Choosing Between Types of Metal Roofs

Metal roofing has only grown in popularity in recent years, and that trend shows no signs of stopping. But are metal roofs a good idea for Floridians? Florida weather demands a lot from our local roofs, especially during hurricane season. But with the right kind of metal roof, your home or business will be able to weather the storm. This begs the question: What are the “right” types of metal roofs?

John Hogan Roofing has been installing and repairing metal roofs across the Greater Tampa Bay region for over 25 years. And our decades of experience have given us the experience and expertise to recommend the best types of metal roofs for Florida property owners. But let’s start with the basics—what makes metal roofing a good choice for Floridians?

Why Should Floridians Consider Metal Roofing?

In Florida, like all of North America, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material. And if you want a luxury roof option, then clay tiles have been the go-to option for decades. So why should you consider the various types of metal roofs?

Metal roofs have a lot of great benefits to offer Floridians. Some of the biggest reasons that metal roofs are worth considering are:

• Long Lifespans: Your average architectural shingle roof might last 25 years or so. But a well-installed metal roof could last 40-70 years, and it’ll give you fewer problems over the years.
• UV Resistance: Depending on the type of metal roof, your new metal roof could reflect light away from your home. This will both lower your monthly energy bill and improve your roof’s resistance to Florida’s sun-bleached summers.
• Wind Resistance: Where shingle roofs can be uplifted during a severe storm, metal stays put. This can save you money on roof repairs over the years, especially in coastal Tampa Bay, where we’re especially vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms.
• Curb Appeal: At one time, metal roofs were considered ugly. But new advances in roofing technology have made several types of metal roofs much more visually appealing, so modern metal roofs are a great way to generate visual interest for your home.

For all of these reasons, metal roofs have a lot to offer Floridians. But to properly consider this roofing material, you need to understand the differences between types of metal roofs. So let’s take a look and see which kind of metal roof could be right for your home or business.

What Are the Types of Metal Roofs?

Metal roofs are, across the board, strong, durable, and resilient. But while they all have key features in common, they also differ in some critical ways. To help you make the best decision for your property, we’re going to break down the different types of metal roofs and explain their pros and cons.

5V Metal Roofing

5V metal is a remarkably versatile kind of metal roofing. It gets its name from the pattern of peaks and valleys across its metal sheets, which create a V shape. Unlike some other types of metal roofing, 5V roofing makes no attempt to disguise that it’s a metal roof. This makes it a great option if you like the sleek, modern look of metal.

5V metal roofing in Florida often uses aluminum, since it resists rust, which can otherwise be a  problem due to all the local saltwater. And because of its simple, clean aesthetic, 5V metal roofing is a strong option for both residential and commercial properties.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam is another type of metal roofing that makes no effort to disguise the roofing material. But if 5V looks a little too jarring, standing seam metal roofs offer a sleeker aesthetic.

This is because of standing seam’s concealed fasteners. Where 5V roofs are screwed down into place, leaving visible screws, standing seam metal roofs are attached on the underside, creating a smooth, seamless look. But the benefits of standing seam aren’t just in the increased aesthetic value.

Concealed fasteners are also great because they don’t fix your metal roof into one place. Where 5V metal roofs have no room to move, standing seam roofs can expand and contract with the heat. This makes your roof more heat-resistant, which means a longer roofing lifespan. Concealed fasteners are more than strong enough to keep your roof secure, but they also give it the freedom to make small movements that extend the life of your roofing system.

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing

Unlike the above types of metal roofing, stone-coated metal roofing isn’t immediately recognizable as metal. Instead, protective metal is coated with stone and granules to give a more classic aesthetic without sacrificing the strength and performance of metal. This creates an aesthetic that is similar to that of classic asphalt roofing shingles.

In either case, stone-coated metal roofing is the perfect option for your home if you like the strength of metal roofing but don’t personally love the aesthetic. And it even complements the few weaknesses of metal roofing: specifically, its impact resistance.

Sometimes, hail or storm debris can cause denting in a metal roof. But with this type of metal roof, that’s not a concern thanks to the protective stone and granules. In this way, stone-coated metal roofs are a perfect blend of the strengths of both metal roofing and more traditional roofing materials.

Metal Tile Roofing

In terms of aesthetics, metal tiles offer a great middle ground between showcasing the metal and making it look more traditional. Tile already comes in various materials (namely concrete and clay), but metal tile brings contemporary strength to a classic style.

Unlike traditional tiles, metal tiles are not brittle and easily damaged. So by recreating the aesthetic of tile, metal tiles combine a beautiful, luxurious aesthetic with their unmatched resilience. So if you like the strength of metal but want a tried and true aesthetic, metal tiles could be the type of metal roof for you.

Choose the Right Type of Metal Roofing for You

At the end of the day, only you can decide which is the best type of metal roof for you. But no matter what kind of metal roof you choose for your home or business, John Hogan Roofing has experienced local roofers to complete your project.

With 25 years of local experience, we’re the go-to metal roofers in Tampa Bay. And our reviews agree—John Hogan crews are experienced, friendly, and get the job done right the first time. Get your free roofing estimate and see why John Hogan Roofing has been the top metal roofing company in the area for decades!