One of our most frequently asked questions has to do with the bottom line - what's a new metal roof going to cost me? So without further ado, here are five things you need to know about metal roof prices:

1. You get what you pay for.

Metal roofing is like anything else - you absolutely get what you pay for. The better the metal material, the longer it will last, the better it will look and the more it will cost. But spending more upfront often means you'll end up saving in the long run, because you're breaking the cycle of disposable roofing. A quality metal roof is actually less expensive over its lifecycle than the "cheaper" alternatives out there. Read more about this with our free comparison sheet. 

2. Weight matters.

The heavier the metal, the more it holds both its shape and its fasteners. Very thin metal roofs (that is, cheap) can tear at fastening points when exposed to high winds, building movement or even foot traffic. The strength of the metals overcomes these potential problems and takes us back to point number one.

3. Finishes matter.

Higher quality color finishes on painted metals cost significantly more than cheaper finishes, but that quality means superior resistance to fading and chalking for decades. No one wants a peeling metal roof, so keep that in mind when you're choosing finishes.

4. Texture matters.

The more "folds" in the metal, the more rigid it becomes and the stronger it is. However, more folds require more material, and more material means a higher cost for this added benefit. A rigid roof performs best when faced with the elements, so this is a performance issue.

5. Ballpark prices vary, but...

Generally speaking, the least expensive metal roof materials can be purchased for around $.75 per square foot, while the better quality metal roofs (those with heavier gauges, quality finishes and sophisticated shapes) often cost in the $2 to $5 per square foot range. Exotic metal roofs (copper, zinc, stainless steel and porcelain, for example) usually cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 to $15 per square foot.

Just like any building material, the benefits of metal can be had in many, many quality levels. Knowing a little bit about what separates the low end from the high end metal roofing materials will help you determine a suitable budget for your material. More questions? Call today or get a free estimate for your project.