Tile vs metal roofing is the choice that comes up most for Florida homeowners who want something longer lived than shingle. Both handle the heat, both can be built to Florida's wind code, and both outlast a shingle roof. What they do not do is cost the same or suit every house equally.
Concrete tile
We install concrete tile, set in foam adhesive to the Florida high wind standard over a two-ply underlayment. It is the classic Florida look and is common in HOA communities, and appraisers and buyers here know it well.
What to weigh:
- Weight. Tile is heavy, roughly 600 to 1,100 pounds per square against about 250 for architectural shingle. A home built for tile carries it fine. A home moving from shingle to tile needs an engineer to confirm the structure first.
- The underlayment wears out first. The tile can outlast the house; the underlayment under it is what fails, and many homeowners are surprised to find their tile fine and the underlayment letting water in. That layer is where we put the work.
- Brittleness. Tiles crack if walked on carelessly, so repairs after foot traffic are a normal part of owning one.
See tile roofing.
Metal
We install two kinds: standing seam, where the fasteners are hidden under the panel seams, and exposed fastener, ribbed panels screwed through the face. Both are far lighter than tile and fit almost any house without reinforcement.
What to weigh:
- Standing seam has no screw washers drying out in the sun and fits a home you plan to keep and a home near the water.
- Exposed fastener costs less and goes on faster, but every screw is a future maintenance point as the metal moves in the heat.
- Dents. Hail or falling debris can dent metal. Standing seam holds up better than exposed fastener panels.
- Rain noise. Some homeowners notice it in heavy storms. Proper underlayment and insulation help.
- The installer. Standing seam is specialized work, and not every crew does it well.
- HOA rules. Some communities require tile. Check before you choose metal.
See metal roofing.
Which one fits your home
Choose tile if your HOA requires it, you want the classic Florida look, and your house is built to carry the weight.
Choose metal if your house is not built for tile, you want the lightest roof, or you live near salt water, where standing seam is the stronger choice.
Either way, the installer matters as much as the product. Ask any contractor for the Florida Product Approvals on what they are installing and for their license before you sign. Ours is CCC1337501.
Does a metal roof hold up better than tile in a hurricane?
Both can be built to perform well in Florida hurricanes when installed to code. The installation and the product approval matter as much as the material. A tile or metal roof installed without proper fastening can fail in a storm whatever it is made of.
Is a metal roof cheaper than tile?
It depends on the panel and the house. Our instant estimate emails you a starting price for both metal systems and concrete tile, next to shingle, in a few minutes.
Will my HOA allow a metal roof?
Check your HOA's governing documents or architectural review rules before you choose. Some communities require tile.
Do I need a permit for a tile or metal reroof?
Yes. Every reroof needs a permit from your county or city. We pull it, meet the inspections and close it out.
The service: Tile roofing