Stone-coated metal shingles can be a divisive topic. While some homeowners rave about their experience, it’s not hard to find people insisting that stone-coated steel roofing is overhyped. But in Florida, nobody can afford to be unsure of their roofing material. That’s why PITCH Roofing is here to give you the information you need ahead of planning your metal roof replacement.
If you’re wondering whether stone-coated metal shingles are the right choice for your home, you’ve come to the right place. As veteran Florida roofers, we’ve seen firsthand how these roofing systems age and what they can offer homeowners. Stick with us as we cover the good and the bad of metal roof shingles!
Stone-Coated Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles
| Feature | Stone-Coated Metal Roofing | Standard Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 40–70 Years (Lifetime Solution) | 15–25 Years (Temporary Solution) |
| Wind Resistance | High (Hurricane Rated) | Moderate (Prone to uplift) |
| Aesthetic | Mimics Slate, Shake, or Tile | Standard Granular Look |
| Maintenance | Low (May need painting after 20 yrs) | Moderate (Granule loss, curling) |
| Cost Investment | $$$ ($7–$15 per sq. ft.) | $ ($5–$9 per sq. ft.) |
What Are Stone-Coated Metal Shingles?
When it comes to durability, there’s a reason metal is hailed as the best of the best. These roofing systems can last for up to 70 years, and they do an excellent job resisting high winds from hurricanes and tropical storms. With minimal maintenance requirements, it’s no wonder that so many Florida homeowners choose metal roofing. But it does have its downsides.
For one thing, metal roofing isn’t the most welcoming-looking. Metal panels can tend to look a little industrial, which doesn’t fit with many homes’ aesthetics. Asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, have a warm, welcoming aesthetic, which is part of what makes them the most popular roofing material in North America.
Stone-coated metal shingles offer the best of both worlds. By coating metal roofing sheets with protective stone granules, they can offer the protection that draws people to metal roofing alongside the cozy familiarity of shingle roofing. Metal shingles replicate the look of conventional roofing materials to blend seamlessly into virtually any neighborhood and maximize your home’s curb appeal.
But are they a good idea in Florida?
Pros and Cons of Stone-Coated Metal Shingles
Like with any roofing material, there are pros and cons to stone-coated metal shingles. Rather than try to convince our customers on which material to choose, at PITCH, we make it our mission to give you clear, helpful information so you can make your own decision.
With that in mind, let’s talk about the ups and downs to picking stone-coated steel roofing shingles!
Pro: Aesthetic Versatility
When discussing stone-coated metal roofing, shingles are the first thing that come to mind. But with this style of roofing system, you don’t have to choose the tried and true shingles. If you want something that’s welcoming while still being unique, other styles of stone-coated metal roofing include cedar shake and slate tiles.
These are expensive roofing materials, so much so that even metal roofing is often more affordable. In this way, you can save yourself money while investing in a high-quality metal roof. Alternatively, you can enjoy a traditional shingle appearance and get a roof in virtually any color you can imagine. Regardless of what you pick, it’s easy to make stone-coated metal shingles suit nearly any home.
Con: Higher Costs Than Shingles
Part of why asphalt shingles is because they’re so affordable. Even high-quality architectural shingles only cost $5 to $9 per square foot. While stone-coated metal shingles are not the most expensive metal roofing option, they certainly come in well above the cost of your average asphalt shingle.
On average, stone-coated metal shingles cost $7 to $15 per square foot. You’re paying for a higher-quality roofing system, and you get some of this investment back in the form of increased home value. Still, there’s no denying that metal shingles are more expensive, and they certainly aren’t in everyone’s budget.
Pro: Resounding Protection
No matter how you look at it, stone-coated metal shingles are a great fit for Florida’s environment. The protective stone granules help reflect UV rays and prevent damage from hail and storm debris. Steel roofing panels are drilled down into your roof so they won’t budge during even a major storm. And with no organic component, it’s very difficult for moss or algae to develop on a metal roof.
In short, metal shingles are a great option for protecting virtually any Florida home. If you live near the coastline, consult with your roofer on how to safely prepare your metal shingles for saltwater air. While rust is not usually a problem for these roofs, saltwater air on the coasts requires unique preparations to make sure your roof lasts its full lifespan.
Con: Fading Paint
Metal shingle roofs are hardy and durable. Unfortunately, their paint is less so. Under the harsh Florida sun, roof paints break down after a decade or so. Over time, you’ll start noticing UV fading and chalking on your roof. This will likely require re-painting, so it’s good to budget for this expense in advance.
Pro: Lower Energy Bills
While stone-coated metal shingles have higher up-front costs, they also come with an opportunity to save money on your monthly energy bills. That’s because both steel and the stone granules naturally reflect UV rays, directing heat away from your home.
Additionally, the layer of stone granules creates extra insulation to slow the transfer of heat between your attic and the outdoors. Metal roofs still need insulation, of course, especially because it helps keep them quiet when it rains. But even on their own, stone-coated metal shingles offer more insulation than most other roofing materials.
A Recent Stone-Coated Metal Roof Replacement Pitch Project
Coastal Protection Strategy
Get a Free Estimate for Stone-Coated Metal Shingles
Sometimes, the pros just don’t outweigh the cons. For many Florida homeowners, however, the upsides of stone-coated metal shingles eclipse the few downsides. If you’re interested in learning more about metal roofing shingles and how much they’ll cost to install on your roof, the next step is getting a free, no-obligation roofing estimate.
Call us at (727) 496-6678 or fill out our contact form. We’ll send out a professional roofer to inspect and measure your roof, answer any questions you have about metal shingles, and prepare a personalized estimate that’s tailored to your home. Our itemized roof replacement estimates include the full scope of the job, leaving no room for guesswork, hidden fees, or cut corners!
Whether metal shingles are the right choice for you or not, reach out to PITCH Roofing about your roof replacement. As veteran Florida roofers, our priority is doing right by our customers. Reach out today and let us show you the difference that Roofing Done Right can make!
Frequently Asked Questions About Stone-Coated Steel
Stone-coated metal roofing is designed to last 40 to 70 years. In Florida’s climate, they significantly outlast asphalt shingles because the steel core does not crack or dry out under intense UV exposure, and the stone coating protects the panels from physical impact.
High-quality stone-coated steel roofing uses an acrylic bonding agent to secure the granules. While a small amount of granule loss is normal immediately after installation (similar to asphalt shingles), significant loss should not occur. At PITCH Roofing, we use premium manufacturers to minimize this risk.
No, not if installed correctly. The layer of stone granules disrupts rain impact, and when combined with a solid roof deck and quality underlayment, stone-coated metal shingles are often just as quiet as traditional asphalt roofs.
This is a common myth. A stone-coated metal roof typically has no effect on cell phone reception or Wi-Fi signals in your home, just as metal framing in commercial buildings does not block signals.
Don’t Skip the Underlayment
While stone-coated steel roofing is quieter than exposed metal, the real secret to soundproofing is high-quality underlayment. A thick, synthetic underlayment acts as a sound buffer, ensuring your metal roof is just as quiet as asphalt during a heavy Florida downpour.
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.
