Metal Roof vs Shingles in Florida: Which Option Is Best for You?
One of the biggest challenges when replacing your roof is choosing the right material—for example, a metal roof vs shingles. The decision carries even more weight in Florida due to the state’s harsh and often unpredictable weather conditions.
Picking the right roof will be a question of balancing cost with lifespan, maintenance requirements, and energy savings. Together, these factors will help you select the right long-term option for your home.
What Is a Metal Roof?
A metal roof is a roofing system made from metal panels or tiles. It’s a popular option for homeowners looking for durability, longevity, and weather resistance.
Common metal roofing materials include:
- Steel: Steel roofs offer a good compromise between strength and affordability. They’re coated with a protective layer to prevent degradation and rust.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight material. This makes it a good choice for homes with weaker support systems. It’s also highly resistant to corrosion, which is important in coastal areas.
- Copper: Copper roofs are known for their distinctive appearance and exceptional longevity. They develop a greeny-brown film called a patina over time, which adds to their aesthetic appeal.
- Zinc: Zinc is another durable and corrosion-resistant option. It also develops a patina over time.
Metal roofs come in a variety of styles. This makes it easy to meet HOA requirements while boosting your home’s curb appeal.
What Is a Shingle Roof?
Shingle roofs are the most popular roofing choice in Florida. The most common type of shingle is the asphalt shingle, which is engineered from a fiberglass or organic mat coated with asphalt and granules. Shingles are popular due to their affordability, ease of installation, and wide variety of colors and styles.
The design and functionality of shingle roofs are evolving. For example, solar shingles offer the benefits of traditional asphalt shingles while providing solar power. Shingle colors are also important for aesthetic and functional reasons.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials
Many factors influence the choice between metal and asphalt shingle roofs. Some of these factors will carry more weight than others depending on the weather conditions in your area.
Cost and Installation
The costs of a roof replacement vary considerably depending on the size of your roof, the materials used, and how complex it is to install. Metal roofs cost more than shingle roofs.
Calculate around $4 to $10 per square foot for asphalt shingles and $10 to $18 per square foot for a metal roof. However, the initial investment is only one factor in the overall cost of your roof over its lifespan. Metal roofs—despite their higher upfront costs—may save you money in the long term thanks to their longevity and energy efficiency.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Metal roofing systems are more durable than asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles generally last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, depending on the quality of the material and installation. Regular maintenance and roof inspections will help you extend your shingle roof’s lifespan.
Metal roofs typically last for up to 50 years and sometimes longer. For many homeowners, this means never having to replace their roofs. Many Florida homeowners choose metal roofing due to its durability and resistance to hail, high winds, and fire.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofs tend to be more energy efficient in Florida’s hot climate than asphalt shingle roofs. This is because they reflect the sun’s rays. This keeps your home cooler and reduces the amount of time you spend using your air conditioning system.
Regular shingle roofs tend to absorb the sun’s rays, especially if they’re darker colored. This heats your home and contributes to higher energy bills. However, solar shingles—or regular shingles paired with solar panels—contribute to more sustainable homes.
Research into the energy efficiency of roofing materials in hot and humid climates found that galvanized corrugated steel roofs lead to higher energy savings than other roofing materials with thermal insulation structures. This suggests that a metal roof is best for Florida homeowners who want to keep their energy bills down.
Curb Appeal
Both shingle and metal roofs offer their own aesthetic appeal. The choice will come down to personal preference or HOA regulations.
Shingle roofs offer the most variety in terms of colors and styles. This allows you to choose a finish that complements your home’s architectural style.
Pro tip: Regular roof maintenance is crucial for maintaining the curb appeal of your shingles. A trusted roofing company will clean your roof, remove any moss, and repair any warped, broken, or cracked shingles to keep it looking new for as long as possible.
Metal roofs offer a slicker, more modern look. You can add matte, gloss, and textured options to further enhance the curb appeal ofyour roof.
Florida Climate Considerations
Shingle and metal roofs are both expertly engineered to withstand Florida’s sometimes severe weather conditions. They’re both great options in the state’s hot and humid climate.
- Metal roofs are sturdier when it comes to fire and hail. They’re also robust options in hurricane-prone areas. That said, high-quality shingles like CertainTeed asphalt shingles offer your home excellent protection, even in the most extreme conditions.
Prioritize expert installation by a roofing company with extensive experience in your area. This—plus regular roof inspections and maintenance—is the best way to ensure your roof will withstand any severe weather that comes your way.
Maintenance and Repair
All roofing materials require regular maintenance to keep them in top condition and extend their lifespan. Periodic roof inspections will help you nip issues like cracked shingles or leaks in the bud before they escalate into much bigger problems. You should also get expert help to remove debris or moss from the surface of your shingles.
Metal roofs require little maintenance (one of their key advantages) and are less susceptible to damage. However, they still need regular inspections and cleaning to prevent debris from building up on the surface.
Insurance and Resale Value
Your choice of roofing materials may impact what you pay for your home insurance. Hardier materials may lower your rates. Contact your provider to ask which roofing materials they recommend.
Long-lasting materials may also boost the resale value of your home. Knowing the buyer won’t need to replace the roof in years—if ever—puts you in better stead to negotiate a higher price.
Metal and Shingle Roofing Compared
| Feature | Metal Roof | Shingles |
| Lifespan | 25-50 years | 15-25 years |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, but potentially lower long-term costs | Lower initial cost |
| Durability | Very high; resists wind, fire, and impact | Moderate to high; can be damaged by high winds and hail |
| Wind Resistance | Excellent; withstands high winds (up to 160 mph or more) | Good; newer models withstand high winds (up to 140 mph), but more susceptible to damage |
| Energy Efficiency | High; reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption | Moderate; absorbs more heat, but lighter colors are more efficient |
| Maintenance | Low; requires minimal maintenance | Moderate; requires regular maintenance and repairs |
| Weight | Light to medium
(1-2 pounds per square foot) |
Light to medium
(2-4 pounds per square foot) |
| Installation | More complex, requires specialized contractors | Easy for experts |
| Appearance | Modern, sleek; various styles and colors available | Traditional; wide variety of colors and styles |
| Fire Resistance | Excellent | Moderate to good, depending on type |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent; resists mold and mildew | Moderate; susceptible to algae growth in humid climates |
| Environmental Impact | Often made from recycled materials, recyclable | Often sent to landfills but can be recycled |
| Noise | Tends to be noisy when it rains, which can be mitigated with insulation | Quieter |
| Best for Florida Climate | Highly recommended; excellent for high winds, intense sun, and humidity | Suitable, but may require more maintenance and repairs due to the climate |
Choose the Right Roofing Material for Your Home
Both metal and shingle roofs are viable options for Florida homeowners. The best choice will depend on individual priorities and budget. Though metal roofs tend to be more durable, professionally installed high-quality shingles will give most homes the protection they need at a lower price point.
Whichever material you choose, regular maintenance is key to longevity. Schedule annual roof inspections with a professional roofing contractor and clean and repair your roof regularly to protect your home for as long as possible.
