Which option is best for your roof?
Deciding between a metal roof vs asphalt shingles is the biggest choice you will face when replacing your roof. It is not just about picking a color or a style. You have to think about our brutal humidity, salt air from the Gulf, and the threat of hurricanes every single year.
If you live in Tampa Bay, you know the weather here is different. A roof that works elsewhere might fail in Clearwater within a decade. You need a system that can handle the intense UV rays and the heavy downpours we see each season.
At KAM Roofing Services, we have installed thousands of roofs across the region. We help homeowners weigh the pros and cons every day.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know so you can pick the right material for your home and budget.
The Basics of Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt roofing remains the most popular choice for Tampa Bay roofing services. You see them on everything from historic bungalows in Seminole Heights to new builds in Brandon. They are reliable, affordable, and easy to find.
Why Homeowners Like Shingles
The main draw here is the price. Traditional asphalt shingles have a much lower upfront cost compared to other materials. If you are on a strict budget or plan to move in the next five to ten years, shingles make a lot of sense.
Pricing is usually calculated per square foot, and asphalt is almost always the budget-friendly winner. Modern architectural shingles also look great. They add depth and texture to your roofline. Manufacturers now make them in dozens of colors, so matching your paint or siding is simple.
Also, shingles are easier to install. A skilled crew can often strip and replace an asphalt shingle roof in just one or two days, minimizing the disruption to your daily life.
The Florida Struggle
Standard shingles have a harder time in our climate compared to traditional roofing materials used in the north. The intense heat can cause them to dry out, curl, or crack over time.
Algae growth is another issue. You have probably seen roofs with black streaks on them. That is algae feeding on the limestone filler in the shingles.
Most shingles are rated for 15 to 30 years. In Florida, you should expect the lower end of that range. The sun simply wears them down faster here than in cooler states.
The Case for Metal Roofing
A metal roof used to be something you only saw on barns or commercial buildings. That has changed. Metal is now one of the fastest-growing options for residential homes in Clearwater and Tampa.
Built for the Storms
When a hurricane is tracking toward the Gulf Coast, your roof offers the first line of defense. Quality metal roofing materials can withstand wind gusts up to 140 mph or more. They are also highly resistant to impact damage from falling branches or hail.
As a metal roof contractor, we often recommend this material for homes near the water. For areas prone to severe weather and flooding, the durability of metal is hard to beat. Additionally, metal is fire-resistant, which provides an extra layer of safety for your family.
Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
This is a big one for your wallet. Metal is extremely energy efficient. It reflects the sun’s UV rays rather than absorbing them. An asphalt roof soaks up that heat and transfers it into your attic.
That forces your air conditioner to work overtime.
A well-installed metal system can lower your energy costs by a noticeable margin. In a place where the AC runs ten months out of the year, those savings add up. When you look at the long term picture, the energy savings help offset the initial investment.
Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles: The Head-to-Head Comparison
Let’s look at how these two materials stack up against each other in the categories that matter most to property owners.
1. Cost and Value
Asphalt wins on the initial price. It is the cheaper option to get a new roof on your house today. However, when you look at how much metal roofs cost over 50 years, the math changes.
A metal roof can last half a century. You might replace a shingle roof two or even three times in that same period.
If you plan to stay in your home forever, the math favors metal. If short-term cash flow is the priority, asphalt is the way to go.
2. Durability and Lifespan
- Asphalt: Lasts 15-20 years in Florida. Prone to wind uplift during high winds.
- Metal: Lasts 40-70 years. Highly resistant to wind, fire, and rot.
3. Maintenance
Shingles require more attention. You need to check for loose tabs after storms and watch for granule loss. Metal is very low-maintenance. You mostly just need to keep leaves and debris off of it to prevent moisture pockets.
4. Curb Appeal
This is subjective. Some HOAs in places like Westchase or Palm Harbor prefer the look of shingles because they blend in. Metal has a distinct, modern look. Standing seam metal roofs are sleek and hide the fasteners, offering a very clean aesthetic.
Selecting a Tampa Bay Roofing Contractor
The material is only half the battle. The installation quality determines if your roof leaks next year or lasts for decades. This is especially true when installing a metal roof.
Expertise Matters
You cannot hire a handyman to do this job. It requires specialized tools and specific training. The panels need room to expand and contract with the heat.
How the panels are attached to the roof is critical. If the installer screws them down too tightly or in the wrong pattern, the metal will buckle, or the fasteners will back out.
You need a dedicated metal roof installer who understands thermal movement. At KAM Roofing Services, our crews know the specific building codes for Clearwater and Tampa. We do not cut corners on underlayment or flashing.
Local Knowledge
A local Tampa Bay roofing contractor knows the specific challenges of our area. We know which neighborhoods have strict HOA guidelines regarding roof colors and materials. We know how to handle the permitting process in Pinellas County versus Hillsborough County.
Out-of-town storm chasers often sweep in after a hurricane. They might slap a roof on quickly, but they won’t be around to honor the warranty if a leak starts six months later. Sticking with a local roofing contractor protects your investment.
Environmental Impact
Many homeowners ask us about the eco-friendly aspect of their roofing choice.
Metal Roofs: These are often made from recycled materials. Aluminum and steel are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. You will not see old metal panels filling up the local landfills. They get melted down and reused.
Asphalt Shingles: Old shingles are a major contributor to construction waste. While some recycling programs exist to turn them into pavement, millions of tons still end up in dumps every year. Being petroleum-based, they are also less sustainable to produce.
Making Your Final Decision
So, which one wins the metal roof vs asphalt shingles battle? It depends on your goals.
Choose Asphalt If:
- You have a limited upfront budget.
- You like a traditional look.
- Your HOA restricts metal roofing.
- You plan to sell the home soon.
Choose Metal If:
- You want the highest protection against high winds.
- You want to lower your monthly bills.
- You plan to stay in the home for decades.
- You want a modern, sleek appearance.
Why KAM Roofing Services is Your Best Choice
We are more than just roofers. We are your neighbors. We drive the same roads and weather the same storms. When you hire KAM Roofing Services, you get a Tampa Bay roof installation team that cares about the community.
We provide honest assessments. If your roof just needs a repair, we will tell you. We won’t push you into a full replacement if you don’t need one. We offer both metal roof and asphalt shingle options because we believe you should have choices.
We also handle other exterior needs. If you need siding repair or general contracting work along with your new roof, we can manage the whole project. This saves you the headache of coordinating multiple companies.
Our Process
- Inspection: We come out to your property and check the current roof, the decking, and the attic ventilation.
- Consultation: We sit down with you to discuss materials, colors, and budget.
- Installation: Our crew works efficiently to protect your property and get the job done right.
- Cleanup: We run magnetic sweeps to catch stray nails and leave your yard cleaner than we found it.
FAQs
Is a metal roof louder in the rain?
When installed correctly with solid decking and proper insulation, a metal roof is not noticeably louder than an asphalt roof during a rainstorm.
Does a metal roof attract lightning?
Metal conducts electricity, but it does not attract it. A metal roof is actually safer during a strike because it is non-combustible and helps disperse the energy.
How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?
A metal roof typically costs two to three times more than an asphalt shingle roof upfront. However, the long lifespan often balances out this cost over time.
Can I walk on my metal roof?
Yes, but you must be careful. You need to walk on specific areas of the panel to avoid denting it. It is also very slippery when wet.
Will a metal roof rust in Tampa?
Steel roofs can rust if the coating is scratched. For coastal areas like Clearwater Beach, we often recommend aluminum because it is naturally resistant to salt corrosion.
Ready to secure your roof against the Florida weather?
Don’t guess on your biggest investment.
Call KAM Roofing Services today at (727) 637-6827 for a free inspection. We will walk you through the metal roof vs asphalt shingles debate right at your kitchen table and help you pick the perfect shield for your family.