Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions when building a new home or remodeling. After all, your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home’s structure, the people inside, and everything you own. And since roofing is a major investment, it only makes sense to choose a material that offers lasting value.
That’s why more and more homeowners are choosing metal roofing for its lifespan, durability, and long-term savings. Let’s get into it.
Metal Roofing Has a Long Lifespan
When evaluating roofing materials, lifespan is one of the most important factors. You don’t want to deal with frequent repairs or replacements.
So, what influences how long a roof lasts?
- Proper installation by a qualified contractor to ensure it’s laid correctly
- Regular maintenance and care, such as biannual cleaning and inspection
- Using the right attic ventilation and insulation to maintain consistent temperatures
- The quality of the roofing material and the manufacturer’s attention to detail
- The roof’s ability to stand up to weather and climate-related forces
- Inherent characteristics of the material, like fragility and weight
You might be surprised to learn that a metal roof lasts two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, such as clay tiles, wood shakes, and asphalt shingles. Metal roofing has a lifespan of 40-80 years, with many homeowners enjoying up to 50 years of protection.
That’s longer than most people plan to stay in their homes, but it’s a strong selling point when you’re ready to list. Buyers will appreciate that they won’t have to worry about a roof replacement anytime soon.
While wood shakes and clay tiles are charming and authentic, they’re also more prone to cracking, chipping, or splitting. Asphalt shingles may come at a lower price, but they wear out much quicker. If you find yourself replacing these materials more often, are they really worth the cost? In this comparison, metal roofing is the clear winner.
Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Is Extremely Durable
Nothing only is metal roofing long-lasting, it’s extremely durable. But before we get into that, you may be wondering: what is stone-coated metal roofing?
Stone-coated metal roofing is made from layers of steel that are coated with stone granules for added strength and visual appeal. The steel can be easily stamped into various shapes and styles, which is why so many homeowners love it. It can replicate the look of traditional materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and wood shakes, but without the drawbacks in durability.
The origins of stone-coated metal roofing date back to World War II, when Decraspray chemists developed a durable, water-resistant bitumen coating to protect Allied buildings from air raids and harsh weather. The coating bonded so well that post-war attempts to remove it failed.
In 1946, Decraspray began marketing the formula for construction use. New Zealand entrepreneur Lou Fisher secured rights to manufacture it outside the UK and opened the first overseas plant. By 1955, he trademarked Decramastic, and by 1957, had created the first roofing tiles. To prevent the coated panels from sticking together, he added crushed stone granules, a functional fix that became a signature design feature. The result? A roofing solution that combined the beauty of traditional styles with the durability of steel.
Today, that same formula gives homeowners peace of mind against some of the biggest threats to a roof, starting with hail.
Hail
DECRA roofs have the highest possible hail impact rating, which means it can withstand hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter. That’s a big deal, considering there were over 5,300 hailstorms in the United States in 2024.
Insurance companies spend billions each year on hail damage claims. And while insurance is there to help, it’s best to avoid filing a claim if you can. Here’s why:
- Claims take time, and getting your roof repaired can be a hassle.
- You’ll still have to pay your deductible.
- Your rates could go up—especially if you file more than once.
- Worst case, your insurance company could even drop your coverage.
That’s why having a durable roof like DECRA can save you more than just repairs, it can save you time, money, and stress.
Wind and Rain
Strong winds from hurricanes and tornadoes can do serious damage to your roof. In some cases, entire roofs can be ripped off, exposing your home to wind-driven rain.
DECRA metal roofing is built to stay put, even in extreme conditions. It’s tested and warrantied to withstand winds up to 120 mph, like those in hurricane-prone areas such as Miami-Dade, Florida.
Fire
When it comes to protecting your home from fire, DECRA sets the standard. Our roofing systems are rated Class A, the highest level of fire resistance available. This rating means DECRA roofs are proven to resist flame spread, won’t ignite easily, and offer protection against airborne embers, which are a major threat during wildfires.
In high-risk fire zones, especially in states like California, having a Class A fire-rated roof can make all the difference, not just for safety, but also when it comes to meeting local building codes and insurance requirements. With DECRA, you get more than just a durable roof, you get peace of mind knowing your home has one of the best defenses available against fire.
All Weather Protection
If you’re still wondering if metal roofs are a good investment, there are other benefits, too.
- Impervious to Snow: Metal roofs help snow slide off instead of piling up. Their lightweight design won’t strain your roof under heavy snow, and the insulated core helps prevent ice dams by maintaining a steady temperature.
- Resistant to Salt Air: Metal roofs resist rust, oxidation, and unwanted growth like moss or mold in humid climates, so your roof lasts longer and requires less maintenance.
- Efficient in the Heat: When temperatures rise, metal roofs help keep your home cooler. Unlike asphalt shingles that trap heat, metal reflects the sun’s rays, reducing cooling costs by up to 40%.
All of these benefits translate to long-term savings, making a metal roof one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. Not only can you reduce energy bills and maintenance costs, but many insurance companies also offer discounts for metal roofs due to their durability. Plus, metal roofing can increase your home’s value by up to 6%, and you may recoup nearly all of your initial investment thanks to its long-lasting performance and curb appeal.
What DECRA Customers Are Saying
“About ten years ago, I made the best decision when I decided to put a DECRA Shake XD roof on my house, carport, storage room, and boat dock. Since that installation, there have been numerous hail, rain, and wind storms that have gone through my neighborhood, causing damage to many of the roofs. My DECRA roofs showed no signs of damage, either visually or structurally. One storm even blew over three large trees onto my house and carport, and miraculously, there was no damage to my DECRA roofs. The extra cost of a DECRA roof has more than paid for itself at this point. It is absolutely beautiful and looks just like wooden shake shingles. This DECRA product and their customer service are outstanding. Try it—you will love it!” –DECRA Customer, Pamela Harper
To experience it for yourself, request a free sample today. A DECRA Metal Roofing Advisor will help you choose the perfect profile and color for your home, ensuring it’s a smart investment that will last for years to come.
