06 Jun Metal or Shingle: Which One Lasts Longer in Florida?

If you are a Florida homeowner, you would know the importance of having a roof that can withstand the weather.

Your roof must be resilient to heavy rains, strong winds, hailstorms, and storm surges that threaten the security and stability of your home. And when it comes to roofing options, there are two popular choices: metal and shingle.

But which one lasts longer in Florida? The answer is simple: metal. Here are our top three reasons why:

#1 — Climate Resilience

Florida has a humid subtropical climate with high temperatures and frequent thunderstorms, making it a challenging place to have a roof. Generally, shingles can withstand up to 130 mph wind gusts, which is decent in moderately severe weather.

Conversely, metal roofs can withstand up to 155 mph winds on average and last longer than shingles should there be a hurricane, tornado, or water damage.

Furthermore, “Metal buildings and metal roofs do not support mold growth, rust and decay, or distort under normal temperature fluctuations,” according to the Metal Buildings Manufacturers Association (MBMA).

#2 — Durability

Shingles are typically made from asphalt or fiberglass and last an average of 20 years — which may not be as long as the average homeowner would like.

However, “You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof,” according to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). “In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 30 to 50+ years since metal roofs can often be repainted versus replaced.”

The reason shingles’ lifespan is not as impressive is due to their makeup materials are not as sturdy as those used in metal roofs. While wood, asphalt, and other materials are prone to decomposition over time, metal is much more unyielding.

#3 — Maintenance

For shingle roofs, there is not a lot of maintenance to carry out, apart from replacing or repairing the damaged shingles whenever necessary.

Thankfully, the same cannot be said of metal roofing materials.

“Metal roofs don’t need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require,” State Farm affirms. “However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required.”

At the end of the day, when deciding on a shingle or metal roof for your home in Florida, you must think of everything. Although shingle roofs might appear to be practical, their shorter lifespan and average wind resistance might cause you to spend more on repairs over time.

If you want a roof that will last you for years without requiring substantial upkeep, a metal roof is undoubtedly practical… and Universal Roof & Contracting is ready to help you install the perfect metal roof for your home!

With over 30 years of experience serving Jacksonville and Central Florida residents, we are well-equipped to guide you through the changing world of metal roofing. So are you ready to take the first step?

Contact our team today at 855-ROOF-HELP! We offer a complimentary inspection, and we assure you that choosing us will result in a universal difference.