I'm surprised that your builder said that concrete roof tiles are move expensive than metal roofing. But perhaps he's talking about different types of concrete materials and metal materials. I'm guessing, but my guess is that your contractor is more experienced in installing concrete roof tiles. Concrete is very heavy, requires roof framing and sheathing which is designed to support the additional load.

There are many types of metal roofing (standing seam being the most attractive IMO). It is very light weight and so does not require any additional or special framing for support.

Both roofing types are very long lasting and durable, properly installed.

Have you asked him why he says metal roofs are move expensive than concrete tiles?

Virgil he said metal is more expensive.

Yes, I understand. What I don't understand is that concrete roofing materials are much, much heavier and require more substantial framing for support. The cost involved is not just the roofing materials per se, but also the roof framing and sheathing necessary for support. Concrete materials are very heavy. Metal roofing is very light.

If you like the look of concrete roofing materials, then end of story. But if you are interested in the metal roofing, more information should be forthcoming from your builder before you make a decision.

My guess is that your builder installs lots of concrete roofing and not much metal roofing. I could be wrong.

He said something about a lightweight concrete? Color thru concrete roof? He actually does install lots of metal roofs and originally assumed I wanted a metal roof.

Yes, there is a "light-weight" concrete, and concrete made from colored cement will have an integral color (all the way through). More expensive than "normal" concrete, but less expensive than clay tiles. Either concrete or metal roofing material will work and be durable.

Google "concrete roofing tiles" and you'll get a ton of info. Here's a quick summary from one listing: "...Standard-weight concrete roof tiles generally weigh between 9 1/2 and 12 pounds per square foot — significantly more than asphalt shingles, which weigh only 2 1/2 to 4 pounds per square foot. For houses where weight is a concern, many tile manufacturers offer lightweight roof tiles weighing 5 1/2 to 7 pounds per square foot. These tiles are made with a lightweight aggregate, like expanded shale, instead of sand..."

"...If you're reroofing a house with existing asphalt shingles and you're not sure whether the roof structure is adequate to support concrete tiles, you should have the roof framing checked by an engineer before proceeding..."

You will have to decide which is more compatible with your house (and budget)! As long as the builder knows your choice before framing the roof, he should be able to provide the properly designed roof framing and sheathing.

Do Craftsman-style houses in Florida have metal roofs? Just curious since all of the bungalows I've seen in our area have shingle/shake roofs.

Were you interested in a cool roof? Maybe you would want to compare in this respect, too.

Which is preferred in a hurricane? In a brief search I found something mentioning adhesive failures that have led to tiles being blown off in high winds.

I can tell you which I'd rather have in an earthquake ;-) but I don't imagine that's an issue for you.

Thank you Virgil. I'm trying to get my head around the differences and which would work better for our purposes, if the cost difference isn't double. Personally I prefer the look of a shingle roof but would be amenable to a metal roof if it really was the better choice for hurricanes and for insulation.

Oaktown, yes I have seen some. Florida "cracker" houses were always built with metal roofs and so were some of the smaller craftsman houses.

Cool roof was one of the things I was trying to explore too. From what I am reading the metal roof does keep the house cooler, but the difference between cement and metal isn't too great. Correct me if I'm wrong.

As for hurricanes, I think a lot depends on how well and what method was used to adhere the roof material. I've seen video of metal roofs go flying too. Frankly, I'd rather lose a few tiles than a whole roof. :)

No earthquakes that I know of in FL. And our area of FL hasn't had a direct hit hurricane in over a century. In fact the last hurricane that even produced hurricane force winds where we live was hurricane Donna in 1960. All others have only produced tropical storm force winds. Now having said that, am I dumb enough to think we couldn't be next? No so I will do everything possible to make sure our house is as secure as possible.

I know nothing about concrete tile roofing except that it can contribute to windborne debris that can damage your property as well as others.

If you use metal roofing I recommend using a thick gauge, applying Ice & Water Shield under all of it, avoiding horizontal joints and using mechanically sealed panels instead of batten seam covers with special attention at the ridge and hip caps.

Of course no roofing can survive a hurricane if the roof sheathing is not well fastened to the frame along the perimeter and the rafters are not tied to the top plates.

Thank you JDS. I will definitely keep all that in mind. I am headed back to FL the end of this week and have a list of questions 6 pages long to ask the builder. :) He claims he prefers having a knowledgable client, but I'm not so sure he's not rethinking that comment.

LOL, LL. Not wishes but questions from everything I've learned here on houzz.

I grew up with a metal roof. The sound of rain on a metal roof is music to my ears. Love it

Hmm, hadn't thought of that. DH and I would love it, but come to think of it the poor dog would probably go nuts if she heard that. She runs if I pick up a box in another room. Thunder? She's in my bathroom hiding behind the toilet.

A metal roof over roof sheathing, plus a well insulated attic and you won't hear the rain. We have a metal roof, and it takes a real downpour to hear it at all; probably no louder than a shingle roof. The concrete roof would be the quietest, I would think. In the old days, metal roofs were put on purlins with no roof sheathing. Now those were LOUD!

If I were building in coastal FL, I would go overboard on the roof structure. Even in upstate SC, I had my trusses built to a higher wind rating, used the biggest hurricane clips they sell, and nailed my sheathing to FL code.