When you think of metal roofing, what comes to mind? For many, it is an old ribbed tin roof on a barn or a rusted sheet of corrugated steel on a shed. Maybe even something industrial, like the roof of a factory or warehouse.
The truth is that metal roofing has changed dramatically. Modern innovations have transformed it into one of the most durable, versatile, and stylish roofing materials available today.
In this blog we take a look at how metal roofing has evolved, including:
- The history of metal roofing and its long-standing tradition of innovation
- Why stone-coated metal roofing has revolutionized the roofing industry
- How durability can now go hand in hand with aesthetics and cost-effectiveness
Today’s metal roofing delivers the best of all worlds: resilience, affordability, and curb appeal. With DECRA stone-coated metal roofing, you will get a roof that is tough against the elements and also enhances your home’s beauty and long-term value.
The History of Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has a long and impressive history that dates back thousands of years. Copper and lead roofs were used as far back as the Roman Empire. In fact, the Pantheon in Rome, built in 27 BCE, was originally constructed with a copper roof. Centuries later, during the Middle Ages in Europe, copper and copper alloys continued to be popular for public buildings and churches.
In the United States, President Thomas Jefferson was one of the earliest advocates of metal roofing. At his Virginia estate, Monticello, he installed a tin-plate roof. Tin was highly practical because of its watertight protection, but it also offered architectural flexibility. For example, Philadelphia’s Arch Street Meetinghouse, built in 1804, features a tin-plated roof with shingles arranged in a distinctive herringbone “piazza” style.
Innovation advanced quickly. In 1829, the invention of corrugated iron sheets in England gave metal roofs greater strength while requiring a lighter framework. Just a few years later, in 1837, zinc galvanization was introduced to protect metal from rust and corrosion. This development made metal roofing especially popular for industrial and civic buildings, including factories, train depots, and post offices.
It is this era that shaped many people’s outdated perception of metal roofs as industrial, noisy, or utilitarian. Tin-plate shingles and galvanized steel were everywhere throughout the 19th century. Yet, the widespread adoption of metal roofing was easy to understand: its only rivals were clay tiles, slate, and wood shakes, none of which could match its durability.
By the early 1900s, asphalt shingles entered the market and quickly became America’s go-to roofing option. Their low cost and ease of installation made them attractive, though they lacked the longevity of metal. Asphalt shingles also aren’t considered sustainable, making them a less eco-friendly choice for today’s homeowners.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, lasts two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials. And modern advancements — including stone-coated metal roofing — have revolutionized the industry by improving resistance to severe weather, reducing noise, and offering styles that enhance curb appeal.
Stone-Coated Metal Roofing vs. Traditional Metal Roofing
First introduced in the UK after World War II and now available globally, stone-coated metal roofing elevates traditional metal roofing to the next level. A layer of stone chips and other materials is applied to the surface of metal panels, providing added weather protection, sound insulation, and the ability to mimic the look of the roofing to match other materials.
Improved Thermal Insulation
DECRA stone-coated metal roofing is not only far less noisy than older styles of metal roofing, it also delivers superior thermal insulation. Its hollow-core design helps the roof maintain a steady temperature, which reduces freeze-thaw cycles that cause ice damming. In addition, it reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, keeping homes cooler in the summer and lowering HVAC costs by up to 25%.
Light Weight for Greater Flexibility
DECRA stone-coated metal roofing is also significantly lighter than traditional corrugated metal roofs often seen on sheds and stables. The hollow-core structure that improves insulation also makes the panels lightweight. This allows many homeowners to install DECRA directly over an existing asphalt shingle roof without a tear-off, saving both time and money. Its lightweight nature also helps prevent roof sagging after heavy snowfalls.
DECRA: Durability, Curb Appeal, and Value
Low-maintenance DECRA metal roofing offers even more in the way of durability, curb appeal, and value for property owners. Here are three key reasons why this kind of metal roofing continues to grow in popularity.
Exceptional Weather Resistance
No matter where you live in the United States, severe weather is a reality. The Plains face tornadoes, the Upper Midwest endures blizzards, the Southeast deals with hurricanes, and the Southwest battles extreme heat and wildfires. Many regions experience more than one of these challenges, so you need a roof built to handle it all.
DECRA is engineered to stand up to these conditions with:
- A high impact resistance rating that protects homes from costly hail damage, able to stand up to hailstones as large as 2.5 inches in diameter
- The strength to stay in place during hurricane-force winds up to 120 miles per hour, preventing roof uplift and loss
- Resistance to wind-driven rain that can seep into small openings and cause damage to the roof decking and the home below
- The highest possible UL fire rating, ensuring the roof stays intact and resists combustion from external fires
Colors and Profiles to Match Every Home Style
If you’re not familiar with DECRA, you might not even believe it’s metal roofing at first glance. DECRA is available in a range of colors designed to complement virtually any home exterior, from a two-tone bungalow to a three-story Victorian with multiple shades.
It’s also available in three profiles that mimic the look of traditional roofing materials: metal shingles, metal tiles, and metal shakes. These profiles are so authentic in appearance that they are suitable even for historic homes or neighborhoods with strict HOA guidelines that might otherwise restrict the use of metal roofing.
Cost Effectiveness
A DECRA metal roof is more than just an upgrade in curb appeal, it’s also a smart financial investment. Whether you are building equity or planning to sell your home, the potential for a property value boost of up to 6% is hard to ignore.
The savings go beyond long lifespan and energy efficiency. DECRA can also reduce insurance costs. Because of its proven durability, metal roofing is often favored by insurance carriers. While other homeowners may face higher premiums or even lose coverage, you may qualify for insurance discounts thanks to the superior protection of a DECRA roof.
See What Modern Metal Roofing Looks Like
Want to see today's innovative stone-coated metal roofing up close? Request a complimentary sample of DECRA today.
No need to imagine how it will look on your home. Use our online visualization tool to preview a beautiful new DECRA roof that delivers lasting curb appeal, weather protection, and year-over-year savings.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in November, 2020 but has been updated with relevant information.
