If you've lived in the Black Hills for more than a few years, you already know your roof has a tough job.
One summer it gets pounded by hail. The next winter it's buried under snow. Then we get 70 mph winds, weeks of sun, freezing temperatures, and the occasional wildfire concern.
Because of that, more homeowners are asking us about stone coated steel roofing, especially TEK Industries.
It's not the right roof for everyone, but for some homes it's one of the best roofing systems you can buy.
Here's why.
What is TEK Stone Coated Steel Roofing?
Think of it as combining the strength of a metal roof with the appearance of a traditional roof.
Instead of exposed standing seam panels, TEK uses steel panels coated with natural stone granules. From the street, most people assume it's architectural shingles, cedar shake, or even concrete tile depending on the style you choose.
You get the durability of steel without the commercial appearance that some homeowners don't love.
Is Stone Coated Steel Better Than Asphalt Shingles?
This is probably the question we answer most.
The honest answer is...
It depends on what you're looking for.
If your goal is simply replacing your roof at the lowest possible cost, asphalt shingles are still a great option.
If you're planning to stay in your home for decades and want the best protection against South Dakota weather, stone coated steel starts making a lot more sense.
Neither roof is "better."
They're just built for different priorities.
Why We Like It for Rapid City Homes
We install several different roofing systems, so we're not tied to just one product.
But there are a few reasons TEK makes a lot of sense around here.
Hail Resistance
If you've owned a home in Rapid City very long, you've probably dealt with hail damage.
Stone coated steel performs differently than asphalt because the roof is built around a steel panel instead of fiberglass and asphalt.
TEK's Hurricane® roofing systems have been tested for hail resistance up to 2-inch hail, making them one of the toughest residential roofing systems available. That doesn't mean it's indestructible, but it's built to handle severe weather better than many traditional roofing materials.
Fire Resistance
Wildfire has become a much bigger conversation across the Black Hills over the last several years.
Steel isn't combustible, which makes stone coated steel roofing an attractive option for homes near wooded areas when installed as part of a properly rated roofing assembly.
For some homeowners, that added peace of mind is reason enough to consider it.
Wind Performance
We've all seen shingles scattered across neighborhoods after one of our spring windstorms.
Stone coated steel panels mechanically lock together and are fastened differently than traditional shingles, helping them perform well during high wind events.
It Doesn't Look Like a Metal Roof
This surprises almost everyone.
When people hear "metal roof," they picture a barn.
Stone coated steel doesn't look like that at all.
TEK offers profiles that resemble cedar shake, slate, tile, and architectural shingles.
Most people driving by would never guess it's steel.
It Can Last a Very Long Time
One thing we tell homeowners is this:
A roof isn't always about the cheapest option today.
Sometimes it's about buying your last roof instead of your next roof.
While every roofing material eventually ages, stone coated steel is designed for exceptional longevity with very little maintenance compared to many traditional roofing systems.
Are There Any Downsides?
Absolutely.
No roofing product is perfect.
The biggest downside is the initial investment.
Stone coated steel costs more than asphalt shingles.
Installation also requires experienced installers who understand the system.
For homeowners planning to move in a few years, the additional investment may not make sense.
For someone planning to stay in their home for the next 20 or 30 years, it's a different conversation.
Who Should Consider TEK Roofing?
We usually recommend homeowners at least look at TEK if they:
✔ Have had multiple hail claims.
✔ Plan on staying in their home long-term.
✔ Want something different than standard shingles.
✔ Live in areas with higher wildfire concerns.
✔ Want premium curb appeal.
Our Take
At Built Right Roofing & Construction, we install asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, stone coated steel, synthetic roofing, and specialty products.
We don't believe every homeowner needs the most expensive roof.
We believe every homeowner deserves the right roof.
If that ends up being asphalt, we'll recommend asphalt.
If it's standing seam, we'll tell you that.
And if we think TEK Stone Coated Steel is the best long-term investment for your home, we'll explain why and let you decide.
That's how roofing should work.
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