Why Use Stone-Coated Steel Roofing?

What is the product made of and will it rust?
The steel substrate is protected from corrosion by layers of metallic and polymer coatings. Our manufacturers utilize an advanced metal composite developed by BIEC International and introduced in 1973 as aluminum-zinc coated steel. This composite improved earlier metallic coatings by applying an aluminum-zinc alloy to the steel in a continuous hot dip process. The aluminum creates an inert barrier coat while enhancing the long-term performance of zinc and its ability to protect breaks in the coating. The steel is then coated with an acrylic resin basecoat, embedded with ceramic earth-stone granules and over-coated with a clear acrylic over-glaze and baked on.

Galvalume coated steel has repeatedly been shown in industry studies, conducted over the last 20 years, to outperform the corrosion resistance of other coated metals. This is why our roof systems are referred to as "The Final Roofing System", and are backed up with a LIFETIME of homeowner & 50 year transferable limited warranty.

Can you walk on a Steel roof?
Yes, keeping in mind no pitched roof is designed for pedestrian traffic. Some care must be exercised while walking on the roof, but note that roofers walk all over the panels during the installation process.

What is the installed weight of a Steel roof compared to other roofs?

PRODUCT	WEIGHT PER SQUARE (1 Square = 100 Sq.ft)
Steel Roofing	120 - 140 lbs.
Standard (3-Tab) Asphalt Shingles	190 - 215 lbs.
Wood Shake/Shingle*	250 - 300 lbs.*
Heavy Weight Laminated Asphalt Shingles	290 - 430 lbs.
Clay / Concrete Tiles*	900 - 1200 lbs.*

*Note that the weights for cedar, clay and concrete products are all dry weights. All three-product category weights increase when wet.

How noisy is a Stone-Coated Steel roof?
Uncoated or painted metal roofs can be noisy. Due to the interlocking design, insulated dead-air space under the roof, and the earth-stone granule finish, stone-coated steel roofs are very quiet. One rural couple standing directly under a stone coated steel roof observed that they could hear the rain striking a metal building about 50 feet from where they were standing, but couldn’t hear any noise from the stone/steel roof directly over their heads.

Do I have to tear off my existing roof?
Usually Not. With our roofs you may leave your old shingle or wood shake roof on as stone-coated steel has been tested and approved to be installed directly over your existing roof due to its unique installation method. You should check with your local contractor as some houses may need decking, etc. replaced.

What is the warranty on a Stone-Coated Steel roof?
The warranty depends on the manufacturer. The minimum warranty would be 50 years NON-Prorated (100% coverage for 50 yrs). 2.5” Hail Warranty and 120 mph Wind Warranty is standard on all our offered products. Make sure you read other warranties carefully and see what they really say!

Will a Stone-Coated Steel roof make my home hotter?
Due to the insulated "dead-air" space, there is no heat gain. Much like dual-pane windows, the design actually works as an energy-saving barrier.

Will I save on my energy bills?
You should see a noticeable reduction in your energy bills. Because of the system material & design, temperatures in the attic can be 20 to 40 degrees cooler. Several of our clients have also had up to a 50% reduction in gas (Therm) usage during winter. (See Testimonials Page)

Will heat and cold make a Steel roof contract and expand?
There is minimal movement with our roofs due to the fully interlocking profile and the size of the panels. Also, the rough granule finish and angular design add to restricting movement.

Will I have to re-structure my home?
No. Because of its light weight, steel roofs require no sub-structure reinforcement.

What fire rating do Stone-Coated Steel roofs have?
Steel does not burn. It will even protect your home from flying embers blowing across the roof. Steel roofing is classified as a noncombustible roofing material (Class A). In new construction and in many re-roofing applications the metal roofing system is a Class-A noncombustible roof assembly. In roof-over applications, where panels are installed over old combustible shakes or shingles, the resulting roof assembly can be classified as A, B, or C depending upon the type of underlayment installed between the old and new roof.

Are Stone-Coated Steel roofs more susceptible to lightning?
Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than other roofing materials. It has been demonstrated that lightning strikes most frequently hit the highest points of terrain. Where concerns exist, lightning rods can be installed on roofs that are the highest point of the surrounding terrain.

How long have Stone-Coated Steel roofs been around?
Stone-coated steel roofing occurred during World War II when tar and sand were used to cover galvanized steel bunkers. After the war, the practice was commercialized and the first roofs were produced. Stone coated steel roofs have been protecting buildings for close to 50 years, but the product technology today bears little resemblance to early practices due to advances in the chemistry of coatings. Our roofs are installed in over 30 countries around the world and have beautifully withstood all weather climates.

Will the coating ever crack, chip or peel?
With our manufacturer’s superior technology in UV Resistant acrylic resins and stone granules, they guarantee that your surface coating will last at least 50 years.

Will the value of my home increase if I install a Steel roof?
Yes. You are not only getting security and peace-of-mind with the last roof you may ever purchase; it also will enhance the beauty and help increase the value of your home. If you sell your home you will be able to hand the next owner a transferable warranty and show them your compounded energy savings.

Does hail cause any damage to a Stone-Coated Steel roof?
With our 2.5” hail penetration warranty you have nothing to worry about. Underwriters Laboratories gives our panels the highest hail impact resistance rating available. (Class 4)

Why are Stone-Coated Steel roofs safer in an earthquake?
They're much lighter. Steel is about 1/8 the weight of a concrete or clay tile installation. So, during a temblor, there's far less load on the structure, reducing the likelihood of structural damage and personal injury. Also, a metal roof actually adds strength to your structure. It provides twice the shear strength of 1/2" CDX plywood.

Why is wind resistance so important?
Even if you don't live in tornado or hurricane country, standing up to wind is very important. It is also very common for other types of shingle or shake roofs to blow off in relatively low wind gusts. High velocity winds caused by firestorms can blow burning embers. High winds will cause most roofing to blow off or in the case of concrete or clay tile to rise in the front allowing the embers to blow under the roof. No flying embers can pass under our roof systems. (120 mph Wind Warranty)

How long will a metal roof last?
It could easily outlast your home - 50 to 75 years is not an unrealistic estimate.

Where are our roofs made?
They are manufactured in several countries, but for the American market we produce our roofs with 100% American materials and labor. Our manufacturing plants are located in Southern California, Tennessee and Texas.

Will my homeowner’s insurance premium be reduced if I install a Stone-Coated Steel roof?
Discounts are offered by many insurance companies. They all have different policies and it is best if you call them and compare.

Does the color fade?
Since we use a granular stone coating instead of paint, history demonstrates that fading is not a problem. Over time, a slight change in color may occur due to settling of airborne contaminants; however periodic rain or washing the roof with a garden hose will keep the roof looking new.

How long does it take to install a steel roof?
Usually only a few days. The complexity of the building’s roofscape is the primary factor in determining the time required. Complex roofs require more time than basic designs.