Because social distancing is important during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s recommended that you message roofers after narrowing down your choices through an online search of local roofers near you.

Ask if the roofer is willing to conduct an assessment via video chat rather than a traditional site inspection. Additionally, strategize on what other steps you can collectively take to make sure you’re following guidelines on social distancing during this time, including conducting a virtual payment.

To find out whether a roofer is an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic, start by visiting your state or city’s government website. Local governments are providing up-to-date information for residents during this time.

A national guideline is available on CISA’s website, Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19. This page addresses 16 different categories of essential infrastructure sectors, but note that not all jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure.  

If you decide to hire a roofer, choose virtual platforms like video chats instead of face-to-face consultations. When the roofer is working on your roof, avoid any physical contact, sanitize all involved spaces and surfaces, and use digital payments instead of cash or a check.

Digital payment platforms are common among roofers, roof repair companies and other services. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely cause more service providers to adopt platforms like PayPal, Zelle, Google Pay, Square Cash, Venmo and others instead of cash or check to decrease the risk of transmission.

You can typically find out whether roofers accept digital payments on their online profiles, and you should confirm this information with them during a consultation call.

Generally, a roofer will likely not need to enter your home. The bulk of the work takes place on and around the edges of the roof, where roofing material meets either dormer walls or other structures. So, there is usually no need for person-to-person contact. However, there might be some cases where a roofer needs to enter your home, perhaps to inspect damage or access electrical outlets.

You can take care of any consultation calls using video chats, photos and emails, and payment should take place on virtual platforms. Put together a strategy with any local roofing professionals you contact.

To find out the degree to which a roofing service can operate remotely, it’s best to contact local roofers and roofing repair specialists near you.

See if they will schedule a video call so that you can show them the project and get an idea of the cost. This will also allow them to give you recommendations on the type of roofing material, and the best time of year to do the project. You might also be able to book a roof installation or repair service far out in advance.

Metal roofs are durable, environmentally friendly, safe and budget-friendly. If you’re considering an update, metal roofing installation doesn’t have to mean completely removing your old roof. In many cases, metal roofing can be installed over your existing shingles. Research building codes in your state, as many require that after two roofs have been installed, all roofing materials must be completely removed before a third roof can be put on. This protects your home’s structural integrity and your family’s safety. Carefully read contractor reviews and choose someone with extensive experience with metal roofing installation. One concern when installing metal over shingles is that over time, condensation can build on the shingles and cause the metal to rust. This will lead to rust around the panels, making them more likely to come loose in a storm. Nationally, the average cost for metal roofing installation ranges from $6,000 to $20,000. The wide price range represents different roof sizes, different types of metal, and the cost of labor in different parts of the country — and can also include the cost of removing an old shingle roof prior to installing the metal. As a line item, the average cost of removing an old roof to prepare for installing a new roof, plus adding new roof decking, costs on average about $45-$75 per square (the pro roofer’s term for 100 square feet), depending on the pitch of the roof. Always make sure you have a clearly written contract and a warranty on both the labor and the metal.

A standing seam metal roof may be a strong, durable, safe choice when you’re considering metal roofing installation options. A standing seam refers to the raised seam where the sheet metal roofing panels join. Traditionally, shingles and roof panels lie flush to the roof, making them more prone to rust or penetration by water at their seams. In a standing seam metal roof, the raised (or standing) seams run vertically from the roof ridge to the eaves, with no horizontal seams. In addition, the fasteners joining the metal panels together are concealed, providing even fewer opportunities for water or moisture to build up. The cost to install a standing seam metal roof will depend on the type of metal you select, the size of your roof, and the cost of roofing labor in your region. Materials will play a major role in your metal roofing installation costs. If you select standard galvanized steel, the cost per square (100 square feet) might be in the $150-$300 range, while a high-end choice such as copper or zinc could be between $1,000 and $1,500 per square. Here is one example of cost:   

• Standing seam metal roof: $300 per square to start, including materials and labor.
• A 30-square roof could cost $9,000 or more.

Metal roofing installation is an attractive option thanks to metal’s long lifespan, hardiness and fire-retardant properties. Nationally, the average cost for metal roofing installation ranges from $6,000 to $20,000.There are different types of metal roofs, each with their own installation needs and materials costs. Roof size also affects your metal roofing installation costs, as do regional labor rates. Roof size is measured in squares; one square equals 100 square feet. Here are some examples of the average cost for a metal roof:

• Standard metal roof: $120-$150 per square to start, including materials and labor
• A 30-square roof (a 3,000-square-foot roof) could cost between $3,600 and $4,500 for a typical three-bedroom home.
• Snap-Loc metal roof: $200-$225 per square to start, including materials and labor.
• A 30-square roof could cost $6,000-$6,750.
• Standing seam metal roof: $300 per square to start, including materials and labor.
• A 30-square roof could cost $9,000 or more.
• Tuff-Rib metal roof: $250-$350 per square to start, including materials and labor.
• A 30-square roof could cost $7,500-$10,500.
• Mid-range metal roof package, including all accessories: $300-$500 per square.
• A 30-square roof could cost $9,000-$15,000.
• High-end metal roof package — such as zinc or copper — and all accessories: $1,000-$1,500 per square.
• A 30-square roof could cost $30,000-$45,000.