What Are the Best Materials for Fort Collins Roofing?

What Are the Best Materials for Fort Collins Roofing?

When it’s time for new roofing in Fort Collins, you can choose standard asphalt shingles or keep whatever material is installed on your home or commercial structure currently. However, you might also take the opportunity to upgrade or otherwise choose a different roofing material type for added durability or affordability, or to improve a structure’s appearance.

A Fort Collins roofing contractor is the best source of information when it comes to finding the right roofing materials for your home or business, but you might consider some vital details about today’s popular choices. You can then discuss your options with https://fortcollinsroofingcompany.com/ or any contractor and know you’ll be making the right decision for your property.

Why Choose Asphalt Shingles for Fort Collins Roofing

Asphalt shingles are an excellent choice for Fort Collins roofing, as they’re very affordable and easy to install. Homeowners can also typically replace a few missing shingles themselves, if they should lose some in a storm or high winds. The affordability of shingles also allows you to install a new roof for a property you’re considering selling, to attract more potential buyers without investing too much money in a home or business you’re not keeping!

Property owners also have more choices for shingle color shades and tones than they might realize, so you’re not simply stuck with unsightly gray or slate if those hues don’t coordinate with your structure’s exterior. Since most homes have asphalt shingles, yours also won’t “stick out like a sore thumb” in the neighborhood if you should choose shingles.

The downside of standard shingles is that they typically have the shortest expected lifespan, with most moderate quality brands lasting around 20-30 years. Harsh Colorado weather can also shorten that lifespan and lead to premature roof leaks and other such damage, especially if you don’t replace missing shingles quickly.

Is Metal a Good Choice for Fort Collins Roofing?

Metal roofing is durable and long-lasting; a quality metal roof might last at least 50 to 60 years if not longer, often making metal the last roof you’ll ever need to purchase! Metal can also be powder coated, a process similar to painting, virtually any color so you can easily coordinate a metal roof with your structure’s exterior. The classic look of metal also works with modern styles as well as traditional or craftsman style homes and buildings.

Long metal panels also help block moisture better than many other roofing materials, and are also typically less likely to blow away in storms and high winds. Metal is also fire-resistant, reducing the risk of a fire in case of a lightning strike while also stopping interior fires in their tracks! Lightweight metal is also a great choice if you plan on installing a new roof over the existing roof.

The downside of metal roofing is that it’s often one of the most costly materials on the market. Not all roofers are experienced with metal roof installation, so you might need to shop around for the right contractor tools. However, given its overall durability, metal roofing can be an excellent long-term investment for any property.

Add Beauty with Clay and Slate Roofing

Clay and slate roofing both offer a natural aesthetic that homeowners especially appreciate. Natural slate also offers a varied appearance, with no two pieces looking alike, while the rich tone of clay helps offset lighter exterior wall colors.

Both clay and slate are also resistant to fire, water damage, and insects, and both are easy to clean with professional power washing. Clay and slate are also durable and long-lasting, with expected lifespans of 40-60 years.

One consideration before choosing clay or genuine slate is their weight. Some homes might require added bracing or roof support to manage clay or slate tiles, and local building codes might not allow you to add either material over existing roofing because of this added weight. Both materials are also typically at the high end of roofing price ranges, although their durability can make them an excellent long-term investment.

Wood Shingles and Shakes, a Classic Choice

Wood shingles and shakes are a classic Fort Collins roofing choice. Shingles are machine cut, with smoother edges and a uniform appearance, while shakes are hand split, offering some variety in texture and look. As with clay and slate, wood also offers a natural aesthetic that homeowners especially appreciate, and which coordinates exceptionally well with traditional or cottage style homes.

While property owners might assume that wood roofing is prone to rot and mold, natural redwood and cedar have oils that help resist moisture and insects. Many wood shingle and shake varieties are also specially treated for added fire resistance, which also helps protect a property against water damage, roof leaks, and the like.

While wood roofing materials are very attractive and offer excellent advantages, note that it’s vital you keep a wood roof clean and free of debris, so the material can breathe and dry out as needed. Staining is also more common with wood roofs than other materials, and not all roofers are familiar with wood shingle and shake installation or repairs.

Are Plastic Roofing Materials a Good Investment?

Plastic roofing materials haven’t been in use as long as traditional asphalt, metal, and other materials, but plastic does offer some advantages over other options. One reason to choose plastic is that it is lightweight, so you can often install it over existing roofing materials without adding significant weight to a structure.

Plastic can also be shaped and molded into virtually any design, so plastic roofing might then resemble clay, slate, wood, and other costlier roofing options. Plastic is also naturally water resistant, so it can withstand potential water damage and mold growth.

One important consideration regarding plastic is that this newer material has been tested as well as asphalt or other options. Some roofers might also be unfamiliar with its installation and repair, so you might need a specialty option for a plastic roof installation.

Keep these points in mind when shopping for new Fort Collins roofing, and remember to choose an option you can afford but which will last as long as possible. This will ensure you don’t need to repair or replace the roof continuously over the years.

Alison Lurie

Alison Lurie