The rise of residential metal

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Discover how modern innovations have made metal roofing not only a functional choice, but an aesthetic one, too. 

Metal roofing has long been a popular roofing choice for industrial and other commercial applications for its durability and functionality. However, it initially faced challenges breaking into the residential market, especially in areas that have strict homeowners' association (HOAs) or other regulations about the appearance of the exterior of a home. Today, metal has overcome that barrier and has begun to pop up on homes in neighborhoods and communities across the United States. In this article, DECRA Metal Roofing explains how modern metal products and innovations have made this growth possible. 

Metal roofing is growing in popularity 

As of 2024, metal roofing makes up nearly one-fifth of the roofing market, with sales projected to grow 1.8% annually through 2026. Experts link this growth to an increase in severe weather events. Recent storms have caused widespread property damage, prompting homeowners and builders to seek more durable roofing materials that can withstand the elements. 

While weather-related concerns are a major factor, several other advantages have also contributed to the rise of metal roofing, including: 

• Greater energy efficiency for heating and cooling compared to traditional materials 
• Stricter building codes across many regions 
• Longer lifespan, offering better long-term cost-effectiveness 
• Enhanced aesthetics.  

Metal benefits: Longer lifespan 

We mentioned above that metal roofs last longer than traditional options. A stone-coated metal roof like DECRA can last two to three times longer than asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in the U.S. This not only saves homeowners money in the long run but also provides peace of mind, knowing they won’t need to replace their roof every 15 or 20 years. So, whether you plan to stay in your home long-term or sell in the near future, a modern metal roof can increase the value of your home.  

Metal benefits: Durability and weather resistance 

Metal roofing is known for its exceptional resistance to severe weather. DECRA stone-coated metal roofing, for example, holds the highest hail impact rating and is warrantied against hail damage up to 2.5 inches in diameter.  

In addition, DECRA products are tested to meet the high-velocity hurricane zone standards for Miami-Dade, Florida, an area frequently affected by hurricanes. They’re also warrantied for wind speeds up to 120 miles per hour. DECRA’s unique interlocking and fastening system helps minimize the risk of wind and rain seeping into small openings, which can damage the underlayment and interior of the property.  

DECRA performs well in cold climates, too. The smooth, non-porous surface of stone-coated metal roofing allows snow and ice to slide off more easily, preventing accumulation and reducing the risk of ice dams. Plus, thanks to its lightweight nature, metal roofing is better equipped to support the weight of snow, unlike some materials that can sag or crack under the load. 

Metal benefits: Fire resistance 

It used to be that wildfires were only a concern for the western part of the U.S., but today, even northeastern states are experiencing large-scale fires that pose a serious threat to homes. Fortunately, DECRA metal roofing has the highest UL fire rating, providing protection against fires that originate outside the home.  

Additional benefits worth noting 

Beyond longevity and durability, there are several other advantages to choosing metal roofing:  

• Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with metal roofing due to its durability. 
• Low maintenance: Metal roofs require less maintenance than traditional materials like clay tiles, which can crack, break or chip over time, especially in harsh weather conditions. Unlike wood shakes, which require regular treatments to prevent rot and mold, metal roofs are naturally resistant to these issues. 
• Energy efficiency: Homeowners benefit from greater energy efficiency with metal roofing. For example, DECRA direct-to-deck products improve energy efficiency by 30.3% compared to asphalt shingles. When installed on battens, DECRA products increase energy efficiency by up to 48.7%, making them an even more effective choice. 
• Sustainability: Metal roofs are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

Metal roofing works with many home styles 

In the past, HOAs and gated communities were hesitant to approve metal roofing for residential properties, largely because its industrial look didn’t align with the aesthetics of most homes. That changed with the introduction of stone-coated metal roofing. The stone-coating process allows for a wide range of colors and textures that replicate traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles and wood shakes, all while offering the practical benefits of metal roofing.  

HOAs and gated neighbors often require roofing to maintain a uniform appearance and match the community’s architectural style. DECRA offers colors that mimic nearly every roofing material and style to complement homes from Polynesian to Mediterranean to Colonial designs.  

Take it from Heather Hitchcock from Royal Roofing & Construction of Texas, “We had the privilege of navigating the strictest HOA I’ve ever seen, and it was remarkably challenging to keep the neighborhood happy while successfully tearing off a tile roof by the water. By the end of the project, we had three neighbors requesting bids and everyone loved the new DECRA roof!” 

DECRA: HOA-approved metal roofing 

More and more HOA communities are approving metal roofing. For example, the 2020 DECRA Project of the Year Winner featured an HOA near Discovery Bay, California, showcasing over 250,000 square feet of DECRA Tile in a custom Onyx Blue color designed specifically for the area. 

Explore our gallery to see more examples of our profiles on homes of various sizes and styles. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, you’re sure to find inspiration for projects that meet your needs. 

Original article and photo source: DECRA Metal Roofing