Homeowners who are planning roof remodels or choosing roofing for new homes have many choices today. In the category of metal roofing, stone-coated metal roofing performs particularly well to protect properties from weather.
Not sure exactly what stone-coated metal roofing is? This blog was created to help you learn more, including:
- What are the various kinds of metal roofing commonly used on homes today
- Why stone-coated metal roofing offers homeowners benefits other metal roofs do not
- How DECRA stone-coated metal roofing is manufactured for the ultimate in home protection
If you love the look of traditional materials, such as asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or ceramic tiles, but want the strength and longevity of metal, stone-coated metal roofing delivers the best of both worlds. It combines timeless curb appeal with industry-leading durability and long-term cost savings.
Types of Metal Roofing
Sometimes metal roofing is defined by its material. You’ve probably seen modern aluminum roofing or copper roofing, which has been around for centuries and is featured on many public buildings across the country. Over time, copper often develops a green patina as it oxidizes, adding character and distinction.
Metal roofing can also be categorized by its structure. For example, corrugated metal roofing resembles corrugated cardboard, with peaks and valleys at regular intervals. Standing seam metal roofs also have an uneven surface, featuring raised seams at every joint where the panels overlap and interlock.
Stone-coated metal roofing gets its name from its exterior coating. It’s made of steel sheets coated with stone granules. This coating serves two key purposes: it provides extra protection against the elements and allows for a wider range of colors so homeowners can match their roofing to the paint and style of their home.
That’s important because although metal roofing has been around for a long time, it was primarily a product for commercial properties until around the 1970s in the US. DECRA was integral in helping metal roofing take off, thanks to its innovative stone coating and engineering. Today, it’s a fantastic choice for homes, leaving behind the noisier and more industrial-looking types of metal roofing.
Metal roofing in general is growing in popularity. Demand for this type of roofing has increased by 35% in the last year. One key reason is its longevity, giving homeowners roughly 40 to 70 years of protection, which is at least double that of traditional roofing materials.
Another reason is that insurance companies prefer properties with metal roofing. Metal roofs are non-combustible, offering superior fire resistance, and are far less likely to be part of a weather-related claim.
You might even qualify for an insurance discount, while your neighbors may lose their homeowner coverage if an aerial inspection reveals poor roof quality. Many carriers are using drones these days to check on the condition of roofs and using that information to drop policies or raise premiums.
Metal roofing can increase your home’s value by up to 6%. That’s a major advantage if you plan to sell in the future, and if you’re staying long term, it’s a smart way to build lasting equity in your home.
The Advantages of DECRA Stone-Coated Metal Roofing
Within the category of stone-coated metal roofing, DECRA offers even more advantages than those mentioned above. It gives property owners peace of mind with its incredible protection from the elements, no matter what type of climate they live in.
With severe weather events on the rise, homeowners are seeking reliable protection against wind, rain, hail, fire, and extreme temperatures. Even if your area hasn’t yet experienced a major weather event, it may only be a matter of time.
We’ve seen hurricane-force winds as far inland as Indiana and Ohio. Portions of Texas and California have been hit with heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures. Massachusetts endured tornadoes, while the Pacific Northwest—usually cool in summer—has been suffering from heatwaves. Wildfires due to drought aren’t just a problem in the West anymore; states in the Northeast and parts of the Canadian maritime provinces have also experienced blazes.
Here’s how DECRA protects against all these concerns:
- Impact Resistance: DECRA roofs boast a high impact resistance rating and can withstand hailstones as large as a tennis ball with minimal damage.
- Wind Uplift Protection: DECRA roofs are warranted to resist Miami-Dade-level hurricane-force winds up to 120 miles per hour.
- Rain Intrusion Defense: Each DECRA product is rigorously tested to prevent wind-driven rain penetration, even at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour.
- Energy Efficiency: When temperatures rise, DECRA helps keep homes cooler by reflecting, rather than absorbing, the sun’s rays—reducing cooling costs by up to 25%.
- Snow and Ice Performance: DECRA’s sturdy yet lightweight construction is ideal for snowy climates. Its textured surface encourages snow to slide off easily, while the hollow core reduces temperature fluctuations that can cause ice damming.
- Fire Resistance: For the highest level of safety, DECRA roofs carry the top UL fire rating, offering superior protection compared to asphalt shingles or wood shakes.
With DECRA, homeowners don’t have to compromise between style and strength, they get decades of reliable performance, industry-leading warranties, and peace of mind through every season.
How Is Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Manufactured?
DECRA stone-coated metal roofing is proudly manufactured in our California facility through a precise, multi-step process designed to ensure superior performance and lasting beauty.
It all begins with cutting and stamping high-quality steel sheets to form the base of the roofing material. DECRA panels are stamped to resemble shingles, tiles, or shakes—offering the protection of metal roofing with the classic look of traditional materials.
Then the steel is dipped in three coatings:
- Zinc-aluminum alloy: to resist corrosion in wet and seaside environments
- Silicon: to add more resistance to corrosion and enhance flexibility
- Acrylic resin: to protect from UV weathering and provide a surface for granules
After the coating process, a layer of natural quarry stone granules is applied. These granules, crushed to varying sizes for optimal aesthetics and protection, are what give DECRA its distinctive, beautiful finish.
Each mineral granule is selected for key performance characteristics, including:
- Hardness and durability
- Opacity to block sunlight
- Resistance to acid rain
- Durability in weather extremes
- Minimal oxidation and rusting
- Low porosity for moisture control
Before application, the granules are colorized with a ceramic pigment coating and baked at high temperatures to ensure fade resistance. Color readings and fixation tests are performed at regular intervals to confirm consistent, long-lasting color under intense sunlight and weather exposure.
The final product is one that gives homeowners superior weather protection and beautiful aesthetics. Even if you live in a gated community or one governed by HOA rules about matching roof material, DECRA can be used because it so closely replicates traditional roofing materials.
Request a Sample of DECRA for Your Home
Are you scheduling a roof remodel or picking roofing for your new home? See what stone-coated roofing looks like up close. Request a complimentary sample today from DECRA. You’ll appreciate how durable and attractive modern metal roofing can be.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in November, 2021 but has been updated with relevant information.
