Stone Coated Metal Roofing Will Stand the Test of Time
Tested against the best that Mother Nature has to offer.
Today’s homeowners want durable, long lasting, wind, hail and fire-resistant roofing systems that look great and do not sacrifice curb-appeal. As roofing contractors serving Montana and Wyoming we would like to introduce you to stone coated metal roofing.
Here in Montana and Wyoming, we are known for our extreme weather events. We have seen tornadoes, wind gusts over 100 miles per hour, and sustained winds in the 80-mph range. We've seen lightning storms and wildfires, we have seen hail stones the size of grapefruit, heavy snow piling up faster than we can clear it, ice build ups from temperatures in the 50’s during the day and below freezing at night. The summer months can be brutally hot, while the winter months are frigid cold.
This weather is the cause of most other roofing materials deteriorating long before their warranties expire and may be the primary reason that you are considering metal roofing for your home, out buildings, or business.
The Classic Look of Strength and Durability.
THE BEST FIRE RESISTANT Roofing IS METAL
Fire Safety
Class A, B and C fire ratings, along with strong hail resistance are two benefits of metal roofing that property insurance underwriters look favorably upon. Most insurance carriers offer special discounts and lower premiums. When seconds count, metal roofing’s low weight reduces the likelihood of roof cave-ins due to a weakened structure, helping to save your home and belongings.
Metal Roofing is the Safest Choice.
Wildfire can be devastating, and no building material is perfectly safe. While stone coated metal roofing will prevent your home from burning, its interlocking corner design will prevent uplifts caused by “fire whirl” or high winds up to 140mph.
Stone Coated Metal Shingles are fire-safe, without sacrificing curb appeal or complex roof designs.
With several states considering legislation to compel the use of non-combustible building products in new construction and in wild fire prone areas, metal has become one of the most desirable modern building products among roofing contractors. More and more homeowners are remodeling using fire resistant metal roofing ensuring better survivability in the event of wildfire.
For homeowners in Wildland-Urban Interface areas tax credits and federal grants are available for interested homeowners and builders alike.
When Seconds Count, the right roof can make all the difference.
Metal Roofing Systems are non-combustible and do not burn.
Metal Roofing is impervious to lightning strikes
Everybody has heard lore about metal roofing and lightning, and it is common for homeowners to ask if a metal roof might somehow attract lightning. The truth is that while metal conducts electricity it does not draw it. Lightning is looking for a pathway into the ground.
At Billings Metal Roofing and Solar our metal roofing system works from the roof center as an isolated structural component with no direct pathway to follow, therefore there is no scientific reason for lightning to seek out or favor a metal roof. Most other roofing materials are combustible and burn rapidly, metal is non-combustible and does not burn, making it the most desirable construction material available.
Lightning Strikes are the Leading Cause of Wild Fire.
Metal roofing does not deteriorate over time.
Taking on the Sun as an offender of most roofing materials.
At high altitudes, the sun is probably the most consistent offender of roofing systems. It causes expansion and contraction and with most roofing systems this means slowly they loosen and separate from the decking. The sun causes asphalt shingles to dry out, become brittle and start to crack, curl, fade, blister, and breakdown over time. On the other hand, concealed fastener metal roofing systems are completely impervious to this type of damage. The high-tech coatings, backings, and color finishes that our metal roofing contractors offer are designed to protect and maintain the integrity and the color of the panel or shingle.
At High Altitudes the suns UV rays are the most damaging.
Hail can be damaging to any roof system,
Destructive hail and metal roofs
Another reason for metal roofing’s increasing popularity is its resistance to hail. Hail can be damaging to any roof system and we have seen storms here in Montana and Wyoming that take their toll on everything in their path, and no roofing material is immune. Metal roofing offers the best protection from leaks caused by punctures in the roofing material. While it may dent from the force of the hail, typically there is no immediate concern due to an exposed roof deck. Metal roofing systems will withstand large steel balls dropped from 50-70 feet above, and even ice shot from air cannons. Metal roofing carries the best UL 2218 rating of class IV, and as a result homeowners may receive special discounts along with lowered insurance premiums. Metal roofing will maintain its strength and durability even as it ages.
Shooting Ice at high speed using compressed air.
Metal Roofing Reduces Costly Maintenance
Metal Roofing Reduces Costly Maintenance
Damage to roofing systems due to high winds is known as uplift. It is when wind gets underneath and lifts the roof up, or up and off. Not all residential metal roofing systems are installed to protect against uplift, and none of the other available roofing materials are. Three nailing asphalt shingles used to be recommended, then 4 and 5 nailing, along with other systems that just do not work. A properly installed stone coated metal roofing system completed using professional metal roofing contractors will prevent uplift. Its concealed fastener and interlocking systems don’t allow wind to get in underneath the panel or shingle. Metal roofing will withstand tornado like winds thru out its service life, most other roofing materials will not.
Tornadoes touching down just off of US-87 in Montana.
Snow Loads and Ice Dams
Snow and ice will take its toll on just about any roofing system, eventually leading to leaks.
Snow and ice will take its toll on just about any roofing system over time. While other roofing systems hold moisture and deteriorate over time, metal roofing maintains its strength and durability keeping your home safe and dry for decades to come. Snow will slide off quickly and metal does not hold moisture or ice. The sun’s radiant heat will pass thru snow and warm the surface of your roof. With stone coated metal roofing systems this allows the snow to loosen and slide off the roof center and down. With other roofing materials the snow stays in place while shingles hold the moisture turning into ice as the temperature drop. This causes expansion, and contraction, little cracks turn into bigger cracks as the deterioration process continues, eventually leading to leaking into your home. Metal roofing contractors install the roofing system with breaks (sometimes referred to as ice cutters) to control the snow loads and prevent ice damming. At Billings Metal Roofing and solar there are custom products and accessories available to keep your metal roofing as beautiful, as it is durable for decades to come.
Steep slope roofs with heavy wet snow loads melting and freezing again will separate at the decking.
Metal Roofing's eco-impact on our environment.
Metal Roofing and Our Environment
Stone Coated metal roofing is good for our environment in many ways. Not only can it reduce smog, it is recyclable and in most cases it is made using recycled metal. Usually 15-25%. Conventional roofing materials contribute billions of pounds of waste to landfills across America, Asphalt shingles are non-recyclable. Often times, due to its weight, metal roofing contractors will leave existing asphalt shingles on the roof, eliminating the need for tear-offs, along with the cost and eco-impact of managing the waste.
Our Stone Coated Steel shingles are manufactured using up to 25% recycled steel.
Saving Money with Energy Efficient Metal Roofing
Energy Savings are actually a bi-product or added benefit of Residential Metal Roofs
Light and Dark coatings or colors reflect UV Rays, reducing attic temperatures and lightening the load on HVAC systems. Energy Savings are a bi-product or added benefit of the special coatings or granular-coated finishes. The coatings are developed to protect the products from fading, 3M has developed granules that not only reduce fading, and lower energy cost but they also reduce smog: Check it out here. During winter months radiant heat from inside the home will escape out thru roof decking, or ridge cap and shingles, with stone coated metal roofing systems that heat will not escape keeping your home comfortable and secure.
The Classic look of Stone Coated Steel Shingles, and Ventilated Ridge Cap at the roof center.
Longevity, low-Maintenance and value
Residential Metal Roofing Lasts - Low life span cost is the top reason homeowners choose steel.
Angie’s List reports that longevity is the number one reason homeowners choose metal roofing. Your new roof will last 70-100 years or more, it requires very little maintenance and it holds is beauty and good looks all the while. Along with the dependability that people love, more and more homeowners are realizing that stone coated metal roofing’s low life span costs, actually make it one of the best home improvement investments in today's market.
Stone Coated Steel Shingles are the one roofing material that you never have to worry about.
stone coated metal roofing?
Stone Coated Steel, the roofing you've never heard of...
I would be willing to bet that if you asked 10 metal roofing contractors about Stone Coated metal roofing you would get that look that says they probably do not know much. With metal roofing becoming more and more popular, stone coated steel shingles have somehow managed to go unnoticed to homeowners and roofing contractors alike. At Billings Metal Roofing and Solar we believe it is time to share the facts and give stone coated metal roofing its time in the spotlight.
Let's talk about steel roofing shingles
Our metal roofs are as strong as steel because they are steel. Typically, the shingle consists of several layers. At the core is what is called Galvalume Aluminum-Zinc Alloy Coated steel. The sheets are galvanized with both zinc and aluminum. This system of galvanizing the metal roof panels insures their durability and heat resistance. One of the benefits of Stone Coated Metal Roofing is that it will keep your attic up to 30% cooler, reducing the load on your AC units, Saving you money now and in the future.
Have questions?
What is the stone coating on metal roofing?
3M is the world's leader when it comes to suppliers of specialty granules used in the manufacture of asphalt shingles and Stone Coated Metal Roofing. They have developed, over the years, granules that provide a large selection of color choices. There are granules that reduce smog, that reflect heat, that provide energy savings, and most importantly they last, and they are bonded to our steel.
What is the expected life span of metal roofing?
How long should you expect your roof to last? Metal roofing doesn't deteriorate over time like paper or fiberglass will. Some metal roofs can be painted, coated, or otherwise refreshed and brought back to life. Stone Coating on steel barracks, hangers, and other military buildings was used often during World War ll. I know of these buildings withstanding fire, from within and from the outside. Stone Coated Metal Roofing has become one of the smartest choices in the metal roofing industry.
Any type or style of metal roofing will always look better in the test of time. How long should you expect your roof to last? It seems like a 50 year warranty is standard in the roofing industry, any kind of roofing it seems, comes with a 50 year warranty, but when you look at a heavily pro-rated warranty you see it loses value quickly and in the case of an asphalt shingle it isn't worth the paper its printed on in 7-10 years, losing 15-20% yearly. Have questions? Reach out today!
What are the downsides of Metal Roofing?
Increased investment and longer installation times are two of the only downsides for most homeowners. The initial investment in metal roofing is more than with asphalt shingles. Most home-owners consider metal roofing to be a onetime investment that eliminates the ongoing expenses associated with asphalt shingles. Energy savings, while eliminating ongoing repairs and maintenance will contribute to the eventual payback of a new metal roofing system.
Installing Stone Coated Metal Roofing
It been said, when it comes to roofing it is all in the install. Metal roofing contractors know that is true. Although our Stone Coated Metal Roofing System can be installed with only four tools, I would not suggest that anybody should do it. Roofs today can get complicated and several trim pieces may come into play. All our custom pieces aid in ease of install and carry the same coatings and under coatings that our shingle does. At Billings Metal Roofing and Solar, our roofing contractors ensure our installs are water tight, weather proof and ready to last a life time.