Denver Metal Roofing

Metal roofing, mostly in agricultural settings, has been around for the better part of a century, both in the Denver area and across the country. Only in the past several years, however, has it started to become a popular, and quality, roofing material for residential uses. While asphalt shingles, cedar shake, and concrete shingles continue to win the popularity contest when it comes to front range roofing materials, metal roofing in Denver deserves a second look from Mile High Homeowners for a number of reasons, including durability, fire resistance, and better performance in snow and freezing weather.

Denver Metal Roofing Materials 101
Start by purging those visions of corrugated tin from your head. That stuff might work for a tractor shed out in Sterling, but modern residential metal roofing is a cut above in all respects. When it comes to materials in the metal roofing market you have several choices. You can't beat stainless steel roofing when it comes to durability or longevity, and copper roofing tiles are still in a class by themselves when it comes to looks. Both are incredibly expensive, however, and are rarely within reach of the average Denverite.

If you're not a member of the upper crust, steel is probably your best bet. Most steel roofs are zinc coated to prevent rust, then covered with a baked on enamel coating to add further protection, color, and to increase the energy efficiency of the roof. Finally, aluminum is a good material for Denver metal roofing because of its light weight and natural resistance to rust. Make sure you get a thicker grade aluminum if you go this route, however, since aluminum is easier to dent than steel when it comes to hail storms and the odd contractor that might need access above.

The Advantages of Metal Roofing in Denver
Now that you're familiar with the types of metal roofing to choose from, let's move on to why metal roofing is a near perfect roofing material in Denver and its outlying communities.

• Longevity—This actually applies to any area of the country, but it needs to be mentioned. A metal roof is likely the last roof you'll ever have to buy. It will cost more up front than other roofing materials, but with today's technology and high quality, baked on enamel coatings, modern metal roofing is built to last. If you're planning on staying in your home for the long haul, Denver metal roofing should be at the top of your list.

• Fire resistance—It seems almost silly to mention, but metal doesn't catch fire. That's nice insurance to have in the city where errant bottle rockets can start a house fire in a matter of seconds, but it's even more critical if you live in the foothills or higher up in the mountains. We all know how devastating forest fires can be after surviving the severe droughts of the past several years. Metal roofing in Denver is one of the best ways to protect your home from forest fires during Colorado summers when things in the high country can turn our treasured Rocky Mountains into a virtual tinder box. Still not convinced? Ask your insurance company. Most give substantial credits to homeowners who install metal roofs for precisely this reason.

• Better Winter Performance—Because metal roofs shed ice and snow so much more efficiently than other roofing materials, they're the perfect roofs for Denver's unpredictable winters. While ice dams and other cold weather roofing problems aren't as prevalent in Denver as they are in the Midwest and Northeast, primarily thanks to those seventy degree January days we all enjoy so much, they can still be a problem, and one that metal roofs all but eliminate. You'll appreciate your metal roof the most come March and April, however. It's the huge spring blizzards with their heavy snows that do the most damage to Front Range roofs. With a metal roof those three foot accumulations will slide right off instead of building up and causing potentially serious damage to roofs not built to withstand all that extra weight.

Some Final Thoughts on Denver Metal Roofing: Silencing the Critics
When researching metal roofing, you might run into a few common arguments against it, all of which have little merit. The first is that metal roofs rust and fail, a misnomer that we've hopefully put to rest as we've described the amazing advances in metal roof coatings. In fact, most metal roofing suppliers are so confident in their materials that 50 year guarantees are not uncommon. Another is that metal roofs are heavier than other materials, and thus not suitable for many homes. Actually the opposite is true. Even steel roofs are lighter in weight than most traditional roofing. In fact, one of the selling points of metal roofing is that it can often be installed directly over old asphalt shingles, eliminating the need to pay out extra for removal of your old roof. Perhaps the biggest argument against metal, however, is cost. It's true, you will be paying more up front for metal roofing in Denver, but when you consider that this is one of those home improvements that pays itself off over time in longevity, protection, and reduced maintenance needs, it's easy to see why metal roofing in Denver is worth every penny, no matter how much the cost.

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