shingles or asphalt for longevity. In terms of other benefits, metal roofs are much better for preventing hail damage to your property since hail won’t puncture a metal roof. What’s more, if significant hail does come your way, the metal roof may dent much like your car, but it likely won’t need replacing. The integrity of the roof will be sound, saving you significant costs and concerns around hail damage.

How do I know which type of metal roof to choose?

There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re choosing the right type of metal roof. Speaking to a Great Northern Metal Roofing representative is a great option so that we can get to know your project, ideas, and goals and can help you to find the perfect match. If you’ve seen something that you really like, please let us know as well so that we can get a feel for what you’re looking for. A few other things to consider are the type of building and the plans, since those can dictate which type of metal roof and panels you choose. Your choice may also come down to the color and the style or profile that you’re looking for.

Are there any reasons to choose hidden fastener over exposed fastener roofing systems, or vice versa?

A lot of people will choose between the two options based on personal preferences or aesthetics, though there are some practical considerations as well. Hidden fastener systems are more expensive because of the heavier gauge. On the other side of the coin, hidden fastener systems are more weather resistant— and better at holding snow loads— and more aesthetically pleasing. In terms of the roof itself, you don’t want to put an exposed fastener below a 3 1/12 roof pitch. We can help!

What is a standing seam metal roof?

A standing seam metal roofing system is a series of panels that are locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. It is a concealed fastener metal panel system, and the concept is that the fastener is hidden— whether the panel is attached to the roof deck using a clip or is directly fastened to the decking under using a fastener flange. The profile types for a standing seam metal roof are: snap-lock, mechanical seam, batten panel, and nail/fastener flange.

Can metal roofing be painted?

Yes! Metal roofing can be painted and repainted, though you will want to do so properly and with the right materials and processes in place. You will also want to be careful not to repaint a newly installed metal roof for at least six months, to give it time to weather. Before you repaint the roof, make sure it is properly cleaned and prepared, and make sure you have the right paint and materials on hand. It pays to speak to a trusted expert to make sure you get this right and don’t damage your lovely metal roof.

Can metal roofing be installed over shingles?

We don’t recommend this, as it can void the warranty and it can wear through the metal. It is possible, under the right circumstances. It’s best to check with your local building and zoning departments first. If your shingle roof has leaks, you’ll need to inspect for rotting rafters or sheeting. These problems should be fixed before installing the new roof. You’ll also want to consider things like whether the current roof has structural problems like buckled trusses or sagging, since those issues would need to be remedied before the metal installation began. A metal roofing contractor and expert will be able to look at your specific roof and help you consider all of the factors to find the right path forward for your roof.

Is metal roofing energy efficient?

Metal roofing is one of the most energy efficient options available, and is more energy efficient than shingles. Metal roofs offer excellent insulation during the cold winter months and are great at reflecting the sunlight to keep the house naturally cool in the summer. While asphalt shingle roofs trap and absorb the heat, driving it back into the home, metal roofing reflects the solar heat back out and keeps the home cool. Direct sunlight and weather will also affect shingles and cause them to deteriorate, while metal roofing is far more weather-resistant. Metal roofing can be more expensive to install, but when installed properly will more than make up for the initial investment with energy savings and durability. What’s more,  metal roofs are extremely eco-friendly since they are made of 100% recyclable materials and are completely toxin-free.

What colors do metal roofs come in?

The good news is that metal roofing can come in practically any color. The bad news is that this means you have a lot of colors to choose from! So, what color should you put on your property? The first thing you’ll want to do is check-in with your Home Owners Association (HOA) if your building is part of one or if the structure is in a historic downtown district. If it is, there may be color restrictions or limits on installing metal roofs altogether, so it’s essential to check with your municipality before you make any decisions or investments. After you have the green light to choose a color, there are a lot of different factors to keep in mind during your decision process. You’ll want to consider things like: 

  1. Personal preference – First and foremost, which color do you like?
  2. Complementary colors on or near the property – Consider aspects like the doors, railings, siding, landscape features, and so on. 
  3. Location – Buildings in tropical climates will often go for very different color schemes compared to mountain properties. In Montana, people tend to lean towards colors like forest green, dark bronze, grey, and earth tones. 

There are so many great colors out there, and we can help you choose the perfect color for your project! Take a look at our metal roof colors here.

Are metal roofs loud?

No! The good news is that metal roofs are not loud, despite that being a common misconception. In reality, they can even be quieter than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are great at protecting from noise pollution, and are also energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Metal roofing is known for being solar reflecting, and will keep your house cool in the summer by reflecting a lot of solar radiation.

What does a warranty look like?

Per the industry standard, warranties will usually cover colors and trims, and watertight warranties will be offered. Warranties can range from 25 to 40 years depending on the panel and profile. You can ask your sales rep when looking at specific colors and profiles.

How To Rent a Roof Seamer

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