When considering metal roofing vs. shingles in Florida, it’s important to weigh how each option handles our state’s intense heat, humidity, and frequent storms. Both roofing types are common across the region, but they offer different advantages in terms of longevity, upkeep, energy efficiency, and weather protection.
At 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply, we specialize in high-quality materials tailored for Florida’s demanding climate, ensuring your home stays protected and looks great for years.
This guide compares metal roofing vs. shingles across key categories like lifespan, cost, maintenance, and more. Whether replacing an old roof or starting from scratch, you’ll get the facts to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Metal Roof vs. Shingles in Florida: What You Need to Know
Metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles is a common debate among Florida homeowners—and for good reason. Both materials have their strengths, but their performance can vary widely in our hot, humid, and stormy climate. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you choose the right roof for your home.
Durability
When it comes to withstanding Florida’s harsh elements, metal roofing shows a clear difference in durability. Metal roofs are highly resistant to cracking, shrinking, and erosion, providing robust protection against severe weather conditions like high winds, heavy rain, and prolonged sun exposure. They’re also weather-tight immediately after installation, unlike shingles, which need time to thermally seal and are more vulnerable to early damage.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles can offer solid protection when properly installed and maintained, but they are more susceptible to wind uplift, moisture damage, and heat-related wear. In Florida, shingles may degrade faster due to intense UV rays and humidity, requiring more frequent repairs or replacements.
Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance in Florida is getting more expensive and stricter. An aging shingle roof can cause a sudden policy cancellation unless it is 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.
Weather Resistance
Florida’s weather is no joke—from hurricane-force winds to heavy tropical rains and relentless UV exposure. In the metal roofing vs. shingles debate, metal roofing stands out for its ability to handle these extreme conditions. Products like Standing Seam panels interlock for added strength, offering superior resistance to wind uplift, water intrusion, salt corrosion, and sun damage.
Although asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to wind and moisture, they have improved in design over the years. Impact-resistant and wind-rated shingles can perform well if installed by a skilled contractor. However, their layered construction can make them more likely to tear or lift in hurricanes, leading some Florida homeowners to lean toward metal for added peace of mind.
Energy Efficiency
In Florida’s intense sun and humidity, energy efficiency is a major factor when weighing metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles. Metal roofs reflect solar heat rather than absorb it, helping to keep your home cooler and potentially reducing cooling bills by up to 25%.
Asphalt shingles, by comparison, tend to absorb heat, which can make your attic and living spaces warmer. However, some modern shingles now come with reflective granules designed to reduce heat absorption, though they’re generally not as effective as metal in this area. While both options can be ENERGY STAR® rated, metal roofing tends to offer more consistent energy-saving performance in Florida’s climate.
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. On the other hand, asphalt shingles 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.
Maintenance
When comparing metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles in Florida, maintenance is a crucial factor, especially in our state’s damp, storm-prone climate. Metal roofs require minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning and inspections. They don’t rot, warp, curl, or crack, and they’re highly resistant to issues like mildew, moss, algae staining, and insect damage that can affect asphalt shingles over time.
Asphalt shingle roofs typically require more regular maintenance, especially in humid environments where algae and mold growth can occur. Shingles can also loosen or degrade faster under prolonged sun exposure or after major storms. While shingle repairs are usually less expensive upfront, they may occur more frequently.
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.
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.
Aesthetics
Metal roofs are increasingly popular in Florida—not just for their performance but for their modern architectural appeal. With a wide range of colors and styles available, including options that mimic slate, clay tiles, or wood shakes, metal roofing gives homeowners plenty of design flexibility to match their vision and boost curb appeal.
Despite that fact, asphalt shingles are still the most commonly used roofing material in the U.S., largely because of their traditional look, cost, and broad style selection. They’re available in a wide array of colors, textures, and thicknesses, making it easy to complement different home styles—from coastal cottages to suburban homes. Whether you’re drawn to sleek and modern or classic and cozy, both materials offer aesthetic versatility.
Home Value and Return
A metal roof can increase your home’s resale value and make it more attractive to potential buyers, delivering value shingles can’t match. Homeowners who choose metal roofs saw a 61.2% return on investment (ROI) in 2020. In hurricane-prone areas in Florida, metal roofs can potentially attract even more buyers due to their benefits and durability.
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.
Lifespan
Metal roofs are renowned for their exceptional lifespan, often lasting 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. This starkly contrasts asphalt shingle roofs, which in Florida’s harsh climate typically last 12 to 20 years before needing replacement. While shingles have a lower upfront cost, metal’s longer lifespan can offer better long-term value for Florida homeowners who want fewer roof replacements over time.
Installation Costs
When comparing metal roofing vs. shingles, asphalt usually has the lower upfront cost, making it a more budget-friendly option at installation. However, metal roofing tends to offer better long-term value. It’s less expensive to install a metal roof once than to pay for two or even three asphalt roof replacements over time.
Metal roofing may be the more cost-effective investment for homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term.
Contact 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply for More Information
Protect your home from Florida’s extreme weather conditions with durable and reliable 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.
