What is stone coated metal roofing and Why Do We Use Them?

30 Jun.,2025

 

Stone‑Coated Metal Roofing: Pros, Cons & Cost Guide

You’ve probably heard rumors about stone-coated metal roofing and how it's gaining popularity with homeowners.  

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit SANGOBUILD.

You’ve probably also heard people complaining about how expensive it is and commenting that it isn’t worth putting on your roof. 

Are these people right?

Is stone-coated metal roofing a complete waste of your money? 

At K Graber Construction, we understand that you want to be well-informed before making a significant decision like installing a new roof. 

That's why we're here! We want to give you an honest look at stone-coated metal roofing so you can decide if it's a good option for you.

Ready to find out if stone-coated metal roofing is worth the money? 

Let’s get started!

Let’s start with the basics:

What is stone-coated metal roofing, and how is it different than traditional roofing materials like shingles and metal?

Well, metal roofing is a durable, long-lasting, low-maintenance option for homeowners. It takes very little maintenance and can sometimes last for 40-70 years.  

However, metal roofing can look somewhat cold and industrial—it’s not the most attractive available roofing material. 

People tend to find shingles more attractive than metal since they have a warmer. homier look. However, they break down faster and don’t last as long, having a life expectancy more in the range of 20 years or so.  

Stone-coated metal roofing combines the best of both worlds! 

Stone-coated roofs are made of metal shingles coated in paint and stone granules. They have the classic look of traditional shingles, but like metal roofs, they are low maintenance and last a long time. 

Besides all that, there are even more benefits to using stone-coated metal shingles.

Stay tuned! We’ll explore these extra benefits later. 

Types of Stone-Coated Metal Roofing 

One perk that sells people on stone-coated roofing is that (unlike plain metal roofing) it comes in many different styles.

It can be made to look like: 

  • traditional shingles 
  • roof shakes 
  • roofing tiles 

Stone-coated metal roofing also comes in a variety of colors. 

With all this versatility, you can make your roof a perfect fit for your personal tastes and style.

For example: Do you dream of having a Cape Cod house with shutters and wooden roof shakes? Or maybe you envision a villa with beautiful terra cotta roofing tiles.

Either way, you can get stone-coated metal roofing that looks just like the style you want!

At this point you might be asking yourself: Ok, but how realistic does this actually look? 

Pretty realistic! 

It’s not going to fool anyone who's looking at it closely, but who is taking a magnifying glass to your roof?

From the ground, it looks very close to the real thing. 

Look up some pictures on Google, and see how stone-coated roofing can give you the specific look you want. 

Cons of Stone-Coated Metal Roofing

Stone-coated roofs have the beauty of traditional materials and the durability and longevity of metal. 

What’s not to love? 

Well, for many, the main downside of stone-coated roofs is the price tag. Stone-coated metal roofing isn’t exactly the cheapest option out there. 

Pricing varies depending on many factors, such as your roof layout and roof pitch. Quotes also vary by the installer and the products they use, but below are some general pricing estimates.

Asphalt shingles will typically cost between $300 to $500 per 100 square feet.

On the other hand, stone-coated metal roofing can cost more in the range of $800 to $ per 100 square feet.

That’s right, a metal shingle roof can cost roughly double the price of a standard shingle roof.

Ouch!

So why even consider metal shingles? 

There are in fact quite a few reasons. Let’s get into it.

Stone-coated metal roofing is expensive. We won’t deny that. 

But it comes with some remarkable benefits as well. 

Let’s find out what they are. 

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing is Durable  

Standard asphalt shingles have warranties of 20-30 years, but stone-coated metal roofing goes far beyond that. 

In fact, some manufacturers have lifetime warranties on their stone-coated products!

Part of this is because it's a metal roof. This means you won’t have to worry about cracking, curling, warping, or other things that cause problems on a shingle roof.

Due to the way the roofing locks together, it is also resistant to strong winds. Tests have been done with gusts of wind in the 120-170 mph range and the stone-coated metal roofing held together!

Other tests have been done with earthquakes, hail, and other natural disasters, and stone-coated roofing has always lasted longer than standard asphalt shingles.

Of course, longevity is not the only factor you should consider when choosing a roofing material. If you want to get an in-depth picture of everything you should consider, read our blog: 7 Factors To Consider When Getting A New Roof.

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing is Safe

Not only will your stone-coated metal roof last longer than a standard shingle roof, but it is also safer.

Because the construction materials of the roof are metal and steel, you do not need to worry that your roof is a fire hazard. Asphalt shingle roofs, on the other hand, are highly flammable.

Some insurance companies will even lower your annual premiums if you install a metal roof! You will need to check with them on the kind or style of metal roof they require, but you may be able to pay for part of the roof with your insurance savings.

This is simply another benefit of stone-coated metal roofing!

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Adds Value to Your Home 

Stone-coated metal roofs add resale value to your home for 3 main reasons:

  • First, since stone-coated metal shingles last longer than standard shingles, they drive up value because the new owner knows she won’t have to replace the roof as quickly.
  • Second, because they are made of metal, they don’t show wear or fade as quickly. This keeps the roof looking nicer for a longer period of time and helps the aesthetics of your property.
  • And third, metal roofs do a better job of reflecting sun rays. This means that houses with metal roofs tend to be more energy efficient during summer months, especially in areas with a lot of direct sunlight.

However, one downside of stone-coated metal roofing is that it is more difficult to install than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles.

That means you should put extra effort into finding and hiring a reliable contractor! After all, stone-coated metal shingles won't add value to your home if they aren't installed properly.

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing is Environmentally Friendly

One of the best features of a metal roof is that it can be constructed with recycled materials.

Unlike asphalt shingles, when a metal roof is replaced or removed from a building, you don’t need to haul everything to the nearest landfill.

Instead, you can simply take the metal shingles and components to your nearest recycling center to be melted down and used again!

So not only will you rarely have to replace your metal roof, but when you do have it replaced, you can rest knowing that the old roof is being recycled.

For more information, please visit stone coated metal roofing.

Stone-Coated Metal Roofing is Energy Efficient 

Due to the build of stone-coated roofing, it does a better job of reflecting UV rays from the sun.

The result?

Energy bills are often less for buildings with stone-coated metal roofing, especially in warmer climates where you need to use a lot of AC. Attics and buildings in homes with stone-coated roofs stay cooler because not as much sunlight and heat are entering the building’s structure. That means you don’t have to use as much energy to cool it down. 

If you are interested in building an energy-efficient home so you can help the environment, you may want to read our blog post: Net Zero Homes & New Energy Homes - The Benefits And Differences.

Stone-Coated Metal Roofs are Low Maintenance 

One of the most beautiful things about stone-coated roofs is that they require very little maintenance.

Any homeowner knows exactly how valuable this is! 

When you don't have to worry about repairing your roof, you have more time to spend on the things you truly care about. 

Who wouldn't want to have more time for family and friends, and more brain space to tackle the problems that really matter in life? 

Of course, like with any other structure, don’t let large clumps of leaves, branches, or other debris gather in the corners or gutters of your house roof. 

But that's pretty much the only maintenance issue you'll have to worry about!

Stone-Coated Metal Roof is Lightweight 

When you hear about a roofing material made from metal and stone, the thought may pop into your head: 

Isn’t that incredibly heavy? 

Thankfully, the answer is no! 

Stone-coated metal roofing weighs less than 2 pounds per square foot. To put that into perspective, asphalt shingles typically weigh 2.3 to 4.5 pounds per square foot, and tile can weigh 8 to 12 pounds per square foot. 

Because it is lightweight, stone-coated metal roofing can save you money in two ways: 

First, you may be able to install it on top of your old roof. This means you will save the time and labor it would take to tear your old roof off. 

And second, it will save you money on dumping fees for your old shingles, as well as possibly saving you from dumping them in a landfill. 

If you're debating the pros and cons of different types of metal roofing, you may be interested in our blog post on Choosing The Best Metal Roof For Your Home Or Business - Everything You Need To Know.

Ultimately, the question of whether you should go for stone-coated metal roofing is up to you. You know your situation and needs better than anyone else. 

Our verdict is this: If you can afford it, stone-coated metal roofing is a good buy. It’s attractive, low maintenance, and lasts forever. And you can customize it however you like! 

So if you have the budget for it, stone-coated metal roofing is worth it. 

However, if you need to save money now rather than in the long run, you may want to invest in a cheaper kind of roofing such as asphalt shingles.

There you have it! 

Stone-coated metal roofing comes with some great benefits, and it is worth the investment if your budget is up to it. 

Now you know more about what those benefits are and whether stone-coated metal is the right roofing material for you. 

If you think you would like to replace your roof, or if you are ready to install the roof on a new house, give us a call at K Graber Construction! 

It’s easy to work with us:

  1. Get a quote
  2. Approve the estimate and design
  3. Watch as we install your new roof
  4. Love your home! 

At K Graber, it doesn’t stop at roofs, either. We offer a variety of services such as:

  • Pole barn homes
  • Concrete pouring
  • ICF construction
  • Steel buildings
  • Additions and remodels
  • And more!

Whatever your building project is, we'd love to help.

Don't hesitate...contact us today!

What is Stone-Coated Metal Roofing?

Stone-coated metal roofing provides the durability of industrial metal roofing with the aesthetic appeal of traditional roofing materials. If you’re looking for a roof that can withstand nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer without sacrificing on style, then you’re looking for a stone-coated metal roof.

In this blog, we’ll cover the following:

  • Overview of metal roofing and its benefits.
  • How stone-coated metal roofing differs from industrial metal roofing.
  • The stone-coated metal roofing manufacturing process.

What is Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing is a broad term for a wide variety of roofing products that are composed of some type of metal.

The most common types of metal roofing products are:

Aluminum Roofing

Copper Roofing

Corrugated Metal Roof

Standing Seam Metal Roof

Stone-Coated Steel Metal Roof

There are many advantages to metal roofing due to its longer life span, sturdiness, low maintenance and high ROI, such as:

  • A metal roof has a lifespan that is 2 to 3 times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, tile and wood.
  • Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient materials on the market and can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%.
  • A metal roof can lower your homeowner’s insurance by up to 35%. (Check with your local insurance carrier for available discounts.)
  • A modern metal roof can increase home value by up to 6%.
  • Homeowners who renovate their home with metal roofing are typically able to recoup an extremely high rate of the roof’s initial cost, 85.9% according to national averages, with homes in the Eastern states recouping up to 95.5%

The high ROI on metal roofing is due to the fact that it is one of the most durable roofing products on the market and boasts impressive claims, including:

  • The highest rating for hail impact.
  • The ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
  • The highest rating for fire protection.

>>>Related Resource: Read 10 Things You Need to Know About Metal Roofing.

Metal roofing has dominated the industrial sector for more than a century. Warehouses, factories and other industrial buildings have long benefited from the durability that only metal roofing can provide.

But metal roofing materials like aluminum, copper, corrugated, and standing seam roofs typically lack the aesthetics and design versatility required for most residential buildings. This is especially the case if the design calls for complex or classical architectural themes that feature cupolas, gables, towers, multiple valleys, and elaborate facades; large panel metal roofs are simply not an option.

Stone-coated metal roofing bridges the gap between industrial durability and design versatility, giving homeowners the benefits of industrial metal roofing without sacrificing on style. Here’s how.

How is Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Different from Metal Roofing?

Stone-coated metal roofing is made from steel sheets, and then coated with stone granules.

The steel sheets make the perfect substrate since they can easily be “stamped” into a wide variety of shapes. The stone-coating process allows for a wide variety of vivid colors and textures that can replicate the look of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles and wood shakes. This is what gives stone-coated metal roofing products, such as DECRA Metal Roofing, the design versatility to suit any style.

For example, the aesthetic versatility of DECRA stone-coated metal roofing products can replicate the cultural and historical integrity of traditional roofing designs, including:

  • Cultural integrity of the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Oahu, Hawaii.
  • Historic restoration and preservation for the Hearthstone Historic House.

DECRA stone-coated metal roofing products are ideal for upscale designs as well, including:

  • High-end condominium project in Ottawa, Canada.
  • Resort architecture in North Carolina.

Stone-coated metal roofing is even ideal for rustic camping pods, such as those manufactured by Algonquin Pod Company.

It’s important to note that the stone granules in stone-coated metal roofing products provide much more than design versatility. In addition to the long list of benefits that metal roofing provides, stone-coated metal roofing comes with its own additional benefits as well, including:

  • Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Infrared pigments embedded in the stone-coatings increase the natural solar reflectance (aka energy efficiency) of a metal roof. Learn how in this recent U.S. Department of Energy Study that verifies the thermal performance of DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofing products.
  • Noise Reduction: DECRA stone-coated steel roofing profiles don’t require any extra soundproofing materials and are peacefully quiet in the rain thanks to the sound-absorbing cushion of granular stone coating. Learn more about how quiet DECRA roofs are in our blog, Are Metal Roofs Noisy in the Rain?

Let’s dive deeper into what exactly the stone granules in stone-coated metal roofing are made of.

The Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Manufacturing Process

The stones in DECRA’s stone-coated metal roofing products are called roofing granules. The granules are manufactured from natural stone which was mined at a quarry, then crushed and screened to various sizes. The granules are manufactured in such a way that when applied to and embedded in our DECRA acrylic base coat, the particles fit together to provide the maximum coverage for our roof panel surface.

Several characteristics are critical when analyzing and selecting an appropriate and suitable stone, including:

  • Hardness
  • Opacity to solar ultraviolet light
  • Chemical and physical inertness to provide resistance to acid rain and leaching
  • Durability to freeze/thaw and wet/dry cycling
  • Minimal oxidation and rusting (iron content)
  • Low porosity
  • Suitability for coating
  • Particle shape

The granules achieve their vivid colors through a process where the stone particles are coated with a combination of pigments similar to paint. The pigment slurry mixture, once applied to the stone, is baked on at high temperatures causing the pigment mixture to coat the stone in a ceramic process. Pigment selection will determine the final appearance and color of the roofing granule.

Multiple color readings, using a spectrophotometer, are performed at different intervals during the manufacturing process.

Color fixation tests are also conducted to make certain that the pigmentation has adhered properly to the stone granule – ensuring that the color will remain stable over time. Given the intense solar UV exposure on a roof system, roofing granules must prove to be durable. DECRA utilizes state-of-the-art computerized roofing granule blending and application machinery to ensure a quality stone coat manufacturing process.

Why DECRA Stone-Coated Metal Roofing?

As the original stone-coated metal roofing manufacturer since , DECRA products have a long-established reputation for quality. Manufactured at our facility in Corona, California, all products are tested above and beyond the requirements to ensure the quality that DECRA is known for is present in each and every stone-coated metal roofing panel we produce.

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