Stone Coated Steel Roofing
The Complete guide
What to Know Before Choosing a Stone Coated Steel Roofing
A stone coated steel roofing installation provides the curbside appeal that raises commercial property values while delivering a robust defense against catastrophic weather events.
Stone coated steel roof materials come in a wide variety of styles and color-matching options that are perfect for a commercial or institutional building.
If you recently suffered roof damage or need to replace an aging system, stone coated steel tile, shingles, or shakes rank among the most cost-effective and popular options.
Stone Coated Steel Roofing Details
What is Stone Coated Steel Roofing?
Stone coated metal roofing blends the strength of granite and steel with the traditional styles of shingles, shakes, and tiles to deliver a weather-resistant system that improves commercial property values.
Stone coated steel shingles and tiles start with a 26 gauge galvanized steel sheet.
Multiple layers are added to maximize a stone coated steel roofing installation’s ability to resist winds up to 120 mph and hailstones the size of tennis balls.
The layered material includes a zinc coating, epoxy primer, high-temperature sealant, and granite chips.
The stone coated steel tile and shingles are then covered with an acrylic overglaze that can be selected in an array of aesthetically pleasing colors.
Stone coated steel roofing systems are considerably lighter than cement, asphalt, and slate, reducing the stress on rafters and support infrastructure.
Unlike some other metal installations, the fasteners are concealed under the shingles or tiles as they overlap on the slope.
Able to deter UV rays while offering a Class A fire rating, a stone coated steel roof installation remains a preferred energy-efficient and sustainable opportunity.
Types of Stone Coated Steel Roofing
The advanced technology used to create stone coated steel roof materials allows manufacturers to mirror desirable traditional styles.
This trend has led to commercial property owners selecting cost-effective modern products that meet or exceed yesteryear materials.
Stone coated steel has emerged as a darling among property owners who understand their building makes a first impression.
These rank among the leading stone coated roofing materials on the market today.
Stone Coated Steel Shingles
Stone coated steel shingles provide an excellent opportunity for commercial buildings with a slope that naturally suits asphalt.
Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are among the least resilient in terms of severe weather and have a shorter lifespan than metals.
Transitioning to stone coated steel shingles allows owners to maintain the building’s original look while enhancing its durability.
Today’s products include traditional cottage styles and come and are available in colors to accentuate the property.
The inherent difference between asphalt and stone coated steel shingles involves fewer repairs, roof leaks, and decades of longevity.
Stone Coated Steel Shakes
Wooden shake roofing systems may look amazing, but the upkeep, storm damage, and relatively short life expectancy make them an unenviable option.
Commercial property owners can now restore outdated roofs with stone coated steel shakes that require minimal maintenance, last decades, stand up to intense weather, and provide an awe-inspiring appearance.
The next-generation technologies used by companies that produce stone coated steel shakes simulate historical roofing systems.
Property owners have wide-reaching aesthetic choices that involve shakes that look like natural cedar, color blends, bronze, and a variety of natural hardwoods.
The key difference is stone coated steel shakes won’t rot or crack.
Benefits of a Stone Coated Steel Roofing System
A stone coated steel roofing contractor gives property owners a cost-effective installation option.
The granite chips hardened to galvanized steel render stone coated steel tile, shingles and shakes durable and weather-resistant.
The acrylic coating and style make them attractive. These are other proven stone coated steel roofing benefits to consider.
Life Expectancy
A stone coated steel roofing installation can last more than 50 years when adequately maintained. By contrast, asphalt shingle roofs require replacement at about 25 years, and cedar shakes last up to 40 years when rigorously maintained.
Energy Efficient
This multilayered roofing product blocks UV rays and effectively transfers heat. A stone coated steel roof can reduce the effect of summer heat on a building by 70 percent when employing a batten installation. The gap between the stone coated tiles and the roof deck provides a buffer to transfer heat.
Sustainable Products
Metal roofing product manufacturers widely recycle materials that prevent previously used items from swelling landfills. Because the steel and other elements have already gone through mining and processing, stone coated steel shingles minimize environmental impact.
Weather Resistant
When installed by an expert roofing contractor, this system can withstand winds of 120 mph and hailstones the size of tennis balls. High winds and hail are the leading reasons that property owners sustain roof damage and are forced to file insurance claims. It may come as something of a surprise but stone coated steel roofing ranks among the more budget-friendly installations.
The labor costs are generally consistent with other types of metal roof systems. The multilayered tiles, shingles, and shakes are often less expensive than their traditional counterparts. Given the extended life expectancies and warranties, a stone coated steel roof remains a preferred choice.
Reduce Stress on Roof
A stone coated steel tile installation generally involves less than 2 pounds per square foot of roof stress. Traditional tiles run between 8-12 pounds per square foot. Seemingly light asphalt shingles typically run as high as 4.5 pounds per square foot. The reduced stress of stone coated steel tile and shingles helps extend the life of the roof deck and load-bearing supports.
Stone Coated Steel Roofing FAQs
How long does a stone coated steel roof last?
A stone coated steel roof usually lasts for 50 years. It’s not unusual for a well-maintained installation to exceed that threshold. The keys to maximizing a stone coated steel roof investment revolve around ongoing maintenance and scheduling an annual roof inspection.
Can you walk on a stone coated steel roof?
There are two ways of answering this question. Can you? Yes. Should you? No. Only a trained roofing installation professional understands the dangers involved in traversing a roof slope. Roofing contractors also know where to place their feet without damaging the stone coated steel shingles or loosening the fasteners.
Can you clean a stone coated steel roof?
The short answer is: Yes. But it’s important to exercise care when washing a stone coated steel roof. Pressure washing can result in chipping the protective granite granules and excessively high temperatures can negatively affect the acrylic overlay. If seasonal soot or grit has accumulated on your stone coated roof, it may be prudent to work with a professional.
Is a stone coated metal roof noisy?
A myth about steel roofing systems persists that they are loud when it rains. That may hold true for thin, non-insulated metal sheds. But a complex stone coated steel roof provides the insulation and dense composition needed to reduce weather-related noise. The sound of rainfall on a stone coated steel roof runs about the same as other systems.
Does my entire roof need to be removed for a stone coated steel installation?
A new roof must be secured to a viable roof deck and load-bearing infrastructure. To determine whether a complete replacement is warranted, it’s crucial to have an experienced contractor conduct a thorough roof inspection. If the roof deck, rafters, and load-bearing assets are in good condition, removal may not be required.
Will a stone coated steel roof lower my utility bills?
When installed by an experienced contractor, a stone coated steel roof will be properly vented and allow hot and cold are to flow efficiently. The better installation option in terms of energy efficiency is usually laying the tiles over a batten system. With adequate insulation, your HVAC system can provide maximal benefits without external temperatures straining energy usage.