The Ultimate Guide To Choosing If Decra Roofing Is The Best Material For Your Roof
[Update: Graber Supply no longer offers DECRA Roofing as a service.]
A leaky, worn-out, or unattractive roof is frustrating for any homeowner.
It’s not just the thought of monetary investment that frustrates you—it’s also the drudgery of wading through roofing options only to feel dissatisfied with all of them.
Asphalt shingles or wood shakes look great, but you know they won’t last over twenty years.
Metal roofing is durable, but a flat roof with ridges looks unappealing and commercial.
At Graber Supply, we understand your frustration—we’ve been there before!
Life is already full enough of uncertainty, so we want to introduce you to Decra metal roofing! It may be your solution if you want a durable, aesthetically pleasing roof.
Want to learn more? Let’s get started!
What Is Decra Roofing?
Decra roofing is a metal alternative to traditional asphalt or wooden shingles that maintaines the attractiveness of asphalt shingles so your home doesn't end up looking like a shed with a traditional steel roofing system.
You see, buildings like barns, hangars, and factories are roofed with long metal sheets of corrugated metal or standing seam metal. It works well, but you may not want your building to look so industrial!
Instead, of those long metal sheets, Decra metal roofing comes in small rectangular panels—Similar to asphalt shingles.
These panels are made of steel and can be stamped to replicate any roof style—shingles, shakes, tile, and more!
The metal panels are coated with tiny stones to create a stone-coated steel roof.
Homeowners who have used these stone-coated panels say their likeness to the material they replicate is impeccable—whether a mock tile roof or asphalt shingle looks alike.
How do they make Decra shingles look so great? Let’s find out!
How Are Decra Shingles Made?
All Decra roofing products begin with a piece of steel coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy. This precise alloy formula gives Decra steel a lifespan of up to 4 times of traditional galvanized steel!
Then manufacturers apply a state-of-the-art acrylic resin to both sides of the coated steel. The brown-tint resin is specially formulated to resist fingerprints and scuffing during product handling,
Next, they apply another layer of durable acrylic resin. This acts as a base coat adhesive for the next layer of Decra shingles: the stone granules.
The stone granules are finally applied to the coated steel sheets, and suddenly, the Decra panels take on a whole new look, popping with distinctive colors and textures!
Finally, an overglaze is applied to the stone granules to keep them from wearing away during the handling process or everyday use.
All that’s left is molding and stamping the steel sheets in decorative panels replicating tile, shingles, or shakes!
Cost Of A Decra Metal Roof
With all the technology and care that goes into creating Decra steel, might think they're preposterously expensive.
However, stone-coated steel roofs are reasonably priced. Here is a quick comparison of the cost of Decra roofing compared to other metal roofing materials (including installation):
- Corrugated metal: $4-$6 per square foot
- Standing seam metal: $9-$13 per square foot
- Decra roofing: $8-$13 per square foot
As you can see, stone-coated steel roofing and standing seam metal roofing are similar in price. When you consider the aesthetic quality of stone-coated metal, it doesn't seem like a bad deal, right?
And in comparison to other roofing materials, the price looks even better.
Clay roof tiles cost an average of $10-$18 per square foot, and classic tile roofs range from $12.50-$25 per square foot.
Just be aware that numerous factors can affect the price of a new roof.
For example:
The metal shingle style, panel thickness, installation method, and roof pitch all affect a roof's cost.
For the most accurate pricing, ask several roofing contractors in your area for quotes.
Online cost estimators are also a nice tool. However, remember that they fail to consider the cost of trim, underlayment, fasteners, and other accessories, so their cost estimates can be inaccurately low.
Decra Roofing Styles
There are five types of Decra roofing panels:
- Decra Villa Tile - Replicates the luxurious appeal of old-world Italian clay tiles
- Decra Tile - Replicates the traditional scalloped style tile in Mediterranean homes
- Decra Shingle XD - Designed to portray the thick-cut edges of architectural shingles
- Decra Shake XD - Imitates the rustic beauty of a thick, hand-split wood shake
- Decra Shake - Provides the distinctive shadow lines of cedar shakes
Choose whichever style you like, pair it with a color of your choosing, and you have a beautiful, durable roof!
7 Advantages Of Decra Roofing
Now that we understand what Decra Roofing is let’s look at some of the ways it might benefit you.
1 - Lower Your Insurance
Good news! Decra roofing may actually lower your insurance.
How, you ask?
It’s actually pretty simple: Stone-coated metal shingles are a Class-A Rated roofing material, which means they are non-combustible.
Since stone-coated metal shingles are fire-resistant, they aid in lowering home insurance. Check your insurance policy or call your agent to see what kind of savings you can expect.
2 - Increase Your Home Value and Curb Appeal
Did you know your roof accounts for up to 40% of your home's visual exterior?
That means anyone visiting your home, whether they are potential buyers or friends stopping in to visit, will notice your roof.
Why does this matter?
Humans are deeply affected by the halo effect, a phenomenon where we ascribe positive attributes to someone or something based on a first impression.
So, when someone pulls in your driveway and thinks, Wow, what a beautiful house, they will also tend to think positively about the rest of your home and property.
And while you may not plan on selling your home anytime soon, investments that increase the value of your home are usually a good idea!
PRO TIP: Want to take the exterior of your house to the next level? Windows and doors are critical to a beautiful exterior. You can read our blog on both windows and doors below:
- Considering New Windows? Read This Ultimate Guide First!
- 9 Reasons To Get A New Entry Door (and how to choose the right one)
- Home Storm Doors: The Ultimate Guide
3 - Keep Your House Cooler
Proper ventilation and attic insulation are the most significant factors in heating and cooling your home - not the roofing material.
However, when properly installed, Decra metal roofing does reduce attic temperatures. For example, attic temperatures in a home with asphalt shingles can reach 150 degrees, while stone-coated steel usually keeps temperatures to 90 degrees or less.
Of course, when the temperature in your attic isn't constantly fluctuating, you can heat and cool your home much more efficiently.
Beyond that, regulated temperatures allow your roof deck and roofing materials to last longer.
4 - Environmentally Friendly
Metal roofing is climate-friendly at the beginning and the end of its life.
Decra products are manufactured using 25-30% recycled material, all while avoiding strain on old-growth timber and oil-based raw materials. Plus, when it's time to tear them off, they are 100% recyclable.
Beyond that, Decra products last much longer than other roofing products, such as asphalt shingles. That means it helps preserve materials because it wastes fewer materials.
In fact, Decra products contribute significantly to LEED projects, and Decra is a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
5 - Aesthetically Pleasing
Looks matter. Being in a beautiful place boosts your mood and helps you de-stress, which is precisely what your home is supposed to do!
That's why you want a home that is more than just functional. After all, "home" is more than a place to stay dry.
A home is a place to make memories as a family, to be proud of, and to host others. You should love being in your home.
Thanks to the stunning aesthetics of Decra roofing, you can have an affordable home you are proud of!
No matter which style you choose, you'll get a traditional style and elegance from the colorful stone-coated metal sheets. Just browse through a Decra catalog and get an idea of the possibilities for your home!
6 - Resists The Elements
Wind, rain, hail, snow, and even dry, sunny climates all take their toll on conventional roofing materials.
The heaviest architectural shingles are typically rated for wind resistance between 60-110 mph. Clay tile and wood shakes are so prone to wind damage that they aren't rated at all, and even fiber cement products are only rated up to 75mph.
On the other hand, Decra stone-coated steel is one of the most durable and element-resistant roofing materials available.
Here are the specs on a Decra roof:
- Wind: Warrantied up to 120 mph
- Hail: Class 4 Impact Resistance (highest rating)
- Fire: Non-combustible Class A Fire Rated Material (highest rating)
- Snow & Ice: Non-porous, freeze, and thaw resistant
Now that's heavy duty!
7 - Lightweight
Per square foot, metal roofs are much lighter than shingles. This puts less strain on the structural integrity of your home.
It also means that you can re-roof right over the top of the old roofing instead of tearing it all off.
Installing new roofing products over the old materials allows you to save the labor costs of tearing off the old roof—so you can cut down on the cost of your roofing project.
Putting new roofing material directly on the old roof is sometimes not an option with materials like asphalt shingles or tile because the weight of the materials is too great for the roof deck.
One of two things has to happen:
- The old roofing material comes off
- Structural components are added to the roof system to create greater strength
Both of these options add to your roofing project's overall timeline and cost.
3 Disadvantages Of Decra Roofing
Stone-coated metal roofing is a fantastic product - but it’s not for everyone. Let’s look at a few things you should consider before investing in a Decra roof.
1 - Greater Initial Cost
Earlier in this article, we already compared the cost of stone-coated steel with other roofing materials.
And while Decra metal roofing isn’t the most expensive option, it’s also not the cheapest.
If remaining within a limited budget is your highest priority, you should consider cheaper materials such as asphalt shingles or corrugated metal over Decra roofing.
Of course, the long life span and practically nonexistent maintenance cost of stone-coated steel could save you money over time. But that is only if you are playing the long game.
It would be best to decide how much you can spend upfront and weigh your initial cost against your expected long-term savings when making your choice.
2 - Not DIY Friendly
Decra roofing is not a good option for those who love working with their hands and saving money with their handyman skills.
While laying shingles or screwing corrugated metal down is straightforward, installing Decra roofing is no small task!
You’ll need special cutting and bending tools and plenty of knowledge on installing battens and waterproofing roofs.
Installation guides are available - but unless you are a roofing contractor, we will let them go unread and hire a professional!
3 - Increased Noise
Depending on how a steel roof is installed, it may be loud when it rains or hails (though this is minimal).
However, you can place unique materials like a solid sheathed roof deck as a barrier between the roof and your home to deaden the sound during installation. You can also take other steps, such as adding attic insulation, that reduce roof noise.
Again, your budget comes into play here.
Do you have the budget for a quality roof deck or attic insulation? If so, you’re good to go. If not, you should be prepared for minor noise during hard rain or hailstorms. The upside is that some people like the soothing white noise of rain on their roofs.
Is Decra Roofing For Me?
After weighing all the pros and cons of Decra roofing, you are left with the million-dollar question: “Is it for me?”
In the end, you’re the only one that can answer this question, but here’s what we would suggest:
Before deciding on a roofing material, know exactly what is most important to you.
Is beauty most important? If so, options like natural tile, slate, or wood shakes are great ideas. Decra roofing is also a good option since it is known for its aesthetic qualities and slightly lower price.
Is durability most important? Standing seam and Decra metal roofs are both top-of-the-line options when it comes to durable, low-maintenance roofs.
Is the upfront cost most important? Asphalt shingles or corrugated metal are the best options if you need a new roof but don’t have money for a long-term investment.
Is a wise long-term investment most important? If so, Decra metal roofing may be your best option!
Here’s the thing:
While it’s essential to know what is most important to you, don’t emphasize beauty, budget, or durability to the exclusion of the other categories.
The roofing system that checks the most boxes is probably the best one for you.
And while our opinion is a bit biased, Decra metal roofing most often checks the most boxes for those who need a new roof.
Conclusion
If you are a homeowner or roofing contractor in Northern Indiana looking for Decra products, contact us at Graber Supply today.
We are an official Decra roofing supplier, and you can even utilize one of our experts for advice and installation!
We also offer other home products like:
- Andersen windows and doors
- Kitchen and bath cabinets
- Our own line of entry doors
- Countertops
- Millwork
- Walk-in Showers
- And more!
In it all, we aim to offer friendly, knowledgeable service and home products customized to your needs.
Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
