Tile roof vs metal roof comes up on almost every Tampa re-roof where tile is already on the house. Concrete and clay tile are heavy, long-lived and familiar to HOAs. Metal is light, and metal shingles in a barrel profile can look like tile from the street.
Side by Side
| Concrete tile | Metal shingles (barrel profile) | Standing seam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looks | Barrel or flat tile | Barrel, shake or slate profiles | Smooth vertical panels |
| Weight per 100 sq ft | About 720–970 lb | About 94 lb (steel) | Light; varies by panel |
| Installed, per sq ft | $7–$12 | $6–$14 | $9–$16 |
| 2,000 sq ft roof | $14,000–$24,000 | $12,000–$28,000 | $18,000–$32,000 |
| Lifespan cited by Fixr | 50+ years | 50–70 years (metal) | 50–70 years (metal) |
Concrete tile prices and lifespans from Fixr (2026). Metal prices from HomeGuide's national averages. Weights from manufacturer spec sheets.
Weight
Concrete tile weighs roughly 720 to 970 pounds per 100 square feet of roof. Steel metal shingles weigh around 94 and aluminum around 40, according to manufacturer spec sheets. Swapping tile for metal takes most of that load off the framing.
Wind
Tile and metal can both meet Florida's wind code. What matters is the product's Florida Product Approval and the attachment method for your address's design wind speed. Ask for the FL number either way.
HOAs
Florida law counts roof systems recognized by the Florida Building Code that meet ASCE 7-22 as hurricane protection. HOAs must adopt specifications for it and can't deny an application that meets them, though the specifications can set color and style. A 2026 change also bars HOAs from requiring a building permit before their architectural review.
Still deciding between a tile roof vs metal roof? Call (813) 680-5909 and ask a metal roofer in Tampa to price both, or read about metal shingles in Tampa.
Sources: Fixr concrete tile roof cost (2026), Fixr tile roofing cost, HomeGuide metal roof cost, manufacturer specification sheets, Florida Statutes 720.3035, Florida Product Approval search.