This comprehensive review covers everything Pinellas County homeowners need to know about DECRA roofing: the ZINCALUME steel core technology, the three main product profiles, the stone coating process, Florida-specific performance characteristics, warranty details, installation methods, cost analysis, and how DECRA compares to other popular Florida roofing materials. Whether you are planning a roof replacement for your Clearwater bungalow, your St. Petersburg ranch home, or your Largo colonial, this guide will help you determine if DECRA is the right fit.
The ZINCALUME Steel Core: Engineering Behind DECRA
Every DECRA roofing panel starts with a core of ZINCALUME steel, which is a high-strength steel substrate coated with an alloy of 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc, and 1.5% silicon. This alloy coating was developed by BIEC International (now part of BlueScope Steel) and has become the global standard for corrosion-resistant steel in building products.
The aluminum component provides long-term barrier protection against corrosion, while the zinc component offers sacrificial (galvanic) protection that actively prevents rust from forming at cut edges and minor surface scratches. The silicon acts as a bonding agent that ensures the alloy adheres uniformly to the steel substrate during the hot-dip coating process.
For Pinellas County homeowners, the ZINCALUME core is particularly relevant because of the coastal environment. Salt air accelerates corrosion in standard galvanized steel and many painted metal roofing products. ZINCALUME's aluminum-zinc alloy provides substantially better salt spray resistance than traditional galvanization, which is why DECRA roofs along the Gulf Coast have demonstrated excellent longevity even in homes located just blocks from the waterfront.
The steel used in DECRA panels is 26-gauge structural steel, which provides the rigidity and strength needed to resist wind uplift and impact forces while remaining lightweight. At just 1.3 to 1.5 pounds per square foot when installed with the batten system, DECRA is one of the lightest roofing materials on the market, lighter even than standard three-tab asphalt shingles.
The Stone Coating Process: How DECRA Gets Its Finish
What separates stone-coated steel from standard metal roofing is the multi-layer finish that gives each panel its color, texture, and weather resistance. The DECRA stone coating process involves several distinct layers applied to the ZINCALUME steel base.
First, an acrylic basecoat is applied to the formed steel panel. This basecoat serves as both an adhesion promoter for the stone granules and an additional corrosion barrier for the steel substrate. The basecoat is applied at a controlled thickness to ensure uniform coverage across the entire panel surface, including the formed profiles and edges.
Next, natural stone granules are embedded into the wet basecoat. DECRA uses crushed volcanic stone (basalt) that has been screened to a specific size range and then ceramic-coated to achieve the desired color. The ceramic coating on the stone granules is fired at high temperatures, which creates a permanent color bond that will not fade, peel, or wash away over time. This is fundamentally different from painted metal roofing, where the color is a surface coating that degrades under UV exposure.
After the stone granules are applied, a clear acrylic overglaze is sprayed over the surface. This overglaze locks the granules in place, provides an additional UV protection layer, and gives the finished surface a slight sheen that enhances the visual depth of the stone texture. The overglaze also makes the surface self-cleaning to a degree, as rainwater sheets across the smooth acrylic layer and carries away dust and debris.
The result of this multi-layer process is a roofing panel that looks and feels like natural stone or tile from any viewing distance but performs like engineered metal. The stone coating eliminates the "drumming" sound often associated with metal roofs during heavy rain, provides superior traction for maintenance access, and creates a thermal break that reduces heat transfer through the panel.
DECRA Product Profiles: Villa Tile, Shake XD, and Shingle XD
DECRA offers three main residential roofing profiles, each designed to replicate a different traditional roofing aesthetic. All three share the same ZINCALUME steel core and stone coating technology, but they differ in profile shape, panel dimensions, coverage area, and visual appearance. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the three profiles available for Pinellas County installations.
| Specification | Villa Tile | Shake XD | Shingle XD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Mediterranean barrel tile | Hand-split wood shake | Thick architectural shingle |
| Weight (installed) | ~1.5 lbs/sq ft | ~1.4 lbs/sq ft | ~1.3 lbs/sq ft |
| Wind Rating | Up to 180 mph | Up to 180 mph | Up to 180 mph |
| Impact Rating | Class 4 (UL 2218) | Class 4 (UL 2218) | Class 4 (UL 2218) |
| Fire Rating | Class A | Class A | Class A |
| Color Options | 6 standard colors | 6 standard colors | 6 standard colors |
| Installed Cost (per sq ft) | $11 - $15 | $10 - $14 | $9 - $13 |
| Best For | Spanish/Mediterranean homes | Craftsman/coastal styles | Traditional/colonial homes |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited transferable | Lifetime limited transferable | Lifetime limited transferable |
Villa Tile: The Mediterranean Classic
DECRA Villa Tile replicates the look of traditional barrel tile roofing, which is one of the most popular roof styles in Florida. The high-profile barrel shape creates deep shadow lines and the distinctive rolling texture associated with Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, and Italian-influenced architecture. Villa Tile is particularly popular in Pinellas County's older established neighborhoods and waterfront communities where barrel tile is the dominant roof style.
The key advantage of Villa Tile over traditional concrete or clay barrel tile is weight. At approximately 1.5 pounds per square foot, Villa Tile weighs roughly one-eighth as much as concrete barrel tile (9 to 12 pounds per square foot) and one-sixth as much as clay tile (8 to 15 pounds per square foot). This means homeowners can achieve the classic Florida tile roof look without the structural weight concerns that come with traditional tile installation.
Villa Tile is available in six standard color blends designed to match popular Florida tile colors, including Terracotta, Venetian Coral, Garnet, Chestnut, Charcoal, and Timber. Each color blend incorporates multiple stone granule shades to create the natural color variation seen in aged clay tile roofs.
Shake XD: Wood Shake Aesthetic With Zero Combustibility
DECRA Shake XD replicates the appearance of hand-split cedar wood shakes, creating a rustic, textured roof profile with pronounced shadow lines and natural-looking surface variation. The "XD" designation indicates the extra-dimensional profile depth, which provides a more realistic shake appearance than earlier DECRA shake products.
For Florida homeowners who love the look of wood shakes but understand the fire and moisture risks of real wood in a subtropical climate, Shake XD is an ideal solution. The steel core carries a Class A fire rating (the highest available), compared to wood shakes which are typically rated Class C at best without chemical treatment. In a state where wildfire risk and lightning-strike fires are constant concerns, this fire resistance is a meaningful safety advantage.
Shake XD is also immune to the rot, insect damage, and splitting that plague natural wood shake roofs in Florida's humid environment. Real cedar shakes in the Tampa Bay area typically need replacement within 15 to 20 years due to moisture-related deterioration. Shake XD carries a lifetime limited warranty and is expected to perform for 50 to 70 years under the same conditions.
Shingle XD: Traditional Shingle Look With Metal Performance
DECRA Shingle XD is designed for homeowners who prefer a traditional shingle appearance but want the performance benefits of stone-coated steel. The profile replicates the look of thick, dimensional architectural asphalt shingles with a slightly textured surface and clean horizontal lines.
Shingle XD is the most affordable DECRA profile and the most versatile from an architectural compatibility standpoint. It works well on ranch homes, colonials, Cape Cods, and contemporary designs. For Pinellas County homeowners who want to upgrade from asphalt shingles without dramatically changing the look of their home, Shingle XD provides a nearly seamless transition with dramatically improved performance and longevity.
At approximately 1.3 pounds per square foot, Shingle XD is actually lighter than the asphalt shingles it replaces, which typically weigh 2.5 to 4 pounds per square foot. This weight reduction slightly decreases the cumulative dead load on the roof structure and the home's foundation, which is a minor but real structural benefit over time.
Florida Wind Ratings: Up to 180 MPH
Wind resistance is the single most important performance metric for any roofing material installed in Pinellas County. The Gulf Coast location, combined with the flat terrain and proximity to warm Gulf waters, makes this region one of the highest hurricane risk areas in the United States. The Florida Building Code reflects this reality with stringent wind resistance requirements that vary by location and building type.
All three DECRA profiles are tested and rated for wind speeds up to 180 mph when installed according to manufacturer specifications with the proprietary batten and clip attachment system. To put this in context, Category 5 hurricanes produce sustained winds of 157 mph or greater. DECRA's 180 mph rating exceeds even Category 5 thresholds, providing the highest wind resistance rating available in the residential roofing market.
This exceptional wind resistance comes from the mechanical attachment method. Unlike asphalt shingles (which rely on adhesive strips and nails) or concrete tile (which uses a combination of mortar, clips, and gravity), DECRA panels are mechanically locked to horizontal battens that are fastened directly to the roof deck. Each panel interlocks with the adjacent panels on all four sides, creating a continuous, connected roof surface that resists wind uplift across the entire assembly rather than relying on individual fastener points.
The interlocking panel design also prevents progressive failure, which is a common mode of wind damage with shingle and tile roofs. When a single shingle or tile is lifted or removed by high winds, the surrounding units are exposed and vulnerable to the same forces, leading to cascading damage. DECRA's interlocking system distributes wind loads across multiple panels simultaneously, making it much more difficult for wind to initiate damage.
DECRA has conducted extensive wind testing at accredited laboratories including the Texas Tech Wind Science and Engineering Research Center. Their panels have been tested under both positive pressure (wind pushing against the roof) and negative pressure (wind pulling upward on the roof, or suction) at pressures corresponding to wind speeds exceeding 180 mph. This testing satisfies the Florida Building Code requirements for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ), which means DECRA is approved for installation anywhere in Florida, including the most wind-exposed coastal areas of Pinellas County.
DECRA Lifetime Limited Transferable Warranty
DECRA backs all three residential profiles with a lifetime limited transferable warranty. Understanding the specific provisions of this warranty is important for Pinellas County homeowners evaluating DECRA against competing products.
The warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing for the lifetime of the original owner. This includes coverage for the ZINCALUME steel core (against perforation from corrosion), the stone coating (against excessive granule loss), and the structural integrity of the formed panel (against cracking, splitting, or deformation under normal conditions).
The warranty is transferable to subsequent homeowners, which is a significant benefit for resale value. When the home is sold, the remaining warranty coverage transfers to the new owner. The transferred warranty typically converts from a lifetime term to a prorated term based on the age of the installation at the time of transfer, with specific terms outlined in the warranty documentation.
DECRA's warranty also includes a wind damage provision that covers repair or replacement of panels damaged by wind events up to the rated wind speed (180 mph). This provision requires that the roof was installed according to DECRA specifications by a qualified contractor. For Florida homeowners, this wind damage coverage is an important supplement to homeowner insurance, as it can cover repair costs that fall within the insurance deductible.
One important note: the warranty requires that the DECRA roofing system be installed by a contractor in good standing. While DECRA does not require formal manufacturer certification (unlike some competing brands), they do require that the installer follow the DECRA installation manual and meet all applicable building code requirements. Keeping your installation receipt and documentation is essential for warranty claims.
The warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, unauthorized modifications, negligent maintenance, or acts of nature beyond the rated specifications. It also does not cover cosmetic changes in the stone coating color that result from normal weathering, though the ceramic-coated stone granules are designed to resist significant color change for the life of the product.
DECRA Cost Analysis for Pinellas County
DECRA roofing falls in the mid-to-upper range of Florida roof replacement costs, positioned between premium asphalt shingles and standing seam metal. Here is a detailed cost breakdown for Pinellas County as of early 2026.
Material costs for DECRA panels run between $4 and $7 per square foot depending on the profile. Villa Tile commands the highest material price due to its more complex forming process, while Shingle XD is the most economical. Add to this the cost of battens, clips, underlayment, flashing, and accessories, which typically run $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
Labor costs for DECRA installation in the Pinellas County market range from $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. The batten system installation requires more skill and time than standard shingle application but less than standing seam metal fabrication. Tear-off and disposal of the existing roof adds another $1 to $2 per square foot.
All told, the fully installed cost for DECRA in Pinellas County typically falls between $9 and $15 per square foot, with most projects landing in the $10 to $13 range. For a typical 2,000-square-foot roof, that translates to a total project cost of $18,000 to $30,000. The table below shows how DECRA compares to other popular roofing options.
| Roofing Material | Installed Cost (per sq ft) | Lifespan | Cost Per Year of Service | Wind Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DECRA Stone-Coated Steel | $9 - $15 | 50 - 70+ years | $0.15 - $0.25 | Up to 180 mph |
| Standing Seam Metal | $10 - $18 | 40 - 70 years | $0.18 - $0.35 | 140 - 180 mph |
| Architectural Shingles | $4 - $7 | 20 - 30 years | $0.17 - $0.30 | 110 - 130 mph |
| Concrete Tile | $6 - $12 | 40 - 50 years | $0.15 - $0.27 | 125 - 150 mph |
| Synthetic Slate | $8 - $14 | 50+ years | $0.16 - $0.28 | 110 - 130+ mph |
When evaluated on a cost-per-year-of-service basis, DECRA is among the most economical roofing materials available. At $0.15 to $0.25 per square foot per year of expected service life, it matches or beats concrete tile and costs significantly less per year than architectural shingles, which must be replaced two to three times during the same period a single DECRA roof is in service.
Class 4 Impact Rating and Insurance Benefits
All DECRA profiles carry a Class 4 impact rating under UL 2218, which is the highest classification available for roofing materials. This rating is earned by surviving repeated impacts from a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking, splitting, or creating a path for water penetration.
The Class 4 rating is particularly important for Pinellas County homeowners because of its relationship to insurance premiums. Florida homeowner insurance costs have risen dramatically in recent years, driven by hurricane losses, litigation costs, and carrier withdrawals from the market. Any factor that reduces your premium is financially significant.
Many Florida insurance carriers offer specific discounts for roofing materials that meet Class 4 impact standards and high wind resistance thresholds. The combination of Class 4 impact and 180 mph wind resistance makes DECRA one of the strongest products for insurance qualification purposes. Homeowners who have switched from standard asphalt shingles to DECRA in the Tampa Bay area commonly report insurance premium reductions of 10% to 25%, though actual savings depend on the specific carrier, policy structure, deductible level, and other factors.
To maximize your insurance benefit, request a wind mitigation inspection after your DECRA roof is installed. Florida law requires insurance companies to provide premium credits for qualifying wind mitigation features, and a DECRA roof with its mechanical attachment system and high wind rating should qualify for multiple credit categories on the standard OIR-B1-1802 wind mitigation form.
The financial impact of insurance savings should be factored into your overall cost analysis. If DECRA roofing reduces your annual insurance premium by $500 to $1,500 (realistic numbers for many Pinellas County policies), that savings accumulates to $25,000 to $75,000 over a 50-year roof life, which can more than offset the premium cost of DECRA over standard shingles.
Installation: The DECRA Batten System
DECRA roofing is installed using a proprietary batten system that is fundamentally different from the direct-to-deck application used for asphalt shingles or the mortar-set method used for traditional tile. Understanding this installation method helps explain both the performance advantages and the cost factors associated with DECRA.
Deck Preparation
Like all Florida roofing installations, a DECRA project starts with inspection and preparation of the roof deck. The deck must be solid plywood or OSB sheathing in sound condition, meeting the minimum thickness requirements of the Florida Building Code (typically 15/32-inch or greater). Any damaged, rotted, or delaminated decking must be replaced before the DECRA system is installed.
A code-approved underlayment is installed over the prepared deck. For Pinellas County installations, most contractors use a self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment (peel-and-stick) for maximum waterproofing, particularly at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. The underlayment serves as a secondary water barrier and is a critical component of the overall roofing system's waterproofing performance.
Batten Installation
After the underlayment is in place, horizontal wooden battens are fastened to the deck at specific spacing intervals determined by the DECRA profile being installed and the roof pitch. The battens are typically 1x2 or 2x2 pressure-treated lumber secured with corrosion-resistant fasteners driven into the trusses or rafters below the deck.
The batten system serves multiple purposes. First, it provides the mechanical attachment points for the DECRA panels. Second, it creates an air channel between the panel surface and the deck that promotes ventilation and reduces heat transfer. This ventilation channel is particularly beneficial in Florida, where reducing heat gain through the roof can lower air conditioning costs. Third, the battens elevate the metal panels above the deck surface, preventing direct contact that could trap moisture and create corrosion points.
Panel Installation and Interlocking
DECRA panels are installed from the eave upward, with each panel mechanically clipped or screwed to the battens. The panels interlock on all four edges: the bottom edge hooks over the top edge of the panel below, and the side edges overlap with adjacent panels using a formed interlock detail. This four-sided interlocking system is what gives DECRA its exceptional wind resistance.
The installation process requires precision. Each panel must be properly aligned, interlocked, and fastened before the next panel is placed. Cutting panels to fit around hips, valleys, ridges, and penetrations requires specialty tools and experience with metal roofing fabrication. This is not a project for general roofers who only have experience with shingles or tile.
Ridge, Hip, and Trim Details
DECRA provides matching ridge caps, hip caps, and trim accessories for each profile. These components use the same ZINCALUME steel core and stone coating as the field panels, ensuring a consistent appearance across the entire roof. Ridge and hip caps are mechanically fastened with concealed screws, maintaining the clean lines of the finished installation.
Flashing at walls, chimneys, skylights, and vent penetrations follows standard metal roofing practices using corrosion-resistant step flashing, counter flashing, and boot seals. The batten system accommodates these details with specific framing and attachment methods detailed in the DECRA installation manual.
DECRA vs Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Homeowners considering metal roofing for their Pinellas County home often compare DECRA stone-coated steel to standing seam metal. Both are metal roofing systems, but they differ significantly in appearance, installation method, and cost.
Standing seam metal roofing features long vertical panels with raised seams that run from the eave to the ridge. The look is distinctly modern, clean, and linear. Standing seam is available in a wide range of factory-applied paint colors and can also be ordered in natural metal finishes (copper, zinc, or galvalume). Wind resistance for quality standing seam systems ranges from 140 to 180 mph depending on the panel profile and clip system.
DECRA, by contrast, is designed to replicate the appearance of traditional roofing materials (tile, shake, or shingle). The stone coating gives it a textured, granular surface that looks nothing like a typical metal roof. For homeowners in neighborhoods where a modern metal roof appearance would conflict with the established architectural character, DECRA provides metal performance with a traditional aesthetic.
From a performance standpoint, DECRA's stone coating provides several advantages over painted standing seam. The stone granules do not fade, chip, or peel the way painted finishes can over decades of Florida sun exposure. The textured surface provides better traction for maintenance access. And the stone coating acts as a sound dampener, significantly reducing rain noise compared to standing seam metal.
Standing seam metal does have advantages in certain areas. The continuous panel design has fewer potential water entry points than DECRA's interlocking panel system. Standing seam is generally easier to repair or modify after installation. And for very low-slope roof applications, standing seam may be the better choice because it can handle lower pitches than the minimum slopes required for DECRA profiles.
Cost-wise, DECRA ($9 to $15 per square foot) is typically less expensive than standing seam metal ($10 to $18 per square foot), particularly for complex roof designs with multiple hips, valleys, and penetrations where standing seam fabrication costs increase significantly.
DECRA vs Asphalt Shingles for Florida Homes
The most common comparison Pinellas County homeowners make is between DECRA and asphalt shingles, which remain the most widely installed roofing material in Florida. Here is how they stack up across the factors that matter most.
Longevity: DECRA lasts 50 to 70+ years. Architectural asphalt shingles in Florida's harsh climate typically last 15 to 25 years. Over a 60-year period, you would need to replace an asphalt shingle roof two to three times at a total cost that likely exceeds the single cost of a DECRA installation.
Wind resistance: DECRA is rated to 180 mph. Premium architectural shingles are rated to 110 to 130 mph. This is a significant gap for a hurricane-prone area like Pinellas County, where Category 3 and stronger storms are within the historical probability range.
Impact resistance: Both DECRA and some premium shingles carry Class 4 impact ratings, but the materials respond differently to repeated impacts. DECRA's steel core absorbs impact energy and springs back, while shingle granules can be dislodged by repeated hits, eventually exposing the asphalt substrate to UV degradation.
Weight: DECRA at 1.3 to 1.5 pounds per square foot is actually lighter than most architectural shingles at 2.5 to 4 pounds per square foot. This is a common surprise for homeowners who assume metal roofing must be heavier.
Maintenance: DECRA requires minimal maintenance beyond periodic visual inspection and debris clearing. Asphalt shingles in Florida may require periodic treatment for algae growth (those dark streaks you see on many Florida roofs), as well as monitoring for curling, lifting, and granule loss as they age.
Upfront cost: This is where asphalt shingles hold a clear advantage. At $4 to $7 per square foot installed, shingles cost roughly half to two-thirds as much as DECRA. For homeowners on a tight budget or those planning to sell the property within 5 to 10 years, the lower upfront cost of shingles may be the rational choice.
Insurance impact: DECRA's combination of Class 4 impact and 180 mph wind rating typically qualifies for larger insurance discounts than standard shingles. The insurance savings over time can narrow the cost gap between the two materials substantially.
Florida-Specific Performance Considerations
Beyond wind and impact resistance, DECRA's performance in several Florida-specific conditions is worth examining.
Salt Air and Coastal Corrosion
Pinellas County is a peninsula within a peninsula, surrounded by Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Salt-laden air penetrates well inland, accelerating corrosion on metal building products. DECRA's ZINCALUME core is specifically engineered for coastal environments. The aluminum-zinc alloy coating provides superior salt spray resistance compared to standard galvanized steel, and the stone coating adds an additional physical barrier between the corrosive environment and the steel substrate.
DECRA publishes specific guidance for installations within 1,500 feet of saltwater, including enhanced fastener specifications and periodic inspection recommendations. Following these coastal installation guidelines ensures maximum corrosion resistance and maintains full warranty coverage for waterfront homes in areas like Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, and the St. Petersburg waterfront.
UV Exposure and Heat
Florida's intense UV radiation breaks down many building materials over time. Painted metal roofs commonly show significant color fading within 10 to 15 years under Florida sun exposure. DECRA's ceramic-coated stone granules are inherently resistant to UV degradation because the color is achieved through high-temperature ceramic firing rather than organic paint chemistry. The stone coating maintains consistent color for decades without the chalking, fading, or peeling that affects painted metal systems.
The stone coating also moderates heat absorption. While all dark-colored roofing materials absorb solar radiation, the textured stone surface of DECRA panels re-radiates heat more effectively than smooth painted metal surfaces. Combined with the ventilation channel created by the batten system, this results in lower heat transfer through the roof assembly, which can contribute to reduced air conditioning costs.
Humidity and Biological Growth
Tampa Bay area humidity promotes algae, mold, and mildew growth on many roofing surfaces. DECRA's stone-coated surface resists biological growth better than asphalt shingles (which contain organic compounds that feed algae) and concrete tile (which is porous and retains moisture). While no roofing material is completely immune to biological growth in a tropical climate, DECRA surfaces can be cleaned with standard low-pressure washing when needed, and the inorganic stone and metal composition does not provide a food source for organisms.
Frequently Asked Questions About DECRA Roofing in Florida
How much does DECRA roofing cost in Florida?
DECRA stone-coated steel roofing in Pinellas County typically costs between $9 and $15 per square foot installed, depending on the profile selected and project complexity. Villa Tile is the most expensive profile at $11 to $15 per square foot, while Shingle XD is the most affordable at $9 to $13 per square foot. For a standard 2,000-square-foot roof, total project costs typically range from $18,000 to $30,000.
What wind speed can DECRA roofing withstand?
DECRA roofing products are tested and rated for wind speeds up to 180 mph when installed according to manufacturer specifications with the proprietary batten and clip system. This exceeds the requirements for even the most demanding Florida Building Code high-velocity hurricane zones and provides protection through Category 5 hurricane conditions. The interlocking panel design and mechanical attachment system are the key factors behind this exceptional wind resistance.
Does DECRA roofing qualify for insurance discounts in Florida?
Yes. DECRA roofing carries a Class 4 impact rating and wind resistance up to 180 mph, both of which can qualify for significant homeowner insurance premium reductions in Florida. Many Pinellas County homeowners report insurance savings of 10% to 25% after installing DECRA roofing. To maximize your discount, request a wind mitigation inspection after installation and submit the completed OIR-B1-1802 form to your insurance carrier.
How long does DECRA roofing last?
DECRA roofing is backed by a lifetime limited transferable warranty and has a documented performance history spanning over 60 years globally. The ZINCALUME steel core combined with the stone coating provides exceptional corrosion resistance and durability. In Florida conditions, properly installed DECRA roofing is expected to last 50 to 70 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Is DECRA roofing good for Florida weather?
DECRA roofing is exceptionally well-suited for Florida weather. The ZINCALUME steel core resists corrosion from salt air and humidity. The stone coating provides UV protection and prevents the fading common with painted metal roofs. The Class 4 impact rating handles severe hail. And the 180 mph wind rating exceeds Category 5 hurricane wind speeds. The batten installation system also creates a ventilation channel that helps reduce heat transfer, which is beneficial for cooling costs in Florida's hot climate.
How heavy is DECRA roofing compared to other materials?
DECRA roofing weighs approximately 1.3 to 1.5 pounds per square foot, making it one of the lightest roofing materials available. It weighs roughly half as much as asphalt shingles (2.5 to 4 lbs per sq ft), one-seventh as much as concrete tile (9 to 12 lbs per sq ft), and one-tenth as much as natural slate (9 to 15 lbs per sq ft). This lightweight profile means DECRA can be installed on virtually any existing roof structure in Pinellas County without structural reinforcement.
Can DECRA be installed over an existing roof?
In some cases, DECRA can be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof using the batten system, which can reduce labor costs and waste. However, Florida Building Code requirements and the condition of the existing roof must be evaluated by a qualified contractor. In many Pinellas County installations, a full tear-off is recommended to inspect and repair the deck, ensure proper underlayment installation, and achieve the best long-term performance from the DECRA system.