Metal shingles occupy a unique space in the roofing market. They offer the 40-70 year lifespan and hurricane resistance of metal roofing while looking like traditional shingles, shake, slate, or tile from the street. For Florida homeowners who want metal performance but don't want the industrial look of standing seam panels, or who live in HOA communities that restrict panel-style metal roofing, metal shingles are worth serious consideration.
Types of Metal Shingles
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles
The most popular category. A pressed steel core (typically 26-gauge Galvalume or ZINCALUME) coated with acrylic adhesive, crushed stone granules, and a clear acrylic overglaze.
- Appearance: Available in shake, slate, tile, and shingle profiles that closely mimic natural materials
- Weight: 1.3-1.6 lbs/sq ft (lighter than real tile at 9-11 lbs/sq ft, heavier than standing seam at 0.5-1.0 lbs/sq ft)
- Wind rating: 150-180 mph depending on brand and profile
- Hail rating: Class 4 (UL 2218), the highest available
- Fire rating: Class A (non-combustible)
- Cost installed: $9-15 per square foot
Major Stone-Coated Steel Brands
| Brand | Profiles Available | Core | Warranty | Max Wind | Cost/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DECRA | Shake XD, Shingle XD, Villa Tile | ZINCALUME | Lifetime limited transferable | 180 mph | $10-15 |
| Boral | Pine-Crest Shake, Granite-Ridge Shingle, Barcelona Tile, CF Slate | Galvalume | 50-year limited | 180 mph | $9-14 |
| Metro Roof | Shake, Shingle, Tile | Galvalume | Lifetime limited | 165 mph | $8-13 |
| Tilcor | CF Shake, CF Shingle, Bond (textured panel) | ZINCALUME | 50-year limited | 170 mph | $9-13 |
| Gerard | Canyon Shake, Stone Coated Tile | Galvalume | Limited lifetime | 170 mph | $10-14 |
Aluminum Interlocking Shingles
Stamped aluminum panels that interlock mechanically. No stone coating. The finish is a factory-applied Kynar/PVDF paint system.
- Key advantage: Aluminum does NOT corrode in salt air. Full warranty at any distance from the coast.
- Weight: 0.5-0.8 lbs/sq ft (extremely light)
- Wind rating: 120-160 mph depending on profile
- Brands: Classic Metal Roofing Systems (Oxford, Rustic), ATAS International, Ideal Roofing
- Cost installed: $10-16 per square foot
- Appearance: Cleaner, more uniform look than stone-coated. Available in solid colors. Less "natural material" mimicry but very attractive.
Metal Shingles vs Standing Seam vs Asphalt
| Factor | Metal Shingles | Standing Seam | Architectural Asphalt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (installed) | $9-15/sq ft | $10-18/sq ft | $4-7/sq ft |
| Lifespan in FL | 40-70 years | 40-75 years | 15-25 years |
| Wind rating | 150-180 mph | 140-180 mph | 110-150 mph |
| Hail rating | Class 4 | Varies (dents but doesn't leak) | Class 1-4 |
| HOA acceptance | High (looks traditional) | Mixed (modern look) | Universal |
| Partial repair | Replace individual shingles | More complex (full panel) | Replace individual shingles |
| Walk-on safety | Good (textured surface) | Caution (slippery when wet) | Good (granule grip) |
| Insurance discount | Yes (Class 4 impact) | Yes (metal, impact resistant) | Only with IR shingles |
| Energy efficiency | Excellent (reflective) | Excellent | Good with cool-roof colors |
Florida-Specific Performance
Hurricane Resistance
Stone-coated steel shingles interlock mechanically and are fastened with concealed clips or screws. The interlocking design means each shingle supports its neighbors. Unlike asphalt shingles that can be peeled off by wind catching an edge, metal shingles resist wind from any direction because they're locked together as a system. The 180 mph wind rating on DECRA and Boral products exceedsFlorida Building Code requirements for all of Pinellas County (130 mph basic wind speed).
Salt Air Considerations
Stone-coated steel shingles have the same coastal warranty limitations as other steel products. The stone coating provides an additional barrier, but the underlying steel can still corrode if the coating is compromised (scratched during installation, damaged by impact, or degraded over decades). For waterfront properties within 1,500 feet of salt water, aluminum interlocking shingles are the safer choice.
Insurance Benefits
The Class 4 impact rating on most stone-coated steel shingles qualifies forinsurance premium discounts in Florida. The exact discount varies by insurer but typically ranges from 5-20% on the wind/hail portion of your premium. Combined with the elimination of re-roofing every 15-20 years, the total cost of ownership often favors metal shingles over asphalt.
Installation Considerations
- Not all roofers install metal shingles: Metal shingle installation requires specific training. Each brand has its own installation manual and certification program. Verify your contractor is certified by the specific manufacturer.
- Battens vs direct-to-deck: Some metal shingle systems install on horizontal battens (wood strips), others install directly over synthetic underlayment on the deck. Batten systems provide an airspace that aids in ventilation and moisture management.
- Flashing details: Metal-to-metal flashing connections are critical. The flashing system must accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining waterproofing. Sealant-only flashing details will fail in Florida's heat cycling.
- Valley treatment: Open metal valleys are standard. The valley metal should match the shingle material (steel valley with steel shingles, aluminum with aluminum).
Metal Shingles Cost in Pinellas County
| Product Type | Material/sq ft | Installed/sq ft | 2,000 sq ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone-coated (economy) | $3.50-5.00 | $8-12 | $16,000-24,000 |
| Stone-coated (premium, DECRA) | $5.00-7.50 | $10-15 | $20,000-30,000 |
| Aluminum interlocking | $4.50-7.00 | $10-16 | $20,000-32,000 |
Get a Free Metal Shingle Consultation
We install stone-coated steel and aluminum metal shingle systems throughout Pinellas County. Schedule a free roof inspection and we'll help you compare metal shingle options for your home, including a cost-of-ownership analysis versustraditional re-roofing. ServingSt. Petersburg, Clearwater, and all surrounding communities.