Columns/Blogs

In past columns, I’ve discussed pricing for metal roofing and metal building systems. After calling attention to some of the many variables that have an effect on cost, I threw out some low-end estimates of what you might expect to pay. Since those articles were posted, I’ve been asked why I don’t offer the same information for metal walls. It’s a good question, which I’ll try to address here.

So, you’re interested in a metal building - or think you might be - but first you’d like some information about pricing. How much does a metal building cost?

How much does metal roofing cost? It’s a straightforward question and one that I’d imagine is asked hundreds, if not thousands, of times a day across the world. My standard response is “It depends”. Admittedly, this is a weak reply but, unfortunately, it’s really the best that I can initially offer despite having been involved in this industry since the mid-1980s. If you have a few minutes, I’ll try to explain.

First, I believe it’s important to disclose that company name aside; we sell as much steel roofing material as we do aluminum. Both products feature specific attributes and all qualified commercial roofing contractors have the experience and expertise to install both. So why isn’t aluminum used more extensively then? The primary obstacles have been cost per square foot and misimpressions concerning the structural limitations of aluminum.