Overhead view of a multi-tone clay-look tile roof with hips and valleys on a Naples home

Roof Types

Choosing the right roof system for a Florida home

Tile, metal, shingle, stone-coated steel, slate and cedar each bring a different look, weight and maintenance profile. Here is how they compare, and how to choose among them in Florida.

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Systems installed: Six roofing families
Heaviest: Clay and concrete tile, natural slate
Lighter options: Metal, stone-coated steel, shingle
First step: Free, no-obligation inspection

Global project · Naples, FL

The short answer

Global Roofing & Contracting installs six roof systems in Florida: clay and concrete tile, standing-seam metal, composition shingle, stone-coated steel, slate and composite slate, and cedar shakes and shingles. The best choice depends on the home's architecture, whether the structure can carry the weight, HOA rules, budget and Florida Building Code wind requirements. A free inspection helps narrow the options.

Global Roofing & Contracting · Est. 2004 · FL License CCC1330308

The six systems Global installs

Each roofing family has its own strengths. Tile defines much of Southwest Florida's architecture. Metal offers a light, clean-lined roof. Shingle is familiar and flexible on budget. Stone-coated steel gives the look of tile, shake or shingle with a lighter steel base. Slate and composite slate offer a refined, formal look. Cedar brings natural warmth to specific architectural styles.

Tile (clay and concrete): classic Mediterranean character; heavy
Standing-seam metal: clean lines, light weight, fast water shedding
Composition shingle: familiar look, wide color range, often budget-friendly
Stone-coated steel: tile, shake or shingle profiles with a lightweight steel core
Slate and composite slate: formal, distinctive look; composite is much lighter than natural slate
Cedar shakes and shingles: natural wood texture that needs more attention in humid climates

Material study

Start with architecture and neighborhood

The most satisfying roofs suit the house. Mediterranean, Spanish and Italianate homes usually look right in barrel or S-tile, while flat tile suits more contemporary or transitional homes. Old Florida cottages and modern coastal homes often pair well with standing-seam metal.

Look at the homes around you, too. In established neighborhoods and gated communities, a roof that fits the streetscape tends to feel right and can make approvals simpler.

Material study illustration of standing seam metal roof panels — Material study

Structure and weight

Roof weight matters more than most homeowners expect. Concrete and clay tile and natural slate are heavy, and a home framed for shingles may not be designed to carry them. Moving from a lighter roof to a heavier one usually calls for a structural review.

Going the other way is simpler. Metal, stone-coated steel and shingle are light, and stone-coated steel and composite slate are often considered when a homeowner wants a tile or slate look without the load.

Comparing the six roof systems for Florida homes
System	Look	Relative weight	Maintenance	Often chosen for
Clay and concrete tile	Classic Mediterranean and Spanish profiles, many colors	Heavy	Durable tiles; underlayment ages and broken tiles need replacing	Mediterranean homes and many HOA communities
Standing-seam metal	Clean vertical seams, contemporary or coastal	Light	Low; check fasteners, sealants and finish near salt water	Coastal, modern and Old Florida designs
Composition shingle	Familiar textured look, wide color range	Light	Periodic checks for lifted or worn shingles	Traditional homes and budget-focused reroofs
Stone-coated steel	Tile, shake or shingle profiles with a textured finish	Light	Low; check for scratches, fasteners and trim	A tile or shake look without the weight
Slate and composite slate	Formal, refined, distinctive	Natural slate heavy; composite much lighter	Natural slate is durable but brittle underfoot; composite needs periodic checks	Upscale and traditional architecture
Cedar shakes and shingles	Natural wood texture that weathers over time	Light to moderate	Higher; humidity makes cleaning and treatment important	Specific architectural styles and matching existing roofs

HOA and community rules

Many Florida communities are governed by homeowners associations that regulate roof materials, profiles and colors. Some allow only tile; others maintain an approved list of products and colors. Check your association's architectural guidelines before settling on a system, and allow time for approval.

Budget and long-term value

Up-front cost is only part of the picture. Consider how long you plan to stay, expected maintenance and how each system handles Florida sun, humidity and salt air. Shingle is often the most budget-friendly to install, while tile, metal and slate typically cost more up front and are chosen for appearance and long service when properly maintained.

Because pricing depends on your specific roof, the most useful comparison comes from a detailed estimate for the systems you are considering.

Wind, code and coastal exposure

The Florida Building Code applies statewide and sets wind-design requirements for roofs, and roofing products used in Florida generally need state product approval. Stricter High-Velocity Hurricane Zone requirements apply only in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Installation matters as much as the product. Attachment methods, underlayment and flashing all affect how a roof performs in high winds. Mike Egan, Global's founder, holds the Tile Roofing Institute Florida High Wind Installer certification, and Global holds CertainTeed Integrity Roof System and Master Shingle Applicator credentials.

On coastal homes, salt air adds another consideration: metal types, finishes and fasteners should be chosen with corrosion in mind.

Roofing Systems

Roofing Systems
Made for Florida.

Global project · Naples, FL

Clay & concrete tile

Tile Roofing

The signature Florida roof. Clay and concrete tile bring long service life, thermal mass and the architectural character of Mediterranean and coastal homes.

Benefits

Durable, long-lived tile field
Broad range of profiles and colors
Suits Mediterranean & Spanish architecture

In Florida

In high winds, performance depends on what you can’t see: underlayment and attachment. Global’s founder is certified through the Tile Roofing Institute’s Florida High Wind Installer program.

Best for Mediterranean, Spanish and estate homes

View tile roofing

Material study

Standing seam

Metal Roofing

Continuous panels joined by raised, interlocking seams with concealed fasteners. The result is a clean, modern profile with very few exposed penetrations.

Benefits

Concealed-fastener panel design
Reflective finishes help limit heat gain
Low-maintenance, contemporary look

In Florida

Panel gauge, clip spacing and attachment are specified to the home’s wind-load requirements. That detail work matters on the coast.

Best for Modern, coastal and Old-Florida homes

View metal roofing

Material study

Composition & architectural

Shingle Roofing

Composition shingles, including dimensional architectural shingles, offer a versatile, cost-conscious system with a wide palette of colors.

Benefits

Versatile and cost-conscious
Dimensional architectural profiles
Manufacturer-backed roof systems

In Florida

Global holds CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator and Integrity Roof System credentials, a CertainTeed designation for qualified installers.

Best for Traditional and transitional homes

View shingle roofing

Material study

Tile, shake & shingle profiles

Stone-Coated Steel

Steel panels finished with a stone-granule coating that can take the profile of tile, shake or shingle at a fraction of the weight.

Benefits

Tile-like look at lower weight
Interlocking panel system
Textured, natural finish

In Florida

A practical option when the look of tile is wanted but structure or weight is a consideration.

Best for Homes wanting tile character with less weight

View stone-coated steel

Material study

Natural & engineered

Slate & Composite Slate

Natural slate or engineered composite slate for a classic, dimensional roofline with crisp shadow lines.

Benefits

Classic, dimensional appearance
Composite options reduce weight
Distinctive estate aesthetic

In Florida

Composite slate delivers the look of stone with lighter weight, often a better fit for existing Florida structures.

Best for Estates and traditional architecture

View slate & composite slate

Material study

Natural wood

Cedar Shake & Shingle

Cedar shakes and shingles create a warm, textured, natural roofline. Reroofs and repairs included.

Benefits

Warm, natural texture
Hand-split or sawn profiles
Reroofs and repairs

In Florida

Wood roofs in a humid climate reward careful detailing, ventilation and maintenance planning.

Best for Cottage, coastal and craftsman homes

View cedar shake & shingle

FAQ

Roof Types: Your Questions, Answered.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call 239-653-9703 (Naples) or 954-889-2201 (Pembroke Pines), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

What is the most common roof type in Southwest Florida?

Tile is among the most common roof types in Southwest Florida, especially on Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes and in HOA communities. Shingle and metal roofs are also widespread, particularly on older, coastal and contemporary homes.

Which roof type is best for Florida hurricanes?

No single material is best in every case; proper installation to Florida Building Code wind requirements matters as much as the product. Tile, metal, shingle and stone-coated steel can all perform well when correctly specified, attached and flashed.

Can my house support a tile roof?

It depends on how the home was framed. Tile is heavy, and homes originally built for shingles may need a structural review before switching. If your home already has tile, replacing it with tile is usually straightforward.

What is stone-coated steel roofing?

Stone-coated steel roofing is steel panels coated with stone granules and formed to look like tile, shake or shingle. It is much lighter than tile and is often considered by homeowners who want a tile look without the added weight.

Is cedar roofing practical in Florida?

Cedar can work in Florida, but it requires more attention than most systems. High humidity encourages mildew, algae and decay, so regular cleaning and maintenance are important. It is usually chosen for specific architectural styles.

Does my HOA have a say in my roof type?

Often, yes. Many Florida HOAs regulate roof materials, profiles and colors, and some require architectural approval before work begins. Check your community's guidelines early when choosing a new roof system.

Experience the Global Difference

Your Roof Protects Everything Beneath It.

Whether your roof has been damaged by a storm or has simply reached the end of its lifespan, start with a professional inspection from Global Roofing & Contracting.

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