Are Metal Flat Roofs a Good Idea in Florida?

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you probably know that metal is not a standard material for flat roofs. Typically, property owners choose to use rubber-membrane roofing systems like TPO, modified bitumen, or EPDM. But can you install a metal flat roof in Florida? And if you can, should you?

Classic Roofing and Construction has been providing flat roof replacement services to the Greater Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years. And as your local metal roofing experts, we want to help you figure out how and if you should get a new metal flat roof installed. So let’s start with the basics: Can you use metal on a flat roof?

Can a Flat Roof Be Made of Metal?

While it’s not the most common option, yes, you can make a flat roof out of metal. Unlike shingles or tiles, which are made for higher-slope roofs, it’s easy to adapt metal into a metal flat roof material.

And it’s not strange to want a metal flat roof. Metal roofs provide both durability and a lifespan of up to 70 years, so there’s a lot to like about them. They also offer a sleek, elegant aesthetic, which can do a lot to increase the curb appeal of your property. And since metal roofs are extremely water-resistant, they can repel water and protect your flat roofing system from Florida’s heavy rains.

Now that we know it’s possible to install a metal flat roof, let’s look at if this could be the right choice for you.

Should I Get a Metal Flat Roof in Florida?

Is a metal flat roof right for you? It very well could be, since metal roofs stand up wonderfully to Florida’s erratic weather patterns. But one thing to consider is the roof replacement cost. Because while metal roofs are a fantastic roofing material, there is a significant price for this quality product.

The final price will always be unique to your property and the specifics of your situation. But in general, a metal roof in Florida will cost between $11.50 and $20.50 per square foot. So if you want a metal flat roof of 1,000 square feet, then you can expect to pay between $11,500 and $20,500. That’s a hefty price tag, but it could be worth it if you want to invest in the best flat roof possible.

Now that you know what you can expect for metal flat roof costs, let’s talk about the different types of metal roofs to see which one is best for you.

Screw-Down

Screw-down metal roofs are affordable metal flat roof options. And it works exactly how the name implies—the metal panel is screwed down and physically adhered to your roof. But while this is a secure roofing technology, it may not be the best for Floridians.

The big problem with screw-down metal flat roofs is that they can’t move. While it may sound odd to think of your roof as moving, it’s normal for some roofing materials (especially metal) to expand and contract as the temperature rises and lowers. And normally, metal expands and contracts well, without losing any of its strength. But screw-down metal roofs can’t expand because they’re, well, screwed-down. The result is that there’s no room for the metal to move, which means that your roof may not last as long as a metal roof typically would.

Although screw-down roofs are not the best metal flat roof option, they are more affordable. And since you can expect them to run on the less expensive side of the metal roof price range, they can be an attractive option for many property owners who want the strength of a metal roof without going over budget on a roof replacement. But if you want the best type of metal roof for your home or business, then there’s another, superior option.

Standing Seam

A standing seam metal roof comes with many advantages over the screw-down style. This roofing system functions by having a series of metal roofing panels that adhere at the seams to create one complete roofing system. Since the roof isn’t screwed down, it has room to expand and contract with the heat, which makes it much more durable as a Florida flat roof.

The sun’s heat and UV rays create serious problems for Florida’s roofs. So by being able to adapt to the heat and deflect UV rays, standing seam metal flat roofs can last for significantly longer than their screw-down counterparts. But that benefit comes at a premium. Standing seam metal roofs are more expensive, which can make them a less appealing option for some property owners. But if you want to put the best possible investment into your property, then standing seam metal flat roofs are a great option.

Now you have a clear understanding of your metal flat roof options. But it can’t all be good news, right? Aren’t there downsides of metal flat roofs?

What Are the “Downsides” of Metal Flat Roofs?

Honestly, it’s hard to find downsides to metal flat roofs. Yes, they’re not a cheap roofing material, but they’re well worth the investment. So what’s the problem with metal flat roofs?

If there’s one issue with this roofing material, it’s that not just anyone can install it. Unlike shingles, which are fairly simple to install, metal roof replacements take a lot of skill and experience. This can limit the local roofing companies that can help you with installing your new metal flat roof.

So how do you find experienced Florida roofers who know how to help?

Finding the Best Local Roofers

If you live in Pinellas, Hillsborough, or Pasco Counties, then there are a lot of factors that go into finding great roofers. You want a roofing company with experience, a great reputation in the community, and reliable crews. But with Florida overrun by scam roofing companies, it can be hard to find all three of these factors in a single local roofing company.

Luckily, Classic has you covered. We’ve got:

• 20 years of local roofing experience
• Connections with the top metal roof suppliers in the nation
• Hundreds of five-star reviews
• 100% in-house crews, never subcontractors

So why not see what we can do to get your new metal flat roof installed? We make the process simple and accessible: All you have to do is schedule your free estimate online. Then, once you’ve got your metal flat roof in hand, you can decide whether to move forward with your roof replacement. And with our 100% happiness guarantee, we’re confident that you’ll love what our local roofing experts can do for you.