When considering metal roofs vs. shingles in Florida, it’s essential to understand how each option performs under our state’s unique weather conditions. Florida’s intense heat, humidity, and frequent storms demand a roofing material that can withstand these challenges. At 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply, we provide high-quality roofing materials tailored for Florida’s climate, ensuring your home stays protected and looks great for years to come.
When it comes to Florida’s unpredictable and intense weather, the long life and durability of metal roofing offer benefits that asphalt shingles simply can’t match. Today, we’ll review the benefits of these common roof types and the advantages of metal roofs over shingles. Get the facts you need to make an informed decision for your home.
The Advantages of Metal Roofs
Choosing a metal roof offers numerous benefits, especially in Florida’s challenging climate. Here are some key advantages:
- Durability: Metal roofs can last beyond 50 years, significantly longer than asphalt shingles.
- Weather Resistance: They withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and hail.
- Energy Efficiency: They reflect solar radiant heat, reducing cooling costs by up to 20%.
- Fire Resistance: They are non-combustible, providing an extra layer of protection.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal maintenance compared to other roofing materials.
- Eco-Friendly: They are often made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at the end of their life.
- Lightweight: They are easier to install and place less stress on your home.
- Aesthetic Variety: They are available in various styles and colors.
The Benefits of Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing choice for many reasons. Here are some benefits:
- Affordability: Asphalt roofing is generally cheaper to purchase and install.
- Variety: It is available in various styles and colors.
- Repair Simplicity: It is easier and less costly to repair.
- Sound Insulation: It provides better sound insulation compared to many other roofing materials.
Metal Roof vs. Shingles in Hot Climates: 10 Reasons to Choose Metal Roofing
We understand how overwhelming it is to manage your residence. One of the best ways to get the most out of your dream home is by comparing metal roofs vs. shingles in Florida. Here are ten reasons Florida homeowners choose long-lasting premium metal roofing over asphalt shingles.
1. Durability
Metal roofs are renowned for their exceptional durability, often lasting up to 50 years or more. This starkly contrasts asphalt shingle roofs, which in Florida’s harsh climate typically only last 12-20 years. Furthermore, a metal roof is weather-tight immediately after installation, while shingle roofs require time to thermally seal and are initially vulnerable to damage.
Metal roofs are highly resistant to cracking, shrinking, and eroding, providing robust protection against severe weather conditions like high winds, heavy rains, and intense sun exposure. The longer lifespan and resilience make metal roofing a particularly attractive option for retirees looking for a long-term, low-maintenance roofing solution.
2. Best value
Metal roofs offer unparalleled long-term value, especially considering their durability and longevity. Because of its longevity, a metal roof may be the last roof you need.
It’s less costly in the long term to install a metal roof once at today’s prices than endure the expense over and over again of a 2nd or even 3rd disposable roof. Assuming continued multi-year cost trends in the construction and material industries, the cost of installing a replacement asphalt roof in just 15 years is projected to be 50% higher than it is today. This makes metal roofs a smart financial decision when comparing metal roofs vs. shingles in Florida. By investing in a metal roof now, you avoid the escalating costs of future replacements and benefit from a one-time installation.
3. Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance in Florida is getting more expensive and stricter. An aging shingle roof can cause a sudden policy cancellation unless replaced every 15 years. Conversely, a metal roof may be eligible for insurance premium discounts and savings because of greater durability and extended life.
Insurance companies recognize the superior durability of metal roofing, and those extra savings are often provided due to the reduced risk of damage. This is particularly important in Florida, where the weather can be unpredictable and severe.
4. Weather resistance
Our metal roofing products are designed and manufactured specifically to withstand hurricane-force winds, tropical rains, extreme temperatures, salt corrosion, and harsh UV radiation from sunlight—all common to our state. Standing Seam metal roofing panels lock together to create integral strength, unlike common types of shingles that easily lift and tear off in storms, exposing your home to leaks and compounding damage.
Metal roofs provide a robust barrier against the elements, ensuring your home remains protected even in the most severe weather conditions. This makes metal roofing an obvious choice when considering metal roofs vs. shingles in Florida.
5. Energy efficiency
Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs reflect rather than absorb solar heat, which can help keep your home cooler and reduce your energy bills by as much as 25%. In Florida’s hot and humid climate, those savings can be significant. This energy efficiency is a crucial advantage when comparing metal roofs vs. shingles in hot climates. Choosing a metal roof for your home saves energy costs and reduces your carbon footprint, making it an affordable and eco-friendly choice.
6. Environmental
Metal roofing is a sustainable choice because it is often made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of its lifespan. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are petroleum-based products that, in many cases, contribute to truckloads of landfill waste. By opting for a metal roof, you make an environmentally friendly decision supporting recycling and waste reduction.
7. Low maintenance
Metal roofs require little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning and inspection. They do not rot, warp, curl, or crack as asphalt shingles can, nor is metal susceptible to mildew, fungus, moss, algae staining, or insect damage that is common as asphalt shingled roofs age. This makes metal roofing hassle-free and ideal for homeowners and retirees who prefer a durable, low-maintenance roofing solution. The resilience of metal roofs means fewer repairs and less ongoing maintenance, saving you time and money over the roof’s lifespan and providing you with more peace of mind.
8. Fire resistance
Our metal roofing is all Class A fire-resistant and non-combustible, while most shingle materials are combustible. This can be particularly important in areas of Florida prone to lightning strikes or wildfires. Metal roofs provide an extra layer of protection, reducing the risk of fire damage to your home. This enhanced safety feature is a crucial consideration and a key advantage of metal roofs over shingles.
9. Aesthetics
Metal roofs are growing in popularity in Florida and elsewhere, not just because of their benefits but because of their sleek and modern architectural style. Various roofing styles and colors allow homeowners to choose a look that matches their preferences and accents the architecture of their home, including unique metal roofing styles with the look of slate tiles, clay tiles, or wood shakes. Metal roofing offers a contemporary appearance and can enhance your home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic value. Interested in learning more about metal roofing styles and colors? Ask us to see samples!
10. Increased home value and return
A metal roof can increase your home’s resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers, returning value you will not get with shingles. According to a study from the Metal Roofing Alliance, homeowners in hurricane-prone areas can expect to recoup an average of 85.9% of the cost of a metal roof installation in increased home value.
Experts in the home industry agree that a metal roof is the best choice for homeowners in Florida. For many homeowners, a metal roof is the last one you’ll ever need to consider. Instead of worrying about the eventual replacement and cost of yet another shingle roof, moving to a long-lasting, durable metal roof for your home is the worry-free choice.
Besides being a better investment and value, the benefits of a metal roof pay dividends in reduced home cooling costs, potential insurance savings, and added home value and equity. Smart homeowners have been selecting metal roofing for a durable, energy-efficient, and sustainable roofing choice that requires little maintenance and has provided carefree home protection for decades.
Contact 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply for More Information
Protect your home from Florida’s extreme weather conditions with durable and reliable metal roofing solutions from 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply. As the leading metal roofing manufacturer and supply company based in Florida, we offer a wide range of high-quality roofing materials designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, tropical rainfalls, and the harsh UV effects of intense sunlight.
With our expert guidance and exceptional customer service, you can trust us to provide you with a roof that looks great and lasts for years to come. Contact us today for more information or request a quote online now.
