If you’re considering a metal roof, you’re making a smart investment. Choosing DECRA Metal Roofing is even smarter–not just for its durability and efficiency, but also for the variety of profiles and color options available, ensuring the perfect match for your home.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the different DECRA profiles, so you can find the best fit for your needs. We’ll also cover:
- The benefits of metal roofing compared to traditional materials.
- The difference between direct-to-deck and batten installations.
Keep reading to the end to request a complimentary sample, giving you confidence in your decision to go with DECRA.
A Wide Selection of Profiles and Colors
No matter your home’s architectural style or color scheme, DECRA has a roofing option to match. You might be surprised at how metal roofing can authentically replicate the look of shingles, tiles, and shakes—all while providing the functional benefits detailed in the next section. This versatility makes DECRA a top choice for homeowners who prioritize curb appeal, long-term value, return on investment, low maintenance, safety, and more.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the profile options available to you.
DECRA Villa Tile
Capturing the timeless beauty of Old-World Italian clay tiles, DECRA Villa Tile delivers classic barrel-style elegance with modern durability. Unlike traditional clay, which is prone to cracking and damage from hail or storm debris, DECRA Villa Tile provides lasting performance without the fragility.
DECRA Tile
A staple of Mediterranean architecture, traditional clay tiles are essential for accentuating exotic cupolas and complex roof tiers. DECRA Tile offers the same iconic scalloped design—without the weight, fragility, or maintenance issues of clay.
DECRA Shingle XD
For homeowners who love the bold look of heavy-cut shingles, DECRA Shingle XD delivers with deep shadow lines and thick-cut edges that mimic architectural shingles—at a fraction of the weight. Plus, it offers the unmatched strength of stone-coated metal.
DECRA Shake XD
Enjoy the rich, hand-split look of rustic wood shake with DECRA Shake XD. Unlike traditional shake, which fades and deteriorates over time, DECRA’s stone-coated metal requires little to no maintenance while preserving its color and texture for decades.
DECRA Shake
With bold shadow lines and a sophisticated wood shake aesthetic, DECRA Shake complements any home while eliminating the maintenance and environmental concerns of conventional shake.
Made to Order and Cool Colors Available
DECRA even creates Made to Order (MTO) color blends upon request, ensuring a perfect match for your home’s design. Whether you're looking for a subtle complement to your existing exterior or a bold statement piece for added curb appeal, DECRA offers a wide range of options to suit any style.
In addition to custom blends, DECRA also provides Cool Colors—specially-formulated hues designed to have high solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties that reduce energy costs by lowering roof temperatures. In certain regions, particularly those with strict energy codes like California’s Title 24, Cool Colors are required to meet local building regulations. DECRA’s line of Cool Roof Colors are certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC).
While many homeowners choose DECRA for its ability to replicate traditional materials, they quickly come to appreciate the lasting benefits of metal roofing—both in the short and long term.
The Many Advantages of Metal Roofing
Not only is metal roofing attractive and versatile, it provides a wide range of benefits that traditional materials like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, and ceramic tiles simply can’t match. We break these down into three categories below.
Longevity
A metal roof can last two to three times longer than conventional materials. While traditional roofs typically need replacement every 15 to 20 years, metal roofs can last between 40 and 80 years. This makes metal roofing an excellent long-term investment, whether you're planning to stay in your home for decades or sell it down the road. Home buyers often prioritize the durability of major infrastructure, like the roof, and a long-lasting metal roof adds significant value by reducing future replacement costs.
Durability
DECRA Metal Roofing is engineered to withstand nearly anything Mother Nature can throw at it, making it a great choice, no matter what weather you face.
Hail
Hail damage is one of the top causes for home insurance claims, with a major carrier reporting a $1 billion increase in these claims between 2021 and 2022. As severe weather becomes more frequent, DECRA provides homeowners peace of mind with the highest Class 4 Impact Rating. DECRA products are also backed by a warranty that covers hailstones up to 2.5 inches in diameter.
Wind
Wind can cause significant damage to roofs, sometimes ripping sections off entirely. However, DECRA is warranted for winds up to 120 miles per hour and is TAS-125 approved for high-velocity hurricane zones, including those in Miami-Dade, Florida
Rain
Wind-driven rain can seep into vulnerable areas of a roof, causing damage to the material, decking, and the interior of your home. Fortunately, DECRA roofing is designed to handle wind-driven rain at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, providing protection against water infiltration.
Snow
In cold and snowy climates, DECRA offers several benefits:
- A non-porous texture that helps prevent snow from sticking to the roof, allowing it to slide off more easily.
- Proper airspace for ventilation, keeping the roof at a consistent temperature and preventing freeze-thaw cycles that can lead to ice dams.
- A lighter weight than many other roofing options, so heavy snowfalls won’t cause sagging or structural issues.
- The ability to be installed in winter, unlike asphalt shingles, which often require warmer weather for installation.
Fire
DECRA is rated with the highest UL fire rating for fires originating outside the home. This is especially valuable in areas prone to wildfires. In 2024, even the Northeast saw hundreds of brush fires, many in densely populated areas. DECRA’s fire-resistant properties provide an added layer of protection in these high-risk regions.
Cost Effectiveness
For homeowners looking to save in both the short and long-term, DECRA offers:
- Energy Efficiency: Metal roofs reflect the sun’s rays, reducing cooling costs by up to 25%.
- Increased Property Value: Installing a metal roof can boost your home’s appraised value by up to 6%.
- Return on Investment: Homeowners can expect to recoup 60-70% of the installation cost when selling their home.
- Insurance Discounts: Insurance companies often offer discounts for metal roofs because they’re associated with fewer damage claims.
Many insurance companies are dropping policies for homes with aging roofs. Installing a metal roof not only protects your home but may also help keep your policy intact.
Two Installation Options for DECRA Metal Roofing
There are two ways to install DECRA metal roofing: direct-to-deck or battens. The method used
depends on:
- The condition of the existing roof
- The specific needs of the roofing project
- Recommendations from the contractor
Direct-to-Deck Installation
With this method, the metal roofing is installed directly onto the roof deck. This type of installation is used with intricate roof designs and architectural elements that require more precision than with basic roofs.
Battens Installation
This installation technique, known as above sheathing ventilation (ASV), is commonly used by roofing professionals. The metal roofing is attached above a 2’x2’ wood batten grid, creating a 1.5” continuous airspace. This method improves energy efficiency by allowing better airflow and temperature regulation, making it beneficial for homeowners in cooler or warmer regions. In some areas, this installation may also be required to comply with environmental standards, such as California’s Title 24, which focus on improving energy efficiency.
Additionally, battens installations are ideal for roof overs — where a metal roof is installed directly above the existing roof — because the batten grid creates a smooth, level surface. Not all roofing materials can be used in a roof-over, but DECRA is lightweight enough to be an option, saving homeowners both time and money by eliminating the need for a full roof replacement.
Request a Complimentary Sample
Now that you understand your options and the benefits of stone-coated metal roofing, we encourage you to request a complimentary sample. Afterward, one of our metal roofing advisors will reach out to help you determine the best option for your needs.
You can also try out our visualization tool to see how DECRA would look on your home.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in July 2021, but has been updated with relevant information.
