When it comes to roofing that blends durability, longevity, and standout curb appeal, DECRA metal roofing by IKO has earned its reputation among contractors and homeowners alike. Designed to perform in virtually any climate, it’s a system built not just to protect—but to last.
But what truly sets DECRA apart isn’t just how it looks or performs once installed—it’s how it’s made.
Behind every DECRA roof is a carefully engineered manufacturing process that enhances its strength, weather resistance, and signature style. Understanding that process reveals why this roofing system continues to grow in popularity—and why it’s a smart investment for your next remodel.
A Brief History of DECRA Metal Roofing
The devastating bombing of Great Britain during World War II meant the nation needed to rebuild strategic structures quickly. Corrugated metal was a common solution, but its reflectivity of German flares during night raids was a serious downside.
A local bituminous emulsion manufacturer came to the rescue of the Allied Command to help solve this problem. The industrial chemists at Decraspray Co. developed a camouflage solution to coat buildings, making their exteriors less visible.
This coating had two other vital qualities. First, it was waterproof, which was perfect for the British Isles' rainy climate. And second, it was highly durable, lasting throughout the war.
After the war, the true durability of Decraspray’s formulation was revealed. The coating was nearly impossible to remove from the corrugated metal it was bonded to. Once it was finally removed, the underlying metal looked brand new! The pounding rain and harsh salt air had been completely repelled. That led Decrapsray to sell the formula to industrial developers and contractors.
It didn’t take long for Decraspray to get the attention of Lou Fisher, a New Zealand industrialist. In 1957, he began applying the unique coating to galvanized steel roof tiles. He added crushed stone granules for the ideal combination of improved function and curb appeal. This product was originally marketed under the name Decramastic. Eventually, it became DECRA Metal Roofing, and it has since evolved, earning many high ratings and certifications.
You can read more about DECRA’s weather and fire ratings below. Additionally, our ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications highlight our dedication to quality while also prioritizing workplace and environmental safety:
- ISO 9001 certification for its quality management system
- ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system
- ISO 45001 certification for its occupational health and safety management system
When you examine the different layers and coatings of DECRA stone-coated metal roofing, you’ll understand more why it is so groundbreaking as a roofing system.
What Is DECRA Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Made Of?
DECRA’s unparalleled performance comes from a carefully engineered five-step manufacturing process:
- Fabrication and stamping of the high-grade steel panel blanks
- Application of the base coat
- Bonding of granular stone chips
- Protective overglaze coat
- Final curing of the finished stone-coated steel product
Below, you’ll find more details about each of these layers. Everyone is important, and together they are responsible for DECRA’s durability, cost effectiveness, and curb appeal.
Steel
DECRA by IKO roofing products all start with a structural quality steel sheet as their base. Made for strength and flexibility, they have a minimum elongation capability of 22%. This helps the panels withstand the stress of installation and extreme weather conditions without cracking. It’s worth noting that DECRA meets ASTM A792/A792-10 grade 37 standards—the highest in the industry—which ensures consistent quality and long-term performance for homeowners.
Zinc-Aluminum Alloy Coating
Next, the steel is hot-dip coated with a protective metallic layer composed of aluminum, zinc and silicon. This alloy creates a bonded shield that resists corrosion far more effectively than a single metal coating could on its own. The result is exceptional anti-corrosion strength, which is especially vital in challenging climates such as coastal, rainy, snowy or humid environments.
Silicon
DECRA’s corrosion resistance is further enhanced with the addition of a silicon layer. This helps the metal better bond with the steel, preventing separation over the roof’s lifetime. Silicon also lends flexibility to the roofing panels, which allows for bending during installation without compromising the internal layers.
Acrylic Resin Coatings
After alloy coating, both sides of the steel are finished with an advanced acrylic resin coating. This crucial step provides multiple benefits:
- It helps panels resist fingerprints and scuff marks during handling and installation.
- The formulation creates an optimal bonding surface for the final layer of mineral granules.
- It provides additional protection from corrosion and UV weathering from the sun.
Stone-Coated Granules
The final application of stone-coated granules is the bridge between DECRA’s durability and its aesthetic appeal. Natural granules of various sizes are coated with fade-resistant pigments and applied to the panels. Not only do the granules add to DECRA’s weather resistance, they also transform metal roofing into profiles with the texture and color of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and wood shakes. It’s so well done that even picky HOAs and gated communities are jumping on the DECRA wagon when it comes to matching existing roofing.
How the DECRA Manufacturing Process Protects Your Home
The unique design of DECRA’s stone-coated roofing panels gives property owners a long list of weather benefits. It boosts their bank accounts, all without sacrificing that stunning look everyone craves. We challenge you to find all these benefits in one product anywhere else:
Durability and Weather Resistance
- Longevity - a lifetime roof that lasts for 40-70 years, which is 2-3 times longer than traditional roofs
- Impact resistance - the highest rating against damage from hail and a damage warranty against hailstones up to 2.5 inches
- Wind resistance - protection from wind uplift in hurricane-force winds of up to 120 miles per hour
- Wind-driven rain resistance - even at wind speeds of 110 miles per hour, rain won’t penetrate the roof.
- Highest fire rating - the top fire rating from Underwriters Laboratories, as wildfire incidents rise globally and nationwide
- Ability to handle snow - no sagging with heavy snowfalls, plus a hollow core that discourages ice dam formation
Cost Effectiveness
- Increased home value - raise your value by up to 6% for building equity or property resale price
- Energy efficiency - reduce cooling costs by up to 25%, thanks to DECRA’s surface that deflects the sun’s heat.
- Insurance discounts - enjoy the potential for savings as carriers drop customers due to roof claim risk.
DECRA can be installed during the winter months, unlike asphalt shingles. And it can usually be installed directly over shingles, without a teardown first. That saves you time and money.
Perhaps you’re looking for a more sustainable roofing option. Because it’s made of metal and lasts so long, DECRA is a great choice for reducing waste. Plus, it can handle the weight of solar panels for even more energy savings that also benefit the planet.
You don’t want to forget about DECRA’s limited lifetime warranty. It gives you peace of mind and can be transferred to a new owner should you ever sell your home.
We’ll Send You a Sample of DECRA—Just Ask!
Ready to make DECRA stone-coated metal roofing your choice for your next roof remodel? Why not take a look at it up close, so you can see how durable and attractive it is?
Just request a complimentary sample, and we’ll send you one. To see how DECRA would look on your entire roof, try our online visualization tool and prepare to be amazed!
