Metal Roof vs Shingles in Florida: Which Is Better?

Metal roofs last longer and stand up better to Florida wind and sun. Shingles cost less up front and still do a solid job for most homes. The right pick comes down to your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what your home needs.

We've been putting roofs on homes in St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Orlando since 1988. We install both. So this isn't a sales pitch for one or the other. It's a plain look at how metal and shingles stack up in Central Florida.

The Short Answer

Here's the quick version before we dig in:

• Pick shingles if you want the lowest cost today, you may sell in the next 10 years, or you like the classic look.
• Pick metal if this is your forever home, you want the longest life, or you want a roof that handles heat and wind as well as it can.

Both are good roofs when they're put on right. A cheap install can ruin either one.

How Long Each One Lasts in Florida

This is the biggest gap between the two.

Asphalt shingles: about 15 to 20 years in Central Florida. Up north they can last longer. Down here, the sun bakes them. UV rays break down the asphalt over time, and the shingles start to crack, curl, and shed granules.

Metal roofing: about 40 to 70 years. A well installed metal roof can outlast two or three shingle roofs.

So if you're 45 and plan to stay put, a metal roof could be the last roof you ever buy. A shingle roof likely won't be. For a deeper look at lifespan by material, read our guide on how long a roof lasts in Florida.

Cost: Metal vs Shingles

Shingles win on day one. Metal often wins over the long haul.

Based on our own Central Florida pricing guide, a shingle roof replacement on a typical home runs about $8,000 to $14,000. Metal runs about $14,000 to $25,000 or more. Your number depends on roof size, pitch, how many layers come off, and the shape of the decking underneath.

Now do the math over time. If a shingle roof lasts 18 years and a metal roof lasts 50, you might replace shingles two or three times in the span of one metal roof. That's why metal often comes out ahead if you stay in the home a long time.

If you might move in five years, though, you may not get that value back. In that case, a quality shingle roof usually makes more sense.

Wind and Storm Performance

This matters a lot in Central Florida.

Metal panels lock together and fasten tight to the roof deck. A well installed metal roof handles high wind very well. Exact wind ratings depend on the product and how it's installed, so ask your roofer to show you the rating for the system they quote.

Shingles can do well in wind too. Today's architectural shingles are made for high wind areas. But how well they hold up depends heavily on the install. Nail placement, sealing, and starter strips all matter. A shingle roof put on by a careful crew will beat one that was rushed.

Here's something many folks don't know. Florida law requires home insurers to offer discounts for features that help a home resist wind. That list includes things like roof covering performance, roof strength, and how well the roof is tied to the walls. A new roof may help you qualify. Ask your insurance agent what your policy offers.

Heat and Energy Use

Florida sun is no joke. Your roof takes the full hit all day.

Metal reflects a lot of that heat instead of soaking it up. That can help keep your attic cooler and take some load off your AC. Shingles absorb more heat. Lighter shingle colors help some, and good attic airflow helps a lot.

No matter which you pick, ventilation is key. A hot attic cooks shingles from below and drives up your power bill. If your attic runs hot, ask about attic insulation when you redo your roof.

Noise, Looks, and Other Questions

Is a metal roof loud in the rain?

Not usually. When metal goes over a solid roof deck with underlayment, most people don't notice much difference from shingles. The loud tin roof sound comes from metal on open framing, like a barn.

Will a metal roof make my house look like a warehouse?

Not anymore. Standing seam metal has a clean, modern look. Metal shingles can mimic the look of regular shingles. There are lots of colors to choose from.

Do shingles look cheap?

No. Architectural shingles have depth and texture. They look great on most homes in Osceola County. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we install shingles built to handle Florida sun and wind.

Which is easier to repair?

Shingles are usually easier and cheaper to patch. A few blown off shingles is a quick fix. Metal repairs can take more care, but metal also tends to need fewer repairs over its life.

Side by Side Comparison

• Lifespan in Florida: Shingles about 15 to 20 years. Metal about 40 to 70 years.
• Upfront cost: Shingles lower. Metal higher.
• Long term value: Metal often wins if you stay a long time.
• Wind: Both can do well. Install quality matters most.
• Heat: Metal reflects more heat.
• Repairs: Shingles are simpler to patch.
• Looks: Both come in many styles and colors.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Ask yourself three questions.

How long will you stay? Ten years or more points toward metal. Less than that points toward shingles.

What's your budget right now? If cash is tight, shingles get you a solid new roof for less. You can also look at financing options to spread out the cost of either one.

What shape is your roof deck in? We won't know until we look. Rotted decking has to be fixed no matter which roof you choose.

Still torn? That's normal. We can walk your roof, look at your home, and tell you honestly which option fits. Learn more about our metal roofing and asphalt shingle roofing services.

Book a Roof Inspection

Don Schmidt Roofing is a family owned roofer based in St. Cloud since 1988. We're A+ rated with the BBB, licensed and insured, and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. We serve St. Cloud, Kissimmee, Orlando, and all of Osceola County.

Want a straight answer on metal vs shingles for your home? Book a roof inspection or call us at (407) 892-9884. Our office is at 101 E 13th St, St. Cloud, FL.