Colorado is a state that experiences all four seasons. This means that the types of roofing you should consider for your home depends on a few different factors that include price, durability, and weather conditions. To help you make the best decision on choosing the best type of roofing for your house, we will evaluate the roofing types based on 3 factors: durability, maintenance, and value. Let’s get started!
Roofing materials that might be best for Colorado homeowners
- Metal roofing
- Asphalt shingle roofing
- Tile roofing
- Slate roofing
- Asphalt roofing
- Wooden shake roofing
- Concrete tile roofing
What is the best roofing material for cold climates?
There are a few roofing materials that work well in cold climates, but the best one depends on your specific needs and preferences. We’re going to dive deep into 3 types of roofing, looking at the 3 different points below every homeowner must consider when needing to replace their roof.
Colorado roofing considerations
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Value
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Durability & Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Pros: Asphalt is a strong and weather-resistant material. Even though asphalt is generally a cheaper roofing material alternative, it’s strong and durable. Asphalt shingles typically last 15-30 years. Depending on how long you plan to be in the house, this may be a great roofing option.
Cons: Additionally, any type of shingles risks being uplifted with strong winds. In general, winds around 45 MPH may begin removing shingles. Proper shingle roofing installation decreases the possibility of wind removing the shingles.
Trout Roofing’s employees are trained to know how to properly install shingles to keep the roofing secure. Contact us today for a free inspection or if you want a shingle roof installed so you have fewer chances of wind roof damage!
Maintenance & Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Pros: Asphalt shingle roofing requires little maintenance, which makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to save time and money on their home’s upkeep. Maintenance typically involves inspecting for unsecured shingles or debris and cleaning out the gutters as needed.
Cons: Maintenance for shingles may require an up-close inspection, which may be risky depending. While a close inspection isn’t always necessary, if you need to get up on your roof to inspect, be careful around steeper sections or closer to the edge of your roof. While inspecting the roof, look for any shingles that appear loose. Don’t forget to let those closest to you know that you’re going to inspect the roof!
Value & Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Pros: In addition to its durability and low maintenance, asphalt shingle roofing also tends to be a more affordable roofing option. If you plan to move in the next few years, asphalt may be a great roofing replacement option to get your house affordably ready to sell.
Cons: The life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof is 15-30 years. In Colorado, asphalt shingles may not reach longer expectancy because of the harsher weather conditions. If you live in an area that’s snow, wind, or blizzard prone, talk to a roofing professional who can help you determine if asphalt shingles are recommended for your area.
Overall:
Asphalt shingles are a durable roof replacement material and will last you a good amount of time. While asphalt may not last you as long as other roofing materials, it’s still a strong material option that will keep you, your family, and your home protected from water or snow damage.
Metal Roofing
Durability & Metal Roofing
Pros: Metal roofs have fewer seams than other roofing materials. With fewer seams in metal roofs, water, snow or ice doesn’t stand a chance of entering your home. Additionally, snow on metal roofs tends to melt faster because of the absorption of the sun’s warmth and the heat radiating from the house.
Cons: Metal roofs tend to melt snow in sheets, which can be potentially dangerous. It’s often recommended to add snow guards to a metal roof if your home is in an area that gets a lot of snow. The most common cause of roof related insurance claims in Colorado is hail damage. When heavy hail falls, metal roofing may be damaged. There’s also a chance that the roof may rust. While it’s not extremely common, a metal roof may begin to rust after decades of use.
Maintenance & Metal Roofing
Pros: There’s little upkeep with a metal roof. It’s recommended that homeowners check to ensure there isn’t debris on the roof once or twice a year. There doesn’t have to be a lot of checking on your roof, simply scan the roof to ensure there aren’t tree branches, debris, or rust. Don’t forget to clean out the gutters as needed. It’s a good idea to review your metal roof after rough storms.
Cons: The only con is that rusting is a possibility which, compared to other roofing materials, is unique to metal roofing. Although the chances of a metal roof rusting aren’t zero, it’s not common, takes years for rusting to occur, and there are protection coatings.
Value & Metal Roofing
Pros: Metal roofs are more durable than other roofing types and hold up better in poor weather conditions. Because metal roofing is so durable, it can last a minimum of 30 years and up to 70, but longer in ideal weather. In addition to metal roofing having one of the best estimated lifetimes, it also comes with heavy-duty protection. You can sleep safe knowing your house isn’t going to see roof leaks with a metal roof. Metal roofing will also help prevent ice dams from forming.
Cons: Metal roofing tends to be more expensive because of the materials and construction involved in replacing the roofing. Another thing metal roof homeowners notice is the noise. When hail or sleet falls and hits the metal, it’s generally louder than other roofing materials. Some consider this noise a nuisance, but some find it therapeutic.
Overall:
Metal roofs are extremely durable and prevent snow, water, or moisture from entering the house because of fewer seams. While replacing your roof with metal roofing may be more expensive upfront, the lifetime is generally cheaper, as you won’t have to replace the metal roof as often.
Slate Tile Roofing
Durability & Slate Roofing
Pros: When it comes to roofing materials, no other type of roofing can compare to slate’s durability and lifetime expectancy. If you replace your roof with slate tiles, you may never have to replace your roof again as slate tile roofing is expected to last 50-200 years. The reason slate tiles last so long is because slate is a durable, metamorphic rock.
Cons: While there are essentially no cons to slate tile’s durability, there are downsides to slate roofing. Because slate is a rock, it is a heavy roofing material. If a house doesn’t have proper support, additional supports may be put into place, which will increase the cost and time of installation.
Maintenance & Slate Roofing
Pros: Slate tile roofing also doesn’t involve a lot of maintenance. Simply review the roof to ensure there aren’t tree branches or other debris on the roof and clean out the gutters as needed.
Cons: Because slate tile roofing is an investment, it’s not a bad idea to have a professional roofer out to perform a close-up inspection every 5 or so years, which can be arduous.
Value & Slate Roofing
Pros: It’s hard to deny that the life expectancy of slate tile roofing is tempting. If you plan on passing your house down as an inheritance, why not remove any concerns about roof replacement with slate tile?
Cons: The costs to install slate tile, as well as remembering to have a professional roofer out to inspect the tiles may be difficult to swallow.
Overall:
Slate tile is a fantastic roofing option if you found your forever home and hope to pass your house on as an inheritance. While slate is durable and long-lasting, it comes at a cost. Regardless of costs, you will be protected from Colorado winter weather elements with slate tiles.
What is the best roof for Colorado homes?
So which type of roofing is the best for Colorado homes? Asphalt shingles tend to be the cheaper option, slate tile is a longer-lasting roofing material, and metal roofing is a happy medium. While every home has its own roofing needs, Trout Roofing is happy to help you find the right roofing material based on your unique needs. Contact Trout Roofing today for a free roof inspection or to get a recommendation on the type of roofing that may best suit your home’s needs!