Metal vs. Shingle Roof in Florida: Which Is Worth It?
Short answer: architectural shingle runs about $5.50–$9.00 per sq ft installed on the Treasure Coast and lasts 20–25 years in our sun. Standing seam metal runs about $12–$22 per sq ft and lasts 40–70 years. Shingle wins on upfront cost. Metal wins if you plan to stay 15+ years, live near salt water, or never want to re-roof again. Leeward Roofing (CCC1337211) installs both, so we have no side to sell.
Cost and lifespan, side by side
Installed prices we see on the Treasure Coast, and how long each roof actually lasts here, not on the wrapper.
Architectural asphalt shingle: $5.50–$9.00 per sq ft
Expect 20 to 25 years under Florida UV. The 30- or 50-year number on the bundle is written for milder climates. Shingle is the lowest upfront cost and the fastest install.
Exposed-fastener metal (5V crimp): $8.50–$13.00 per sq ft
A classic Florida look and a step up in wind resistance. The trade-off is thousands of exposed screws, and every washer is a future maintenance point, especially in salt air.
Standing seam metal: $12.00–$22.00 per sq ft
Roughly double the price of shingle, roughly triple the service life at 40 to 70 years. The fasteners are concealed under the seams, so there is nothing exposed for salt to attack.
What a whole roof usually costs
Most full replacements across Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin County land between $12,000 and $42,000 depending on size, pitch and material. See the full breakdown on our Treasure Coast roof replacement cost guide.
Cost per year of roof
Upfront price is only half the story. Divide by the years you actually get.
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft roof
Shingle at $7.00 per sq ft is about $14,000. Spread over 22 years, that is roughly $640 per year. Standing seam at $16.00 per sq ft is about $32,000. Spread over 50 years, that is also roughly $640 per year.
What that tells you
Per year, the two are closer than most people expect. The real difference is how many times you pay. On a shingle roof you will likely re-roof once or twice in the time one metal roof lasts, and each re-roof means a new permit, new tear-off and a new round with your insurer.
When shingle is the smarter money
If you are selling in the next 5 to 10 years, need the lowest upfront cost, or the house has a complex roofline where metal labor climbs, a well-installed shingle roof is the right call.
Wind, salt and heat
This is where Treasure Coast roofs are different from roofs up north.
Wind
Design wind speeds here run about 150 mph west of I-95 and 160 mph east of it in Indian River and St. Lucie County, and higher in parts of Martin County. Both shingle and metal can be installed to meet code. What decides how they hold up is the installation: nailing pattern and starter strips on shingle, clip and fastener spacing on metal.
Salt air
On the barrier island and near the Indian River Lagoon, salt eats exposed fasteners and bare steel. If you are close to the water, standing seam with concealed fasteners and a coastal-rated panel is the long-term choice. Read more in best roof for coastal Vero Beach.
Heat
Light-colored and coated metal panels reflect more sun than dark shingle, which can lower attic heat. Attic ventilation matters as much as the roof surface, whichever you choose.
Noise
A metal roof installed over solid decking and underlayment is not the tin-shed drumming people picture. Most homeowners notice little difference from shingle in the rain.
How each roof plays with your insurer
Roof age and roof type both come up at renewal in Florida.
Roof age
Many Florida insurers look hard at shingle roofs past about 15 years. A metal roof buys you decades before that conversation starts. See how roof age affects Florida insurance.
Wind mitigation credits
A new roof of either type, installed to current code, can earn wind mitigation discounts. Roof-to-wall connections, deck attachment and secondary water barrier all count. Details on our wind mitigation page.
Wind got under it? Do not wait for the next band.
Lifted shingles and displaced tile rarely reseal themselves. The cheapest version of this job is the one that happens before the next system comes through.
- Walk the perimeter and look for granules washed into the gutters and downspouts.
- Photograph soffit, fascia and gutter damage — adjusters ask for it.
- Tarp first, then worry about the permanent repair.
- Be wary of out-of-state crews that appear the day after a storm.
Recent Leeward jobs
Real Treasure Coast roofs installed by our own crews — not stock photography.
Metal vs. shingle FAQs
Is a metal roof worth it in Florida?
Usually yes if you plan to stay 15 years or more, live near salt water, or want to stop re-roofing. It costs about double shingle upfront but lasts 40 to 70 years versus 20 to 25 for shingle here.
How much more does a metal roof cost than shingle?
On the Treasure Coast, architectural shingle runs about $5.50–$9.00 per sq ft installed and standing seam metal about $12–$22 per sq ft. Exposed-fastener 5V crimp metal sits in between at about $8.50–$13.00.
How long does a shingle roof last in Florida?
About 20 to 25 years for architectural shingle under Florida sun, which is shorter than the rating on the package.
Which holds up better in a hurricane, metal or shingle?
Both can meet Florida Building Code for our 150 to 160 mph design wind speeds. Installation quality decides most failures. Standing seam metal has fewer weak points because it has no exposed fasteners and no tabs to lift.
Is a metal roof loud in the rain?
Not when it is installed over solid decking and underlayment, which is how residential metal is installed here. Most homeowners notice little difference from shingle.
Does Leeward Roofing install both metal and shingle?
Yes. Leeward Roofing (Florida license CCC1337211) installs architectural shingle, 5V crimp and standing seam metal, tile and flat roofing across the Treasure Coast, and gives free written estimates on both so you can compare.
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