Picking the Best Metal Roofing Materials for Floridians

If you’re trying to get your home or business ready for the next major hurricane, metal roofing is a great choice. It’s strong, durable, and much more reliable than asphalt shingles. But many people don’t know that there are many different metal roofing materials to choose from, and which one you pick will have far-reaching consequences for your roof.

We’re John Hogan Roofing, and we’ve been Florida’s metal roofing experts for over 30 years. That means we have the experience to talk you through the best and worst metal roofing materials for people in Florida. Let’s get started so that you can make the best decision for your home or business!

Types of Metal Roofing Materials Available in Florida

There’s no shortage of metal roofing materials in the Sunshine State. But for Floridians who haven’t had a chance to learn a lot about metal roofing, all of the options can start to feel overwhelming. To make it simple and easy, let’s break down the various types of metal roofing in our metal roof materials list!

Steel Roofing

Steel roofing is by far the most popular type of metal roofing material. However, not all types of steel roofing are the same. Since steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and other materials, there are many different types of steel. And what’s in your steel roof can have a big impact on how well it protects your structure.

For example, one of the most popular steel roofing materials is Galvalume steel. This metal roof is made using large quantities of aluminum and zinc, which help prevent rust and corrosion in Florida’s humid climate. Galvanized steel, on the other hand, only has a zinc coating, so it’s a much less corrosion-resistant steel roofing option.

Because of these differences, it’s hard to say exactly how long your steel roof could last. But a good ballpark figure is between 40 and 60 years. This is markedly better than the 20-year lifespan of most shingle products!

Copper Roofing

Copper is a premium metal roofing material. So while it comes with an especially high price point, it also has unmatched strength and durability. In fact, a copper roof can last between 60 and 100 years. This makes copper roofing easily the most long-lasting metal roofing option.

Additionally, it has a unique aesthetic. Copper roofing will, over time, develop a patina. This coating will change the look of the roof from that of a shiny new penny to a beautiful green-blue color. On top of being uniquely beautiful, this layer of patina will also protect your roof against rust.

Copper roofing also requires very little maintenance, even across its long life. So if you’re not scared off by the high price tag on copper roofing, it’s truly one of the best roofs that you could choose for your home!

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum is a lightweight, durable metal roofing material. And since it’s completely corrosion-resistant, it’s perfect for the coastal parts of Florida where the saltwater can rapidly age other types of metal roofs. As a result, aluminum roofs have a great lifespan of around 50 years.

As a bonus, aluminum doesn’t get as hot as other metal roofing materials. Since it reflects heat away from itself, it can help cool your home instead of drawing in more heat. This means lower monthly energy bills, especially if you’re replacing a roof with asphalt shingles.

If aluminum roofing has any downside, it’s how much softer it is than steel roofs. This means it can easily get dented by hail or storm debris, but this can be somewhat offset by using a thicker gauge of aluminum.

Beyond Metal Roofing Materials

Many property owners think that the material you use for your metal roof is the end-all-be-all. But the truth is that there’s another huge choice that will affect every part of your roof, from its durability to how it looks. And it all comes down to one crucial roofing component: fasteners.

Fasteners are how your metal roof is secured to your structure, so they’re clearly important. Let’s look at the options you have when it comes to fasteners and which one could suit your needs best!

Exposed Fasteners

The way that exposed fasteners work is simple. They screw down through the metal, directly adhering the roof to your structure. This skips the need for any additional clips, and since there are thousands of screws used in adhering your metal roof, you can be confident that it isn’t going anywhere.

But exposed fasteners do come with some downsides. For one thing, they fix the roof tightly into place so that the metal can’t expand or contract. This might sound like a good thing, but it’s actually normal for metal roofs to move very slightly throughout the day to better handle the heat. By keeping the roof fixed in place, exposed fasteners actually weaken the metal roofing material’s ability to resist sun and heat damage.

Exposed fasteners also come with crimped, or 5V, metal roofing sheets. These can be used for homes or businesses, but they’re most popular with commercial roofing projects since they can create a slightly industrial look.

The big upside to exposed fasteners is the price. While total roofing costs will depend on your metal roofing material and many other unique factors, across the board it will always be substantially more affordable to use exposed fasteners instead of hidden fasteners.

Hidden Fasteners

Metal roofs with hidden fasteners are called standing seam roofs. These use mostly-flat sheets of metal that create a smooth, seamless surface that lends itself well to residential structures. And since the roof fasteners are hidden beneath the metal, the visual effect is that of a perfect, seamless roof.

Hidden fasteners adhere your roof to your structure by locking together at the point where your sheets of metal touch. In this way, the attachment happens completely under the surface of your roof.

Unlike 5V metal roofing, standing seam allows the roof to naturally expand and contract as it’s exposed to heat. This means that your metal roofing materials will last longer as they can more naturally adapt to Florida’s famous heat.

Of course, this premium metal roofing style comes at a premium cost. Again, the specifics will depend on the type of metal roofing you use and other individual factors, but hidden fasteners are notably more expensive than exposed fasteners.

Get the Perfect Metal Roof for Your Home or Business

At John Hogan Roofing, we know that metal roofing can seem overwhelming. That’s why we work with our customers to help them make informed choices.

If you want to get started on your new metal roof, all you have to do is reach out and schedule your free roofing estimate. Alongside a quick roof inspection, our friendly roofing experts will chat with you to find out your preferred metal roofing materials and make sure that you’re getting a roof you’ll love at a fair price.

With 30 years of experience and great roofing reviews from locals just like you, we have all the credentials you need to feel confident in your metal roof replacement. Give us a chance and see why after 30 years, we’re still Florida’s favorite roofing pros!