According to a 2022 third-party report, asphalt shingles cover approximately 70% of homes along the Gulf Coast. But here’s the problem with that; while asphalt’s affordability and familiarity have made it a longstanding favorite with homeowners and contractors alike, the material’s poor track record in extreme weather conditions has come under scrutiny. This scrutiny is justified, especially as severe weather events along the Gulf Coast, and the devastation they’ve caused, have dominated the news cycle over the last several years.
Florida’s top insurance commissioner, Michael Yaworsky, has suggested moving away from asphalt shingles completely in reroofing and new construction projects throughout the Sunshine State. At the 2024 Florida Chamber of Commerce Insurance Summit, he hinted at future changes to insurance premium calculations that would discourage homeowners from using the material. No match for Florida’s weather, Yaworsky added that the common roofing material often fails to meet its advertised 30-year lifespan, making it an unreliable option for a state prone to high heat, humidity and frequent hurricanes.
In early 2025, Yaworsky’s office doubled down on his stance and issued a statement underlining the need for Florida homeowners to “look past asphalt shingles” and consider more durable roofing materials that are designed to withstand Florida’s extreme weather conditions. He stated that, in turn, homeowners can potentially lower their insurance premiums. For many, rising insurance premiums are a major financial stressor; especially considering that more than 30 home insurance providers have pulled out of Florida over the last few years.
Pushing out asphalt shingles presents an opportunity for the metal roofing industry to meet market demand for an alternative, durable roofing material. Metal roofing systems that use a high-quality metal substrate offer uncompromising performance. Tested to multiple standards, a metal roof can last roughly two to three times longer than asphalt and other roofing materials. An ideal solution for the Florida market, metal roofs can provide wind resistance of up to 120 miles per hour. Select systems are certified to wind-resistance testing standards such as: UL 580 Wind Uplift, TAS 125 Wind Uplift, UL 1897 Extended Phase Wind Uplift, ASTM E1592 Uniform Static Pressure Uplift and ASTM E1680 Air Infiltration.
A metal roof’s ability to withstand wind is due to both its material makeup and construction. Unlike asphalt shingles, panelized metal roofing systems extend from eave to ridge and interlock with adjacent panels to minimize the points where gusts of wind can lift and damage the roof. Metal also has a substantial strength-to-weight ratio. This means individual panels can withstand direct wind without increasing the overall weight of a roof.
Wind resistance was a key consideration for the roof renovation of the main clubhouse at the Medalist Golf Club, a championship course located in Hobe Sound, Florida. The engineered metal roofing system used to cover the project resists the damaging effects of the region’s severe coastal weather events. The broadwidth seam panel system utilizes a snap lock installation and free-floating clips, which allow for thermal movement to preserve the smooth roof surface and uninterrupted profile lines.
Wind and uplift are not the only aspects of extreme weather that metal roofs are designed to endure; they also provide protection from hail and rain. Metal roofing provides reliable wet-weather performance due to its inherently durable substrate that is impervious to moisture. A metal roof’s weathertight performance can be enhanced with the proper underlayment and an advanced coating or paint finish.
Further, metal roofing systems can be certified to UL 2218, which tests their impact resistance and ranks them on a class system (from one to four). Metal roofs rank highest with a class four rating. This ensures the maximum amount of protection from hail. Both rain and hail protection support more resilient roofing systems throughout Florida and other Gulf Coast states.
While the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation has not released any immediate plans to revise insurance market standards, Yaworsky’s recent comments signal a major shift in state priorities. Changes are coming, and for the metal roofing industry, this spells opportunity.
Reach out to your nearest Drexel Metals Representative to embrace the future of roofing in the Sunshine State and the surrounding Gulf Coast states.
