Tips on Picking the Best Shingles for Your Colorado Home

When it's time to install a new roof on your home, shingles are among the most popular options. However, it's crucial to consider the specific climate in Colorado where you reside when choosing the type of shingle. Below, we will explore various climate factors that can influence your purchasing decision and provide recommendations on the best shingles for your home.

Wind

Due to Colorado's susceptibility to severe storms and strong wind gusts, it's essential to choose wind-resistant shingles. Ideal shingles should have a wind rating of 130 miles per hour or higher. To endure these high-speed gusts, manufacturers use strong adhesives and reinforced nails for installation. Additionally, these shingles are constructed from heavier, more durable materials compared to standard shingles, making them harder to lift.

Some shingles even incorporate special overlapping layers that create a tighter seal with the roof decking, which helps to prevent the wind from lifting them from underneath. Wind-resistant shingles are rated into different classes based on their ability to withstand various wind speeds. Generally, Class H shingles can resist wind gusts of up to 150 miles per hour.

Hail

When considering new roofing shingles, one important weather factor to consider is their ability to withstand hail. Purchasing standard shingles may put your roof at risk if a hailstorm occurs, as the impact can significantly damage and crack them. Therefore, it's advisable to choose impact-resistant shingles, often labeled as Class 4 shingles.

UV Radiation

The ultraviolet light from the sun can significantly damage roofing materials. In Colorado, a region known for its sunny weather and high altitude, homes experience more UV radiation than many other locations. To prevent issues like fading, cracking, and premature deterioration of shingles, it’s essential to choose roofing materials that are UV-resistant.

Many UV-resistant shingles feature a UV-reflective coating composed of ceramic granules. These specialized granules not only help reduce heat absorption but also reflect a substantial amount of UV rays hitting the surface. Additionally, many of these shingles incorporate modified asphalt, which helps prevent brittleness from developing due to prolonged sun exposure.

Heavy Snow

One important environmental factor to consider is heavy snow storms. In the Colorado region, homes often experience significant snow accumulation on their roofs during the winter months. Therefore, it’s crucial to select shingles that can withstand the weight of the snow and resist damage from the freeze-thaw cycle. Some excellent options for durable shingles include metal, composite materials, and thicker architectural asphalt shingles, which are stronger than standard asphalt shingles.

Roof Shingle Materials

When you hear the word "shingle," you might immediately think of traditional asphalt shingles, which are indeed the most popular option across the country. However, shingles can be made from a variety of materials. When selecting the best shingles for your Colorado home, it's important to familiarize yourself with the different material options and their price points. This knowledge will help you choose the ideal shingles that align with your needs and budget.

Asphalt

The first material we'll discuss is traditional asphalt, a popular choice known for its affordability and longevity, lasting 20 to 30 years. However, architectural or luxury shingles are essential, as they offer greater durability suited for the Colorado environment, especially compared to conventional three-tab shingles.

Metal

When considering metal roofing, the first thing that may come to mind is metal panels. While they are a viable option, there is now the possibility of using metal shingles that replicate the appearance of traditional asphalt shingles. Although metal roofing tends to be more expensive than asphalt, it offers a significantly longer lifespan, typically ranging from 40 to 70 years. This lifespan varies based on the type of metal used, with options like steel, aluminum, and copper available. Additionally, metal roofing is fireproof, low-maintenance, and lightweight, making it an attractive choice for many homeowners.

Composite

A newer type of roofing shingle available today is the composite shingle, also known as a synthetic shingle. This type of shingle is incredibly low-maintenance and has a lifespan of approximately 50 years. Composite shingles come with various upgrade options, such as UV resistance, and they naturally possess greater resilience against extreme weather conditions, including hail. Additionally, they are offered in a wide array of colors, allowing you to beautifully complement your home's exterior aesthetic.

Slate

Slate is the longest-lasting roofing material available, with shingles that can endure for over 100 years under optimal conditions. Although they are quite heavy and necessitate a specialized structure for support, slate roofing offers a unique aesthetic that is highly sought after in high-end homes. Additionally, slate is fire-resistant, though it can be quite expensive.

Wood

Another viable material for roofing shingles is wood. Wood shingles offer a rustic appearance and are an eco-friendly option. Cedar, in particular, can last between 30 and 50 years and provides excellent insulation. The price of wood shingles falls between that of asphalt and slate. However, it's important to note that wood carries a fire risk unless you maintain regular treatments on your roof.

Clay or Concrete

The final type of shingle material you can consider investing in is clay or concrete. These materials are naturally fire-resistant and quite durable, boasting a lifespan of approximately 50 to 100 years. They also offer a distinctive Spanish-Mediterranean aesthetic for your home. However, it's important to note that clay or concrete shingles tend to be heavier and come with a higher initial cost compared to standard metal or asphalt shingles.

Making a Choice

Now that you’re familiar with the various roofing materials available, it’s important to consider several factors in choosing the right one for your home. Key considerations include your overall budget, the aesthetic appeal of the roofing material, the level of maintenance it requires, and the total installation cost. To assist you further, it can be beneficial to have one of our roofing professionals evaluate your roof and provide an estimate for replacing it with different roofing options.

Add Gutter and Attic Insulation

Proper gutter installation, repairs, and maintenance are essential for protecting your home from water damage. Gutters effectively direct rainwater away from your roof, siding, and foundation, helping to prevent costly issues such as mold growth, basement flooding, and erosion. When paired with the right shingles, gutter performance improves even further, significantly reducing the risk of leaks and water pooling. To ensure they function properly year-round, regular maintenance, including clearing debris and checking for leaks, is necessary. Check periodically and after storms for damaged sections and call for gutter replacement and repair to be ready for the next storm. We can help you pick the best style and material for your needs.

In addition to gutters, attic insulation plays a vital role in moisture control and energy efficiency. Adequate insulation helps regulate your home's temperature and prevents the formation of ice dams during winter, which can damage your roof and gutters. By keeping your attic well-insulated and maintaining your gutters, you can effectively protect your home from water-related damage while improving overall comfort.

Reliable Roof Installation Service

Rise Renovation proudly offers dependable roof services for the Denver, CO, community including expert roof installation. We are also here to assist you with all your roof repair and maintenance needs. Simply call the Rise Renovation office today to schedule your next service consultation.