Colorado is known for its varying temperatures–learn how to select the best roofing material for your home.
In Colorado, cold and snowy weather is a constant companion for at least half of the year–and sometimes in May too! If you’re one of the many Colorado homeowners looking to improve upon your home with a wonderful new roof, you need to know how to get the right roof materials for your area.
In this guide, we will explore roofing materials, how they vary, and which ones you should consider for your Colorado home!
The Delicate Balance of Roofing Materials and Colorado Weather
Whether you’re looking for a simple home upgrade or you need to help your home recover from one of Colorado’s well-documented hailstorms, you may find yourself considering many options for your roof. As a homeowner, it may surprise you just how much variety there is on the market, but this is actually a great benefit–it means you can find the perfect material for your home!
Let’s explore some of the considerations you will want to refer to when deciding on the next phase of your roof and the materials that will make it!
What Are Roofing Materials?
If you’re like the average person, chances are that you don’t spend too much time looking at or acknowledging the roofs around you. Although roofs vary in design, shape, and color, most of us don’t think too much about them unless we have a reason to. In fact, most people don’t even know that roofing materials can vary–but they do!
Roofing materials are the physical materials that roofs are made from. Designed with different materials and made to offer varying benefits, roofing materials are far from one size fits all. They can offer different aesthetics, different benefits, and require different types of installation too.
There are several materials that come together to build a roof, but the most prominent is what people think of as shingles. However, not all roofing materials are necessarily traditional shingles. There are plenty of options available that come in forms other than standard shingles, and they can sometimes be more beneficial depending on the circumstance.
The bottom line is that the world of roofing is wide–and it is very important for Colorado homeowners to know their options!
Why Do Roofing Materials Matter?
You might have noticed that the neighbors on each side of you have roofs that look different, but have you considered whether or not they are actually different? The answer might surprise you!
Roof materials can look visibly different and still be the same, but the fact is that when you walk through your neighborhood, you are likely seeing different materials on the roofs around you. A lot of the time, when roofs look different it is because they are using different materials with different properties.
The properties of roofing materials are based on how they are made. Some materials and designs are made to be resistant to mold and moisture, while others are meant to last long in extreme temperatures. Some roofing materials are even resistant to fire, adding a whole new layer of protection to your home.
Understanding the materials and how they can alter your home for better or worse is always important. This will help you to choose roofing materials that are right for your home, your area, and your budget.
How Does Weather Impact the Roofing Materials You Choose?
We often think of weather as a background feature, but it is important to remember that buildings don’t get to go inside when a storm is carrying on outside. The weather in your area can have a surprising and distinct impact on your roof. Some roofing materials are simply not made for certain weather conditions.
When exploring how weather impacts roofing materials, it helps to think about it in terms of physical impacts. Changing temperatures can cause materials to expand or contract, sometimes making them dry or soaking them in humidity. Storms can be physically damaging and impact the temperature that your roof may be exposed to. Even wind can harm the exterior of your home, so that is one more weather feature to keep in mind!
What Weather Considerations Does Colorado Bring?
As all true Coloradans know, the weather in Colorado is often anything but predictable. It can look different depending on the area where you live, the season, the time of day, and whether or not the Broncos won their most recent game!
When considering the Colorado climate for your roofing materials, there are several key weather characteristics that you will want to consider, including varying temperatures, high wind conditions, snow, rain, ice, sun, and dryness.
Temperature changes are common in Colorado with winters reaching below zero and summers taking the same areas above a hundred degrees. You want roofing materials that fit this range!
Storm conditions can cause moisture damage and physical damage. Whether it’s raining, snowing, icy, or windy, your roof may take a beating, so you want to be prepared.
Colorado’s unique variety of weather is more than some areas experience, so you want to use a versatile material. However, it is also important to consider the dryness. Colorado has very dry air, which can turn materials brittle and cause them to break down over time–and that isn’t all.
Since Colorado has such a high elevation, we have bright sunny days and minimal protection against UV rays. You may have already guessed it, but yes, UV rays can also be highly damaging and cause a lot of problems for certain materials. Some materials are more prepared for the sun’s rays than others.
What Colorado Homeowners Want in Roofing Materials
Given Colorado’s unique climate, you may be wondering what you should look for in materials. There are a few traits that will serve you and your home well when shopping for roofing materials.
Some Traits Include:
- Overall durability
- Ability to withstand very high and very low temperatures
- Physical resistance against damage
- Ability to withstand dryness
- Protection against UV rays
- Easy repair
Great Roofing Material Matches for the Roof of Your Colorado Home
In Colorado, there is always something new waiting as the seasons begin to change. You want a roof material that is as strong as your Colorado spirit and as flexible and adaptive as the animals that call this state home. Fortunately, there are a few options available.
Asphalt shingles are a very popular choice among Colorado homeowners and other areas like it because they are surprisingly durable. They are perfect for changing temperatures, storms, and even the occasional fire scare, making them a great choice. Their ability to last throughout the years also makes them a cost-effective solution. This is the best for your budget.
Although asphalt shingles are a wonderful classic, they’re a little old school if you ask some people. The modern version is synthetic shingles, which are made with synthetic materials and engineered to last. Lightweight, affordable, and versatile, these shingles are another great choice that can fit well in many budgets. This is the best for standard upgrades.
When most people think of roofing, they don’t think of metal, but this is another great option for Colorado residents. Metal is highly durable, and it can also act as a wonderful insulator. What does this mean? It means cold Colorado winters may not be as cold for your home. With its powerful design, metal roofing looks great and comes with plenty of benefits. If you’re looking for a stylish roof that also cuts down your electricity bill, this is a wonderful option. Just keep in mind that it can come in at a higher price point. This is the best for long-term savings and for snow and cold temperatures!
If you want metal roofing with even more flair, stone-coated steel roofing can be a truly exceptional option. It looks very neat, comes in a wide range of appearances, and gives you all the benefits of metal roofing that you might already expect to see. It certainly isn’t the cheapest option, but it can be a great lasting option that really improves the visual appearance of your roof. Blending style with durability, stone-coated steel is another great choice for Colorado homeowners. This is the best for style!
Find the Perfect Roof and Get it Installed With a Team You Can Trust!
Choosing the right materials for your roof might seem like an overwhelming task, but it is one that you don’t have to manage on your own. You can work with our team of roofing contractors Colorado residents know and love to get the perfect materials for your home and your needs.
We are here to work with you to decide on a roof that looks great, lasts long, and offers all the protections you need. Connect with our team today to learn more!