From the arid temperatures in summer to the snow, ice, wind, and freezing cold in winter, your Colorado home’s exterior must withstand extreme weather conditions all year long.
The roof will suffer the brunt of the damage, meaning you need to ensure the materials you choose don’t only boost your curb appeal but can also protect your family and Denver home from the elements.
At Denver Roofing, we understand the impact of Denver’s climate on your roof and are among the best roofing contractors in the area. We are ready to help you make an informed decision before installing a replacement residential roof.
Here is the definitive guide to picking the ideal, durable materials for Colorado homeowners:
What Are the 4 Most Popular Types of Resilient Residential Roofing?
It’s time to find a roofing contractor to plan your roof replacement, but which material will meet your needs and home’s aesthetic while remaining a cost-effective option that won’t decimate your budget?
One of the critical factors to consider is which roofing systems can hold up against the harsh weather conditions you often face during a typical Denver winter.
Asphalt Shingles
Far and away the most popular roofing material, drive down your street, and chances are, most homes on the block will feature asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are lightweight, very easy to install, and one of the most, if not the most, inexpensive options on the market.
Asphalt shingles are manufactured by placing a layer of fiberglass between two layers of asphalt and ceramic granules to give the product its distinct look.
Pros and Cons
Asphalt roofing systems come in various colors and textures, are easy to install, and typically last between 15 and 50 years, depending on the product’s density.
Asphalt is a great option if cost-effectiveness is at the top of your list. Most asphalt shingles are not impact-resistant shingles, meaning that if there are high winds, there is a likelihood some of the shingles will become damaged or blow away altogether.
Asphalt provides far less insulation and fire resistance than other options, meaning your energy savings will be very minimal.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing systems have become very popular over the last few decades across the United States, including Colorado. Metal roofs are sturdy, attractive, and enticing to potential homebuyers. When properly maintained, they will last anywhere from 40 to 80 years.
Some of the most popular types of metal roofing include:
- Alloys
- Copper
- Steel
- Aluminum
Unlike other roofing materials, your metal roofing system will not buckle under heavy snow or suffer extreme damage from high winds or torrential rains.
Pros and Cons
If you are considering metal, there are a few key factors to remember. First, it is one of the most expensive options, and a typical new roof on the low end will cost anywhere between $850 and $1,140 per square foot, meaning you will need to budget for a higher upfront cost.
This type of roofing has a low environmental impact but can become dented and require expensive maintenance.
If you have metal roofing and experience severe storm-related damage, such as dings and dents from a recent hailstorm, we offer comprehensive storm damage roof repair.
Composite Roofing
Otherwise known as synthetic roofing materials, composite shingles are a popular choice for several Denver homeowners and for several good reasons.
One of the most significant is that composite shingles mimic the look of authentic slate or tile roofing but for a fraction of the cost. The material gives your Denver home a high-end look for less.
Pros and Cons
Made from a combination of plastic, rubber, asphalt, and clay, the installation costs are comparable to asphalt, although you will typically spend slightly more on synthetic roofing materials. Typical warranties last for anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Composite roofing has its downsides, including:
- Composite is not impact resistant – The damage from one fallen tree branch can equal costly repairs
- The system can easily be warped by excessive exposure to UV rays
- The lifespan is significantly shortened if the system is not properly ventilated
Shake Shingles/Wood Roofing
Nothing compares to the beauty and elegance of a cedar shake roof. Cedar is a versatile product that is resistant to insect damage, and compared to other materials, cedar shingles are surprisingly affordable.
To protect your investment, a professional must seal cedar shingles to increase the product’s fire resistance.
Pros and Cons
Cedar is affordable and elegant, but there are a multitude of downsides, especially if you live at higher altitudes. UV damage can quickly discolor and degrade the product, necessitating several potentially expensive repairs.
Cedar doesn’t typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If there are any defects to the wood shingles, you are on the hook for the cost of repairs and replacement.
Other Types of Roofing Materials
We’ve discussed the big four: wood, asphalt, composite, and metal, but there are other viable options on the market. Will they withstand extreme weather conditions, and are they the best roofing for your Denver home?
Slate Roofing
Slate tiles are beautiful and give your home an old-world appearance. The slate tiles are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other high-end materials, including metal.
However, installation is often the most significant cost of a new slate roof. Installation prices can range between $5,800 and $27,600.
Certain types of slate roofing materials, including high-end Buckingham slate, will last well over a century! Slate can be fragile under suboptimal conditions and is expensive to maintain and repair.
Concrete Tiles and Terra Cotta Roofing
Concrete and terra cotta, specifically, have been used for centuries across the globe. However, you will typically only see terra cotta roofs on European and Mediterranean-style homes in coastal towns.
Concrete tile roofs and clay tiles are durable, and when adequately coated, tile roofs offer protection against rot, fire, and insect damage. The cost and availability are two of the most significant drawbacks.
Denver’s Climate: What Type of Roofing Can Withstand the Extreme Weather Conditions in Colorado?
Living in Denver, you are familiar with the concept of fluctuating weather conditions! It is not uncommon for Denverites to live through extreme heat in the summer, especially in higher elevations that are exposed to more direct sunlight, not to mention brutal winters. When it comes time to replace your roof, what is the most suitable material?
Weighing all the factors, including the ability to hold up under a heavy snow load, energy efficiency, and resilience under several different environmental factors, metal roofing is the best choice for your residential Denver roofing project.
If you are re-roofing commercial buildings in Denver as well, roofing contractors in Colorado also recommend metal roofing systems because of the product’s durability and ability to lower your heating and cooling costs.
Whether you need a residential or commercial roof, get a hold of the best roofers in the metro area, Denver Roofing!
Advice from Roofing Experts: Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials
Ask any roofing company, and they will tell you that beyond the looks, costs, and Colorado weather, there are several other factors to consider when choosing between roofing material options, including:
Can the Material Reduce Energy Costs?
Did you know that the average American homeowner can save around 20% of their energy costs with a well-insulated roof? Asphalt and tile roofing both have excellent insulative properties, so much so that if you also want to save a lot of money, asphalt is superior to many other roofing materials.
Energy Efficiency and a Limited Lifetime Warranty
Not all roofing projects and roofing materials are the same, which is often best reflected in the material’s warranty. Metal roofing combines great aesthetic appeal and an excellent, extensive warranty.
Conversely, tile roofs provide less satisfactory warranties, which should be a crucial consideration because tile roofs often require frequent repairs.
Metal roofing is considered the most energy-efficient roofing material because of its fantastic ability to reflect sunlight in the summer and protect your home from the elements in winter.
Are You Concerned About Frequent Repairs, Varying Maintenance Requirements, and Higher Upfront Costs?
The initial sticker shock associated with installing metal roofing might make you reconsider this specific roofing material.
However, when you factor in the potential cost of future repairs, the price of upkeep, and the excellent lifespan, you will see that in the long run, when compared to other more inexpensive options, including asphalt, metal roofing is a superior choice.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Colorado Roof
Before determining the suitable roofing materials for your needs, budget, and home’s exterior style, you must ask yourself a fundamental question before investing in a complete roof installation: Can the system be repaired, or is it time for a total roof replacement?
The Roof’s Age
Well-maintained slate roofs can last more than 75 years. A sturdy metal roof can last longer than a century. However, your asphalt roof must be completely ripped off and replaced after 25 years.
Several Missing Shingles
If you have a shingled roof, whether cedar shingles, asphalt shingles, or composite shingles, if there is extensive damage or multiple missing shingles, forget a roof repair because it’s time for a complete replacement.
Interior Water Damage
Are the minor water stains on your ceiling starting to spread? Have you noticed water stains running down your interior walls? These are a sign of a severe failure. Whether you need a leak in roof repair or need to completely replace roof shingles, our team can help!
Your Home is In Serious Need of Curb Appeal
Congratulations! You’re selling your home but need to determine which home improvement project has a great return on investment and will attract the most buyers possible. Luckily, the answer is the same: A new roof.
Choosing a Roofer: How to Find a Great Colorado Roofing Professional
You’ve narrowed down your choices and are ready to move forward with your roof installation; only one thing is standing in your way – Choosing a roofing contractor!
Not all roofers can provide you with the quality services you expect. Here are some great tips to help you find a fantastic roofing companies near me:
Talk to Your Plumber, Electrician, or Real Estate Agent
Professionals in the home improvement industry work closely together. It would make sense that when you want to find trusted roofing companies in your area, you would ask professionals who work side-by-side with roofers!
Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations
Has your neighbor recently had their flat roof repaired? Is your sister-in-law bragging about her beautiful new metal roof?
Consider your roofing needs, from flat roof repair to a total roof replacement, and ask if the roofer your friends and neighbors worked with meets or exceeds their expectations.
Look for Members of the Colorado Roofing Association
Look into any potential roofer’s credentials. Are they a member of the CRA? Does the company carry all the necessary licenses and insurance? Does the roofing company have a stellar reputation?
Check Out the Reviews
Last but not least, look at online reviews. Focus on reputable review websites, including the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Angi, and Yelp.
Read through each review and use the information as a great starting point to narrow down your options. Online reviews are also a wonderful way to narrow down the right roofing materials for your project.
People Also Ask
What is the best material to use for roofing?
The best material depends on your budget, needs, and home’s exterior. For example, if a cost-effective option is at the top of your list, contact asphalt shingle roofers. For homeowners who want a low-maintenance roof material that will last for decades, consider metal.
What is the best roof for high altitude?
Living in high altitudes leaves your roof vulnerable to high winds, intense rainstorms, hailstorms, and regular exposure to UV radiation. Talk to your roofing professional about stone-coated steel roofing.
This material can withstand some of the harshest weather conditions and, when properly cared for, can last for several decades.
What is the most hail-resistant roof material?
Are you sick of paying for expensive roof repairs from hail damage? Unfortunately, no roofing material can completely withstand hail damage, but your best option is a metal roof!
Metal roofing is sturdy, well made, and can protect your home from whatever obstacles Mother Nature throws at it.
