What Is Stone Coated Steel?
Stone coated steel roofing is made from galvanized or aluminum-zinc coated steel panels, finished with an acrylic coating and a layer of crushed stone granules. The panels are pressed into profiles that look like architectural shingles, cedar shake, or barrel tile. From the street it looks like a traditional roof. Up close, it's a steel roof built to take abuse.
Why It Makes Sense in West County
Hail is a fact of life in West St. Louis County. If you've had your roof replaced after a storm once or twice already, you know the drill: inspections, adjusters, deductibles, crews in the driveway. Stone coated steel is built to break that cycle.
- Hail resistance: many products carry a Class 4 impact rating, the top standard rating
- Wind resistance: interlocking panels resist uplift in strong storms
- Long life: commonly 40 to 70 years, versus about 25 to 30 for asphalt shingles
- Lightweight: much lighter than real tile or slate, so most homes need no structural changes
- Insurance savings: some insurers offer discounts for impact-rated roofs
Styles
Shingle profile
Looks like a dimensional architectural shingle roof. A good fit for most homes in Ellisville and Ballwin.
Shake profile
The rugged texture of cedar shake, great for wooded lots and craftsman homes in Wildwood, Glencoe and Eureka.
Tile and slate profiles
Barrel tile and slate looks for homes where a classic or Mediterranean style fits.
Upgrading during a claim: If insurance is replacing a damaged shingle roof, you can often apply the insurance payment toward stone coated steel and pay the difference yourself. See our insurance claim help page for how that works.
Installation
Stone coated steel is installed with its own system of underlayment, flashing, ridge and trim pieces designed to work together. We follow the manufacturer's installation requirements so your warranty stays valid, and we handle every penetration, valley and wall with matching steel flashing.
Common Questions
How long does a stone coated steel roof last?
Stone coated steel roofs commonly last 40 to 70 years, and many manufacturers offer long warranties. That's often two or more asphalt roofs' worth of life.
Is stone coated steel loud in the rain?
Not like a barn roof. The stone coating and the way the panels are installed over the deck dampen sound, so most homeowners find it no louder than shingles.
Does a stone coated steel roof hold up to hail?
That's its biggest strength. Many stone coated steel products carry a Class 4 impact rating, the highest standard rating for impact resistance. Very large hail can still leave cosmetic marks, but the roof is much less likely to be penetrated.
Will a stone coated steel roof lower my insurance?
Some insurance companies offer discounts for Class 4 impact-rated roofs. Ask your agent what applies to your policy.
Is stone coated steel more expensive?
Yes, up front it costs more than asphalt shingles. Because it can last much longer and resist hail, many homeowners find the cost per year comes out favorably. We'll price both so you can compare.