Before stone-coated metal roofing was available, many homeowners dismissed metal roofs because they looked too industrial. That changed in 1957 with the introduction of stone-coated metal roofing.
Stone-coated metal roofing combines the strength of steel with the look of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and wood shakes. Homeowners get durability, longevity, and great curb appeal all in one roof.
Today, metal roofing is the second most popular choice in the U.S. Demand for stone-coated metal roofing has grown by 33% in the last ten years as more homeowners learn about its benefits. But is stone-coated metal roofing the right fit for your home?
How Does Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Differ from Metal Roofing?
Metal roofing is known for its exceptional durability, longevity, and energy efficiency. The most common types of metal roofs are made of aluminum, copper, and steel. The strength of metal roofing lies in its inherent properties and ability to withstand nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer, including hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, hail, and fire.
In addition to its industrial-strength durability, metal roofing provides additional benefits, including:
- Longevity: Metal roofs last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, like asphalt shingles.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials and can reduce cooling costs by as much as 40%.
- Low Maintenance: Metal roofs are low-maintenance and require minimal upkeep.
- Environmentally Friendly: Metal roofs are made from sustainable materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Stone-Coated Steel: The Evolution of Metal Roofing
Traditional metal roofing performs well, but many homeowners have avoided it because of its plain look. Stone-coated metal roofing solves this by offering the strength of steel with the attractive appearance of common residential roofing styles.
The process begins with high-quality galvanized steel sheets. These sheets are shaped to look like traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wood shakes. Then, a layer of natural stone granules is added to the steel.
The result is a roof that combines the strength and durability of metal with the beauty and charm of traditional roofing materials.
Does stone-coated metal roofing provide the same benefits as metal roofing?
Yes, and more! Stone-coated metal roofing not only offers all the benefits of traditional metal roofing, but also several key enhancements, making it a more appealing choice for many homeowners.
All types of metal roofing, including stone-coated metal roofing, offer exceptional performance in key areas:
- Longevity: Stone-coated steel and other metal roofing options (like aluminum or copper) are renowned for their exceptional lifespan and resilience, often lasting 50 years or more with proper installation and maintenance.
- Durability: The inherent strength of metal makes all types of metal roofing highly resistant to the elements, including hurricane-force winds, tornadoes, severe storms, hail, fire, pests, and rot.
- Energy Efficiency: Metal's reflective properties make it one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials on the market. The highly reflective surface minimizes heat absorption, keeping your attic cooler and reducing the workload on your air conditioning system.
The Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Advantage:
Stone-coated steel roofing elevates these shared benefits and offers additional advantages, including:
- Better Looks: Stone-coated metal roofing stands out for its appearance. The stone granules let it match almost any home style. With many colors and styles to choose from, it gives a traditional look for those who want metal roofing benefits without the industrial feel.
- Extra Protection: The stone granules on stone-coated steel form a barrier that protects the steel from UV rays, hail, debris, and other harsh weather. This extra layer helps the roof last longer and reduces the chances of dents, fading, and rust.
- Quieter: The stone granules help absorb sound better than other metal roofs, especially when it rains or hails.
What does stone-coated metal roofing look like?
Stone-coated metal roofing offers the strength of steel in a diverse palette of styles, colors, and textures and is well-suited for residential roofing projects.
Stone-Coated Metal Tile Roofing
Stone-coated metal tile roofing provides the timeless beauty of clay tiles–including the robust form of barrel-style Spanish tile and the distinctive S-shape of Classic Mediterranean scalloped tile–backed by the strength and durability of high-grade steel.
Take DECRA Villa Tile, for example. Its semi-cylindrical barrel shape captures the elegance of Old-World Spanish and Roman barrel styles, perfectly complementing Italian villas, Spanish Colonial, and Mission Revival homes.
Alternatively, the distinctive wavy S-shape of DECRA Tile replicates the alluring ripple of scalloped clay tiles often found in Mediterranean designs.
Stone-Coated Metal Shingle Roofing
If you like the look of thick asphalt shingles, stone-coated metal shingle roofing gives you the same style but lasts two to three times longer and is more energy efficient. For example, DECRA Shingle XD has the same appearance and shadow lines as asphalt shingles.
Stone-Coated Metal Shake Roofing
While wood shakes and shingles undoubtedly provide rustic beauty, they also have performance issues–such as poor fire resistance–and are prone to rotting, fading, and insect infestations.
Stone-coated metal shake roofing lets you get the look of wood without all the upkeep. DECRA Shake XD and DECRA Shake, for example, offer the same rustic charm and detail as real wood shakes and shingles.
Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Resources for Homeowners
If you want a roof that’s strong and stylish, consider stone-coated metal roofing. Here are some resources to help you decide if it’s right for your home.
- What is stone-coated metal roofing?
- 10 things to know about metal roofing.
- How to find a reliable metal roofing contractor.
- Stone-coated metal roofing gallery.
- Home Visualizer: See how good a stone-coated metal roof will look on your home.
About DECRA Stone-Coated Metal Roofing
Whether you prefer the look of traditional shingles, classic clay tiles, or wood shakes, DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofing gives your home both style and performance.
As the original manufacturer of stone-coated metal roofing products, DECRA has set the industry standard for durable roofing since 1957. Manufactured at our state-of-the-art facility in California, DECRA roofs are tested above and beyond the requirements to ensure the quality that DECRA is known for is present in every stone-coated metal roofing panel we produce.
Ready to see and feel the DECRA difference? Order a complimentary sample today.
