Churches and other places of worship are often the architectural centerpiece of their communities and are intended to endure as spiritual sanctuaries for generation after generation. Because of this, churches often rely on traditional architecture, which can present a challenge when it’s time for a new roof.
That was the case for St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, a historic church with a deteriorating asbestos slate roof in need of replacement. The cathedral partnered with Rosenow Customs, a Wisconsin-based roofing contractor, to find a permanent roofing solution that would honor the building’s architectural heritage while offering long-term durability. Together, they selected DECRA to restore and preserve the integrity of the church’s historic structure.
St. Paul’s is one of many churches across the country looking for a roofing solution that balances style with strength, especially when preserving traditional architecture is a top priority.
While traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and wood shakes can preserve the architectural legacy of the church, they leave much to be desired when it comes to performance. With traditional roofing materials, churches are often faced with the difficult decision of prioritizing design or durability.
Fortunately, modern metal roofing allows churches to preserve their historic architecture while benefiting from the durability that only stone-coated steel can provide.
Preserve History and Tradition
Tradition is a venerated part of any religious organization, and maintaining the original appearance of a church is often just as important as restoring its structural integrity. When it comes time to replace the roof, it’s essential to choose a material that can:
- Accommodate elaborate and ornate roof designs
- Maintain the original aesthetic
- Replicate the roof’s original texture and color
Made from industrial-strength steel, DECRA stone-coated metal roofing products check all of these boxes, thanks to the design versatility of the stone-coating process.
The steel panels are stamped into the shapes of traditional roofing materials, such as shakes, tiles, and shingles, and then coated with stone granules. This results in a wide range of vivid colors and distinctive textures, making it easy to match or replicate the historic character of any church.
This level of design flexibility was especially important during the re-roofing of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, a 150-year-old church comprised of three separate buildings, each still in active use. The steep and intricate rooflines, ranging from a 12- to 16-pitch across 236 squares of roofing, made material choice and installation method critical.
In addition to preserving the architectural character of the church, DECRA's lightweight panels helped ensure that the roof replacement could be completed safely and efficiently, without overburdening the structure or disrupting daily operations. It was a delicate balance of honoring tradition while using modern materials to ensure the longevity of the structure for future generations.
“Preserving a 150-year-old building using new products and cutting-edge technology was a delicate balance. There was no room for mistakes or errors due to the craftsmanship and historical significance of the structures. The integration of modern materials and methods with the original construction deepened the complexity and distinctiveness of this project,” said Amy Stawski at Rosenow Customs.
Protect and Perform
Beyond preservation, performance and protection are critical factors when selecting a roofing material for a church. These buildings serve as community landmarks and gathering places, often with limited budgets. It’s essential that their roofing systems offer long-term durability and minimal disruption to day-to-day functions, protecting both the buildings and their congregations.
With stone-coated metal roofing, churches benefit from a solution that’s engineered to stand the test of time, especially in climates like Wisconsin’s, where harsh winters can take a toll on traditional materials.
Key benefits include:
- Class 4 Hail Resistance: The highest possible rating for protection against hail. DECRA roofs are also warrantied for hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
- Class A Fire Rating: DECRA roofs have the highest fire-resistance rating.
- Corrosion and Rust Resistance: A smart choice for areas with moisture exposure or proximity to water sources.
- Energy-Efficiency: Metal roofs can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 25%, helping churches manage utility expenses.
- Freeze-Thaw Resilience: DECRA roofs are non-porous and resist cracking, warping, or deterioration caused by extreme temperature shifts and heavy snowfall.
- Hurricane-Grade Wind Resistance: DECRA roofs are lab-tested to withstand wind speeds up to 120 miles per hour and approved for use in high-velocity hurricane zones, including Miami-Dade, Florida.
- Lightweight Strength: Safer for older church buildings with aging or sensitive structures, eliminating the need for costly structural reinforcements.
- Longevity: Stone-coated metal roofing lasts two to three times longer (40–80 years) than asphalt shingles, making it a one-time investment that aligns with long-term stewardship goals.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional materials, DECRA roofs don’t require frequent chemical treatments or patch repairs, freeing up time and budget for ministries (not maintenance crews).
These are just some of the many reasons St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral chose DECRA Shingle XD in Natural Slate to restore and protect their 150-year-old cathedral.
“We have been able to not only replace the roof that has needed repair for a lot of years, but in a sense, give the congregation something of a new start… Now we’re able to enter into a new age of mission and ministry, unfettered by the constraints of worrying about a new roof,” said a leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral.
See DECRA Metal Roofing on Your Place of Worship
No matter the architectural style of your church or worship center, DECRA offers a metal roofing solution to match. With a wide range of colors and profiles that mimic the timeless look of shingles, shakes, and tiles, our stone-coated metal roofing enhances curb appeal while delivering unmatched performance.
Curious how DECRA would look on your building? Use our free visualization tool to preview the transformation before your project begins, or request a complimentary sample to experience the beauty and benefits of metal roofing firsthand.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in May 2022, but has been updated with relevant information.
