Stone-Coated Steel Shingles - for Insurance Changes, Extreme Weather, and Longevity
Kitchen Icons
“ As severe weather events continue to grow in frequency and intensity, insurance companies are changing the way they cover losses. What used to be a full replacement when wind or hail damage occurs has changed. Homeowners and contractors today are looking for alternatives like metal shingles to provide cost-savings and longevity. A training event and new roof installation was held at KitchenIcons / Building Icons in La Crescent, MN on Thursday July 24-25th which helped educate contractors on metal shingle system solutions.”
Unified Steel’s Stone-Coated Pine-Crest Shakes were used after removing asphalt shingles.
Growing Threat of Severe Weather – Wind and Hail
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported steady increases in the frequency and severity of hailstorms across the United States. According to recent studies, the number of severe hailstorms in the US. has risen by more than 20% in the past decade. In addition to hail, tornadoes and high wind incidents have increased which places enormous strain on traditional asphalt roofing systems.
According to the National Weather Service, Minnesota recorded 147 storms in 2020 with large hail, ranking seventh in the nation for that year. In May of this year, Minnesota led the nation with 568 severe weather events. Wisconsin has also experienced an increase in extreme weather--hail events increased from less than 30 per year in the 1980’s to an average of 200 by the year 2020.
Insurance Companies Shift Coverage – Homeowners Feel the Brunt
Blaine, Minnesota resident Brad M. purchased a home six years ago and has experienced insurance premium increases each year, reaching nearly double the initial year--without having a claim. “My agent has searched over 27 insurance companies for better rates—with no results, explains Brad.”
Bruce Kuechmichel, a former insurance agent from Caledonia, Minnesota recently received a cancellation notice from his insurance company. No reason was given and he had no history of claims. “It’s evident that as the storms become more common, insurance companies are removing their risk by exiting certain markets. This puts homeowners in a precarious situation,” explained Bruce.
Tactics used by insurance companies include higher premiums, narrowing coverage with storm exclusions and a depreciation-based coverage for older roofs. A separate, higher deductible for hail and wind damage is also becoming commonplace. For example, a homeowner might be required to pay 2 percent of the home’s replacement value. A $400,000 home would cost the homeowner $8,000 before any adjusted insurance coverage begins. Furthermore, if the homeowner files an insurance claim, it’s possible the policy could be canceled in the future.
Homeowners Are Seeking Long-Term Solutions
Rising costs of repair and roof replacement are making short-term fixes less appealing. Traditional asphalt shingles (75 percent of most roofs) are vulnerable to wear and tear from severe storms, requiring frequent maintenance or replacement. Even small-sized hailstorms can degrade asphalt shingles. Homeowners in regions prone to extreme weather are increasingly looking for roofing solutions that offer protection and peace of mind for decades.
Contractors Learn Metal Shingle Roofing Skills
Roofing contractors from the region converged in La Crescent, Minnesota, on July 24th and 25th to explore advanced roofing solutions designed to withstand the increasing threat of wind and hail damage. The event focused on the latest innovations in stone-coated steel roofing, with an emphasis on offering homeowners durable, long-term protection for their properties.
The gathering showcased cutting-edge roofing technology from Unified Steel, a leading provider of stone-coated steel roofs that are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. In response to the growing concerns about damage caused by severe storms, particularly hail and high winds, contractors learned about the benefits of stone-coated steel shingles as a long-lasting, energy-efficient alternative to traditional roofing materials.
"Homeowners are increasingly looking for solutions that offer lasting protection against extreme weather," says Jeremy Chipps, host of the event and a Unified Steel roofing dealer. "The stone-coated steel roof is one of the most resilient materials available on the market today, designed to stand up to hail, high winds, fire, and even heavy snow with a 50 year transferable warranty. We're removed traditional asphalt shingles and installed a new Unified Steel shingle roof called Pine-Crest Shake (Charcoal). The contractors learned installation methods for this durable steel shingle.”
Pine Crest Shake from Unified Steel
Stone-Coated Steel Roofs: A Long-Term Solution
Stone-coated steel roofs like the shingles from Unified Steel are designed to deliver unparalleled durability, with a 50-year warranty that guarantees long-lasting performance. The stone coating not only adds aesthetic appeal but shields against the elements, making these roofs resistant to high winds, hail, and fire. Additionally, steel shingles are lightweight and energy-efficient, reflecting heat in the summer and insulating homes in the winter.
Key benefits of stone-coated steel roofs include:
50-Year Warranty: Provides homeowners with long-term peace of mind (transferable to future owners).
Wind Resistance: Capable of withstanding winds up to 180 mph when properly fastened according to manufacturer instructions, preventing roof lift or structural damage.
Hail Resistance: Designed to resist impact from hailstones as large as 2.5 inches in diameter.
Fire Resistance: Non-combustible, offering an added layer of protection against wildfires or sparks.
Energy Efficiency: Reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs in the summer and increasing energy savings.
FORTIFIED Roof™ Designation: Westlake Royal roofing systems can be part of a FORTIFIED Roof™ (specific installation requirements).
Other Steel Roofs:
Standing seam roofs are another roof alternative that offers durability. Although tougher than asphalt shingles, this type of steel roof can be subject to visible damage from hail. Insurance companies may not cover cosmetic damage on standing seam roofs resulting from hailstorms. Additional insurance coverage may be required.
About Unified Steel and Local La Crescent, MN Dealer – KitchenIcons & BuildingIcons
Unified Steel is a leader in the development and installation of stone-coated steel roofing systems. Known for their durability, style, and energy efficiency, Unified Steel’s products are designed to provide homeowners with lasting protection against the elements. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Unified Steel continues to set the standard in roofing solutions for modern homeowners. For more information about Unified Steel’s roofing solutions visit Unified Steel - Westlake Royal Roofing LLC.
KitchenIcons / BuildingIcons sells high quality asphalt shingles and highly recommends Unified Steel stone-coated steel shingles. For more information, contact Jeremy Chipps at 608-317-5700.
