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Across the state of Florida, metal roofs are rapidly growing in popularity. But like any roofing material, metal roofing has its pros and cons. And oftentimes, roofing materials are better suited to certain climates than others. So this begs the question: Is metal roofing in Florida a good idea?
We’re Classic Roofing and Construction, and we’ve been your local roofers for 20 years, so we know all there is to know about roofing in Florida. Today, we’re putting that expertise to use to break down the good and the bad with metal roofing in Florida.
Pros of Metal Roofing in Florida
You’ve probably noticed an uptick in metal roofing in Florida, and that’s for some very good reasons. Metal roofs are a versatile, reliable roofing material with an aesthetic that’s quickly catching on. But to give you the full picture, let’s look at the biggest pros of metal roofing in Florida.
Metal Roofing Longevity
Florida is famously harsh on roofs. Between sun exposure, high winds during hurricanes, and heavy downpours, there are a lot of factors that shorten a roof’s lifespan. That’s why asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 15-25 years in Florida, because some of those roofs get worn down faster than others. But when it comes to metal roofing in Florida, the roof’s lifespan is very different.
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In Florida, metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. So if you’re considering a roof replacement, a metal roof replacement could very easily be the last roof that you need to put on your home or business. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long term.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Withstanding local weather patterns is one of the biggest advantages of metal roofing in Florida. Metal roofs routinely resist winds of up to 150mph, which means a metal roof can comfortably withstand a category four hurricane without suffering damage.
Most metal roofs are also UV reflective, which means they redirect the sun’s rays away from your structure. This has two major benefits: First, it lowers your monthly energy bill. And second, it means that your roof will last longer under Florida’s extreme sun exposure where roofing shingles would start to crack or curl.
Metal roofing is also great against the final big threat against Florida roofs, water. In Florida, standing water can lead to leaks and, in extreme cases, even roof sagging. But metal roofs are constructed so that water slides right off, which keeps the roofing system healthy and functional for years to come.
Low Maintenance Roofing
Because metal roofs are so long-lived and durable, they require very little maintenance. While shingle or tile uplift can be fairly common, especially after a major storm, metal roofing in Florida experiences very little damage over time. This means that it’s unlikely that you’ll need metal roof repairs very often across the life of your roof.
In most cases, we recommend that people with metal roofs give their roofs a quick inspection every two years and after major storms. In most cases, your roof won’t need any repairs, but occasional cleanings can keep your roof looking pristine and performing at its best.
High Curb Appeal
Years ago, metal roofing in Florida may have been frowned upon due to aesthetics. But now, many people are finding that they love the look of a metal roof. Aesthetics can vary depending on the type of metal roof you have installed, but generally, they create a sleek, modern feel. And this aesthetic, in addition to the durability of a metal roof, can do a lot to raise curb appeal and resale value.
Metal roofing in Florida is available in various styles and colors, so there’s no reason that you can’t find a metal roof to complement your home or business.
Homeowners Insurance Benefits
Florida has some of the highest homeowners insurance rates in the country. But when you choose metal roofing in Florida, you may be able to drastically lower how much you pay for homeowners insurance.
Because Florida is at such high risk for damaging storms, many insurance companies want to see your home better protected. To that end, some providers offer lower rates for homes with metal roofs. This is due to metal roofing’s famous durability and longevity, which should reduce the amount of problems you experience and thus the number of claims you make to your provider.
Cons of Metal Roofing in Florida
Clearly, metal roofing in Florida has a solid foundation. But no roofing material is perfect, and that includes metal roofs. So let’s look at some of the reasons why metal roofing may or may not be the right fit for your home or business.
Metal Roofing Costs
You may have already known this, but it needs to be said: Metal roofing isn’t cheap. Metal roofs have a wide range of prices, but they will always cost substantially more than a shingle roof.
Total metal roofing costs depend on the type of metal roofing you choose, the installation method, and the roof itself. That said, on average, metal roofing in Florida costs range from $20,000 to $45,000 or more. While this cost can be offset by the roof’s longevity and durability, there’s no denying that it requires a hefty up-front investment.
Metal Roofing Rust
Normally, rust would not be a major concern for metal roofing. However, rust is a real concern in coastal Tampa Bay where salt water is everywhere. And depending on the type of metal roof you have installed, your metal roof could start to rust, which could drastically lower the life of your roof.
But that doesn’t mean that all metal roofs rust. One type of metal roofing that we recommend is Galvalume steel. This innovative roofing technology uses steel that has been coated in aluminum. Since aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion, your roof has built-in rust protection that will last for years to come.
Difficult Installation
Installing a metal roof in Florida is not easy. It requires a skilled crew and a lot of experience with both metal roofs and roofs in Florida. This is unlike other roofing options, like shingles, that are fairly simple to install.
The more difficult installation means that you need to be especially picky with the roofers you pick. Our advice is to only trust local roofers who have experience with metal roofs. When you’re considering a metal roofing company in Florida, it can be a good idea to ask for photos of their completed metal roofing jobs. This will give you an idea of what you can expect for your own roof, and it also confirms that they have experience with this difficult roofing material.
Enjoy the Benefits of Metal Roofing in Florida
After considering all of the pros and cons of metal roofing in Florida, it’s clear that this is an excellent roofing material. And if you can afford to invest in your roof in this way, then we strongly encourage you to do so. Metal roofs have high costs and require expert installation, but the tradeoff is that you get a reliable, beautiful new roofing system.
If you’d like to learn more about metal roofing in Florida and how to get started, we can help. Classic makes it easy to get your free roofing estimate. All you have to do is schedule your in-person roof inspection. Then, a roofing expert will come, inspect the property, and prepare a personalized, no-obligation metal roofing quote for you. They will also review various metal roofing options with you to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want.
Choosing metal roofing in Florida is a big decision. But when you go with a community-backed local roofer, you can make this decision with confidence. Get your free roofing estimate today and see why Classic has been Florida’s preferred metal roofing company for 20 years.
Metal Roofing on Florida – The Video
