The 4 Best Roofing Materials for Colorado Homes

September 7, 2021

Colorado is known for its sporadic, often unpredictable weather patterns. We joke that you can see all four seasons on the same day on the Front Range, which is why selecting the best roofing material for your home is so important.

We experience roughly 300 days of sunshine every year as well as hail, snow, rain, and high winds; that’s a lot for a roof to handle. It begs the question, which kind of roofing will be the most dependable to protect your Colorado home?

The answer will vary from region to region. For instance, more mountainous regions might do well to choose a metal roof while those in the southern region could benefit from heat-deflecting clay roofing. To find out which option is best for you and why, check out this list detailing the best 4 for Colorado homes.    


1. Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt shingles

A majority of the residential buildings in North America are made from asphalt roofing. This stands true in Colorado as well. Asphalt roofing is an affordable, relatively durable roofing solution that can conform to an array of different styles. This roofing comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and thicknesses.

It holds up tough against almost any weather condition. Snow, rain, wind, hail, and sleet – asphalt roofing will be up for the task. The catch is, this type of roofing requires regular maintenance and it will need to be replaced after 12-20 years. 

Pros of Asphalt

  • Comes in a variety of styles 
  • Can withstand adverse weather conditions
  • One of the cheapest options 
  • Simple and quick to install
  • Damaged shingles are easy to replace 

The Downsides of Asphalt

  • Less durable than other options
  • Vulnerable to windy conditions
  • Must be replaced every 12 - 20 years
  • Not very environmentally friendly
  • Must be installed during warm temperatures

Who Should Choose Asphalt?

Asphalt roofing can meet the needs of a wide variety of homeowners. It’s a great option for those living in just about any part of Colorado. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance and replacements, it will hold up well against the elements. Those looking for a cost-effective, versatile roof material might want to consider this type of roofing. 


2. Metal Roofing 

metal roofing close up

Another popular roofing option is metal. These metal roofs usually last anywhere from 40 - 70 years. More sturdy materials such as copper and zinc can even last over 100 years.

Metal roofing can easily withstand heavy snow, hail, and wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour. On hot days, this roofing reflects UV and infrared alike which can help reduce cooling costs by 40% or more. They can also protect your home from lightning strikes or any other sparks that land on your roof.

Of course, all these benefits do come with a price. Metal roofing can be 10 times more expensive than asphalt. 

Pros of Metal 

  • Repels snow and ice and reduces the risk of ice dams
  • Extremely wind resistant 
  • Better for the environment
  • Can last up to 100 years 
  • Reduces cooling costs 

The Downsides of Metal 

  • Can be expensive 
  • Dents upon heavy impact 
  • Loud during rain or hail
  • Harder to repair 
  • More complicated to install 

Who Should Choose Metal? 

If you have some extra cash to spend and are looking for stylish, durable roofing material, metal roofing might be the best choice for you. It would be a great choice for those on the Front Range and in the mountains alike due to its ability to repeal snow and ice. Just note that metal roofing can dent when faced with falling branches or footsteps. Repairs can be tricky too. It can be difficult to match the exact color and style of your current roof years down the line. 


3. ​​Clay Tile Roofing

Clay roof tiles

Clay tile is a beautifully elegant option that some Colorado homeowners might consider. This material holds up against winter conditions well as long as it’s installed correctly. Due to the material’s natural thermal emittance, it can offer an energy-efficient solution to summer cooling. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly roofing options. Since clay tiles are made from sustainable earth minerals, they can easily be crushed up and repurposed for other purposes such as serving as a base for roads.   

Pros of Clay Tile

  • Great in winter and summer conditions 
  • Low upkeep and can last over 50 years
  • Wind and fire-resistant 
  • Eco-friendly
  • Energy-efficient in heat 

The Downsides of Clay Tile 

  • Can be heavy 
  • Can cost twice as much as asphalt shingles
  • Vulnerable to heavy impact 
  • Difficult to install 
  • Can get dirty and stained 

Who Should Choose Clay Tile? 

Those hoping to invest in a stylish roof that will last should turn towards clay tiles. This sturdy material is especially beneficial for those who live in the southern region of Colorado where the heat can get intense in the summertime. They offer an energy-saving layer of protection against the sun’s harsh rays. But if you live in an area where it’s not uncommon for tree branches to fall on your roof, be aware that you might have a lot of cracked tiles to repair after a storm. 


4. Slate Roofing 

Slate roofing

With a wide variety of gorgeous, earth colors, slate roofing has been a beloved roofing material for centuries. They last the longest out of all the different roofing options. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as a “forever roof”. They are freeze, mold, and fire-resistant. Most weather conditions are no match for a slate roof. High winds, high temperatures, or even hail up to four inches won’t make a dent in the sturdy material. It is quite expensive to install but the low maintenance costs could make the price tag worthwhile.    

Pros of Slate

  • Elegant look 
  • Can last hundreds of years
  • Unaffected by extreme weather
  • Low maintenance
  • Eco-friendly 

The Downsides of Slate 

  • Can be expensive to install
  • Doesn’t match all styles 
  • Complicated to install
  • Can be heavy
  • Brittle upon heavy impact 

Who Should Choose Slate? 

If you’re building an elegant custom home or remodeling your current home into a luxury living space, slate roofing is a great choice for you. While it is pricey, it requires little to no maintenance and can last over 100 years. Slate roofing will be a great fit just about anywhere in Colorado as it can withstand heavy snow, wind, and heat.

Have questions about roofing materials needed to renovate or build your custom home? Give us a call at (970) 797-2354. Or reach out online.

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