St. Petersburg Roofing Advice: Metal Roof vs. Tile

Metal and tile roofs are some of the highest-performing options in St. Petersburg, Florida. Even with Pinellas County’s humidity, UV exposure, and occasional tropical storms, these roofs are built to last in our unique climate. But which is better for St. Pete residents, metal roofs or tile?

With decades of roofing experience under our belt, PITCH Roofing is here to tell you everything you need to know about Pinellas County’s top roofing materials. From cost to performance to long-term durability, we’re answering all your questions. Now, let’s start off with an overview on metal and tile roofing systems.

Metal vs. Tile Roofs: The Basics

There is not one single type of metal or tile roof for St. Petersburg residents to choose from. Rather, they each have their own variations and specifications that can drastically change how these roofs perform. To help you better understand your options, we’re taking a closer look at each roofing material!

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs come in two forms: standing seam or screw down 5V roofing. Standing seam represents a luxury roofing option, using flat metal sheets which adhere together beneath the panel. This hidden fastener roofing system provides great longevity, minimal repairs, and a metal roof that can handle Florida’s hurricane-force winds.

A more accessible alternative is 5V metal roofing. Using a screw down method, these panels get drilled straight into your roof, leaving your fasteners on top of the panel. These exposed fasteners suffer wear and tear over time, shortening the overall lifespan of your roof. But if you need an affordable, durable metal roofing system, 5V fits the bill.

Tile Roofing

While metal roofs are a relatively new addition to St. Petersburg, clay roofing tiles are a timeless Florida roofing material. These tiles are made of natural, baked clay to give them a hard exterior, and their weight keeps them firmly in place even during major storms. For Spanish and Mediterranean style homes, there is no better way to top off your property’s look.

Concrete tiles are a slightly more affordable option. Made with painted concrete, these tile roofs come in nearly any color you could imagine. While these roofs don’t last quite as long as clay tiles, they’re even heavier, which gives them top-tier wind resistance to make it through nearly any storm.

Comparing a Metal Roof vs. Tile in St. Petersburg

At PITCH, we’re all about tailoring our roofing advice to your area. That’s why we’re comparing metal and tile roofs side by side to see which one offers a better deal to St. Petersburg homeowners. Let’s start comparing the areas that matter most to you!

Longevity

When comparing a St. Pete metal roof to tile based on longevity, tiles are technically the winner. Clay roofing tiles have been known to last for 50 to 100 years or more, which is simply not a number that most roofs can compete with. But where do the other roofing options stack up?

The next best roofing lifespan is standing seam metal roofing, which averages 40 to 70 years in Pinellas County. Then we have concrete roofing tiles, which give around 50 years of protection. Finally, 5V metal roofing lasts for only 30 years, but it’s worth noting that it’s much more affordable than other items on this list, so there is some tradeoff.

Durability

Whether you choose a metal roof or tile, every St. Petersburg resident wants a roof that can withstand severe storms. And when comparing metal and tile roofs, there is a tie. That’s because both standing seam and concrete roofing tiles are rated for winds up to 180 mph, making them ideal for surviving tropical storms and hurricanes.

Clay tiles are rated for winds up to 160 mph, while 5V metal roofing can withstand 140 mph winds. All of these roofs deal well with UV exposure and humidity as well, although you’ll need to make sure your metal roof has the proper material or coating to resist rust and corrosion. But when working with experienced Florida metal roofers, your crew should be thinking about things like this without you having to ask.

Cost

How much your new roof costs will always be an important factor. If you want an affordable tile or metal roof in St. Petersburg, 5V metal roofing is your best bet. At $5 to $12 per square foot, these are extremely affordable, durable roofing systems. That said, you will need to replace your fasteners every 10 years or so, so you should factor that into your budgeting.

From there, all other types of metal and tile roofing are quite expensive. Here are the latest numbers for roofing costs in Pinellas County:

• Standing seam metal roof: $10 to $35 per square foot
• Concrete roofing tiles: $9 to $19 per square foot
• Clay roofing tiles: $12 to $21 per square foot

While all of these options out-perform 5V metal roofing, they’re much more expensive. This makes them ideal for homeowners who can afford a long-term investment in their homes. But if what you need is a roof that will protect you during a storm without stretching your finances, there’s no beating 5V metal roofs.

Get a Free Roof Estimate for a Metal or Tile Roof in St. Pete

Up to now, we’ve focused on comparing metal and tile roofs side by side. Whether you’ve decided on a preferred option or you’re still on the fence, our crew is here to help. When you reach out for a free, no-obligation roofing estimate, we’ll prepare a quote for any roofing material(s) you’re considering.

To get your free estimate, call us at 727-677-4824 or fill out our contact form. You can even sign up for an online-only estimate with no in-person roof assessment! Regardless of how you get your quote, we’ll provide you with itemized pricing so you can compare your different offers apples to apples. This is just one way we remove confusion from the roofing process!

In St. Petersburg, both a metal roof or tile can set your home up for long-term success. And with either option, you’ll need dependable roofers handling your installation. Reach out to our friendly customer service crew to see how easy getting a new roof in Pinellas County can be!