If you are thinking about reroofing your home, one of the most popular options that you’ve probably come across is stone-coated steel, but there are some things you should know before choosing a stone-coated steel roof replacement.
There are plenty of benefits, but there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of before jumping in. Let’s take a look at everything you need to consider before choosing a stone-coated steel roof replacement.
What Is Stone-Coated Steel Roofing?
While the “steel” in the name may conjure up images of corrugated metal roofing, that is not what stone-coated steel roofing is. Stone-coated steel roofing is where rolled 24-26 gauge steel is treated with adhesive and stone powder. This gives them a thick stone coating and a steel core, which provides several benefits, with only a few notable drawbacks.
Pros & Cons Of Choosing A Stone-Coated Steel Roof Replacement
While there are considerably more benefits to stone-coated steel roofing than there are drawbacks, there are some downsides that you should be aware of. Let’s dive in.
Pros
Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of stone-coated steel roofing is that it has a much longer life expectancy than many other materials. Asphalt shingles, for example, are only expected to last about 20-25 years under the right conditions. Stone-coated steel, however, can be expected to last for up to 70 years, lasting more than three times as long as shingles.
Durability
The durability of stone-coated steel is among the highest of all commonly-available roofing materials. It provides incredible class A fire resistance and resistance to the extreme wind that shingles could never match. Additionally, when thunderstorms send a little storm debris your way, stone-coated steel handles that impact easily and doesn’t transmit the force to the underlayment.
Minimal Maintenance Needs
Many roofing materials need constant upkeep or maintenance, but stone-coated steel needs almost no upkeep. You should still get annual roofing inspections, but you should expect to see far fewer issues coming up on those inspections once you switch to stone-coated steel roofing.
High Energy-Efficiency
Many people aren’t aware that stone-coated metal roofing is very energy-efficient. It maintains an air gap between the roofing material and the structure of the roof so that air can circulate and reduce the energy demands of the home’s climate control equipment.
Highly Customizable
The pigmentation and coloring technologies that manufacturers have now means that you can get your stone-coated steel in just about any color or style you want. It can imitate nearly any type of shingles and can provide the perfect aesthetic touch to your home.
Cons
Initial Cost
Stone-coated steel roofing is more expensive initially, to purchase and install, than many other materials. While this may deter some homeowners from purchasing it initially, the reduced need to replace the roofing due to its long life is considered the trade-off.
Installation Differences
Installation of stone-coated steel is more complicated than many other roofing materials and requires experts that are specifically trained in its installation. With the increased cost of steel roofing, making sure it’s installed perfectly is vital.
Increased Noise
Metal roofing is notorious for being noisy during rain and storms. While the stone-coating does absorb a large amount of noise, there will still be more noise than with traditional shingled roofs. On the other hand, many people don’t mind the sound of the rain on the metal roof, so this may not be as big of a drawback, depending on your preferences.
For More Help Choosing A Stone-Coated Steel Roof Replacement
The Roofing Center was one of the first contractors in the intermountain area to start installing stone-coated steel roofing, and we remain one of the most trusted and experienced installers. For more information on choosing a stone-coated steel roof replacement, reach out today.
