When Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky stood before the Florida Chamber of Commerce Summit in December and said, “It’s probably time to look past asphalt shingles,” the insurance and roofing industries erupted into debate.

For an industry already grappling with back to back hurricane losses, his statement wasn’t just about roofing materials—it was about the future of insurability in Florida.

The question at the heart of the discussion: Do asphalt shingles still make sense for Florida, or is it time to shift toward metal roofs and other alternatives?

What the Data Says: The Case Against Asphalt Shingles

Yaworsky’s concerns stem from the Applied Research Associates 2024 Wind Loss Mitigation Study, which cited two key research pieces:

• Dixon et al. (2013) – Found that shingle roofs as young as seven years old experienced sealing failures, reducing their wind resistance.
• Giammanco (2023) – Analyzed Hurricane Ian roof damage, finding that shingle roofs older than 10 years had a 50% probability of sustaining damage.

The numbers from Hurricane Ian are hard to ignore:

• Shingle roofs had significant failure rates, particularly older ones.
• Metal roofs performed better in lower wind speeds, sustaining less damage.

As an adjuster, you already know this firsthand—you’ve seen the widespread damage to aging asphalt roofs after every major storm. But is metal the answer?

The Roofing Industry Fires Back

Mike Silvers, a 50-year roofing veteran, pushed back on Yaworsky’s comments, arguing that installation quality plays a major role in shingle roof failures.

His key points:

• Poor installation is a bigger issue than material failure.
• Fastener placement and nail gun use are major factors in shingle failures.
• Florida allows non-roofing contractors to install asphalt shingles, leading to inconsistent quality.

Silvers argues that instead of abandoning asphalt shingles, the focus should be on improving installation standards and ensuring that adjusters properly evaluate roof failure causes—not just assuming age and material are to blame.

The Economics of Switching to Metal Roofs

Plaintiff Attorney Chip Merlin entered the discussion with a practical financial argument:

• 65% of Florida homes have asphalt shingle roofs—not by accident, but because they’re half the cost of metal roofs.
• The useful life of metal roofs isn’t necessarily twice that of asphalt shingles.
• The report also does not consider the economic burden on homeowners

For many homeowners, switching to metal simply isn’t financially feasible.

Are Metal Roofs Really the Best Alternative?

While metal roofs outperformed shingles in some areas, there’s a hidden risk:

1. Metal roofs performed well at lower wind speeds, but…
2. When metal roofs failed, the damage was often catastrophic.
3. Metal panels are interconnected, meaning one failure can lead to widespread roof loss.

Even more concerning for insurers: Claim costs for metal roofs increased significantly at 105 MPH winds—matching and then exceeding the cost of asphalt shingle roof claims.

In short: Metal roofs aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

What This Means for Insurance Adjusters & Underwriters

For adjusters and insurance executives, this debate isn’t just theoretical—it directly impacts claims handling, policy pricing, and future risk assessments.

✅ Shingle Roofs: What to Watch For in Claims

• Wind-damaged shingles may be installation-related rather than material failure.
• Age matters—shingle roofs over 10 years old have a 50% likelihood of damage in hurricane-prone areas.
• Sealing strips are critical—unsealed shingles lose wind resistance fast.

✅ Metal Roofs: The Hidden Risks

• More durable in lower wind speeds but can fail catastrophically at higher speeds.
• Claims costs rise above 105 MPH winds—exceeding asphalt shingle claims.
• Replacement costs are higher, and repairs often require full panel replacements.

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach is Needed

Commissioner Yaworsky’s remarks may have lit a firestorm, but they also highlight a conversation the industry needs to have.

• Better installation standards for asphalt shingles could improve performance.
• Metal roofs have advantages, but they’re not perfect.
• Underwriters must weigh longevity vs. upfront costs to ensure affordability.
• Claims handling must account for material performance, installation errors, and real-world damage trends.

One thing is certain—as climate risks increase, roofing choices will continue to be a major factor in the insurance industry’s ability to sustain itself in Florida.