These days, there is no shortage of options when it comes to roofing materials. All of them have advantages and disadvantages, but your choice can depend on several factors, including where you live.
For Florida residents, choosing a new roof isn’t about preference. It is a matter of safety, especially for coastal homes in hurricane-prone areas, including Sarasota, Miami, and Tampa. Two of Florida's most popular roofing options include asphalt shingles and metal roofing. What are the differences between these two options, and in the debate of a metal roof vs shingles in Florida, what is the better option? Moreover, is there another option?
What is An Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Since their initial creation, asphalt shingles have been used for over 100 years, becoming one of the most popular roofing materials. Homes across the country, including in Florida, favor asphalt shingles in various styles and colors. These shingles are made using a fiberglass or organic felt mat, coated in asphalt, and then embedded with ceramic granules.
There are three types of asphalt shingles:
3-Tab: 3-Tab shingles get their name from the three tabs found on each shingle strip. These are the most basic asphalt shingles and were once the most common type used for residential properties. They don’t often last more than 20 years. This lifespan can be much shorter in Florida, especially in coastal areas.
Architectural Shingles: Architectural or dimensional shingles offer a more random pattern for roofs and can simulate the look of wood shakes. They have replaced 3-tab shingles as the most common roofing material. Architectural shingles can last 22 to 25 years, though that may be less, with Florida’s weather.
Luxury Shingles: Luxury shingles, also called designer or premium shingles, are the most high-end option designed to mimic natural slate's look. They are the most expensive of the three types and can last up to 30 years or even longer in the perfect condition.
Pros
Asphalt shingles are a budget-friendly option, even when you choose the highest-quality option.
They are available in a wide variety of colors.
They are a lightweight material that works well with any roof without the need for additional structural support.
Asphalt shingles are easy to install and maintain.
Cons
Asphalt shingles are less durable than other roofing materials and have a shorter lifespan in Florida due to the climate and weather.
They are less energy efficient when compared to other materials.
They require regular maintenance.
What is a Metal Roof?
It may be surprising to hear that metal roofs are older than asphalt shingles, first introduced in the 18th century. Despite being older, they weren’t a common choice for a long time, used mostly for industrial buildings, while asphalt shingles and other materials were used for homes. That has changed more recently, as metal roofing has become increasingly popular, especially when you consider a metal roof vs shingle roof in Florida. This is primarily due to the material's durability and longevity.
Pros
Metal roofs are extremely durable.
Metal roofing is an energy efficient material.
Metal roofs have a longer life expectancy.
It is easy to maintain.
Cons
It is more expensive than asphalt shingles.
Requires an expert in metal roofing to install it.
Metal roofing can be heavier than other materials.
Metal roofing offers more options than asphalt shingles. First, there is the choice of metal:
Aluminum: Corrosion-resistant and ideal for coastal homes, it has a higher initial cost. Other advantages of aluminum, is that it is fully recyclable and low maintenance.
Steel: Steel is one of the most common teals used for metal roofing. It is popular due to its strength, durability, and cost, especially compared to other metals. You can get steel roofing in various alloys and coatings.
Copper: Copper is the most expensive metal roofing option, popular for its extreme durability and beauty. As it ages, it develops a unique green patina that adds to its aesthetic appeal and increases corrosion resistance. Copper roofs can last over a century in some cases.
Zinc: Zinc roofs are environmentally friendly and low maintenance. They self-heal, blending scratches and imperfections over time. The low melting point reduces energy consumption during production. Zinc is 100% recyclable. Like copper, zinc develops a protective coating that prevents corrosion.
You also have different styles of metal roofs. Popular options include:
Standing Seam: Standing seam metal roofs have raised seams that extend vertically, providing extra protection against leaks and a sleek, contemporary look.
Shingles and Tiles: These mimic the look of traditional materials, providing a more classic aesthetic. This form of metal roofing is extremely lightweight, easy to install, and comes in various styles.
Corrugated Metal: Corrugated metal has a “rippled surface.” It can withstand heavy loads and severe weather while remaining cost-effective and without sacrificing longevity.
Comparing Shingle Roofs and Metal Roofs in Florida
It is one thing to define a metal vs shingle roof. Florida residents must also compare the two materials and their advantages and disadvantages. These should, ultimately, be the deciding factor for residents.
Life Expectancy
One of the most crucial things to consider when comparing a metal roof vs shingles in Florida is the roof's life expectancy. The lifespan of asphalt shingles varies depending on the type, ranging from 20 to 30 years. However, the climate significantly impacts their longevity, with extreme heat, wind, and rain accelerating their degradation.
Metal roofs have a life expectancy of up to 50 years with proper maintenance.
Metal Roof vs Shingle Roof Cost in Florida
The metal roof vs shingle roof cost in Florida is the second significant factor in deciding on a roofing material. While both options can be considered affordable when compared to other materials, compared to each other, metal roofing is significantly more expensive.
For asphalt shingles, those price points depend primarily on the quality of the material. You’ll pay $5 to $8 per square foot for asphalt shingles.
Metal roofing, no matter what, has a higher initial price point than asphalt shingles. While that price will vary depending on the type of metal you choose, you can generally expect to pay around $10 to $16 per square foot.
With this cost, you also want to consider the energy savings; metal roofs are an energy-efficient option that can lessen your reliance on expensive cooling systems, which is something to factor in when considering costs.
Maintenance
Roof maintenance will always be necessary to some degree. Whether it is cleaning it or checking for damage, maintenance cannot be avoided entirely. You can, however, choose roofing with fewer maintenance requirements. Between a metal roof vs shingle roof in Florida, shingle roofs require much more maintenance. You have to have them inspected periodically to check for damage, leaks, and missing shingles; you must remove any debris that has accumulated on top of the roof and in the gutters and perform any necessary repairs.
Metal roofs still require some maintenance, but significantly less. Metal roofs are more durable and won’t suffer damage like asphalt shingles will, with ripped and missing shingles; you may need to perform repairs every few years. This can be especially true for options like standing seam metal roofs. You will still want to perform regular inspections and keep it clean for aesthetic reasons rather than the potential for damage.
Installation and Repair
Metal and shingle roofs also differ in installation and repair. Shingles are easy to install and repair, requiring no special tools. Metal roofs, however, are challenging to install and repair due to their long process, special tools, added weight, and sharp edges.
Durability
There is no debate about what material wins in terms of durability when comparing a metal vs shingle roof; Florida roofs are proof of the durability of a metal roof. While asphalt shingles crack in a few years or lose their protective granules, metal roofs are an airtight, fire-resistant alternative that withstands hurricanes and tropical storms, though hail may leave dents.
Energy Efficiency
Another difference between a metal roof vs shingle roof Florida residents should consider is energy efficiency. A shingle roof absorbs the sun’s rays, which results in the inside temperature of your home rising and making your energy bills higher, especially when you consider Florida’s summer heat.
Metal roofs reflect these rays, keeping your home cooler and reducing your reliance on cooling systems, lowering energy bills.
Metal Roof vs Shingle Roof for Florida Residents? Or an Alternative?
Both asphalt shingles and metal roofing have their advantages and disadvantages in a general sense. Regarding Florida roofing, there is no denying that a metal roof is the better option. While it has a higher initial cost, you will have fewer repairs and will save on your energy bills. However, there is another option to consider: synthetic or composite roofing.
Synthetic roofing, like Brava Roofing Tiles, shares many of the qualities of metal roofing: they are lightweight, highly durable, fire resistant, water resistant, impact resistant, and capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds. Like metal roofs, Brava tiles are also sustainable and fully recyclable at the end of their life and are extremely energy efficient, with Cool Roof color options as well.
Their style makes them stand out from metal roofing: Brava tiles come in cedar shake, slate, and barrel tile styles, molded to create a realistic appearance. They are also much easier to install, requiring no special tools or equipment. Once installed, maintenance is minimal; it only requires an occasional cleaning and inspection.
Choosing the Right Roof For Florida Homes
Florida is no stranger to extreme weather, with tropical storms and hurricanes, which are something they face every year. Homeowners have seen the damage these storms can cause, destroying roofs and leaving homes unprotected. To avoid that, you need a strong roof, which means when comparing a metal roof vs shingle roof in Florida, metal is undoubtedly the better option. However, is it a metal roof compared to synthetic roofing tiles? Synthetic tiles will come out on top, offering the durability Florida needs, with beautiful aesthetics that will complement any home style, while ensuring they are energy efficient.
Contact Brava today to learn more about Brava roofing tiles and how they are the best option for homes across Florida.
