The most successful roofing contractors know the value of being a trusted resource. If you have homeowners considering a DECRA metal roof, they’re likely to have questions before committing to an installation.
Below are 10 of the most common questions you’ll hear, from cost and energy efficiency to installation timelines, warranties, and maintenance, so you can educate homeowners with confidence.
#1. Is DECRA More Expensive Than Other Roofing Materials?
It can be, depending on what you’re comparing it to. DECRA roofing typically costs more up front than asphalt shingles, but is often comparable to, or even less than, materials like clay tile or wood shake.
Importantly, the upfront price isn’t the full picture. A DECRA metal roof delivers long-term savings thanks to its durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance needs, and extended lifespan.
And even if the customer doesn’t plan on being in their house for many years to come, a DECRA roof is a great investment, as it can increase the home’s value by up to 6%. That helps increase equity until it’s time to sell, at which point it may let the homeowner get a higher price.
#2. Is DECRA Metal Roofing Energy Efficient?
Yes, DECRA is a good choice for saving on utility bills. It reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, like asphalt does, so it keeps the surface of the roof cooler. That can help homeowners reduce warm weather cooling costs by up to 25%. Many states from coast to coast have faced rising energy costs over the last year, so that’s an important savings.
DECRA’s hollow-core roofing panels also help stabilize roof temperatures in colder climates, reducing freeze-thaw issues and discouraging ice dam formation.
#3. When Will I Have to Replace My Roof Again?
One of the key reasons homeowners choose metal roofing is that it lasts so long. Usually about 40 to 70 years depending on the brand, maintenance, and environment. That’s two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials. For most property owners, it means that once they install a DECRA roof, they’ll never have to do another roof remodel in their lifetime.
#4. What Should I Know About the DECRA Warranty?
DECRA’s longevity is closely related to its superior weather resistance. Three key weather protections are outlined in the lifetime limited warranty:
- Highest UL impact rating with hail protection up to 2.5 inches
- Miami-Dade hurricane-rated wind uplift resistance up to 120 mph
- Wind-driven rain protection tested up to 110 mph
Homeowners can register their DECRA roof for the warranty at any time, even years after the installation. Plus, the DECRA warranty transfers to the new owner on the sale of the property. That’s a huge selling point for homeowners listing their properties.
#5. How Long Will My Roof Remodel Take?
Every roofing job is unique. Factors that affect the remodel timeline include:
- Weather, including wind and precipitation
- Size and complexity of the roof
- Using the best roofing installation tools
- Obtaining the roofing materials
- Roof-over versus full roof replacement
Fortunately, DECRA can be installed year round, even in winter, as long as it’s safe for your crew to work. It’s relatively easy for contractors to get DECRA roofing because we ship it from our manufacturing facility here in Corona, California. There are no worries about shipping and supply chain delays as with overseas suppliers.
#6. What Will the New DECRA Roof Look Like?
Homeowners can preview their new roof using DECRA’s online visualization tool, which displays DECRA products on photos of their actual home.
They can also browse through our gallery of homes on DECRA’s website and order a complimentary sample to view the material up close. It comes in profiles to mimic conventional shingles, tiles, and shakes for a look that matches every style of home.
#7. Do I Need a Full Roof Replacement, or Can You Do a Roof-Over?
In many cases, DECRA can be installed directly over asphalt shingles. This depends on:
- How many shingle layers are present
- Local building codes
- The structural support of the roof
Always check municipal code requirements before determining eligibility for a roof-over installation.
#8. How Will a New Roof Affect My Homeowners Insurance Policy?
Insurance companies actually prefer metal roofing because it’s less likely to be involved in a claim for damage and it's non-combustible. Many homeowners with DECRA roofing enjoy insurance discounts.
Property owners are relieved to hear this. Many insurance carriers are looking for reasons to raise premium costs or drop customers entirely. They’re even conducting aerial inspections with drones to assess roof conditions.
#9. Does DECRA Metal Roofing Require Extra Maintenance?
No, DECRA roofing typically needs less maintenance than other types of roofing. It’s resistant to many problems faced by property owners, such as:
- Rust
- Oxidation
- Mold
- Moss
- Lichens
You can advise roofing customers about how to care for their roofs. Most will need minimal maintenance following an inspection in the fall and in the spring. The fall check is to make sure the roof is ready for winter, and the spring inspection can detect any damage from storms and clear debris from the surface.
#10. What is Your Experience Working with DECRA Roofing?
Your clients will want to know if you’ve installed a DECRA roof before. Share photos of previous DECRA installations, especially projects similar to their home, to build trust and credibility.
Have a DECRA project you’re proud of? Be sure to enter it in our 2025 Project of the Year Competition!
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in April, 2021 but has been updated with relevant information.
