Metal Roofs in Florida: Pros and Cons

Last Updated on 12/08/2023 by Matteo Lombardo

Are metal roofs good in Florida? Let’s talk about that. Metal roofs are popular in Florida because they last long and can handle tough weather.

But, like anything else, they have good and bad points. Here, we will examine the pros and cons of having a metal roof in Florida.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

➡️ Pros	➡️ Cons
Strong Against Storms: Metal roofs can handle strong winds and are durable in Florida’s stormy weather.	Cost: Metal roofs can be more expensive than other roofing types.
Energy Efficiency: They reflect sunlight, keeping houses cooler and saving on air conditioning costs.	Noise: Metal roofs can be noisy during rain or hailstorms, which can be bothersome.
Longevity: Metal roofs can last between 40 to 70 years, longer than traditional roofs.	Dents and Scratches: They can still get dented or scratched, especially from falling branches or hail.
Environmentally Friendly: Often made from recycled materials and can be recycled again. They also save energy.	Expansion and Contraction: Metal expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can affect the roof’s shape.
Aesthetic Variety: Available in various colors and styles, some resembling regular shingles or tiles.	Installation: Requires skilled workers, which may be harder to find compared to traditional roofs.

➡️ Cost of Metal Roofs in Florida	➡️ Lifespan of Metal Roofs in Florida
– Tin (Terne) Roofs: $300 – $1,800 per square.	– Lifespan: 40 to 70 years depending on factors like material quality and maintenance.
– Steel Roofs: $100 – $1,300 per square.	– Climate and Weather Conditions: Florida’s hot, humid climate can affect durability.
– Aluminum Roofs: $300 – $1,700 per square.	– Maintenance: Regular inspections and repairs are crucial to prolonging lifespan.
– Galvalume Roofs: $1.00 – $4.50 per sq. ft.	– Quality of Materials and Installation: Proper materials and installation are key factors.
– Copper Roofs: $900 – $3,000 per square.	– Environmental Factors: Coastal areas and harsh weather can affect longevity.
– Zinc Roofs: $1,000 – $2,000 per square.	– Prolonging Lifespan: Regular maintenance, debris removal, and protective coatings.

Benefits of Metal Roofs in Florida

Strong Against Storms: Florida has lots of storms and hurricanes. Metal roofs are great for this. They can handle strong winds and don’t rust or get damaged easily.
Saves Energy: It gets really hot in Florida. Metal roofs help keep houses cooler by reflecting sunlight. This means your air conditioning doesn’t have to work so hard, saving you money.
Lasts a Long Time: Metal roofs can last between 40 to 70 years. That’s much longer than normal roofs. This is good for Florida’s weather.
Good for the Planet: Metal roofs are often made from recycled stuff and can be recycled again. They also help save energy. So, they are a smart choice if you care about the environment.
Looks Nice: Metal roofs aren’t just strong; they look good too. They come in many colors and styles. Some even look like regular shingles or tiles.

We’ve seen the good things about metal roofs. Next, we’ll talk about the downsides of having them in Florida.

Disadvantages of Metal Roofs in Florida

While metal roofs have many benefits, knowing the downsides is important, too. Here are some things that might make you think twice about getting a metal roof in Florida:

Cost: Metal roofs can be more expensive than other types. The roof’s cost to buy and put one on your house is usually higher than for regular roofs.
Noise: When it rains or hail, metal roofs can be noisy. This can be annoying, especially during Florida’s rainy season.
Dents and Scratches: Although tough, metal roofs can still get dents or scratches. Things like falling branches or hail can leave marks.
Expansion and Contraction: Metal expands when it gets hot and shrinks when it cools down. In Florida’s heat, this can cause the roof to change shape slightly, which might need extra attention over time.
Installation: Putting on a metal roof needs skilled workers. It’s not as common as putting on regular roofs, so finding the right people to do it can be harder.

Understanding these downsides helps you better choose whether a metal roof is right for your home in Florida.

Average Cost of Metal Roofs in Florida

When considering metal roofs in Florida, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Florida’s average metal roof cost is around $3,500 to $16,750.

The price varies depending on the type of metal, roof size, and other factors. Here’s a breakdown based on different materials:

Tin (Terne) Roofs: For materials alone, the cost ranges from $300 to $1,100 per square (with each square equaling 100 square feet). The installed cost averages between $600 and $1,800 per square.
Steel Roofs: The material cost for steel roofs ranges from $100 to $1,300 per square. Types like stainless steel are more expensive but offer superior strength and longevity.
Aluminum Roofs: The material cost for aluminum roofing is between $300 and $900 per square, while the installed cost ranges from $700 to $1,700 per square. Aluminum is known for its corrosion resistance.
Galvalume Metal Roofs: The material ranges from $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot. The average installed cost of a galvalume standing seam roof is $800 to $1,300 per square.
Copper Roofs: Copper roofing costs between $900 and $2,000 per square for materials, with installed costs ranging from $1,300 to $3,000 per square.
Zinc Roofs: For installation, the cost ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per square, with the total cost for an average home being between $15,000 and $50,000.

👉 Additional factors like the removal of the old roof, the complexity of the roof design, the gauge of the metal, and labor costs can also affect the overall cost.

The Lifespan of Metal Roofs in Florida

When considering a metal roof in Florida, it’s essential to understand its expected lifespan, which can be influenced by various factors unique to the state’s climate.

General Lifespan Estimates

Metal roofs in Florida usually last for 40 to 70 years. This duration depends on factors like the quality of materials, the local weather, and how well they’re taken care of.

Florida’s hot and rainy climate and issues like heat, humidity, and salt air near the coast can affect how long metal roofs last.

Key Factors Affecting Lifespan

Climate and Weather Conditions: Florida has a hot and humid climate with strong winds. This weather can be tough on roofs. Metal roofs can get damaged by hail storms and windstorms, and coastal areas with salt air can cause corrosion.
Maintenance and Inspection: To make a metal roof last longer in Florida, it’s crucial to do regular maintenance. This means checking for rust, corrosion, and damage from the environment. You should also fix any problems you find.
Quality of Materials and Installation: Using good materials and making sure the roof is installed correctly is very important. The type of metal roof you choose, like corrugated or standing seam, can affect how long it lasts. Standing seam roofs are usually more durable, even though they cost more, because of how they’re designed and installed.
Environmental Factors: Where your home is in Florida matters too. If your home is in an area with harsh weather or salt water, your metal roof might wear out faster.

Prolonging the Lifespan

To maximize the lifespan of a metal roof in Florida, homeowners should:

Conduct regular inspections and repairs.
Keep trees and vegetation trimmed to reduce debris and water pooling.
Clean gutters regularly.
Use sealants and coatings for protection against elements.
Be mindful of animal or insect infestations and address them promptly.

Conclusion

The weather in Florida is unique, so choosing the right roof is important. Metal roofs are a good choice because they’re strong and can handle Florida’s harsh weather.

Metal roofs have benefits like lasting a long time (usually 40 to 70 years) and saving energy. But they can be expensive to install and need maintenance. The type of metal roof you pick, like corrugated or standing seam, depends on what you like and how much you can spend.

If you’re a homeowner in Florida, consider the local weather, how close you are to the coast, and what your home needs when deciding on a metal roof. It’s also important to do regular maintenance and check-ups to make your metal roof last in Florida’s tough conditions.

To sum up, metal roofs are a good choice for homes in Florida because they’re strong and look nice. By knowing the pros and cons, costs, and maintenance, homeowners can make smart decisions that keep their homes safe and suit their budget and lifestyle.