From heavy snow to pelting hail, your roof takes a lot of abuse as it protects you and your family. This is why it’s so important to choose the right material for overhead.
Premier metal roofing is often a winner because of its durability, low maintenance, and great looks. Add in the fact that they can last 50 to 80 years, and a metal roof proves an advantageous investment for a Colorado home or business.
Just as you have many options for shingles, metal roofing comes in different metals and forms. As you start comparing roofing costs, keep in mind that some metals are more durable and better able to handle the abuse a roof takes over the years.
Let’s take a look at the different metals roofing comes in and what you should consider when choosing among them.
Types of Premier Metal Roofing for Colorado Home & Business Owners
Whether you’re looking for a metal roof for a residential or commercial property, here are a few of the premier metal roofing options we offer.
Copper Roofs
Copper domes grace many a stately capitol building and courthouse, which adds to their stately appeal and serves as proof of how long this metal can last. The older the building, the more likely it is that copper has oxidized to a lovely green patina. Know, however, that it takes up to 20 years to get there.
If you’re considering copper roofing, know that it can last for more than 60 years and has great fire resistance. As the warm color is often a draw, know that you can get a clear polyurethane coat added to keep it that shade over time.
Copper is considered one of the highest quality metals you can use for roofing, although it is extremely soft. This makes it more prone to damage in a hail-prone area, although that softness also means it will dent rather than puncture with large hailstones. (While the largest hailstone recorded in Colorado was 4.85” across, it’s very uncommon to see any that large.)
Be prepared with your budget as copper is extremely expensive; you might be able to get away with a lower metal with similar durability. Copper also expands and contracts a lot with temperature changes, so consider your location if considering this type of metal roof.
Aluminum Roofs
One of the most long-lasting options, aluminum has the added benefit of reflecting heat and making it easier to maintain cooler temperatures inside. This makes it a good green option if you’re looking to cut your energy bills.
Aluminum is also fire resistant and is more commonly seen in harsh climates with severe weather. It maintains its durability even under the corrosiveness of coastal climates with their salty air.
You can get aluminum as tiles and shingles rather than panels, which can be a more attractive look although they aren’t as affordable as panels. The price of aluminum roofing fluctuates with the market but usually lies between copper and steel. Because of the price, you’ll find the panels are often made much thinner than steel ones.
Zinc Roofs
If you’ve ever admired the blue-gray rooftops of Paris, you should know that comes from zinc panels installed in the 1830s. This is a metal that is extremely long-lasting and is easily folded to create unique shapes without losing structural integrity. When installing business roofs, it’s a good option if you are looking to create a building silhouette that matches your product.
Zinc is a good option in harsh climates as it is crack and erosion-resistant. It’s also a good green product as it is recyclable, has a low toxicity level, and takes less energy to produce.
One downside to zinc is the chalking effect, which you might not like the aesthetics of. The pricepoint of Zinc is also comparable to copper. A large part of the cost is the need for expert installation. A softer metal, it can also be easily damaged by hail or high winds.
Steel Roofs
Steel roofs resist cracking, shrinking, and erosion, but they don’t last nearly as long as other metals (you can still get 40+ years however). That being said, they are a common choice on commercial constructions and have begun making their way more into residential builds.
In recent years, steel has been used to mimic the look of copper, zinc, and more expensive metal roofs. Paint can match the natural patinas of those metals, giving you the chic look with a lower price tag.
You’ll find three types of steel roofs – galvanized, galvalume, and weathering. The first two involving adding a layer of a different metal – zinc in the first case, a zinc and aluminum mix in the second – to protect the steel from corrosion. Galvanized steel is the most common and is what you’ll find most corrugated roofing made of.
Weathering steel was originally used for big construction like bridges. The outer layer is designed to rust and provide a protective layer for the inner steel. This makes it a good choice for accent roofs that might not have the same structural requirements.
Not only is steel often your least expensive option, but it can also earn you a discount on your insurance premiums; it can handle a beating better than asphalt shingles.
Steel roofing is energy-intensive to create but is highly recyclable. It’s among the hardest metal options, making it an ideal choice in mountain regions where hail is common.
Ready to Install Premier Metal Roofing with Columbine Roofing?
Premier metal roofing can add elegance and curb appeal to your home, but which type of metal you choose for your roof comes down to durability and price. Our sometimes rough weather makes durability a prime consideration for Colorado roofs, commercial or residential.