Metal vs shingle roofing on the Florida coast
June 20, 2025 · 7 min
The metal-vs-shingle question comes up on almost every coastal quote we write. The answer is not always metal. It depends on how long you plan to own the home, how far you are from the ocean, and how you value long-term cost versus up-front cost.
Standing-seam metal, properly installed with clip-fastening (not through-panel screws), can last 50+ years, carry a 180 mph wind rating, and reflect radiant heat well enough to lower a Florida cooling bill measurably.
Architectural shingle, in the top tier from GAF or Owens Corning, will last 20–25 years, carry a 130 mph wind rating, and cost less than half of metal to install. For a home you plan to sell in 8–12 years, shingle is often the smarter buy.