Metal vs Shingle Roof in Orlando, FL: Which Is Better? (2025)

Asphalt shingles cost $9,500–$14,000 installed for a typical 2,000 sq ft Orlando home. Metal roofing runs $18,000–$35,000 for the same home — roughly 2–2.5x more upfront.

But the math changes over time. Asphalt shingles in Florida's climate last 15–25 years. Metal roofs last 40–70 years. Over a 40-year period, you'd replace asphalt shingles 2–3 times at a total cost of $19,000–$42,000 — potentially more than a single metal roof installation.

Add in insurance savings (metal roofs can reduce homeowners insurance premiums by 30–35% in Florida) and the lifetime cost advantage of metal becomes significant.

This is where the difference matters most in Orlando. Standing seam metal roofing can withstand winds of 160+ mph — well above the threshold for major hurricanes. The interlocking panel design eliminates the individual fastener points that are the primary failure mode for shingle roofs in high winds.

Impact-rated asphalt shingles (required in many Orange County zones) are rated to 130 mph. That covers most storms, but not the strongest hurricanes. After major storms, metal roofs consistently show dramatically lower damage rates than shingle roofs.

For homeowners in flood zones or high-wind areas of Orange County, metal roofing is the clear choice for storm protection.

Metal roofing reflects solar radiation rather than absorbing it — a significant advantage in Orlando's intense sun. A metal roof can reduce attic temperatures by 20–30°F compared to dark asphalt shingles, directly reducing air conditioning load.

In a climate where AC runs 8–10 months per year, this translates to real savings. Most Orlando homeowners with metal roofs report 15–25% reductions in cooling costs.

Light-colored or reflective asphalt shingles (cool roof products) close some of this gap, but metal still outperforms on energy efficiency.

Asphalt shingles make sense for Orlando homeowners who: are on a tight budget and need to replace a failing roof now, plan to sell the home within 10 years (the upfront cost difference may not be recovered in resale), or are replacing a roof on a rental property where long-term ROI is less of a priority.

Quality asphalt shingles from manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed — properly installed with hurricane straps and correct fastening patterns — provide solid protection for Orlando's climate at a significantly lower upfront cost.