Stone-Coated Steel vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which Roof Is Best for Utah Homes?

Stone-Coated Steel or Asphalt Shingles?

Short answer: Asphalt shingles are the most familiar, budget-friendly choice for most Utah homes. Stone-coated steel costs more up front but offers a steel core, Class 4 impact resistance and a much longer expected lifespan. If you want the lowest upfront cost, asphalt usually wins. If you plan to stay in your home for decades, deal with hail or want a low-maintenance roof that handles Utah snow and freeze-thaw cycles, stone-coated steel is worth a close look.

Utah roofs take a beating, from heavy Wasatch Front snow and ice dams to freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms. When it is time for a new roof, the material you choose affects how your roof handles all of it, plus how it looks and how long it lasts.

PRQ Exteriors is a BBB-accredited, Inc. 500 roofing company and a GAF Master Elite contractor with an office in Bountiful serving homeowners across the Wasatch Front. We install both asphalt shingles and stone-coated steel, so this guide gives you an honest side-by-side look at each.

What Is Stone-Coated Steel? What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on homes in North America. They are made from a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules. Architectural (laminated) shingles are thicker and more dimensional than basic three-tab shingles. Some, like SBS-modified shingles, also carry a Class 4 impact rating.

Stone-coated steel is a roofing system with a structural steel core finished in acrylic-bonded stone granules. It is shaped to look like wood shake or tile, so you get the look of a traditional roof with the strength of steel (PRQ Exteriors).

The stone-coated steel product PRQ installs is Westlake Unified Steel Pine Crest Shake, which gives the look of cedar shake on a steel core. It comes in nine colors, including Charcoal, Barclay, Timberwood and Stirling Gray.

Stone-Coated Steel vs. Asphalt Shingles: Side-by-Side

Stone-coated steel details come from PRQ's Pine Crest Shake page. Asphalt performance depends heavily on the specific product, so always compare the exact shingle line in your quote.

How Each Roof Handles Utah Weather

Hail

Stone-coated steel like Pine Crest Shake carries a Class 4 rating, the highest under the UL 2218 impact test. Standard asphalt shingles vary, but you can choose Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingles if hail is your main concern. For a deeper look at impact ratings, see our guide to impact-resistant shingles.

Snow and Ice

No roofing material stops ice dams on its own. Ice dams form when attic heat melts snow and the water refreezes at the cold eaves, so attic insulation, ventilation and ice and water shield matter on any roof. For problem eaves and valleys, heated roof edges like Thermaline can help, with options for shingle and metal roofs.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Utah's winter swings between freezing nights and sunny days. PRQ describes its stone-coated steel as corrosion- and freeze-thaw-resistant. Asphalt shingles can also perform well for many years, but granule loss and cracking can build up over time, especially on older roofs.

Wind and Fire

Pine Crest Shake is a Class A fire-rated assembly with high-wind performance. Many asphalt shingles are also Class A fire-rated and carry wind ratings, so compare the specific products in your quote.

Cost and Long-Term Value

Is stone-coated steel worth the extra cost? It depends on how long you plan to stay and what you value most. Asphalt shingles cost less up front, which is why they are the go-to choice for many homeowners. Stone-coated steel costs more, but the difference can narrow over time.

When comparing long-term value, consider:

• Lifespan – PRQ lists a 50-year lifespan outlook for Pine Crest Shake. InterNACHI estimates about 30 years for architectural asphalt shingles.
• Warranty – Westlake Unified Steel comes with a limited lifetime, transferable warranty, which can be a selling point if you move.
• Insurance – Some carriers may offer discounts for Class 4 impact-resistant roofing. Ask your agent whether your roof choice qualifies.
• Maintenance – Stone-coated steel is low maintenance, while asphalt roofs may need more repairs as they age.
• Storm damage – A roof that better resists hail may mean fewer repairs after storms.

PRQ also offers financing with deductible help and monthly payment options, plus satellite-measured instant quotes so you can compare both options quickly.

Looks, Styles and HOA Considerations

Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles, from simple three-tab to dimensional architectural shingles. Their familiar look fits in with many neighborhoods.

Stone-coated steel gives you a different look. Pine Crest Shake has a deep, dimensional stone-coated texture that mimics cedar shake without the rot, splitting or upkeep of real wood. It comes in nine colors: Barclay, Charcoal, Harborwood, Ironwood, Timberwood, Gold River, Sage Green, Stirling Gray and Dover. You can preview each color on a real roof on PRQ's stone-coated steel page.

HOA tip: If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, check its architectural guidelines before choosing a roof. Some HOAs have rules about roofing materials, colors or styles, and you may need approval before work begins.

Which Roof Is Right for Your Utah Home?

Asphalt shingles may be the better fit if:

• You want the lowest upfront cost
• You plan to sell in the next several years
• You prefer a classic shingle look or your HOA requires one
• You want impact resistance at a lower price point, through Class 4 asphalt shingles

Stone-coated steel may be the better fit if:

• You plan to stay in your home for many years
• You want a Class 4 roof with a long lifespan outlook and a transferable warranty
• You like the look of cedar shake without the maintenance of real wood
• You want a low-maintenance roof built to handle freeze-thaw cycles

Still not sure? Get quotes for both and compare them line by line. Our guide to the questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a stone-coated steel roof last?

PRQ lists a 50-year lifespan outlook for Westlake Unified Steel Pine Crest Shake, and it is backed by a limited lifetime, transferable warranty.

How long do asphalt shingles last?

InterNACHI estimates about 20 years for three-tab asphalt shingles and about 30 years for architectural shingles. Actual lifespan depends on the product, installation, ventilation and weather.

Is stone-coated steel good for hail?

Yes. Pine Crest Shake carries a Class 4 rating, the highest UL 2218 impact rating.

Is stone-coated steel heavy?

No. It has a lightweight steel core that is a fraction of the weight of concrete tile, and it can often be installed over existing decking.

Are there impact-resistant asphalt shingles?

Yes. Some asphalt shingles, such as SBS-modified shingles, carry a Class 4 impact rating.

Does PRQ install both stone-coated steel and asphalt shingles?

Yes. PRQ is a GAF Master Elite contractor and installs Westlake Unified Steel Pine Crest Shake stone-coated steel.

Compare Both Options With PRQ

There is no single best roof for every Utah home. Asphalt shingles offer a lower upfront cost and a classic look, while stone-coated steel offers Class 4 impact resistance, a long lifespan outlook and the look of cedar shake. The best choice depends on your budget, your plans and how much protection you want from Utah weather.

Schedule your free, no-obligation roof inspection today. Call PRQ's Utah office at (801) 421-6313, request your free roof inspection or get an instant quote.

Sources and Helpful Resources

• Stone-Coated Steel Roofing: Pine Crest Shake (PRQ Exteriors)
• GAF Roofing Products (PRQ Exteriors)
• How Long Does a Roof Last? (Bob Vila)

This article is for general education. Product specifications, warranties and pricing vary by manufacturer, product and project. Ask for product details in writing and review the manufacturer's warranty before choosing a roof.