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The trueView™ Advantage: Perfecting Your Metal Roofing and Steel Siding Estimates
- Shannon Clark
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 1
At True Metal Supply, we know that a successful project starts long before the first screw is driven. Whether you are installing a through-fastened system, standing seam metal roof or modern steel siding, the secret to a profitable, headache-free job is a precise estimate.
We’ve designed our trueView™ metal roofing and steel siding estimate reports to give contractors and homeowners a massive head start. Here is a look behind the curtain at our estimating process and a few tips on how you can ensure your order is perfect before the first panel is ever cut.
1. What We Work From
To get your project started, we can work off a variety of sources. The more information we have, the better. We typically generate estimates using:
Aerial Imagery: High-resolution satellite data.
Blueprints: For new construction or additions.
Industry Reports: We can integrate data from EagleView, Roofr, Hover, and GAF reports.
Hand Drawings: Even a simple sketch with accurate dimensions can get the ball rolling.
2. Our Process: The "trueView™" Metal Roofing and Steel Siding Estimate Advantage
When we take your data, we don't just throw numbers into a spreadsheet. We create a trueView™ package. This includes a comprehensive quote and a detailed panel map.
Our process focuses on:
Precision: We use advanced software to calculate exact lengths.
Rounding Up: We intentionally round up to the nearest foot to ensure you aren't left short in the field.
Presentation: We present you with a clear panel map, so you know exactly where every piece of trim and every metal roofing or steel siding panel is intended to go.
3. Your Process: Receive, Sell, and (Most Importantly) Verify
Once you receive our trueView™ metal roofing and/or steel siding estimate package, your job begins. You’ll use our professional presentation to sell the job to your customer (or to you if you're a DIYer!). However, before you sign off on the order, and we head to production, there is one critical step: The Field Verification.
4. Why Field Verification is Non-Negotiable
While aerial imagery and blueprints are incredibly accurate, they aren't perfect. Trees can obscure views, and "as-built" reality often differs slightly from the original blueprints.
Before you finalize your order, you must:
Verify Measurements: Get a tape measure on the roof or siding. Check your rakes, your eaves, and your ridge lengths. A two-inch discrepancy on a satellite image can lead to a panel that is too short on the job site.
Check for "Hidden" Details: Aerial photos often miss the nuances that require extra material. Look closely for:
Chimneys: Was this included on the trueView™?
Counter Flashing: Specify counter flashing measurements, as they may have been hidden on the aerial imagery.
Eyebrows and Dormers: These small features often require specific trim details that can be missed from a top-down view.
Confirm Color & Profile: Always double-check that the color and panel profile chosen match the customer's expectations in person.
5. Timing Your Delivery
Success in roofing is all about the schedule. We highly recommend scheduling your delivery for at least one day before install.
Having the material on-site 24 hours early allows you to stage the project, stage the roof, and—most importantly—do one final inventory check. There is nothing worse than having a crew standing around on a Tuesday morning because a trim piece was forgotten or a color was mismatched.
The Bottom Line
At True Metal Supply, we provide the tools, the tech, and the maps to make your job easier. But the final "seal of approval" always happens in the field. By verifying your measurements and planning your delivery ahead of time, you ensure a profitable job and a happy customer.
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