Metal Roof vs Tile Roof in Florida: Which Is Worth It in 2026?

Overview

If you're replacing a roof in South Florida and narrowing it down to metal versus tile, this guide gives you the honest trade-offs — without the sales pressure. Both are excellent long-term options; the right choice depends on your home, your neighborhood, and how long you plan to stay.

The Short Answer

If you're staying 20+ years: metal is almost always the better financial decision.

If you're in a Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Boca Raton, or Aventura community where tile is the neighborhood standard: tile may be the better fit.

Metal Roof vs Tile Roof: Head-to-Head Comparison

| | Metal | Concrete Tile | Clay Tile |

|---|---|---|---|

| Cost (installed) | $22K–$47K | $18K–$35K | $22K–$40K |

| Lifespan (South FL) | 40–70 years | 30–40 years | 40–50 years |

| Wind rating | Up to 160 MPH | Up to 130 MPH | Up to 130 MPH |

| Weight | Light (steel/aluminum) | Heavy (6–8 lbs/sqft) | Very heavy (8–12 lbs/sqft) |

| Deck requirement | Standard wood deck | May need reinforcement | Often needs reinforcement |

| Heat performance | Reflective coating available | Thermal mass slows heat | Thermal mass slows heat |

| Maintenance | Very low | Mortar re-pointing every 15 yrs | Mortar re-pointing every 15 yrs |

| Insurance impact | Wind mit. credit common | Variable | Variable |

What Makes Metal Roofing Better for South Florida?

1. Hurricane performance.

Standing seam metal panels interlock mechanically rather than relying on nails through exposed surfaces. This gives them higher wind uplift resistance than most tile systems. In Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, and Deerfield Beach — where direct hurricane exposure is real — this matters.

2. Heat reflectivity.

Florida's cooling costs are significant. A white or light-colored metal roof with a reflective coating can reduce your cooling load meaningfully. Tile has thermal mass (stays cool longer when shaded) but heats up quickly in direct South Florida sun.

3. Insurance discounts.

Metal roofs qualify for wind mitigation inspections, and a documented 160 MPH-rated system can earn meaningful discounts from your homeowners insurer. With Broward County and Palm Beach County seeing insurance non-renewals on older roofs, a new metal installation can keep you insurable at a better rate.

4. No mortar maintenance.

Tile roofs require periodic re-pointing of the mortar between tiles — especially after a storm. Metal requires essentially no maintenance beyond a rinse and inspection.

When Tile Is the Right Choice

HOA requirements.

In neighborhoods like Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Weston, and most of Boca Raton, concrete or clay tile is either required by HOA rules or strongly dominant in the neighborhood. A metal roof in a tile-standard community may affect resale.

Aesthetics and neighborhood fit.

Mediterranean-style homes in Miami Gardens, Kendall, and Royal Palm Beach often look better with tile. Curb appeal matters for resale.

Budget vs. longevity trade-off.

Concrete tile ($18K–$35K) is often cheaper upfront than standing seam metal ($22K–$47K) while still offering a 30–40 year lifespan — a solid solution if you're on a tighter budget but want more than shingles.

Can I Afford Metal? Financing Makes the Difference

The lifecycle cost of metal is lower than tile over 40 years, but the upfront cost is higher. Roof financing is available in South Florida that lets you spread a $35,000 metal installation over monthly payments while your insurance savings offset part of the cost.

How to Price Your Options Without a Sales Meeting

Roofweiler's online calculator lets you select between shingle, tile, and metal for your specific home — and get an accurate price range without anyone coming to your house.

Price your roof. No salesman. No surprises.

→ roofweiler.com/price-my-roof

CCC1337426 | Miami-Dade · Broward · Palm Beach

(954) 787-3535