Occasionally, we'll get a request for the "best" metal roof color. Is there such a thing? Depending on what you're going for, yes, there is. But it invariably varies from project to project!

We receive so many inquiries from folks interested in prices for a new metal roof, and the questions often take the form of, "My house is 2000 square feet, how much will a new metal roof cost?" Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to give a decent answer to that question because there are just too many variables. Here is just a sample of some of the questions that need be answered in order to begin the process of putting numbers to a roof project:

Ever wondered about the different kinds of metal used as roofing material? Wonder no more! Our resident roof expert, Chris Testa, reveals how our various metal roof profiles are made in different metals. As a little bonus, he also demonstrates how different metals can look similar to the point of being impossible to distinguish by observation alone.

Hands down, the most common question we hear is, "How much will a metal roof cost?" And while we'd love to just hand over a price sheet, it's a bit more complicated than that. Variables affecting price include things like the size, complexity and location of a given project, desired replacement material and profile, installer preferences, and - a biggie - preexisting conditions.

Part of the appeal of majestic, decades-old metal roofs is that beautiful, distinctive patina that has developed as a result of weather and time. And whether you're admiring that classic rusty roof on an old barn or the one-of-a-kind patina on a dramatic copper roof, know that you're not alone wondering how you can re-create the look on your own home (without stealing the one you're viewing!).

After dealing with asphalt shingles, many people consider the wisdom of upgrading to metal come the inevitable replacement time. In fact, we've got our very own comparison sheet that goes into detail about both materials. Here are four popular misconceptions that pop up when people compare asphalt shingles to metal roofing:

Unless you're involved in the roofing or construction business or you're one of the few outside the industry that have purchased more than one metal roof, it's likely that your initial investigation into the topic leaves you bewildered at the great variety of choices. We routinely get emails and contact forms with questions in the comment section asking, "How much for a metal roof?" Unfortunately, that's a little like asking, "How much for a new car?" The answer to both variable - what are you looking for? We supply metal roofing that costs anywhere from $1 a square foot to over $20 - and in every case it's fair to say, "You get what you pay for!" The reason for the tremendous range is that there literally hundreds of choices that are all "metal roofs." Here's how to make sure that you don't buy the wrong one:

A potential customer recently wrote to us for advice about a new roof. Their current roof, a popular brand of fiber-cement roofing, was guaranteed to last 30 years with no problems. The roof is now 25 years old, leaking like a faucet and seriously unattractive to boot. Unfortunately, this story is so common as to be an embarrassment to the industry. There are literally thousands of homes and buildings with versions of the cement/wood roofing materials that have or are failing long before the expected lifespan. It's a great example of what I've learned over the years in the business - let someone else be the guinea pig when choosing building materials!

We routinely get questions about a range of roofing materials, not just metal. Recently, someone contacted us because they were considering re-roofing with slate and they wanted our opinion on the material and the logistics, particularly given the fact that they would be replacing a composition shingle roof.

Maintenance for my metal roof? Say it ain't so! It's true that a metal roof is about the longest lasting roofing material you can buy and under normal conditions, it will certainly outlast just about every other material available. And low maintenance is one of the selling points of a quality metal roof system, but there are still a few things you can do to keep it looking and performing its best. Almost all of these recommendations apply to any type of roof, but even metal can benefit from these guidelines. Here are the top five things to remember after that beautiful new roof is installed: