It’s the most common question Florida homeowners ask us: “Should I go shingle or metal?”
Both are solid choices. But the right answer depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, your HOA, and what matters most to you. Here’s the honest breakdown from a contractor who installs both every single week.
The Quick Comparison
| Factor | Shingle | Standing Seam Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost | $4.50-6.50/SF | $9.00-14.00/SF |
| Typical Home (2,000 SF) | $9,000-13,000 | $18,000-28,000 |
| Lifespan | 20-25 years | 40-60+ years |
| Wind Rating | 110-150 mph | Up to 180 mph |
| Insurance Discount | Minimal | 15-25% in most cases |
| Energy Savings | Moderate | Significant (reflects UV) |
| Maintenance | Low | Very low |
| Noise in Rain | Quiet | Slightly louder (with underlayment, minimal) |
| HOA Friendly | Almost always | Check first |
When Shingle Is the Better Choice
You’re selling within 10 years. The full ROI of a metal roof plays out over 25+ years. If you’re not staying that long, shingles give you a fresh, attractive roof at half the cost.
Budget is the priority. A quality shingle roof with impact-resistant Class H shingles is a proven performer in Florida weather at a fraction of metal pricing.
Your HOA restricts metal. Some Brevard County HOAs (particularly in older communities) have architectural guidelines that limit roof materials or colors. Always check before getting quotes.
Your roof has complex geometry. Lots of valleys, dormers, and hips? Metal installation gets expensive quickly on complex roofs. Shingles conform to complex shapes more economically.
When Metal Is the Better Choice
You’re staying long-term. A metal roof installed in 2026 will likely still be on your home in 2070. Over that period, you’d replace a shingle roof 2-3 times — making metal cheaper in total cost of ownership.
You want maximum hurricane protection. After every major hurricane in Florida, the data is clear: standing seam metal roofs dramatically outperform shingles in extreme wind events. If you lived through 2004 or Ian, you already know this.
You want lower insurance premiums. Florida insurers offer meaningful discounts for metal roofs with hurricane-rated fastening systems. We’ve seen homeowners save $800-1,500/year on premiums — which pays for the upgrade over time.
You want energy savings. Light-colored metal reflects solar radiation instead of absorbing it. In Brevard County’s climate, this can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%. Your AC doesn’t work as hard when your roof isn’t radiating heat into your attic.
The Math: Total Cost of Ownership
Let’s look at a typical 2,000 SF Brevard County home over 40 years:
Shingle Path:
– Initial install: $11,000
– Replacement at year 22: $14,000 (accounting for inflation)
– Insurance: standard rates
– Total: ~$25,000
Metal Path:
– Initial install: $22,000
– Replacement: none needed
– Insurance savings: ~$1,000/year × 40 years = $40,000
– Energy savings: ~$400/year × 40 years = $16,000
– Total: $22,000 minus $56,000 in savings = net benefit
The metal roof isn’t an expense. It’s an investment that pays for itself.
What About 5V Crimp Metal?
5V metal ($6-9/SF) is a popular middle ground — cheaper than standing seam but still metal. It uses exposed fasteners, which is the tradeoff: those fasteners can back out over time in Florida’s heat expansion cycles. A 5V roof typically lasts 25-35 years, and you’ll likely need fastener maintenance at year 15-20.
It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious homeowners who want metal benefits without standing seam pricing.
Our Recommendation
For most Brevard County homeowners planning to stay 10+ years: standing seam metal if you can afford it, impact-resistant shingles if you can’t. Either way, skip the cheapest option — a $7,000 roof from an unlicensed crew will cost you $15,000 in repairs within 5 years.
See Both Options on Your Home
We’ll inspect your roof, discuss both options, and give you transparent pricing for each — same visit, completely free.