Kansas City weather is tough on homes, and that means it’s vital to choose the right material for your residential roof replacement. The right roofing will accentuate your property’s architecture, look great from the curb, and give you enduring protection that safeguards your home from leaks and other damage.
Stone-coated metal roofing is a superb alternative to the classic wood shakes so often found on older buildings. It’s durable, easy to care for, and made with the latest technology to provide indoor comfort. And among the top metal roofing options is DECRA Shake XD, a choice Kansas City homeowners appreciate.
Here’s how DECRA Shake XD stone coated metal roofing beats wood shakes to keep your home’s roof safe and sound for decades.
Problems that Arise from Wood Shake Roofing
While wood is a respected, traditional building material that looks attractive when newly installed on a roof, it can quickly present disadvantages that property owners need to be aware of.
Vulnerable to the Elements
Rain, snow, ice, and humidity can cause wood shakes to crack, which leads to rotting and leaks. This can result in mold and mildew growth, decreasing your building’s air quality. This frustrates tenants and creates health hazards.
Likewise, strong winds can wear away at wood shakes, causing them to lift, loosen, curl up or split. This makes your roof unattractive and exposes your property to costly moisture damage.
Ages Fast
Your roof takes the brunt of harsh weather year-round. Wood roofing lasts just 15-30 years, even if carefully maintained. You also get average performance from asphalt shingles. But you’ll get decades more protection from metal than other roofing materials.
Becomes Discolored
Your roof should create a seamless, eye-catching look with the rest of your architecture. Wood shakes make this hard because they fade to a dull brown-grey when exposed to weather. Within 5-10 years, many property owners become dissatisfied with the faded appearance of old wood shakes.
Attracts Pests
Wood’s organic makeup draws the attention of annoying pests. Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and other insects eat at wood roofing, while woodpeckers drum holes in it to find the insects. The relentless damage makes the wood vulnerable to leaks.
Creates a Fire Risk
Finally, wood is a definite fire hazard. Wood shakes can cause a fire to spread faster, putting tenants at risk. And you’ll pay higher rates on property insurance because of the risks this roofing material poses.
What Makes DECRA Metal Roofing Ideal for Kansas City Area Homes
To gain an attractive look as well as reliable durability, Kansas City property owners are turning to the advantages offered by today’s modern, versatile metal roofing options. In this arena, DECRA Shake XD Stone Coated Metal Roofing stands out as a top performer. Here’s why.
Attractive Style
DECRA Shake XD recreates the appealing look of traditional shake roofing, without the vulnerabilities that wood endures. Though made of metal, DECRA stone coated shakes look natural and beautiful.
They work with any architecture and are available in lovely colors such as Pinnacle Grey and Woodland Green—shades that don’t fade upon exposure to the elements, providing lasting curb appeal.
Wind and Rain Protection
Midwest storms can threaten wood shakes, but metal roofs offer added protection you’ll appreciate. Installed with a unique interlocking technique, metal roof panels remain tightly in place, so rain and wind can’t get in.
DECRA stone coated metal XD shakes are so durable that they’re backed by a warranty for winds up to 120 mph and are lab tested at twice that velocity. You can count on DECRA roofing to perform well during stormy Kansas weather.
Hail Resistance
Another benefit of investing in DECRA metal roofing is how well it performs against hail. While wood shakes can be broken when struck by storm debris, metal shakes are not easily damaged.
DECRA XD stone coated metal shakes have earned the coveted Class 4 Hail Resistance rating—the highest a roofing material can earn. And DECRA roofs are warrantied to withstand hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter, so you can have confidence your home is protected during storms.
Impressive Longevity
Properties in Kansas City need strong roofs that endure the region’s weather extremes. While wood may last 15-20 years and asphalt lasts 12-20 years, DECRA metal roofing typically remains intact for 40-70 years.
Metal roofing doesn’t need a lot of upkeep. It’s less likely to become loosened and fly off the roof (like wood and asphalt can during high winds or severe weather). A metal roof will lower your long-term maintenance costs too.
Fire Resistance
Unlike wood, metal roofing isn’t at risk of catching fire because it doesn’t burn. In fact, DECRA Shake XD roofing is a non-combustible, Class A fire-rated material. This keeps your investment property and tenants safer, and may also qualify you for discounts on your property insurance—an added bonus.
Increased Indoor Comfort
An added benefit of DECRA Shake XD Stone Coated Metal Roofing is its ability to keep your building comfortable on the inside. Because metal roofs are effective at reflecting heat and sunlight, they reduce the costs of cooling your property by as much as 25%, providing great energy savings.
In addition, with today’s technology, metal roofs don’t create interior noise when struck with rain. Your building’s interior will be impressively peaceful for tenants and guests.
Invest in Metal Roofing Installed by the Pros
You’ll enjoy four or more decades of trusted performance from DECRA XD shakes. So, when your Kansas City area home is ready for a new roof, invest in DECRA metal roofing installed by the pros at Christian Brothers Roofing. Our award-winning performance and reliability mean you get top-notch roofing that adds great value to your property.
Learn more about our Residential Roofing services, and let us know how we can serve you.
