Tile roofing has been part of Florida’s history since the earliest European settlers. And for years, new advancements in roofing technology have kept tile roofing strong and durable enough to remain competitive on the roofing market. Now, there’s a new update to give your roof long-lasting security and a classic aesthetic: metal roof tiles.
Metal roofing tiles are an exciting new technology, but are they right for your roof? We’re PITCH Roofing, and today, we’re helping you answer that question. As experienced Florida roofing contractors, we’ve got the know-how and expertise to cover both the good and the bad of metal roof tiles. Before we dive into the pros and cons, though, there’s an even more important question to answer: What are metal tile roofs?
| Roofing Material | Avg. Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Expected Lifespan | Impact Resistance | Key Advantage & Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Clay Tiles | $12.00 – $21.00 | 50 – 100+ Years | Low. Brittle and vulnerable to cracking from hail and storm debris. | Natural, unfading color with unmatched longevity. Drawback: Extremely heavy and expensive. |
| Metal Roof Tiles (Stone-Coated Steel) |
$7.00 – $15.00 | 40 – 50 Years | High. Stone granules over steel offer massive protection against impact. | The Best of Both Worlds. Affordable, lightweight metal durability with a classic tile aesthetic. |
What Are Metal Roof Tiles?
Historically, tile roofs have come in several different material types, although clay and concrete are the most popular. And contrary to popular belief, metal roof tiles are not just metal roofing sheets that have been shaped into roofing tiles. So if they aren’t a normal tile material, and they aren’t completely metal, what are they?
Metal roof tiles are a kind of stone-coated steel roofing. In the manufacturing process, manufacturers start by shaping the roofing sheets into the shape of tiles. Unlike individual tiles, though, these are created as panels of several tiles, which makes for faster (and thus less expensive) installation. From there, the panels are coated in a protective, corrosion-resistant alloy. This helps prevent rust and other premature aging from affecting your metal tiles!
The final step in the manufacturing process is applying the protective stone granules. This addition serves a few key functions. First, it allows you to give your metal roof the classic tile look. This includes having a natural clay tile color, either the classic tile red or more natural, neutral tones.
These tones aren’t just decorative, though; they also offer great protection. Stone granules help reflect UV light away from your home, which lessens the effects of a major roof stressor. Additionally, they’re an extra layer of protection against impact damage from storm debris or hail. This gives metal roof tiles a big leg up on clay tiles, which are more brittle and can crack or shatter when struck by flying objects.
No roofing material is the perfect fit for every home, though. To help you decide if metal tile roofs are right for you, let’s delve into the good and bad of metal tile roofs!
Beware of the Saltwater Coast
While stone-coated steel metal roof tiles are incredibly durable, they are not recommended if you live directly on the coast. The high salt content in the air off the Gulf or Atlantic can rapidly accelerate rust and corrosion on steel. If your home is within 5 miles of the coastline, you should opt for a specialized aluminum metal roof instead.
Pros & Cons of Metal Roof Tiles
When deciding on something as important as a roof replacement, it’s essential to weigh the good and the bad. As we do this, though, keep in mind that there’s no such thing as a “perfect roof.” With that said, let’s get started on some of homeowners’ favorite and least favorite features of metal roof tiles!
Pro: Metal Roofing Durability
Metal roof tiles have the charming aesthetic of tiles, but the full-coverage protection of metal roofing. What does that mean in terms of keeping your roof safe, though? With a metal tile roof, your roof will enjoy protection like:
- Wind resistance up to 165 mph — more than enough to withstand even major hurricanes!
- UV resistance to keep your roof from experiencing premature wear and tear.
- Class A fire resistance.
- Rust and corrosion resistance thanks to protective anti-corrosion alloys.
- Resistance to pests and mold growth, two big problems in humid Florida.
All of these factors come together to create comprehensive protection for your home. While clay tiles are also a durable roofing material, nothing can beat metal roofing when it comes to durability. No roof is 100% “Florida proof,” but metal roofing tiles certainly come close!
Con: Exposed Fasteners
Installing metal roof tiles is, all things considered, pretty easy. During your roof replacement, contractors will drill down the tile panels straight into your roof. In this way, your roof’s fasteners sit on top of the metal roofing panel. And for the most part, this installation method will do a great job keeping your roof secure against wind uplift and pests. There can be issues with how exposed fasteners age, however.
Since your fasteners sit on top of your roof, they’re exposed to the Florida elements year-round. This means they’re dealing with high winds, UV rays, and rain. These kinds of roof stressors take a toll! Over time, your fasteners can rust and corrode, even with anti-corrosion alloys. This can lead to serious roofing problems if not addressed quickly.
That’s why we strongly recommend biennial roof inspections for anyone getting an exposed fastener metal roofing system. By getting regular roof inspections, you can stay ahead of roofing problems and keep your overall roofing costs down. Because with roofs, repairs only get more expensive over time!
Pro: Long-Term Protection
In addition to being durable, metal roofs last for a long time. Remember all those protective features we mentioned? They translate to a long lifetime for your metal roof tiles. Even with the problems with exposed fasteners, metal tile roofs still last much longer than the 20 or so years you get with asphalt shingles.
In Florida, our metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years. With exposed fastener metal roofs like these, though, you’re looking at 40-50 years on average. When you consider the overall value of a durable roofing system like this, though, this is still a great lifespan.
Con: Not Suited for Florida’s Coasts
In most climates, metal roof tiles hold up great. There is one notable exception, though: coastal areas. That’s because coastal waters have a high salt content, and as that salt gets into the air, it can greatly accelerate rust and corrosion. For this reason, most metal roofs on the coast need to be made of aluminum to prevent rust.
The good news, though, is that metal tile roofs perform well in most of Florida, even with us sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. If you’re five miles or more from the coastline, then you’re far enough away that your roof shouldn’t be in any increased danger of rusting.
Pro: Affordable Compared to Clay Tiles
It’s not often that you hear about metal roofing as an affordable option. But with metal roof tiles, it’s true! Because metal is easier and less costly to manufacture than clay tiles, your material costs with a metal tile roof replacement will be much lower than with clay roofing tiles.
Installation is faster with metal roof tiles, too. Since metal tiles come by the panel, they’re much faster to install. And since metal roofs use exposed fastener roofing systems, they’re simple and quick to drill into place. By keeping your roof replacement quick and simple, you can drastically reduce your labor costs.
So how much do metal roof tiles cost? Metal roof tiles cost between $7 and $15 per square foot. While this is more expensive than shingles, it’s a huge discount compared to clay roofing tiles! This is still a large range when talking about roof replacement costs, though. For a more specific figure, you’ll have to sign up for a free roofing quote.
Don’t Ignore Your Fasteners
Because metal roof tiles are drilled directly into your roof deck, the fasteners (screws) remain exposed to Florida’s brutal UV rays and rain. Over the years, these fasteners can back out or corrode. To prevent unexpected leaks, schedule a professional roof inspection every two years to ensure all fasteners are tight and rust-free.
Get Your Free Metal Tile Roofing Quote
Metal roof tiles aren’t for everyone, but for many Florida homeowners, they’re a perfect fit. If you want the beauty of a clay tile roof but the strength and durability of metal, then there’s simply no better choice on the market. And when you choose a PITCH Roofing quote, you can count on getting the best experience possible.
For your free roofing estimate, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. This gets you a free, no-obligation inspection of your roof and a personalized roofing quote. Alternatively, sign up for an online-only estimate to skip the in-person roof inspection! Regardless of which method you pick, we’ll provide a detailed estimate that covers every part of your job without leaving any guesswork or hidden fees.
Metal tile roofs are among the hottest, most in-demand roofing materials in Florida. See what all the hype is about by collecting your free estimate! PITCH Roofing is made up of experienced, friendly local contractors, so reach out to us today and let us show you what roofing done right looks like!
Metal Roof Tiles FAQs
Metal roof tiles are a form of stone-coated steel roofing. Manufacturers take steel roofing panels, stamp them into traditional tile shapes, coat them in a rust-resistant alloy, and cover them in colored stone granules to recreate the classic look of clay or concrete tiles.
Metal roof tiles generally cost between $7 and $15 per square foot. Because they are manufactured in large panels rather than individual pieces, they are much faster to install and significantly more affordable than traditional clay tiles.
Yes. Metal roof tiles provide phenomenal hurricane protection, boasting wind resistance ratings up to 165 mph. Furthermore, unlike brittle clay tiles, the stone-coated steel panels will not shatter or crack when struck by flying storm debris.
A properly installed metal tile roof in Florida will last an average of 40 to 50 years. While this is slightly shorter than standing seam metal, it is more than double the lifespan of standard asphalt shingles.
The two main drawbacks are that they use an exposed fastener system (meaning the screws on top of the roof need routine maintenance to prevent rust) and they are not suited for homes located directly on the coast, as saltwater can corrode the steel.
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
