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There certainly are a number of roofing options available for South Carolina homes, including 3-tab asphalt shingles, slate, metal panels, and clay tiles. Each type of roof covering provides a different set of benefits and drawbacks, which can make it hard for some homeowners to decide which option will best suit their needs.
For example, while traditional shingles are the most popular option and often viewed as the default choice for many, some homeowners would prefer a more durable alternative, such as metal panels. The problem is that metal panels have a very distinctive appearance. And while some homeowners love the way metal roof panels look, others would prefer a different type of aesthetic.
Fortunately, there’s a solution for homeowners in this situation: stone-coated steel shingles. Also simply called metal roofing shingles, these shingles offer a great combination of durability and stylistic flexibility, making them the perfect option for many roofs.
Read on to learn more about these shingles, as well as the pros and cons they offer.
What Are Stone-Coated Steel Shingles?
Stone-coated steel shingles are exactly what they sound like — stamped metal plates that are covered in a layer of crushed stone. The result is a product that offers the best of both worlds: They have all of the durability of metal roofing panels, yet they present a more traditional, shingle-like aesthetic.
It’s also important to note that stone-coated metal roofing tiles can also be stamped into other shapes. For example, they can also be made to resemble clay tiles or shake shingles.
Interestingly, while they’re not as well-known as some other kinds of roofing products, stone-coated steel shingles have been around for quite a while. They were first developed in New Zealand way back in the 1950s. And the concept itself goes back even farther than that, as the British military used bitumen and sand to coat metal plates and keep buildings camouflaged.
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles: The Pros
Metal roofing shingles offer a number of benefits, which is part of the reason they’re becoming more and more popular.
A few of their most noteworthy pros include:
- Exceptional Durability: Stone-coated steel shingles are resistant to cracking, warping, and weather-related wear. In fact, they can last for 70 years in some cases.
- Impact & Hail Resistant: Many stone-coated steel shingles are Class 4 impact-rated, making them among the highest-rated roofing materials available and perfect for storm-prone areas.
- Fire Resistant: Because they’re made from steel and stone, these shingles are non-combustible and boast a Class A fire rating (when installed with the proper underlayment).
- High Wind Performance: These shingles can withstand wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour, and some models can handle winds in the 150-mile-per-hour range.
- Energy Efficient: The reflective coatings used in some stone-coated steel shingles and the air gaps they naturally create can help reduce cooling costs.
- Lightweight: Stone-coated steel shingles weigh significantly less than traditional tile or slate roof coverings do.
- Curb Appeal: These shingles can mimic the appearance of asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or tile, while providing greater durability and longevity.
- Low Maintenance: These shingles require only minimal upkeep compared to wood shakes or asphalt shingles, and they’re resistant to mold, rot, and pests.
- Environmentally Friendly: Because they’re often made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of their life, stone-coated steel shingles are more eco-friendly than many other roof materials.
- Long Warranties: Many stone-coated shingle manufacturers offer extended warranties lasting for 30 to 50 years — some even include hail and wind coverage.
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles: The Cons
No single roofing material is perfect for all situations, and everything from asphalt to slate has some downsides. But with that said, there aren’t a lot of drawbacks to stone-coated steel shingles. Nevertheless, a few of the most common complaints include:
- High Upfront Cost: Stone-coated steel shingle installation may cost two or three times as much as traditional asphalt shingle installation does.
- Installation Complexity: Not every roofing contractor has the skills, experience, or expertise to install stone-coated metal roofing, and installation mistakes can lead to leaks and voided warranties.
- Noise During Storms: Like traditional metal roofs, stone-coated steel roofs can create a lot of noise during heavy rain or hailstorms.
- Color Fading: Extended exposure to intense UV rays and severe weather can cause the paint and stone coating to fade, weaken, or chip over time.
- Weight Considerations: Although lighter than heavy tile or slate, stone-coated steel is heavier than standard asphalt shingles and might require structural reinforcement in older homes.
Perfect Situations for Stone-Coated Steel Shingles
It’s always important to consider your specific needs and situation when selecting roofing materials. Stone-coated steel shingles certainly outperform other options in many cases, but they’re not always the right choice.
However, they’re often ideally suited for homeowners in the following situations:
- You live in a storm-prone region. Stone-coated steel is ideal for homes in areas with frequent hail, high winds, or heavy rain, such as coastal South Carolina.
- You want a great combination of longevity and curb appeal. Stone-coated shingles are great for homeowners who want a roof that mimics tile, shake, or slate, yet lasts two or three times longer than asphalt shingles.
- You’re concerned about the increased prevalence of wildfires. While coastal South Carolina may not be as fire-prone as some other regions, wildfires are a growing concern, making Class A fire-rated materials desirable.
- You have an older home with structural limits. Because stone-coated steel is lighter than concrete or slate, it is often a good choice when heavier materials aren’t feasible.
- You want improved energy efficiency. The reflective coatings and ventilation-enhancing profile of steel shingles help lower cooling costs, making them particularly valuable for Charleston residents.
- You intend to remain in your home over the long term. Metal roofing shingles are perfect for homeowners planning to stay in their home for decades, as their durability will provide great value over time.
- Your home is remote or difficult to access. Because stone-coated steel shingles require very little maintenance and rarely need to be repaired, they’re ideal for vacation homes, cabins, and rural properties.
- You live in an HOA community with strict aesthetic requirements. Stone-coated steel shingles will match the appearance of traditional shingles, making them useful in some situations.
Just be sure to discuss your situation and preferences with your Willow Ash Roofing representative. He or she will be happy to help you determine if stone-coated steel shingles are a good choice for your home.
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles: FAQ
Have more questions about metal roofing shingles? Curious to learn more? We’ve rounded up some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and answered them below!
How long do stone-coated metal shingles last?
In contrast to traditional asphalt shingles, which generally last about 15 to 25 years, stone-coated shingles often last for at least 40 years, and many last for up to 70.
What are stone-coated steel shingles?
Stone-coated steel shingles are stamped metal plates, designed to resemble shingles. They also feature an external crushed stone coating, which helps make them resemble traditional shingles.
Is stone-coated roofing better than shingles?
In most respects, yes. Stone-coated roofing shingles do present a few downsides (such as higher up-front costs), but they’re far more durable and last for much longer than traditional shingles do.
What is the average cost of a stone-coated steel roof?
There are a number of factors that’ll help determine the cost for a new stone-coated steel roof, but installation generally costs between $17 and $20 per roof.
Can you walk on a stone-coated shingle roof?
You can walk on a stone-coated shingle roof, but extreme caution is warranted. Generally speaking, homeowners should avoid walking on their roof, given the obvious dangers involved. Instead, have a roofing professional inspect your roof regularly.
Did you know? Willow Ash Roofing also installs skylights?
Trust Willow Ash Roofing for All Your Roofing Needs!
Whether you think stone-coated steel shingles are the right choice for your home or you’d rather opt for traditional shingles or metal panels, the professionals at Willow Ash Roofing are ready to help! We’ve been serving the Charleston community since 2002, including everywhere from Goose Creek to Folly Beach, and we’d love to help you too!
Contact us today to schedule your free estimate. One of our roofing professionals will visit your home or commercial property, outline a few recommendations, and answer any questions you may have. We can even help you file an insurance claim if your existing roof has suffered storm damage!
Sources and References
- DECRA Metal Roofing – “Research Shows Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Enhances Energy-Saving Performance”
Reports experimental data demonstrating that stone-coated metal roofs with cool-roof granules and batten systems significantly reduce heat flow and improve overall energy efficiency compared to asphalt shingles.
https://www.decra.com/pro/stone-coated-metal-roofing-research-to-enhance-energy-saving-performance - FIXR – “Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Quick Guide: Cost, Pros, and More”
Provides a concise overview of stone-coated steel roofing, detailing its Class 4 impact rating, high-wind and fire resistance, long service life, and typical installation costs, as well as maintenance considerations.
https://www.fixr.com/articles/stone-coated-steel-roofing-guide - Metalcon – “Understanding the Types of Metal Roofing: Pros & Cons”
Compares different metal roofing systems—including stone-coated steel—highlighting benefits such as durability and fire resistance alongside drawbacks like higher upfront costs and installation complexity.
https://metalcon.com/blog/understanding-the-types-of-metal-roofing-pros-cons/ - Sheffield Metals – “Fire Ratings for Roofs: Class A and Product vs. Assembly”
Explains how roof fire-resistance ratings are tested and certified, clarifying the requirements for Class A assemblies and why these standards matter for stone-coated steel roofing installations.
https://sheffieldmetals.com/learning-center/fire-ratings-for-roofs/ - South Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal – “Codes and Standards”
Lists the currently adopted South Carolina building and fire codes, offering guidance on compliance for roofing materials, including stone-coated steel shingles that must meet Class A fire rating requirements.
https://statefire.llr.sc.gov/osfm/codes.aspx
