Plenty of homeowners have already made the switch from shingles to metal. But did you know that metal roofs aren’t just a sloped roofing option? Metal roofing for flat roofs is gaining popularity for both residential and commercial roofs across Florida. But is it the right solution for you? And what options do you have?
We’re PITCH Roofing, and we’re here to answer all of your questions about flat metal roofs. With decades of experience as metal roofers in Florida, our contractors know how to get your property hurricane-ready. Keep reading to see what our crew can do for you and your property!
Should You Get Metal Roofing for Flat Roofs?
There are pros and cons to every flat roofing material. And many people are hesitant to take a risk with something as important as a roof replacement. But for our money, metal flat roofs are reliable and durable roofing systems for both residential and commercial structures. In fact, they even address some common problems with flat roofing materials.
Most flat roofing materials age pretty quickly. Keeping water out of your roof while standing up to extreme UV rays is a tall order. That’s why modified bitumen only lasts 15-20 years, and if you get 30 years of life from your TPO roof, you’ve gotten fairly lucky.
Metal roofs are a different beast, though. Metal flat roofs can last for 50 to 70 years, making them by far the longest-lasting flat roofing material. If you want a roof that won’t go anywhere for decades to come, metal roofing for flat roofs is definitely an option worth considering. All you have to do is find the right option for your property.
What’s the Best Type of Metal Flat Roofing for Florida?
Florida has some pretty high performance needs when it comes to roofing. A roof has to be able to withstand hurricane-force winds, humidity, and extreme UV exposure. Things are even harder for flat roofs, which are more vulnerable to ponding water and leaks. Thankfully, the right metal flat roof can handle all of these issues.
Metal roofing for flat roofs can come with very different styles and price points. Let’s look at your options and help you plan your metal flat roof replacement!
5V Metal Roofing
If you want an affordable metal roof, look no further than 5V roofing. With easy-to-produce corrugated metal roofing panels and a simple drill-down installation method, metal roofing doesn’t come at a lower price point than this. With 5V metal roofing, you’re looking at paying $7 to $12 per square foot. But what are you paying for, exactly?
A 5V metal flat roof has exposed fasteners — in other words, fasteners that sit on top of the metal roofing panel. This secures your metal roof in place, but these fasteners have minimal protection against the elements. Since flat roofs are especially likely to have ponding water, this can be a real problem. Generally speaking, you should expect to need to repair your fasteners every 5 to 10 years. This is much shorter than the total lifespan of 5V metal roofing, which is 20 to 30 years.
While 5V metal roofing for flat roofs comes with a need for intermittent repairs, it isn’t all bad news. These roofs are still durable and UV-reflective, which helps lower energy bills. Add in the uniquely low metal roofing bill, and it’s no wonder why so many Floridians choose 5V metal roofing.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
The other popular type of metal roofing for flat roofs is standing seam. Also called hidden fastener metal roofing, this comes with a very different installation method from 5V. Standing seam panels are sleek and smooth, except for a small lip where they adhere together beneath the panel. In this way, the fasteners are “hidden” underneath your roof.
This approach comes with a lot of benefits. Namely, since your fasteners aren’t exposed, they last a lot longer. This removes the need for regular roof repairs. Additionally, your roofing panels will be able to expand and contract with the sun’s heat since they aren’t drilled down into place. As a result, your roof will last much longer. In fact, standing seam metal roofs can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years in Florida.
In terms of performance downsides, standing seam doesn’t have any. There is still one area where they can’t compete with 5V flat roofs, though: the price. Standing seam can cost anywhere from $10 to $35 per square foot. In other words, this is very much a luxury roofing material. Still, if it’s in your budget, you’re unlikely to find a material that can make your flat roof last longer!
Get a Free Estimate for a Metal Flat Roof Replacement
With such clear advantages over TPO and modified bitumen, it’s no surprise that metal roofing for flat roofs is having a heyday. If you want to see what a metal flat roof can offer your property, your next steps are easy. All you need to do is schedule a free, no-obligation roofing estimate.
For your free roofing quote, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online. We’ll send out a friendly, experienced roofer to measure your roof and prepare a quote that’s tailored to your property. With PITCH, our quotes are so much more than just a number. We provide itemized estimates that cover every part of your job, from beginning to end. This way you can compare your estimates apples to apples!
At PITCH Roofing, we’re all about roofing done right. To us, that goes beyond just making sure we install your roof correctly. It also includes providing friendly customer service and clear communication at every step of the roofing process. If you want to upgrade to a metal flat roof, give our veteran Florida contractors the chance to earn your business. You’ll be glad you did!
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.
