DECRA metal roofing has become a staple in the roofing industry – and with good reason. With a host of metal roofing products to choose from, it’s easy to find a metal or stone-coated steel roof that effortlessly matches your style. In this article, you’ll learn about the many different types of roofing materials DECRA has to offer, their pros and cons, and whether or not DECRA is right for you.
What is a DECRA roof?
DECRA metal roofing is an excellent alternative to more traditional roofing products, like asphalt shingles or wooden shakes.
What is a DECRA roof made of?
Each DECRA roofing system is made of small, steel interlocking panels, allowing it to seamlessly imitate shingles, tile, or shake and give your roof a more uniform appearance.
How is a DECRA roof made?
DECRA steel panels are coated with an aluminum zinc-alloy formula, which allows them to last up to four times longer than traditional galvanized steel. Each panel is then dipped in acrylic resin twice before being covered in a layer of ceramic-coated stone granules.
Once the granules have been applied, the steel sheets may be stamped and molded into decorative panels. The many layers of DECRA steel panels create a beautiful stone-coated metal roofing system that can resemble tile, shingle, or shake.
How is a DECRA roof installed?
DECRA roofs are typically installed by roofing contractors using a direct-to-deck application with a unique hidden fastener system.
DECRA metal roof cost
Metal roofing materials are one of the most costly options available. And DECRA stone-coated steel roofing takes it up a notch. While its cost may seem steep when compared with asphalt shingles or wood shakes, the cost evens out over time, as DECRA metal roofing won’t have to be replaced as often as other roofing materials.
Types of DECRA metal roofs
DECRA offers five different types of steel roofing, with each style offering something different to homeowners everywhere.
DECRA Villa Tile
Image source: DECRA
Embodying the old-world grandeur of classic Italian tile, DECRA Villa Tile replicates the luxurious appeal of clay tiles without the downsides.
Traditional clay tiles are susceptible to cracking and damage from severe weather, such as hail storms, or even severe impact from flying debris during a hurricane. DECRA Villa Tiles are lauded for their durability, boasting a Class 4 impact resistance (the highest rating available) and Class-A fire rating.
DECRA Villa Tiles can withstand winds up to 120 miles per hour and offer a lifetime limited warranty, ensuring that no matter the weather, your DECRA Villa Tiles will withstand the test of time.
DECRA Tile
Image source: DECRA
The Mediterranean-style DECRA Tile is sure to enhance your home with its scalloped-style aesthetic without the drawbacks of traditional clay tiles.
Traditional Mediterranean roof tiles require quite a bit of maintenance and are prone to cracking in colder climates, but that’s not the case with DECRA Tile. Homeowners can enjoy peace of mind through rain, sleet, or snow with DECRA Tiles as they are non-porous and freeze-resistant. DECRA Tile also flaunts a wind resistance of up to 120 miles per hour and a Class A fire rating, meaning you won’t have to worry over blown-off shingles during high winds.
DECRA Shingle XD
Image source: DECRA
If you’re searching for a more traditional shingle type for your new roof, DECRA Shingle XD offers thick-cut edges and deep, distinctive shadow lines to seamlessly imitate architectural shingles with half the weight and twice the longevity.
Though architectural shingles initially cost less to install, they need to be replaced every 20 years. DECRA Shingle XD can last up to 70 years, making them well worth their higher installation cost.
DECRA metal roofing shingles are cut to mirror the same dimensionality as architectural shingles while maintaining a light weight. DECRA’s unique interlocking shingle system provides a wind resistance of up to 120 miles per hour and holds its own against severe weather conditions.
DECRA Shake XD
Image source: DECRA
A hand-split wood shake roof offers a rustic beauty that simply cannot be beaten – until now. Though DECRA Shake XD is at its core a steel roofing system, it exudes the richness of cedar shake without the eventual fading.
Wood shingles or shakes are beautiful additions to your home, but that beauty fades quickly and goes gray after prolonged exposure to the elements. Traditional wood shingles are prone to cupping, splitting, and loosening, so the chance of them standing up to high winds is low.
DECRA Shake
Image source: DECRA
Wood shakes have been a staple in the roofing industry for years, and thanks to DECRA Shake shingles, your roof will remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Made of similar materials as DECRA Shake XD, DECRA shake will not cup, split, or loosen over time.
Pros and cons of DECRA roofing
When it comes time to choose a roofing material, it’s important to know the ins and outs. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of DECRA products.
Pros of DECRA roofing
Durable – DECRA roofing products are famous for their durability, low maintenance, and long lifespan. Thanks to their ability to withstand high winds, Class A fire rating, and Class 4 impact resistance rating, DECRA roofs can last well over 50 years.
Energy-efficient – Not only is DECRA roofing energy-efficient – it’s environmentally friendly, too! DECRA roofs are fully recyclable and made of recycled materials and can regulate temperature better than asphalt or wood.
Cons of DECRA roofing
High initial cost – DECRA is more expensive to install than most other roofing materials initially. Fortunately, though, the cost of materials will balance out as the years go by.
Limited colors – While DECRA roofing comes in many different styles from asphalt to shake, the colors are limited. If you have a specific color in mind or want your roof to be the star of your neighborhood, we suggest choosing a shingle manufacturer with a wider variety of colors.
Inexperienced contractors – Unfortunately, there aren’t many roofers who have experience installing DECRA roofs. If you choose to go with a DECRA roof, be sure to ask your roofing contractor if they’ve installed DECRA before.
Is DECRA roofing right for you?
Image source: DECRA
Homeowners love DECRA roofs for their versatility and durability. They can last for years, boast plenty of styles, and have a lifetime warranty. Unfortunately, DECRA roofs do have some significant downsides such as a high initial cost.
If you’re in the market for a roof that will last long, is low-maintenance, and aren’t interested in typical roofing materials, a DECRA roof will bring you happiness for years to come. Enter your address below and get in touch with one of our experienced local roofing contractors to get a quote on your new DECRA roof today.
Gianna Cappuccio is a home improvement writer at Fixr.com. After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in English from Montclair State University in 2016, Gianna decided to pursue a career in writing and editing. When she is not busy reading about home improvement and design, she can be found on the occasional hike or enjoying the latest television show.