Informative Report: EDCO Slate Metal Roofing 1. Overview & Product Identity Manufacturer: EDCO Products, Inc. (based in Minnesota, USA, with over 75 years in the metal roofing industry). Product Type: Steel shingle roofing designed to replicate the look of natural slate. It is part of EDCO’s “Steel Shingle” lineup, which includes Slate, Shake, and Victorian styles. Key Positioning: An affordable, lightweight alternative to real slate tile, combining the aesthetic of high-end roofing with the durability and low maintenance of steel. 2. Construction & Materials
Base Metal: 24-gauge or 26-gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel (24-gauge is thicker and typically used for higher wind and impact resistance). Coating System: Triple-layer protection:
Zinc primer. Galvalume® Plus (aluminum-zinc alloy for corrosion resistance). Topcoat: EDCO’s proprietary Signature 2000® finish – a baked-on, multi-layer polymer system.
Granules: Ceramic-coated natural stone granules embedded in the topcoat for UV protection, color retention, and additional texture. Dimensions per shingle: Approx. 12" wide x 16" tall (exposure varies by profile). Weight: ~65–85 lbs per square (100 sq. ft.) – significantly lighter than natural slate (800–1,000 lbs per square). edco slate metal roof
3. Aesthetic & Design Features
Slate Replication: Each shingle has a molded, textured surface with a slight shadow line at the overlap to mimic the thickness and irregularity of real slate. Colors Available (Typical):
Weathered Gray (most popular – mimics aged natural slate) Black Midnight Black Moss Green Slate Green Rustic Red Copper Penny (specialty) Informative Report: EDCO Slate Metal Roofing 1
Profile: Low-profile (lies flatter than shake-style metal roofs). Straight lower edge (not scalloped). Appearance from ground: Very convincing as natural slate, especially in Weathered Gray.
4. Performance Characteristics | Attribute | Rating / Detail | |-----------|------------------| | Wind resistance | Up to 120–150 mph (depending on gauge and fastening pattern) – Class 4 rating available. | | Impact resistance | Class 4 UL 2218 (highest rating for hail resistance – withstands 2" steel ball test). | | Fire rating | Class A (highest – non-combustible). | | Corrosion resistance | Good for most environments; not recommended for direct coastal salt spray without upgraded coating. | | Reflectivity / Energy | Can be installed with cool roof coatings (Energy Star rated in certain colors). | | Snow shedding | Moderate (not as slippery as standing seam, but snow will slide off faster than asphalt). | 5. Installation Considerations
Substrate: Can be installed over solid decking (plywood/OSB) or over existing asphalt shingles (up to 2 layers), provided the roof pitch is ≥ 3:12. Underlayment: Required – typically synthetic or asphalt-saturated felt with ice/water shield in eaves and valleys. Fastening: Nailed with specific stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized ring-shank nails through the nailing strip (hidden fastener system – nails are covered by the next course of shingles). Complexity: Moderate – requires skilled installers familiar with metal shingle interlock systems. Accessories: Matching ridge caps, hip shingles, valley metal, flashing, and starter strips available from EDCO. Product Type: Steel shingle roofing designed to replicate
6. Lifespan & Warranties
Expected service life: 40–50+ years (compared to 15–20 for asphalt, 75–100 for natural slate). Manufacturer warranty: