Why a Metal Roof in Florida Could Save You Money in the Long Run

Anyone who’s faced the skyrocketing homeowner’s insurance premiums in Florida these days knows how important the condition of your roof is to your insurance rates – and your finances. With purchasing a new roof being a major decision being faced by many Floridians in this ever-changing insurance landscape, we thought we’d share some of the advantages of choosing a metal roof over a traditional shingle roof.

The Durability and Maintenance of a Metal Roof

When it comes to durability, longevity, and low maintenance costs, it’s hard to beat a metal roof. In the relentless Florida sun, shingle roofs usually last around 15 to 20 years. Metal roofs, however, can last 50 years! That longer lifespan means you shouldn’t have to replace your roof for a long time to come.

Because metal roofs are constructed from large solid panels, there is usually very little maintenance needed other than occasional inspections and routine cleaning. Shingle roofs are far more prone to weather damage and usually do need more maintenance and occasional repairs over the life of the shingles.

Florida Storms and Metal Roofs

We mentioned above about the durability of a metal roof and that directly translates into being able to withstand high winds, torrential rain, hail, and impacts from storm debris. What this means for us here on the Florida Gulf Coast is that with a metal roof, it is less likely that we would be facing costly repairs or even a roof replacement after a tropical storm or hurricane. This also means better protection for you and your family during these types of major weather events.

Metal Roofs Offer Greater Energy Efficiency

Depending on the color of the roof and the insulation, a metal roof typically offers greater energy efficiency and lower electric bills. A metal roof reflects solar radiant heat much better than a traditional shingle roof, which means the interior of your home stays cooler and this puts less stress on your air conditioning unit, especially during the hot summer months when air conditioning usage is high.

The Insurance Benefits of Metal Roofs

After reading some of the advantages of a metal roof above, you may have already been thinking that your insurance company would much rather you have a metal roof than a shingle roof – and you’d be right! Insurance deductions and incentives are common for metal roofs due to their high wind ratings, impact resistance, and lower risk of leaks.

With the skyrocketing insurance rates we’ve been experiencing over the past few years, those insurance savings can really add up quickly. But it’s wise to call your insurance company and talk with them about any discounts on your premium for installing a metal roof before pulling the trigger. 

The Cost of a Metal Roof Compared to a Shingle Roof

While every roofing material has its pros and cons, metal roofs actually have only one big “con” and that’s the upfront cost. Installing a metal roof can cost substantially more than a typical shingle roof, but taking into account the metal roof’s longevity, durability, storm protection, low maintenance costs, energy efficiency, and potential insurance savings over the long run, you can easily see there can be a big long term cost advantage of a metal roof over a shingle roof.

To really get a handle on what a metal roof can save you in the long run, it’s important to do your homework. Talking to your insurance agent and a trusted local roofing contractor should provide you with the information you need. So grab some of your past bills and a calculator, and calculate what kind of long-term savings you could expect. Remember to add into your calculations that you won’t need to replace your roof in 20 years! 

Is a Metal Roof the Right Choice for Your Home?

Having just sang the praises of a metal roof, we have to say that metal roofs are not the best choice for everyone. In many cases a shingle roof is a far better fit. Examples would be if you need a new roof but plan to sell your home in the next few years, or if it is a rental property and its primary purpose is income – basically it’s a home you are not particularly attached to. Shingle roofs are also hard to beat for low upfront cost, so they are a great choice for someone on a tighter budget.

However, if you intend to stay in your home long-term or pass it on to a family member one day, and you can afford the upfront expense, a metal roof can be an excellent choice. Over the long lifespan of the roof, you’d be taking advantage of all the various ways a metal roof can save you and your family money over the years. 

If you want to learn more about the various roofing options for your Florida home, call us at 941-928-3683. We are a family-owned Sarasota business!