What Is Stone-Coated Steel Roofing?
Most homes in the United States use asphalt or cedar shingles for their roofing. Both options have their downsides, the most frustrating of which is their endurance—shingles are prone to taking damage from the elements, costing the homeowner more in the long term.
Many people have turned to metal roofing options as an alternative. A roof made of stone-coated steel is one of the more popular options, especially in the last couple of decades. This roofing’s popularity is understandable since steel roofs have plenty of qualities to boast over asphalt and cedar.
However, a stone-coated steel shingle isn’t perfect. Like any material, it has shortcomings that a homeowner may not recognize. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a stone-coated steel roof.
Pros: What Can a Stone-Coated Steel Roof Do?
At first glance, a stone-coated steel roofing system has plenty of benefits.
- It lasts longer. This type of roof has a significantly longer lifespan than typical shingles. Rather than 20 years, it can last between four and seven decades with the right level of care.
- It takes more punishment. Stone-coated steel is more durable than traditional metal roofing, avoiding the pitfalls of dents and dings suffered over time. Steel allows the roof to withstand gusting winds, heavy rain, hail, and more.
- You can leave it alone. While asphalt shingles need regular upkeep, steel requires little to no maintenance. This quality nearly eliminates the maintenance costs of a traditional roof.
- It improves the look of your home. The stone coating allows this type of roof to sport many beautiful colors, textures, and designs.
- It helps save the Earth. Like all metal roofing, a steel roof reflects the heat of the sun rather than absorbing it like asphalt. This feature keeps your home cool during the summer, lowering your energy bill and your carbon footprint.
Cons: What Won’t a Stone-Coated Steel Roof Do?
Unfortunately, the drawbacks of a metal roof are steep.
- It won’t save you money. The startup cost for a stone coated steel roof is higher than almost any other roofing project. Prices run to around $12,400 for a 1200-square-foot roof—nearly three times more expensive than an asphalt roof of the same size, which comes in at about $4,300 on average. This extra expense can also mean higher insurance premiums in the long term.
- It won’t help you sleep at night. Metal roofing keeps out the heat, but not the noise that comes with wind, rain, and hail. Steel and stone magnify the sounds of extreme weather, creating a din that can seem endless on particularly stormy nights. Reducing the noise with things like extra insulation adds more to your budget.
- It won’t look good for very long. Roofs have to put up with more than just wind and rain. They also battle UV radiation from the sun, which is a punishment most stone-coated roofs simply can’t handle over time. The acrylic paint that secures the stones will eventually break down, leaving an unattractive and ineffective mess to clean up.
The Best Alternative to Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
At Brava Roof Tile, we produce unrivaled composite tiles for a roof that will give you the peace of mind you are looking for.
It’s hard to overstate the utility of Brava’s roof tiles. This material offers all the benefits of metal and stone-coated roofing while specifically countering their drawbacks. Our synthetic roof tiles are lightweight and made of sustainable materials. They preserve the beauty of your home while promising to endure any fight against the elements.
A Brava roof is also just as long-lasting as a steel roof, giving you the same maintenance-free promise without the threat of sleepless nights. Best of all, we give it our 50-year warranty, guaranteeing that your roof lasts longer than either cedar or shingles.
Nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with a solid roof over your head. If you’re thinking of having your roof replaced, why not use the alternative that’s trusted by dozens of professional roofers? Give Brava a call today at (844) 290-4196 or request a sample on our site.
