Built for hurricane season
Mechanically seamed panels and interlocking stone-coated tiles resist uplift far better than nailed asphalt tabs — the failure mode most homeowners see after a tropical storm.
Buyer's Guide
Metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles in Jamaica.
Asphalt shingles are familiar, but the Jamaican climate is unkind to them. Here's how standing seam and stone-coated metal roofing compare on the factors that actually matter — durability, heat, hurricanes and total cost of ownership.
| Factor | Metal roofing | Asphalt shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 40–70+ years | 10–20 years in the tropics |
| Hurricane wind rating | Up to 120+ mph with proper fastening | Often 60–110 mph; tabs lift in gusts |
| Heat reflectivity | Kynar 500 PVDF reflects solar heat — cooler attics | Dark granules absorb heat |
| Fire performance | Class A — non-combustible | Class A only with fibreglass mat |
| Algae & moss | Resists biological growth | Common in humid climates |
| Weight on structure | Lightweight — easy on older trusses | 2–3× heavier per square |
| Long-term cost | Higher upfront, lowest cost over 30 years | Cheaper upfront, repeat replacement |
| Insurance & resale | Often qualifies for premium discounts | Standard rating |
Cooler homes, lower bills
Kynar 500 PVDF finishes reflect a meaningful share of solar heat, easing the load on AC. Asphalt absorbs it and radiates it into the attic.
Pay once, not every decade
A metal roof in Jamaica routinely outlasts three asphalt replacements. The upfront premium pays itself back well before the second tear-off would.