2023 Decra Roofing Installation, Costs, Pros & Cons, Reviews

Decra roofing offers the elegance and sophistication of Mediterranean-style tiles and shingles with durability and weather resistance benefits.

Choose between Decra tile, shingle, or shake products for unparalleled curb appeal and longevity for your next roof project.

To get started on installing your new roof,contact your local roofing pros to get FREE ESTIMATES.

What Type of Roof is Decra?

Decra makes metal roofs, with their three main products being metal tiles, metal shingles, and metal shakes.

Metal roofs are among the most durable and versatile roofing solutions, and Decra has some of the most sophisticated designs.

In essence, Decra has the perfect type of roofing for home- and business owners looking for the best of both worlds – Mother Nature and style.

Decra Roofing Average Cost

The average cost of Decra roofing is $7 – $12 per square foot.

For a 2,000-square-foot surface, you’d spend $14,000 – $24,000.

Compared to other roof types like corrugated metal (up to $6 per square foot) or standing seam metal (up to $13), Decra prices are a bit higher, yet still reasonable.

Decra Roofing Cost Breakdown

Materials for a Decra roof run from $3.50 to $5 per square foot.

For 2,000 square feet, the price is $7,000 – $10,000.

The cost is for metal shingles, tiles, shakes, and includes additional expenses like underlayment or battens.

Installation cost varies depending on the roof condition, location, and complexity.

Professional installation costs $4 to $8 per square foot, equaling $8,000 to $16,000 for a 2,000-foot roof.

	Cost per Square Foot	Cost per 2,000 Square Feet
Material	$3.50-$5	$7,000-$10,000
Labor	$4-$8	$8,000-$16,000

Below is a breakdown of Decra metal roofing cost per material:

• Panels (tiles, shakes, shingles) – $1.70 to $3.5 per square foot
• Fasteners – $2.80 to $4.80 per square foot
• Battens – $45 to $70 per square foot
• Underlayment (soundproofing) – $75 to $120 per square foot
• Decking – $30 to $45 per square foot

Additional cost for materials like drip edge, moisture barrier, fascia, stone-coated steel rake, ridge, and hip is measured by the linear foot, and the price ranges from $0.50 to $5.45 per linear foot.

Pro Tip: Get estimates from at least three roofing contractors to ensure the best price for the project.

Decra Metal Roof Styles

Decra metal roofing has five different products for residential roofs:

• Decra Tiles
• Villa Tiles
• Shingle XD
• Shakes
• Shake XD

Decra Tiles

These Mediterranean-style scalloped tiles have the wavy S-shape of typical Mediterranean tiles with the added benefit of stone-coated metal for strength and durability.

These tiles are available in multiple colors:

• Charcoal
• Garnet
• Chestnut
• Terracotta
• Weathered Timber
• Tuscan Sun
• Granite Grey
• Shadowood
• Woodland Green

Note that the last four colors are made to order, and their delivery time may be longer.

These tiles install over battens and can fit five panels per square foot.

One pallet comes with 350 panels.

Decra Villa

Decra Villa is an upgrade from the Decra Tile collection.

The Villa Tiles replicate the Spanish barrel-style tile aesthetics for exceptional beauty.

The original Spanish barrel tiles are stunning but have a fragile structure. They can hardly withstand severe weather conditions without cracking.

Decra Villa Tiles are resistant to hail, wind, debris, and cracking.

They require minimal maintenance and have a longer lifespan than their Spanish tile counterparts.

The Villa comes in eight colors:

• Amalfi Sand
• Capri Clay
• Pompeii Ash
• Rustico Clay
• Venetian Gold
• Tuscan Sun
• Charcoal
• Woodland Green

The last three colors (Tuscan Sun, Charcoal, and Woodland Green) are made to order, and their production time may vary.

One metal tile panel covers just under 4 square feet, with 350 panels in a pellet.

Decra Shingle XD

Decra Shingle XD is perfect for asphalt-shingle lovers who are after durability and aesthetics.

The stone-coated metal shingles mimic the dimensionality of asphalt shingles with their thick-cut edges.

One significant difference is that Decra Shingle XD last three times longer.

These shingle-like metal panels come in five colors:

• Classic Cobblestone
• Midnight Eclipse
• Natural Slate
• Old Hickory
• Woodland Green (made to order)

One panel of Decra Shingle XD covers 3.9 square feet, while one pallet has 350 panels.

Decra Shake

The Decra Shake product mimics the elegant look of cedar shakes with their distinct rich colors and rustic beauty.

While the cedar shakes fade quickly and don’t perform well under extreme weather conditions, Decra Shake roofing comes with greater longevity and endurance.

Decra Shakes are resistant to weather conditions and moisture and are available in six colors:

• Charcoal
• Chestnut
• Granite Grey
• Shadowood
• Weathered Timber
• Woodland Green (made to order)

One panel of Decra Shakes measures 4.4 square feet. One pallet includes 300 panels.

Decra Shake XD

Decra Shake XD mimics the natural colors of wood shakes with the added stone-coated metal benefit in terms of maintenance, performance, and resistance to the elements.

Wood shakes may be stunning initially, but they are short-lived, even with regular maintenance.

The Decra Shake XD product is the perfect alternative.

The Decra Shake XDs come in four colors:

• Antique Chestnut
• Pinnacle Grey
• Midnight Eclipse (made to order)
• Woodland Green (made to order)

One Decra Shake XD panel measures 4.2 square feet, while one pallet contains 280 panels.

Where To Buy Decra Roofing

You can buy Decra roofs directly from their website.

You may also be able to find the products at wholesale metal roof retailers.

Contact local roof contractors in your area, as they may be able to get you Decra metal panels as well.

What Is A Decra Metal Roof Made Of?

The company uses a unique stone-coating process to create different styles, textures, and colors for all tastes.

The panels Decra offers don’t have the typical structure of traditional steel roofs that are either corrugated or made from standing seam metal.

Decra’s roof panels have a small rectangular shape, similar to asphalt shingles. You can stamp these panels and replicate the shake, shingle, tile, and other roof styles.

All their products are made from quality sheet steel treated with aluminum, silicon, and zinc metallic coating.

How To Install Decra?

The installation process includes preparing, ensuring proper batten spacing, placing and fastening the panels, installing, opening, and closing the valley, and much more.

Decra offers a detailed installation guide on their website with thorough instructions for every step of the installation process.

However, if you don’t have the skills and tools for the job, you should contact professional roofing contractors instead of taking the matter into your own hands.

Pro Tip: Do online research on the best roofing contractors in your area and have them install Decra metal roofing on your home.

Decra Roof Pros And Cons

Below are the pros and cons of Decra to help you make a well-informed decision about the purchase.

Benefits of Decra Metal Roofing

Decra is a reliable solution for homeowners who want durable roofing materials with exceptional beauty and style.

Below is the overview of Decra metal roofing advantages over other players in the market.

Added Curb Appeal

Roofing plays an integral part in the overall visual appeal of a home.

Friends, family, and potential buyers who stop by will undoubtedly appreciate the look of a Decra specialty roof on your home.

If leaving a great first impression matters, you’ll love having a Decra metal roof.

Excellent Insulation Properties

Decra shingles and panels will keep your attic temperatures in check all year long.

Compared to asphalt shingles that can raise attic temperatures to more than 150 degrees, metal controls that to under 90 degrees.

When the temperature is in check, the whole construction, including the roof deck and materials lasts longer.

Lower Insurance Rates

Decra shingles fall into the Class-A rated material, making them non-combustible.

These shingles are resistant to fire and therefore may lower your insurance rates.

Still, it’s important to examine your insurance policy to get a detailed insight into the savings your specific company offers for metal roofs.

Eco-Friendliness

Metal roofs, notably those made by Decra, have up to 30% of recycled material.

They are 100% recyclable after reaching the end of their lifespan.

Decra company is a US Green Building Council member and contributes to LEED projects significantly.

Did you know? Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) is among the most popular green building rating systems worldwide. It offers a framework for efficient, healthy, and affordable green buildings.

Element-Resistant

One of the greatest advantages of Decra is its resistance to the elements.

The roof is weatherproof, meaning no rain, hail, snow, or wind can take a toll on its structure.

Decra metal roof has a Class 4 Impact resistance for hail, the highest possible rating.

The roofing is also non-porous.

Decra roofing can withstand winds up to 120 mph and it’s non-combustible with a Class A fire-rated material, which is the highest rating.

Lightweight

Metal roofing is significantly lighter than other materials (notably shingles) per square foot.

This feature makes the product suitable for older homes or homes with vulnerable structural integrity.

Decra metal roofs weigh from 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot. This equals around 4,000 pounds for the entire roof.

The higher square footage of the roof, the heavier the roof will be.

Pro Tip:To ensure maximum efficiency of your new roof, thoroughly examine your home’s structural integrity. Only install new roofing if you’re certain the home can withstand it.

Decra is suitable for re-roofing projects thanks to its lightweight design. This way, you save significantly on labor work (and cost) required for tearing off the old roof.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Another great benefit of Decra roofs is its generous warranty policy.

All five products have a limited lifetime warranty against material and construction defects.

The buyer doesn’t have to pay additionally for the warranty.

The plan is automatically included with the purchase.

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, snowfall, and heavy storms, you’ll love this feature of Decra metal roofs.

If you sell your home, the warranty transfers to the new homeowner if the transfer is done within 20 years following the roof installation.

Energy Efficient

Metal is an energy-efficient material per se.

It is known that metal roofs can save up to 40% on energy bills in residential homes.

Thermal resistance, solar reflectivity, and emissivity are three main features that make metal roofs energy efficient.

A Decra panel will reflect the sun’s rays away from your home.

On the other hand, asphalt and wood attract heat and absorb more energy.

The thermal resistance makes a huge difference in the summer if you live in a hot climate.

Great thermal resistance means that a Decra roof does a great job resisting heat fluctuation.

These metal panels can boost your roof’s thermal resistance more than double compared of asphalt shingles.

Finally, emissivity, or the ability to push back heat instead of absorbing it, is up to 90% for Decra panels. This feature again helps protect the home from excessive heat.

The combination of these features makes Decra metal roofs an excellent choice for energy-conscious buyers, especially those living in a tropical climate.

Disadvantages of Decra Roofs

Decra is an excellent metal roofing material manufacturer.

Still, consider the following disadvantages before committing to their products.

Higher Initial Cost

A Decra metal roof is more expensive to install compared to other materials.

However, considering low maintenance, high durability, and weather resistance, the cost balances out over time.

Despite the higher cost, Decra is still far from being the most expensive roof material manufacturer.

Consider corrugated metal or asphalt shingle alternatives if the price doesn’t fit your budget.

Similar Color Offer

Although Decra roofs come in various styles and often many colors (eight for Decra Vila tiles), the hues are similar.

If you want a roof with a color that stands out, you may want to look elsewhere.

Pro Tip:Remember that color preference is a matter of taste. You may find Decra’s metal roofing colors to match your needs. Take your time to explore different options before heading off to another manufacturer.

Not Suitable for DIY Projects

Decra products require expert skills for a future-proof installation.

While saving money on labor cost may seem attractive, many things can go wrong. After all, the installation method differs from screwing corrugated metal and laying shingles.

Despite available installation guides, the best course of action is to leave Decra roofs to the professionals.

Decra Metal Roofing Colors

Decra offers distinctive colors across three product categories (Tile, Shingle, Shake).

Some colors are offered in all styles but are only available upon request like the Woodland Green.

Decra Shake models (Decra Shake and Decra Shake XD) come in similar colors, with more variety in the regular Decra Shake type.

Decra Tiles offer the highest variety of colors (eight) that range from gold, grey, ash, green, charcoal, and others.

Overall, Decra shingle and panel colors satisfy the taste and needs of most home and business owners.

However, if you’re looking for out-of-the-box extravagant metal roof colors, Decra may not check all the boxes.

How Long Will A Decra Roof Last?

No metal roof is eternal, and Decra is no exception.

The great thing is that Decra roofs are more durable and long-lasting than most roofing solutions.

Properly maintained, your Decra metal roof can last from 40 to 70 years.

To help you get the most out of your roof’s projected lifespan, follow the maintenance tips below:

• Clean your roof periodically, removing dust, airborne pollutants, and dirt buildup.
• Take all safety measures, including fall safety precautions, before cleaning.
• Use post-wash algae, lichen, and moss preventative products, but avoid corrosive ones.
• Only use the cleaning products for metal roofs as provided in the instructions.
• Use one of the following products for Decra roofs: Bayer Advanced 2 in-1 Moss and Algae Killer, Wash Safe Roof Wash, Clenz-O2-Roof by Greenflow USA, Wet and Forget Outdoor, and Spray and Forget Roof Cleaner Concentrate.
• Don’t use iron- and copper-based products to clean Decra metal roofs.
• Don’t use water pressure greater then 500 psi.
• Don’t exceed 160 degrees of water or solution temperature while cleaning.

Did you know? If the dirt accumulates on your roof, it attracts lichen, algae, moss, and mildew growth on the roof surface.

How To Walk On A Decra Roof

Decra manufactures some of the toughest metal roofs on the market.

You can walk on them if you place your weight over the batten directly.

The official Decra website recommends that roof owners not walk on painted tiles unless necessary.

Only professional roof contractors should walk on the roof wearing safety kits.

The high gloss surface of these roofs is slippery, especially after rain.

The Decra guide for walking on the roof advises only walking on the side laps for some profiles.

Also, use soft-soled shoes.

Is It Worth It?

Yes, Decra is a worthwhile solution for most roofing needs.

You should consider the pros and cons of this manufacturer before making a final decision, though.

Before you deciding, determine the goals for your roofing project.

Consider different elements and decide on their importance.

For example, how important is aesthetic appeal? Are you planning a long-term investment with a focus on durability? What is your budget?

For the best roofing decision, weigh all factors equally.

The Best Roofing for Your Home

Decra offers trustworthy, long-lasting, and durable roofing products made from metal.

Whether you’re after a tile, shingle, or shake look, you’ll find plenty of products in different colors.

And considering the complex installation, it’s recommended that you hire professional installers for the project.

Also, remember that the higher upfront cost pays off within years.