Did you know that Florida has more flat roofs than most of the country? Flat roofing is part of the local lifestyle, and local roofers have worked hard to find the perfect roofing material. While classic options like modified bitumen roofing and single-ply membranes like TPO are the norm, more and more Floridians are choosing to get a flat metal roof to protect their homes and commercial properties.
We should know; we’re Florida’s top roofing professionals! PITCH Roofing is a locally owned and operated roofing company made up of veteran Florida roofers. Today, we’re covering everything you need to know about metal flat roofs and how they perform in our unique Florida climate!
Can You Get a Flat Metal Roof in Florida?
The simple answer is yes, most licensed roofers will be able to install a flat metal roof. Historically, roofers haven’t used metal for flat roofs because the biggest concern for low-slope roofs was keeping standing water out. With new advances in roofing technology, though, metal flat roofs can now easily provide top-quality water resistance.
In fact, flat metal roofs perform similarly to sloped metal roofs. This means you can expect a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, for one thing. And just like more and more Florida homeowners are choosing metal roofs to resist hurricanes, you can count on the same stellar performance from a flat roof made of metal. When installed by experienced professionals, metal roofs don’t go anywhere, even during major hurricanes!
Given all of this, yes, it’s safe to say that you can certainly get a flat metal roof in Florida. But that isn’t the only question you’ll want to ask. More than just looking at if this job can be done, it’s important to determine if getting a metal flat roof is a good idea.
Should You Get a Metal Flat Roof?
In many cases, a flat metal roof is exactly what you need to keep your property safe. While traditional options like modified bitumen and TPO flat roofing perform well, neither of them can compete with metal flat roofs when it comes to longevity.
Metal flat roofs also have advantages over other flat roofing materials. For one thing, they’re much more resistant to puncture damage. This means that when hail or storm debris hits your roof hard, metal will hold up much better than an asphalt or rubber roof.
In many ways, though, a flat metal roof’s performance will vary depending on what type of roof you get. While both options can work well in Florida, it’s important to note the crucial differences. To make sure you’re informed for your metal flat roof replacement, let’s look at the different types of flat metal roofs available to you!
Exposed Fastener
An exposed fastener flat metal roof has the quickest and simplest installation of your metal roofing options. With this method, corrugated sheets of metal roofing are drilled down into your roof. This ensures a watertight barrier and reliable wind protection!
Since these roofs cost little to manufacture and can be installed quickly, they come with the lowest metal roofing costs. However, they also come with some issues. Namely, the exposed fasteners that sit on top of your roofing panels. Since the fasteners are exposed to the elements, they can rust and be worn down over time.
Regular maintenance should ensure that this isn’t a problem and that your roof won’t take in any water. However, this wear and tear takes its toll. For an exposed fastener flat metal roof, you can expect 30-40 years of protection. This is far from a long life by metal roofing standards, but it’s still quite a long life for a flat roof, which makes it a popular option for flat roofs in Florida!
Hidden Fastener
A hidden fastener flat metal roof is more complex than exposed fastener metal roofing, but its complexity comes with advantages. With this metal roofing style, your metal metal panels are mostly flat, with one elevated section where the panels fit together. This is where your fasteners go: underneath the panel, where they’re protected and safe.
Of course, these flat metal roofs are more expensive to manufacture and take longer to install because of their more complex design. Even so, many homeowners find that they’re worth the investment. Since your fasteners are hidden beneath the metal roofing panels, they’re much better protected and age more slowly. That’s why hidden fastener flat metal roofs last for up to 70 years on average!
Hidden fastener metal roofs are sleek and offer top-tier protection. While their price can be off-putting for some, there really is no better option for a long-lasting, durable flat metal roof.
How Much Does a Metal Flat Roof Cost
When it comes to roofing costs, flat metal roofs usually cost more than other flat roofing materials. There is a spectrum for these things, though, and there are certainly ways to make your flat metal roof more affordable. In fact, one of the biggest factors in your roof replacement costs is which type of metal roofing you choose.
Exposed fastener metal roofing costs $7 to $12 per square foot to install, on average. On a 1,700-square-foot flat roof, this puts your roof replacement costs between $11,900 and $20,400. This is expensive for a flat roof, but quite affordable compared to other metal roofing systems!
Standing seam roofs cost $10 to $35 per square foot, which means even a low-cost standing seam roof is expensive. Using that same standard of a 1,700-square-foot roof, you’re looking at costs between $17,000 and $59,500. This is an expensive roof by any metric, but given the quality of the product, many homeowners choose to see the price as an investment in the protection and value of their homes!
Get a Free Cost Estimate for a Flat Metal Roof
If you’ve noticed that there’s a wide range in metal roof prices, it’s not just you. How much a flat metal roof costs depends on many factors that are unique to your roof. That’s why the best way to get a reliable cost is to sign up for a roof replacement estimate!
For your free, no-obligation estimate from PITCH, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online! Unlike some other roofers, we don’t give vague outlines or leave hidden fees. Instead, we provide clear, comprehensive quotes that include the full scope of work for installing your new metal flat roof!
It can feel daunting to have to pick the right roofers when everyone is telling you that they’re the best in the business. But PITCH is the real deal. Reach out to our friendly staff, and we’ll show you how simple and easy roofing done right can be!
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.
