Metal Roofing vs Shingle Roofing: Which Should You Choose?

Q: How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine. Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms. Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events. Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster. Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below. Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss. Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

Q: How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting. Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling. Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials. Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices. Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

Q: Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery , you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

February 12, 2019•2 min read•

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metal roofing vs shingle roofing sarasota roofing contractor

Metal Roofing vs Shingle Roofing: Which Is Best for Florida Homes?

Close to 80% of the residential homes in the US have an asphalt roof. That’s 4 out of every 5 houses.

Yet, what most consumers don’t realize is that asphalt roofing is not their only choice. Sure, it’s the most widely used roofing material, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the best choice.

Your home’s roof is one of its most important features. Yet few people think much about it until there’s a tropical storm. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of asphalt and metal roofing so you can make an informed decision.

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Cost and Longevity

Whenever you consider cost, you need to also consider the lifespan of that building material. Often, the cheapest option is not the most economical because of how often it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Shingle roofing is one of the most affordable options, costing anywhere from $350–$900 per square. You can usually get 10–20 years of use out of a shingle roof, and sometimes as long as 30 years with proper installation.

On the other hand, metal roofing is among the most expensive materials, ranging from $700–$1500 per square. However, metal roofing can last 20 to 50 years or more.

Often the biggest factors impacting the longevity of your roof are the workmanship and how well it is installed, as well as environmental factors such as salt air or overhanging trees.

Shingle Roofing Pros

Lower upfront cost and easier to install.
Materials are widely available and contractors are easy to find.
Easy to repair—damaged shingles can be quickly replaced after storms.
Contractors can walk on shingles without damaging them during installation.

Shingle Roofing Cons

Shorter lifespan compared to metal, which may result in higher long-term costs.
Limited color variety and heavier weight on your roof structure.
Made from petroleum-based materials, which are flammable and environmentally unfriendly.
11 million tons of shingles end up in landfills each year—ask your contractor about recycling.
Not ideal for Florida’s extreme heat and frequent storms—easily damaged and heat-retentive.

Metal Roofing Pros

Highly durable and can last up to 50 years or more.
Lightweight, eco-friendly, and available in various colors and styles.
Ideal for Florida homes and compatible with solar panels.
Typically more energy-efficient and reflective, helping to reduce cooling costs.

Metal Roofing Cons

Higher upfront material and labor costs due to precise installation requirements.
Not allowed in some HOA communities—check local codes before installing.
Can radiate heat into the attic depending on the metal type and finish.
May increase or decrease your homeowner’s insurance premium—check with your provider.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide to metal roofing vs shingle roofing has given you valuable insight into choosing the right roof for your Florida home.

Ultimately, your decision comes down to how long you plan to stay in your home and whether you prioritize long-term savings or short-term affordability.

Next, check out our 5 tips for hiring the best roofing company in your area to get the most from your investment.

General FAQs

Does attic insulation and ventilation really make a difference?

Yes—more than most homeowners realize. Your roof surface can run nearly 100°F hotter than the air on summer days, and attics can hit the high 100s. Without proper insulation and balanced airflow, that heat and moisture can warp beams, fry shingles from beneath, and invite rot. The fix is straightforward: sufficient attic insulation plus soffit intake + ridge exhaust ventilation to move hot, wet air out.

How do the main roofing materials compare in Sarasota’s climate?

Asphalt shingles: Affordable, easy to source, and versatile. Pros: fire/water resistance, low maintenance, ~25-year lifespan. Cons: lighter weight can mean blow-offs in big storms; extreme summer heat can warp/crack; expect occasional repair budgeting.
Clay tile: Classic look, handles heat and salt spray, long-lasting (up to ~50 years). Pros: fire/rot resistance, stays put in wind. Cons: pricey, heavy (may need structural reinforcement), and fragile during handling.
Concrete tile: Popular in Florida and lighter than many expect. Pros: durable (about 50–100 years), low maintenance, fire/water resistance, strong wind performance, color options (can mimic wood/other looks). Cons: somewhat expensive; design options are more limited than premium materials.
Metal roofing: Comes in profiles that resemble shingles/tiles/shakes. Pros: little maintenance, fire/water/insect resistance, stands up to salt spray, reflects heat (can lower cooling bills), up to ~40-year lifespan. Cons: higher upfront cost and more limited design choices.
Slate: Stunning and extremely durable (often 100+ years). Pros: water/rot/fire resistance, high hurricane tolerance. Cons: very heavy (reinforcement likely), fragile to walk on, and the most expensive option here.

What causes roof leaks?

Leaks usually start at weak points—not just during hurricanes. In Florida, extreme heat and UV make materials expand/contract, turning brittle and cracking over time; even asphalt tar can soften and lose its seal.

Aging roof: Heat/UV cycles degrade shingles and seals, opening paths for water.

Flashing failures: Cracked, rusted, or separated metal around chimneys, vents, valleys, and walls.
Missing/damaged shingles: Wind and storms pull or crack shingles, exposing underlayment and decking.
Clogged gutters: Standing water backs up under edges and soaks materials—especially in rainy season.
Skylight leaks: Worn rubber seals or loose skylight flashing let water in at the frame.

Can I see examples of your past work?

Yes. If you browse our Roofing Project Gallery, you will see high-resolution drone videos of our featured projects with links to the materials we used.

How can I extend my roof’s lifespan?

Treat it like preventive medicine.

Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t back up under edges and soak the decking—check especially after storms.
Manage trees: trim back overhangs; big branches are a real hazard in wind events.
Insulate the attic to reduce heat transfer that can stress rafters and age materials faster.
Ventilate the attic (intake at soffits, exhaust at ridge) to dump heat and moisture before they warp wood or cook shingles from below.
Do regular roof cleanups/visual checks for debris, missing/curling shingles, or granule loss.
Schedule professional inspections to catch small issues before they snowball. Sarasota heat + summer storms reward proactive care.

What’s the best roof type for Florida homes?

There isn’t a single winner—it’s about matching material to Sarasota’s heat, humidity, storms, wind, and (for coastal folks) salt spray. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly and common; concrete and clay tiles bring serious longevity and wind resistance; metal reflects heat and shrugs off salt; slate is gorgeous and ultra-durable but heavy and costly. The “best” choice balances your budget, aesthetics, structural needs, and how exposed your home is to wind and sea air.