Many homeowners looking for roofing materials come across Metal Shake Roofing—a type of metal roof designed to resemble traditional wood shakes. However, the product that truly replicates the texture and appearance of wood shakes is actually stone-coated steel roofing, also known as colored stone metal tiles in China. Since most homeowners can only view roofs from a distance, they often confuse the two based on appearance and material.
So, what exactly is stone-coated steel roofing? Is it better than traditional wood shakes? And what makes it superior?
1. What Is Stone-Coated Steel Roofing (Colored Stone Tiles)?
Stone-coated steel roofing, or colored stone metal tiles, is a premium metal roofing system made from:
- Base Material: Galvalume steel (aluminum-zinc alloy coated) for rust and corrosion resistance.
- Coating: Acrylic resin-bonded natural stone granules for a textured, wood- or stone-like appearance.
- Appearance: From afar, it looks like real wood shakes or slate, but up close, you can see its refined metal craftsmanship.
Because of its highly realistic appearance, many homeowners mistake it for traditional wood or natural stone roofing. In reality, it is an upgraded metal roofing product that combines durability with aesthetic appeal.
In China, manufacturers like ZHUOZHU use advanced technology to produce stone-coated steel tiles that not only look authentic but also offer superior wind resistance, fireproofing, and weather resistance.
2. Stone-Coated Steel Roofing vs. Traditional Wood Shakes: Which Is Better?
Traditional wood shakes (e.g., cedar shakes) have a natural charm but suffer from rot, flammability, and high maintenance costs. Stone-coated steel roofing outperforms them in multiple ways:
| Feature | Traditional Wood Shakes | Stone-Coated Steel Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15-30 years (prone to moisture damage) | 50+ years (rust-proof, UV-resistant) |
| Fire Resistance | Highly flammable | Fireproof (Class A rating) |
| Maintenance | Requires regular sealing/repairs | Nearly maintenance-free |
| Weight | Heavy (adds structural load) | Lightweight (suitable for all structures) |
| Eco-Friendliness | Requires tree cutting | Recyclable, more sustainable |
| Wind Resistance | Vulnerable to wind uplift | Withstands hurricane-force winds (interlocking design) |
| Aesthetic Realism | Natural wood grain | Highly realistic wood/stone texture, color-stable |
3. Additional Benefits of Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
Beyond durability and safety, stone-coated steel roofing offers:
✅ Energy Efficiency & Noise Reduction: The metal base + stone layer provides insulation and reduces rain noise.
✅ Easy Installation: Dry-installation system allows faster fitting than traditional tiles, ideal for renovations and new builds.
✅ Customizable Colors: Available in various wood- or stone-like finishes to match architectural styles (e.g., Craftsman, Colonial, Modern).
In China, brands like ZHUOZHU optimize stone granule blends and coating techniques to enhance weather resistance and longevity while maintaining aesthetics.
4. Conclusion: Metal Shake Roofing = Stone-Coated Steel Roofing
Though the term Metal Shake Roofing persists, the product that truly replaces wood shakes is stone-coated steel roofing (colored stone tiles). It delivers the strength of metal with the beauty of natural materials, making it the ideal modern roofing solution.
For homeowners, choosing stone-coated steel means:
✔ Longer lifespan (50+ years)
✔ Lower maintenance (almost none)
✔ Enhanced safety (fireproof, wind-resistant)
✔ Authentic natural appearance
If you love the classic look of wood shakes but want a more durable, safer roof, stone-coated steel roofing is the best choice. Manufacturers like ZHUOZHU are advancing the technology, ensuring metal roofs are as beautiful as they are reliable—making them the perfect upgrade from traditional wood shakes.
