Studies show the average roof lifespan is 25 years, so many homeowners put off the investment for as long as possible when deciding on a replacement. If you're wondering where to start, begin by noting and paying attention to the obvious signs of wear and tear, like breaks, cracks, and leaks that could cause further damage and require a roof replacement. If you can't repair those issues, it's time to upgrade to a roof that will last double the average expectancy.
Before moving forward with a purchase, there are a few important factors for homeowners to consider to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. We want to make the process easier by outlining a few key considerations that will make your home remodeling project more manageable.
1. Research Materials
When you're looking into remodeling your roof, you'll want to consider the various materials and their longevity to get the most value. You'll also want to assess safety and energy efficiency, or the sustainable aspects of your roofing choice. One of the reasons homeowners choose metal roofing as their first choice is because it meets so many of their needs. Here are some of the benefits of metal roofing materials:
- Metal roofs have a lifespan that is 2-3 times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, tile, and wood
- Metal roofs can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%
- Metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of the life cycle
- DECRA metal roofs are resistant to cracking or splitting
See Our Roofing Benefits Comparison Chart
2. Compare the Costs and Savings
Beyond that, you’ll also want to take into consideration the cost of each material. While asphalt shingles are the cheapest roofing material on the market, you get what you pay for in terms of quality. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of 12-20 years. On the one hand, there’s potential to pay less upfront, but going that route often results in expensive repairs over time.
And while clay tiles and wood shakes typically last longer than asphalt roofs, both have their disadvantages. Clay tiles are extremely fragile, requiring costly ongoing maintenance to fix cracks, and wood shakes can curl and split around fasteners with brief exposure to seasonal elements.
Fortunately, there are stone-coated metal alternatives that provide a similar appearance with added durability and strength.
With proper care, a stone-coated metal roof can last up to two to three times longer than conventional roofing materials. Additional long-term value benefits include:
- Metal roofs can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.
- A modern metal roof can increase home value by up to 6%.
- Homeowners can recoup up to 85.9% of the initial cost of a metal roof.
- DECRA roofs can qualify for insurance discounts in many states. Check with your local insurance carrier for available discounts.
These are just a few of the reasons why more and more homeowners are making the switch to stone-coated metal roofs, as they offer the performance and protection they need when shopping for a more energy efficient option.
3. Ensure Compliance With Codes
Roofing materials are often subject to rigorous building codes due to weather elements in certain areas.
For example, Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations requires that residents meet minimum energy efficiency standards in new and altered buildings. The code covers a broad range of building systems, including lightning, HVAC, hot water heating, natural gas, and electrical usage to name just a few.
Knowing this, it’s critical for homeowners to have a roofing system that complies with code. Beyond that, homeowners also need protection against fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters.
Unlike conventional roofing materials, stone-coated metal roofing systems are known for their strong performance in passing national building code compliance tests. These include any tests that primarily deal with wind and fire needed to satisfy the U.S. International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) requirements.
DECRA goes one step further, undertaking extensive testing to exceed those required standards for hail impact, fire resistance, and much more to ensure our products last.
4. Consider the Climate
What common weather conditions do you experience in your area? Beyond compliance with building codes, homeowners should consider fire, hail, rain, snow, and wind when remodeling their roofs. Such elements have the potential to damage the surface of your roof, no matter which material you choose.
If your home relies on asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wood shakes to withstand wind uplift, it’s at high risk for costly damage should a storm hit. DECRA stone-coated steel roofing profiles feature a unique interlocking and overlapping technique. This gives DECRA roofs one of the highest wind uplift ratings on the market.
In areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes, DECRA also offers resistance to hail and storm debris.
5. Understand Your Warranty
DECRA roofs are backed by a lifetime limited warranty at no extra cost to assure homeowners the roof will:
- Remain free from manufacturing defects that would adversely affect the performance of the panels.
- Resist hail damage, defined as penetration of hailstones completely through the panel; or cracks or splits of the pane’s steel substrate around the point of impact.
- Tolerate blow-offs in wind velocities up to 120 miles per hour.
Homeowners may also transfer their warranty to a subsequent property owner within 20 years of initial installation.
Remodel Your Roof With Stone-Coated Metal
The benefits of stone-coated metal roofing are clear. Whether you’re interested in learning more about the material or ready to get started on your remodeling project, our roofing advisors are here to help. Contact us today for more information.
