Make the Switch: The Benefits of Metal Roofing in Florida’s Climate

It’s no secret that Florida has a reputation for being a hot, humid place with a harsh sun that beats down on roofs constantly. Additionally, the entire state is prone to frequent hurricanes and strong afternoon thunderstorms during the summer months. 

Often, your traditional asphalt shingle roof just can’t keep up. 

As a result, metal roofing serves as an effective roofing material for homes and businesses. Discover the benefits of installing a metal roof for your home, and see why so many Florida residents are making the switch!

The Benefits of a Metal Roof in Florida

There’s a reason metal is becoming more and more common as a roofing material in Florida. It hosts a plethora of benefits that both homeowners and businesses enjoy. If you’re in the market for a new roof, here are just a few of the reasons you may want to consider metal.

Durability

Metal roofs are extremely durable. Not only are they capable of withstanding strong winds, but they also have longer lifespans than other roof types like asphalt shingles. When properly installed and maintained, metal roofs can last as long as 30-40 years—over twice as long as shingles.

With Florida’s frequent hurricanes, metal roofs provide adequate protection against harsh winds, heavy rains, and even some falling debris. So you can expect to have your metal roof for a lot longer, no matter the weather conditions.

Less Maintenance Needs

Metal roofs are much easier to clean and maintain than their asphalt alternatives, and this is quite appealing for homeowners and business owners alike. If you live in an area without much tree coverage, you may never need to clean your metal roof. Plus, metal roofs are almost entirely resistant to moss, algae, and mold growth—though they can still be impacted by water damage in the form of rust. However, it’s much more difficult for a metal roof to rust than it is for a shingle roof to grow algae.

Fire Resistant

As just one of America’s lighting capitals, Florida is no stranger to fires caused by lightning storms. While fires are rarer than rain damage or hurricanes, they can occur, and you’ll want to keep your home as protected from them as possible. 

One of the major benefits of a metal roof is its fire resistance. Most roofing materials are rated against fire, but metal has a special advantage of not being able to combust or catch on fire, protecting your home and not fueling the flame if the worst were to occur.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Another benefit of metal roofing here in Central Florida is the energy efficiency it provides for your home or business. Metal roofs absorb less sunlight and act as effective insulators. Not only does this reduce environmental impacts, but it also reduces your monthly cooling costs—some studies show it can reduce costs as much as 50%. While you may put more upfront for a metal roof, you’re sure to save money in the long run with these increased savings.

For this reason, metal roofs are ideal for locations with full sun exposure. They’re effective in shaded areas as well; however, it’s important to keep in mind that in areas with a thick tree canopy, more maintenance is required for metal roofs due to staining and debris falling.

A Variety of Design Options

Lastly, another benefit of metal roofs is the variety of design options that are available to match the architecture of your home or business. There are two common types of metal roofs: exposed fastener and standing seam metal. Most people choose standing seam metal roofs because they hide any screws from sight and make for a more attractive roof.

Regardless of the type of metal roof, they come in a variety of colors and structural patterns, so you can get the exact aesthetic you desire—there are even options that mimic classic shingles or a clay roof look. This gives metal roofing more versatility and adds great aesthetic value to both residential and commercial properties.

Are There Disadvantages to Metal Roofs?

We’ve just gone through all the benefits of metal roofing, but what’s the catch? Are there any disadvantages?

The main disadvantage of metal roofing is the price. While it is relatively affordable, it does cost more than your standard shingles roof. For example, recent cost averages show that asphalt shingles are about $1 to $1.20 per square foot, while metal roofing materials are $6 to $16 per square foot. 

Now, you may get the upfront cost back in reduced maintenance costs and lower energy bills, but cost is often the first major hurdle you may encounter with a metal roof.

The other disadvantage is increased noise. Because of the nature of metal, rain and wind sounds may be louder with a metal roof than they would be with other materials. However, many modern metal roofs do come with sound-dampening insulation to help reduce this drawback, making the noise levels comparable to asphalt shingles.

Find the Best Roof for Your Home with Big D Roofing

Working with a reputable local residential and commercial roofing company like Big D gives you the knowledge and expertise you need to make the best decisions for your business and home. We provide exceptional customer service and follow industry best practices. We use high-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with beautiful metal roofs that last.

If your residential or commercial property is locatedin North Central Florida or the surrounding areas, contact us today to get started on your roofing project!