Frequently Asked Questions

This information is to be used as
a general guideline.


I AM RENOVATING A HERITAGE HOME. WHERE CAN I GET REPLACEMENTS FOR METAL ACCESSORIES, ROOFING, PANELS AND SIDING?

Metal Depot custom fabricates and colour matches many metal accessory or panel, in steel (16 to 29 gauge) aluminum, stainless steel and copper. Bring in a sample or picture and meet with our sales team.

I AM FIXING UP AN OLD SHED, AND NEED METAL. WHERE CAN I FIND MILL ENDS?

Metal Depot has a great selection of mill ends, and our inventory is changing all the time. Bring in your measurements and take your mill ends home today.

I LOVE THE LOOK OF METAL BUT AM NOT A FIXER-UPPER. HOW DO I GET STARTED?
WHAT FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE IN METAL?
WHAT IS A FLASHING?
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF METAL?

Metal is an excellent overall investment – it is long lasting, durable and weather-resistant (no warping, cracking, or peeling), it does not burn and is impervious to termites and pests. In testing, metal systems have withstood winds up to 200 m.p.h. and have historically survived hurricanes and wind storms when other materials have failed. Most metal has recycled content ranging from 25% to 95%. This is in stark contrast to conventional materials, which have much shorter lives (forest products) and use oil-based products as their primary raw material (shingles).

ISN’T METAL NOISY?

The noise generated by a metal roof or siding that is properly installed with insulation is no greater than that of other cladding systems.

WILL THE LOOK OF METAL FIT INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD OR COMMUNITY?

Metal roofing, siding, accessories and trims are beautiful as well as durable, and are available in many different styles, configurations, and colors to fit diverse architectural requirements and tastes. Blend in with existing environments or create a “WOW” factor on your street.

WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF METAL?

A quality metal install could last the lifetime of the owner, because it withstands so many elements. Metal is known for its extensive life cycle.

HOW WELL DO METAL SYSTEMS STAND UP TO THE ELEMENTS?

Properly installed metal systems will withstand inclement weather (high winds, hail, snow and rain) better than any other material. Metal easily sheds snow and ice and does not absorb water which can lead to cracking and rotting in the freeze-thaw cycling in other materials.

WHAT ABOUT LIGHTNING?

With proper installation, the probabilities of a strike to a metal clad structure are no more or less than any other kind of structure, as these probabilities have to do with height and size of the structure and its surroundings, rather than its construction materials.

HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?

A properly installed metal system is virtually maintenance free. Metal systems carry fire ratings that can reduce the homeowner’s overall insurance rate due to the fire-resistance of metal.

WHAT DOES METAL WEIGH COMPARED TO OTHER MATERIALS?

Metal can weigh as little as 1/10th as much as competing materials, translating to lower transportation costs as well as construction costs.

HOW IS METAL APPLIED? DO I NEED TO BE EXPERIENCED AT WORKING WITH SHEET METAL?

Metal roofing should be applied using clips or screw fasteners (as recommended by the manufacturer). A basic knowledge of sheet metal work is required for trimming panels, cutting valleys, hips and penetrations, fitting of trim and proper application of fasteners. Metal can be installed over the existing material, bringing significant savings in time and labour, in addition to eliminating the problem of disposal.

ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE

Metal reflects and absorbs heat more efficiently than competing materials, translating to lower cooling/heating costs. Metal typically requires less labour to install and can be applied over existing materials, eliminating disposal to landfills.

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