A comprehensive guide to help Florida homeowners choose the right roofing material for durability, cost, and hurricane protection.
Roofing Specialist
Expert in Florida Roofing Solutions
When it comes to roofing in Florida, choosing between metal roofing and traditional shingles is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. With Florida's unique climate challenges—including intense heat, heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and high humidity—your roof needs to withstand more than the average home in other states.
| Feature | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 40-70 years | 15-30 years |
| Initial Cost | $7-14 per sq ft | $3-5 per sq ft |
| Hurricane Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Energy Efficiency | High | Low |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Regular |
| Insurance Discounts | Yes | Limited |
Metal roofing consists of metal panels or tiles designed to protect your home from the elements. The most common types used in Florida include:
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in America, made from a fiberglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules. In Florida, you'll typically see:
Florida's climate presents unique challenges that make roofing material selection critical. Let's examine how each option performs under the Sunshine State's demanding conditions.
Metal Roofing: Standing seam metal roofs can withstand winds up to 140+ mph when properly installed. The interlocking panels create a continuous surface that resists uplift.
Shingles: Impact-resistant shingles offer moderate protection (80-110 mph), but individual shingles can blow off during severe storms, creating vulnerabilities.
Metal Roofing: Reflects solar heat (up to 70% of solar energy), keeping homes cooler and reducing AC costs by 10-25%. Cool roof coatings enhance this benefit.
Shingles: Absorb heat, making attics hotter and increasing cooling costs. Dark shingles can reach 160°F+ in summer, accelerating deterioration.
Metal Roofing: Smooth surface allows water to shed quickly, preventing standing water. Won't absorb moisture or support algae/moss growth.
Shingles: Can trap moisture between layers, leading to rot, mold, and algae stains (black streaks). Requires algae-resistant variants in Florida.
Metal Roofing: Aluminum and galvanized steel with protective coatings resist corrosion. Requires proper material selection for coastal zones.
Shingles: Less affected by salt air, but coastal wind and moisture accelerate granule loss and overall degradation.
In Florida, metal roofing typically outperforms shingles in extreme weather conditions. If you live in a hurricane-prone area or within 10 miles of the coast, metal roofing can qualify you for significant homeowners insurance discounts—often 15-35% off your premium. Contact your insurance provider to learn about available credits.
While metal roofing has a higher upfront cost, the long-term financial picture tells a different story. Let's break down the true cost of ownership over time.
Based on 50-year average lifespan
Including replacements over 50 years
Metal Roofing (50 years)
Total: -$11,500 (You save money!)
Asphalt Shingles (50 years)
Total: $56,000
💰 Potential Savings with Metal Roofing
$67,500 over 50 years
Plus increased home resale value of $15,000-25,000
The best roofing choice depends on your specific situation, budget, and priorities. Here's a decision framework to help you choose:
Strong Recommendation: Metal Roofing
Hurricane exposure, salt air corrosion, and high insurance premiums make metal roofing the clear choice. The insurance savings alone can offset the higher initial cost within 10-15 years. Standing seam metal roofs are especially recommended for coastal homes within 10 miles of the ocean.
Moderate Recommendation: Either Option Works
Inland areas have lower hurricane risk but still experience intense heat and frequent storms. Metal roofing provides better long-term value, but impact-resistant architectural shingles can be a reasonable budget choice if properly maintained.
Flexible: Consider Your Budget & Plans
Milder climate with less hurricane exposure makes both options viable. Choose based on your long-term plans and budget. Metal roofing still offers better durability and energy savings, but quality shingles can perform adequately.
For most Florida homeowners, metal roofing is the superior long-term investment. While the initial cost is higher, the combination of durability (40-70 years), hurricane resistance, energy savings, insurance discounts, and low maintenance makes it the clear winner for total cost of ownership.
If you're living in a coastal area or plan to stay in your home for more than 10 years, metal roofing will save you tens of thousands of dollars while providing peace of mind during hurricane season.
Asphalt shingles remain a viable option if you have severe budget constraints, are selling soon, or live in a low-risk inland area. However, even budget-conscious homeowners should consider financing options for metal roofing—the monthly payment is often offset by insurance and energy savings.
💡 Our Recommendation:
Get quotes for both options from licensed contractors. Calculate your 30-year total cost including replacements, maintenance, insurance, and energy savings. You'll likely find metal roofing is actually more affordable when you consider the complete picture.
Contact at least 3 licensed roofing contractors for detailed estimates on both metal and shingle options.
Call your homeowners insurance to ask about discounts for impact-resistant roofing and metal roofing upgrades.
Ensure contractors are licensed, insured, and have manufacturer certifications for the materials they'll install.
Have a professional inspection to assess current condition, structural support, and any necessary repairs before installation.
Compare material warranties (30-50 years for metal) and workmanship warranties (typically 5-10 years) from each contractor.
Schedule installation during Florida's dry season (November-April) to avoid weather delays and ensure proper installation.
Our team of Florida roofing experts can help you evaluate your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations based on your home, location, and budget.
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