Ford Metal Roofing, Inc.: Serving St. Johns and Duval County Since 1983

When it comes to keeping your family safe and protected, particularly in Hurricane and wildfire-prone Florida, a strong roof is certainly your first line of defense. For this reason, choosing an experienced, highly-referred roofer is absolutely essential. Specializing in metal roofing systems, Ford Metal Roofing, Inc. is qualified to install most roofing systems including tile, shingle, Decra Metal, and more. In addition, we can install numerous types of flat roof and flat deck systems as well as skylights, gutters, ventilation, and solar-power generating roofing systems. We're licensed, insured, and a member of the National Roofing Contractor's Association.  

Local Resources, Experience, and History

Not only are we a local, family-owned business, but we operate with our own fully-staffed sheet metal shop, assuring that we always have the resources at hand to complete your project efficiently and thoroughly. We've had the pleasure of working with many fine housing developers (please see our Affiliates page) as well as government projects such as ( FLETC) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the renovated Bridge of Lions, a St. Augustine icon. We enjoy being highly involved in the design and development of our roofs as well as installing them.

Seven Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

Selecting a roofer for your home or business is a very important process. For your convenience, we're including here a list of seven excellent questions to ask any roofing contractor you are considering. While we are certainly prepared to answer these (and any other) questions for you, we also invite you to consider the testimonials and referrals of customers on each page of this site. We're as confident in our reputation as we are in each roof we've had the opportunity to install.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?
Having a company that is nearby increases the likelihood of better and fast service. If you are provided a PO Box, ask for a street address also.

2. Does the company carry insurance?
Workers compensation and liability insurance to be specific. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance, the home owner is liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word. They may carry health, life, and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these.

3. Is the company a licensed or credentialed roofing contractor?
Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk's office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not, still ask your contractor. The truly professional roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities, like a manufactures' installation training certificate.

4. How long has the company been in business?
Longer is usually better. More than three years, but everybody had to start somewhere. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision making process, but if everything else is equal, longer is usually better.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
Ask for a list of ten customers' names and phone numbers. It is not necessary to call all ten, but choose two or three randomly and call. Ask the referrals at minimum four questions. First, did he perform his work on a timely basis? Second, was he responsive when asked for information and changes? Third, did he act as if he cared about the customers' interests? Finally, would you call the roofing contractor trustworthy?

6. What is the company's workmanship warranty?
Some warranties are for one year, some are longer. The length of a roofing contractor's warranty is not really as important as customer referrals. Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably the first good storm. Most roofing contractors will warranty the workmanship and the manufacturer will warranty the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company's track record for solving customer complaints?
Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor's license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your roofing contractor's reputation.