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Technically speaking, yes, verbal agreements and “handshake deals” can be legally binding contracts that will hold up in court, but the suing party will need to be able to prove that the parties entered into the contract. Even though verbal and handshake deals can be binding, it’s risky to rely on these types of agreements for anything, including roofing projects. Always aim to get your contract in writing, and make sure it includes all terms and that you don’t agree to additional terms that don’t appear in the contract.

Verify that your roof is licensed and insured by visiting your state's contractor's licensing association. Most states have a database to double-check your contractor's name and address against the information provided. The contractor should also display both their license and insurance on their website with links to the related agencies.

While there are many benefits to installing a metal roof on your home, there are some downsides, too. Zinc roofs, in particular, are susceptible to corrosion from overly salty air directly near coastal areas. Another potential downside of zinc roofing is that it must be allowed to expand and contract with the weather. This means special attention is necessary to how it's fastened to the home to avoid issues. 

A roof's ability to handle snow depends on its strength and the snow's weight, as wet snow is much heavier than dry, fluffy snow. While designs in snowy regions often allow for 35 to 50 pounds per square foot, a general guideline is that a typical roof can withstand about four feet of fresh snow, two feet of packed snow, or just one inch of ice. Factors like the roof's age, slope, and support structure also affect its capacity; newer, sloped roofs generally hold more weight than older, flat ones. Ice and ice dams add significant, dangerous weight. Because capacity varies, it is best to contact a professional roofing contractor or the original builder to determine the maximum snow load for your specific home.