Standing seam and metal shingle roofing are both hurricane-rated metal systems built to the same wind codes, but they solve different problems. Standing seam delivers the longest lifespan and strongest wind performance, while metal shingles let you keep a traditional roofline while still upgrading to metal. If you've decided metal roofing is right for your home but aren't sure which system to install, here's how the two compare for homes throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Broward communities we serve.
At Lionz Roofing, we're based in Fort Lauderdale and install both metal roofing systems across the city and neighboring communities including Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, Davie, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes, and Wilton Manors. This guide breaks down what separates the two systems so you can pick the right fit before you get a quote.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing seam is the system most people picture when they think of a modern metal roof: raised vertical seams connecting long, continuous panels, with the fasteners hidden underneath rather than exposed on the surface.
Best for: homeowners who want the strongest wind performance and longest lifespan available in a metal roof, especially on properties in coastal-adjacent areas like Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Oakland Park
Lifespan: 50 to 70 years with proper maintenance
Wind performance: the strongest of the two, since concealed fastener clips mean there's no exposed nail head or lap joint for wind to catch
Style: clean, modern, continuous panel lines, increasingly common on newer builds and renovations across Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, and Davie
Cost: the higher upfront investment of the two systems, but the lowest long-term maintenance
Because the fasteners are hidden and the panel runs continuously from ridge to eave, standing seam holds up especially well on the low-slope roof sections common throughout Broward County's mid-century and contemporary homes, and it's what we recommend when wind performance is the top priority.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles (sometimes called metal shake or stone-coated steel) are individual panels manufactured to mimic the look of traditional asphalt shingles, clay tile, or wood shake, while retaining metal's durability underneath.
Best for: homeowners who want a metal roof's performance but need to match a traditional roofline, common in established neighborhoods throughout Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale Lakes, and Coral Springs
Lifespan: 40 to 60 years
Wind performance: strong, though the exposed-fastener design typically rates slightly below standing seam
Style: the closest metal option to a traditional shingle or tile look, useful for HOA guidelines that call for a particular roofline appearance
Cost: generally less than standing seam, both in materials and labor
This is often the system homeowners choose when they love their home's existing profile and don't want a roof replacement to change the character of the house, but still want metal's wind rating and lifespan.
How Broward County's Climate Factors Into the Decision
Both systems installed here need to hold up to the same conditions: intense UV exposure, salt air, heavy seasonal rain, and hurricane-force wind gusts. A few climate-specific notes:
Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and Oakland Park properties closer to the coast should use marine-grade coated steel or aluminum on either system, since standard steel corrodes faster with direct salt exposure
Both systems need a valid Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Florida Product Approval for the specific panel and fastening pattern, since Broward County's HVHZ code requires documented wind-uplift testing across all of the cities we serve
Roof pitch matters: standing seam performs well on both low and steep slopes, while metal shingles generally need a minimum pitch to shed water properly
Comparing the Two at a Glance
| Feature | Standing Seam | Metal Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Coastal & modern homes | Traditional-style homes |
| Lifespan | 50 to 70 years | 40 to 60 years |
| Fasteners | Concealed | Exposed |
| Style | Clean, continuous lines | Mimics shingle/tile/shake |
| Relative Cost | Higher | Lower |
Which System Should You Choose?
A few quick rules of thumb for homeowners across Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, Plantation, Davie, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes, and Wilton Manors:
Want the longest lifespan and best wind performance, and your budget allows for it: standing seam
Want to keep a traditional roofline or match an HOA look while still upgrading to metal: metal shingles
Not sure which fits your home's structure and roof pitch: a quick inspection settles it
The right answer also depends on your home's roof pitch, existing structure, and whether you're doing a full roof replacement or a new build. A free roof inspection is the fastest way to find out which system fits your project.
Get the Right Metal Roofing System for Your Home
Lionz Roofing is a licensed roofing contractor (FL License #CCC1336828) based in Fort Lauderdale, installing standing seam and metal shingle roofing throughout Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Davie, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes, Wilton Manors, and the rest of Broward County. Every installation meets Florida Building Code and Broward County HVHZ wind-uplift requirements, backed by manufacturer warranties and our own workmanship guarantee.
📞 Call us now: (954) 637-6835 Email: contact@lionzroofing.com Visit us: 5200 NW 33rd Ave Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Get Your Free Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between standing seam and metal shingle roofing?
Standing seam uses continuous panels with hidden fasteners, giving it the strongest wind performance and longest lifespan. Metal shingles are individual panels styled to mimic shingles or tile, with slightly lower wind ratings due to exposed fasteners, but a more traditional look.
Which metal roofing system is best for a Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach home?
Standing seam with a marine-grade coated steel or aluminum finish, since it offers the highest wind resistance and best corrosion resistance for areas with greater salt air exposure.
Do you install metal roofing outside Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. We install standing seam and metal shingle roofing throughout Broward County, including Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Plantation, Davie, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes, and Wilton Manors.
Can metal shingles match my home's existing roofline?
Yes. Metal shingles are designed to mimic traditional asphalt shingle, tile, or shake profiles, which makes them a common choice for homeowners who want to keep their home's current look while upgrading to a hurricane-rated metal system.
Do both metal roofing systems meet Broward County's HVHZ code?
Only when installed with the correct fastening pattern and a valid Notice of Acceptance or Florida Product Approval for that specific system. Not every panel and fastener combination is HVHZ-rated.
📞 Contact Lionz Roofing to schedule your free metal roofing estimate today.