Metal vs tile roofing in Florida: the honest comparison

We install both, so we do not have a horse in this race. Here is how the two stack up for a South Florida home.

Cost

Concrete tile and standing seam aluminum usually land in a similar range per square. Clay tile and heavier-gauge metal cost more. Shingle is cheaper than both. The quote should always break out the underlayment and attachment, because that is where cheap roofs cut corners.

Lifespan

A tile roof's life is limited by its underlayment, 25 to 30 years for modern systems. An aluminum standing seam roof commonly lasts 40 years or more, and the metal does not rust in salt air. Steel Galvalume is fine inland but we recommend aluminum within a few miles of the coast.

Wind

Both can be installed to HVHZ standards. Metal panels with engineered clip spacing are extremely resistant to uplift. Tile depends on the attachment method, and foam-set or screw-fastened tile to the current approval performs well. Old mortar-set tile from the 80s and 90s is the weak link we see most often after storms.

Heat

A light-colored metal roof reflects a large share of solar heat and sheds it quickly after sunset. Tile has an air gap under each piece that also helps. Either is a big improvement over dark shingle.

HOA and architecture

Many South Florida associations require tile and specify the profile and color. Coastal towns like Jupiter and Delray Beach see far more metal. Check your documents first. We prepare HOA submittals for both.

Insurance

Both earn roof-covering credits on a wind mitigation form when installed to current code with documentation. Insurers care most about roof age and the attachment and deck details, not the material brand.

Our usual advice

• HOA requires tile: concrete tile with a two-ply self-adhered underlayment.
• Coastal home, no HOA restriction: aluminum standing seam.
• Budget is the priority: architectural shingle with a sealed deck, replaced in 20 years.