Discover the Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials for Your Colorado Home

If you’re investing in a new roof for your Colorado home, there are many different materials from which to choose. As you consider your options, it helps to learn more about what each material has to offer, so you can decide which one best meets your needs. You’ll also need to account for regional topography and Colorado’s unpredictable, and sometimes extreme weather, and pick roofing that will protect your home from sunshine, hail, snow, rain, and high winds.

Below, our local roofing services pros we will explore various options and discuss their pros and cons so you can choose what’s best for your home.

Asphalt Roofing

Most homes in Colorado have asphalt shingle roofing. This affordable, versatile, and relatively durable material is available in various colors, shapes, and thicknesses, so you can easily find a variety that will work well with the aesthetics of your home. Although asphalt roofs require regular maintenance, they can be cost-effective and resilient in adverse weather conditions such as snow, rain, wind, hail, and sleet. Most asphalt roofs will need an overhaul after 12-20 years, but some can last up to 30 years. Many builders recommend installing architectural asphalt shingles in Colorado, as they are more durable than conventional three-tab shingles.

Pros:

• Available in a range of styles
• Weather-resistant
• Affordable
• Installation is fast and straightforward
• Replacing damaged shingles is easy

Cons:

• Not the most durable option
• Can be damaged by wind
• Has a relatively short lifespan
• Not eco-friendly
• Cannot be installed during the colder seasons

Metal Roofing

If you want to install an attractive, long-lasting, durable, and easy-care roof, metal roofing might be the best choice for you. Metal roofs are fireproof, lightweight, and weather-resistant. They can withstand rain, hail, and heavy winds, and they easily shed snow and ice. Metal roofs can also significantly reduce your cooling costs in summer because they reflect the sun’s rays away from your home. Metal panels are crafted from materials like steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper, and some are configured as metal shingles that resemble asphalt shingles.

Although metal roofing tends to be considerably more expensive than asphalt, it also has a much longer lifespan that can range from 70 to 100 years. Metal roofs can show wear over time. They are prone to dents and fading, but they are still a great option for many homeowners.

Pros:

• Resistant to wind, ice, snow, and fire
• Recyclable
• Reflects heat and reduces cooling costs
• Extremely long lifespan
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Can be pricey
• Susceptible to dents
• Can be noisy
• Can be challenging to install
• Repairs can be expensive

Clay or Concrete Tile Roofing

Clay and concrete tiles are a sturdy and stylish roofing option that suits many Colorado homes, offering a distinctive Spanish-Mediterranean look with plenty of curb appeal. These roofs are durable, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly, as they are made from minerals found in the earth. Clay tiles, in particular, can be crushed and reused in other applications, such as road construction projects. Clay and concrete tiles are especially well-suited to Colorado’s southern region because they can insulate homes against extreme heat in the summertime.

This roofing is also fire-resistant and durable, sometimes lasting up to 100 years. The tiles are, however, not very impact-resistant, and they may easily crack or break if they are hit by storm debris. Additionally, note that clay or concrete tiles can be more expensive than other roofing options, such as asphalt or metal shingles. Further, because of their weight, your roof may require additional support.

Pros:

• Resistant to fire, wind, and rain
• Has a long lifespan
• Has a timeless and attractive look
• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Helps regulate indoor temperatures

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Can be fragile and prone to cracking under impact
• Can be heavy
• Require specialized installation
• Can get stained, dirty, and moldy

Slate Roofing

Slate is a timeless, beautiful, and long-lasting roofing option that can protect a house for often over 100 years. This heavy material requires a specialized support structure, which can complicate the installation process and increase the time required for installation. Although expensive, slate’s unique aesthetic and character are prized by people who want to invest in the best for their home. Slate is fire-resistant and holds up well against high winds, extreme temperatures, hail, snow, and mold. Some people call it a “forever roof,” and its one-of-a-kind look and incredible longevity can make the cost worthwhile.

Pros:

• Elegant and aesthetically pleasing
• Longest lifespan of any roofing material
• Resistant to fire and extreme weather
• Low maintenance
• Environmentally-friendly

Cons:

• Materials and installation can be expensive
• Heavy
• Can be brittle and susceptible to impact damage
• May not be readily available
• Replacement tiles may not match the rest of the roof

Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are a relatively new type of roofing material in Colorado. These shingles are often made from recycled materials, such as plastic and rubber, and are engineered to be long-lasting and low-maintenance. A composite shingle roof can last for up to 50 years. These roofs can easily resist rain, hail, wind, snow, and other extreme weather conditions. They also come in a range of colors and styles to complement a variety of aesthetics.

Pros:

• Available in a range of styles and colors
• Lightweight
• Fire, weather, and UV-resistant
• Low-maintenance
• May be made from recycled materials

Cons:

• High up-front cost
• May not be widely available
• Can negatively affect a home’s resale value
• Some options may fade over time
• May cause leaks if damaged

Wood Shake

Colorado homeowners who seek to give their homes a rustic appearance sometimes choose to install wood shake roofs. Wood shake shingles made from cedar and other materials are an eco-friendly, renewable roofing option that can last up to 50 years. These roofs provide wonderful insulating and cooling properties, but they are not fire-resistant. They can also be high-maintenance and expensive, with prices approaching the cost of slate.

Pros:

• Offer an attractive, rustic look
• Are good insulators
• Resistant to wind, hail, and severe weather
• Made from renewable resources
• Can add value to your home

Cons:

• Expensive
• High maintenance
• Can be susceptible to fire, rot, and mold growth
• May cost more to insure
• Can be challenging and labor-intensive to install

For a Great New Roof, Call Rise Renovation

When you become knowledgeable about the roofing materials available to you, it’s easier to make the right choice for your home. We can help you learn more about your options, weigh the pros and cons of each roofing material, and understand how they can work for your home and meet your needs. Consulting with a roofing professional at Rise Renovation can help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

We provide expert roof services and installation for residents in the Denver, CO area, and we can also help with all your roof maintenance and repair requests. We also offer gutter, window, siding, and door replacement services. To schedule a service consultation with our team, call the Rise Renovation office today.