If you live in Colorado, you know how important it is to have a roof to withstand our state’s extreme weather conditions. Your roof can take a beating from severe hailstorms, high winds, and heavy snowfall. That is why more and more homeowners are choosing metal roofs. Metal roofs are extremely durable and energy-efficient. That said, let us now look at what metal roofs are, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your home.
What Are Metal Roofs?
What comes to mind when you think of metal roofs? Perhaps you think of old barns or industrial buildings. However, metal roofs are one of the best options for residential homes in Colorado. Many homeowners now choose them over more traditional materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Metal Roof Materials
The metal roof materials used in today’s market are usually made from steel, aluminum, or copper. All these materials have unique characteristics that make them more or less suitable for specific types of homes. The two most common roof materials, however, are steel and aluminum.
Steel Roofing
Steel is one of the most popular materials used for metal roofs. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for Colorado, where we experience severe weather conditions. Steel roofs are also fire-resistant and can reflect heat, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer months.
- Galvanized steel- It is made by coating the steel with a layer of zinc, which protects it from rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel roofs are durable and protect your home from fire, wind, and hail damage.
- Galvalume steel- This is another type of steel roofing coated with a layer of aluminum and zinc. The galvalume steel is even more resistant to rust and corrosion than galvanized steel and can last up to 75 years.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum is a lightweight yet very strong metal for roofing. It does not rust and is also fire-resistant. Additionally, it reflects heat well, helping to keep your home cool when it is hot. One downside of aluminum roofs is that they may be more expensive than steel roofs.
Copper Metal Roofing
Copper is a beautiful metal roofing material that will add value to your home. It does not rust and is also fire-resistant. Copper roofs are long-lasting, durable, and easy to maintain. However, copper roofs are on the higher side when it comes to price.
Benefits of Metal Roofing
Metal roofs have so much to offer, which makes it easy to see why many homeowners lean more towards this roofing type. Some of the benefits include-
They Are Durable
Installing roofing is a big project, and it calls for a significant investment. This is why you want to make sure that the roof you choose can withstand the test of time. Metal roofs are one of the longest-lasting roofing systems on the market. With proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 50 years or even more.
They Are Energy Efficient
Metal roofs reflect heat very well, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer months. It leads to lower energy bills as your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool down your home.
They Offer Protection Against Fire, Wind, and Hail
Colorado is no stranger to extreme weather. Severe hail, high winds, and wildfire are all part of the picture. Metal roofs resist fire and handle wind and hail well, and in mapped WUI areas, that resistance is now a requirement rather than a bonus, since Colorado’s Wildfire Resiliency Code mandates Class A roofing.
They Are Aesthetically Pleasing
Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors and styles, meaning that you can find one that complements the aesthetics of your home. Their design can mimic the look of shingles, slate, or tile, meaning that you can go for the aesthetics that you desire.
They Are Eco-Friendly
Metal roofing is fully recyclable at the end of its life, and most steel roofing already contains recycled content. That is a genuine advantage over asphalt, which mostly ends up in landfill. It is not the same as cutting your carbon footprint, and we will not pretend otherwise.
They Are Easy to Maintain
Once a metal roof is installed, you do not have to do much to maintain it. You can simply hose it down once in a while to keep it clean. Minor dents or scratches should be evaluated as part of the overall roof condition; widespread damage may warrant a complete replacement or a qualifying storm restoration scope.
Choosing the Right Metal Roof
Now that you know the different types of metal roofing materials, let us take a look at the things to consider when choosing one for your home;
Style
The first thing you need to consider when selecting a metal roof is the style of the metal roof. You need to decide whether you want a standing seam, corrugated, tile, or shingle style. Choose one that matches your exterior and will make your home stand out.
Color
There are many colors to choose from when it comes to metal roofs. You can go for the classic metal roof look or a color that will complement the aesthetics of your home.
Material Weight
With the extreme weather conditions that we experience in Colorado, you want to make sure that the metal roof you choose can withstand the elements. The weight of the metal is one of the things you should consider.
Cost
Cost varies by metal, profile, and gauge, and metal runs well above asphalt on day one. The arithmetic that matters is how many asphalt roofs you would buy across the life of one metal roof, plus whatever your insurer does with the rating.
Contact GS Exterior Experts
Choosing between steel, aluminum, and copper is easier with someone who installs them. We have been roofing Colorado homes for over 20 years, through more hailstorms than most of us care to count. Call (720) 683-6288 or request an estimate.
