Stone-Coated Shingles 101

When it comes to your home, you don’t want to make guesses for long-lasting decisions. You deserve to make an informed choice regarding your new roof. That’s why we will be going over the 3 most common types of roofing materials. We already covered asphalt shingles, and standing seam metal, so be sure to check out those articles if you haven’t already. Here, we’ll be discussing stone-coated shingles.

If you want to put on a roof you can all but guarantee you will never have to worry about again, you can install a stone-coated metal shingle. This roofing material looks like a standard shingle, so it is accepted just about anywhere. But, just as the name implies, it is shingle made of steel and coated with stone. This makes it the most durable roofing product on the market.

The Benefits

Beautiful Appearance

With the look of a high end asphalt shingle, it is accepted virtually anywhere, regardless of neighborhood code restrictions

Saving on Utilities

Especially if you choose a lighter color, metal roofing can help save on your cooling bill in the summer by reflecting more of the sun’s heat than asphalt shingles will do

Tax Savings

Like standing seam metal, there is often utility savings and tax credits available. If you are considering this option, be sure to ask your contractor about this potential savings.

The Best in Durability

Stone coated steel shingles will hold up to virtually anything mother nature throws your way. Hail, extreme wind, even fire, is typically not a problem for this roofing product to endure.

Be forewarned, this product is very much your “price doesn’t matter” option. If you want the very best money can buy and want your grandchildren to inherit a worry free roof, this is the option for you. But the initial cost can easily run 5-6 times the cost of a standard asphalt roof.

Standing Seam 101

When it comes to your home, you don’t want to make guesses for long-lasting decisions. You deserve to make an informed choice regarding your new roof. That’s why we will be going over the 3 most common types of roofing materials. We already covered asphalt shingles, so be sure to check out that article if you haven’t already. Here, we’ll be discussing standing seam metal.

Standing seam metal roofing is a 12-16” steel panel that runs vertical to the eave of your roof, in one piece all the way to the peak. It has a single seam where it is fastened to the roof, and the new piece clips into it. Unlike barn metal siding, all the screws are completely hidden on standing seam metal.

The Benefits

Distinctive Appearance

When you drive by a house with standing seam metal roofing you can’t help but notice it! The lack of fasteners gives this metal a very clean, minimalist look. If you want to do something to really make your house stand out, this might be a good choice for you. 

Saving on Utilities

Especially if you choose a lighter color, metal roofing can help save on your cooling bill in the summer by reflecting more of the sun’s heat than asphalt shingles will do

Tax Savings

Some metal roofs qualify for energy efficiency tax credits. If you are considering this option, be sure to ask your contractor about this potential savings.

Excellent Durability

A metal roof typically comes with a 40 year warranty. It also has the added benefit of being even more resistant to hail damage than a shingled roof. In addition, as a metal roof fades in color, unlike a shingled roof it can be repainted to make it look like new again for a fraction of the cost of replacement

Standing seam metal roofs are the most common upgraded roof option from shingles. Bear in mind that this option typically costs between 80-100% more than a shingled roof, so be prepared for a bit of sticker shock.

Asphalt Shingles 101

When it comes to your home, you don’t want to simply guess when it’s time to make long-lasting decisions. You deserve to make an informed choice regarding your new roof. That’s why we will be going over the 3 most common types of roofing materials, starting with shingles. 

Asphalt shingles are made of a fiberglass matt with asphalt worked into it, with a colored granule top coat. These come in either flat tab shingles or raised panel architectural shingles, although these days the “upgraded” architectural shingle is pretty much the standard.

The Benefits

Economy

For most people, price is the first factor they consider when it comes to home improvement, and asphalt shingles are typically the most economical option. The materials are the least expensive of the options, and because it is the most commonly used, the labor costs are lower than the other options as well. And speaking of labor…

Installation

Asphalt shingles are the quickest and easiest to install of any of the roofing products available. The other options are considered specialties, and you may sometimes have a challenge finding a qualified contractor to install some of them. But every roofer is experienced with asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles will also get your project done as quickly as possible.

Universal Acceptance

There are some neighborhoods with exacting building guidelines that will not allow some of the specialty roofs. But asphalt shingles are accepted everywhere.

Especially with modern houses with multiple rooflines and valleys, asphalt shingles will generate the least amount of waste roofing product, further reducing your material cost relative to some of the other options.

Warranty

Asphalt shingles typically come with 30-40 year manufacturer’s warranties, and while not as durable as the other options we will look at, still a very good product. (Keep in mind that these warranty lifespans are only under ideal conditions. Most roofs do not last this long in real life.) 

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material for a reason. They offer many benefits for a reasonable price. But there are a few other facts to consider. 

The Drawbacks

Durability

One of the biggest risks to shingled roofs are storms, which can rip off individual or sections of tile. Asphalt shingles are also susceptible to hail damage. Excess moisture and heat will also damage the shingles over time. Thankfully, ease with which new shingles can be installed means that most damage is reversable. 

Style

Asphalt shingles certainly won’t affect your curb appeal. But some people are interested in something a little more modern and styleish. If that describes you, check out our articles on standing seam roofs, or stone-coated shingles.