What’s Great About Colorado Metal Roofing
Denver metal roofing is increasingly a more popular choice for residential homes, multi-family housing, offices, industrial, and commercial buildings because of its high standards for quality products, safety, and dependability. While the initial expense of a metal roof may be higher than that of traditional roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, the overall cost of metal roofing over its lifetime will make it a cost-effective option that will add value to the property. Whether you’re looking to install a new roof or replace an existing roof, consider the benefits of metal roofing.
All the Benefits of Metal Roofing
There are many advantages to choosing metal roofing systems, including:
- Durability: Average lifespan of 50+ years
- Fire resistant: Metal roofs will not spark or ignite into flames in the event of a wildfire or a lightning strike
- Lightweight: Metal roofs range in weight from 50 to 150 pounds per square as compared with tile that weighs 750 pounds per square and concrete which weighs up to 900 pounds per square
- Little maintenance: Easy to take care of
- Energy efficient: Cuts cooling costs
- Eco-friendly: Made of recycled material, a zero-waste product
New Metal Roof Performance
Because of the ability for metal roofs to perform extremely well in different locations and under different circumstances, they are an ideal choice for Denver Co residences and commercial buildings:
- Snow and Ice: Most metal roofs are built to withstand heavy weight loads like snow and ice, particularly important for buildings in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and the Rocky Mountains. Furthermore, because of their smooth surface, several metal roofing styles encourage snow shed and reduce ice damming. Snow guards are widely available and simple to install on any type of metal roof on the market.
- Hurricanes and Strong Wind: Many metal roofs have been tested and proven to perform in winds exceeding 140 mph and to protect against debris impact damage.
- Wildfires: When combined with the proper roofing system components, a metal roof meets the Class A fire rating.
- Hail: UL 2218 Class 4 compliant roofing products are available from the majority of metal roofing manufacturers. This rating meets the Severe Hail (SH) requirements set forth by an insurance company.
- Lightning: Contrary to popular belief, metal roofing does not attract lightning. In fact, if lightning strikes your metal roof, the electricity is dispersed over a larger area, reducing the immediate impact.

Types of Metal Roofing Systems: Standing Seam
There are different types of metal roofing systems for Denver homeowners, including standing seam metal roofs, which are made up of panels joined together at the seams or mechanically seamed. When the metal heats up, a standing seam metal roof allows the panels to expand and contract freely. The other is a screw-down panel metal roof system (also known as an exposed fastener), however, this approach leaves no room for expansion or contraction. Standing seam metal roofs are the recommended choice for homeowners.
Types of Metal Roofing Products & Styles
Metal roofing comes in different materials including aluminum roofing, copper, zinc, and stone-coated steel. A popular option, aluminum roofing is long-lasting and is rust-proof and corrosion-resistant. It is lightweight, making it easier to work with, and it has a low metal roofing installation cost.
Copper is the original and oldest type of metal roofing, and can be installed in any environment.
Because of its versatility, zinc is among the front-runners in metal roofing materials. It can be manipulated into a variety of shapes and designs and is extremely resistant to rust. It can also recover from severe damage over time.
Stone-coated steel combines the industrial strength of steel with the elegance of traditional roofing materials of shingles, shakes, and tiles. Stone-coated steel roofing is composed of several distinct layers, which typically begin with galvanized steel sheets. The steel panels are then primed to ensure they adhere well to subsequent coatings, which begin with acrylic paint. This layer shields the underlying metal from UV and water damage while also acting as an adhesive for the next layer – stone granules. Manufacturers finish the product with an acrylic overglaze to give the granules gloss and additional protection.
Meet Your Exact Design Specifications
Metal roofing also comes in different colors and coatings. Your color choices are limitless and when working on your metal roofing project you can custom-design the look with the roof installer. Consider the contrast of the metal roof with the color of the rest of the house. If you want to add visual height to your home, you may want to consider a lighter colored roof. In contrast, a darker colored roof would help give your home a more modest height. If you live in the Rocky Mountains, you may want to blend in with your environmental surroundings and choose dark greens or browns.

Denver Metal Roofing Services
If you are replacing an existing roof with a new metal roof, part of the installation process involves inspecting the roof to determine if the old roof should be removed or whether the metal roof can be installed over an existing roof. If the existing roof needs to be removed, a good roofing company will protect your foundation, siding, and landscaping during tear down.
Metal Roof Installation Procedures
The following are the essential elements of any metal roof installation project:
- Substrate: The material utilized to cover the rafters and joists. This is typically plywood, planking, or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) attached to the top of the roof framing members to form the roof surface for the underlayment and metal panel attachment.
- Underlayment: Most metal roofing contractors use synthetic underlayments, which are easier to install, last longer, and can be exposed to the elements for a longer period of time.
- Metal Roof Panels: Available in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any home and budget.
- Clips and Fasteners: Depending on the type of metal panel you choose, your roofing contractor will attach the roofing panels to the decking.
- Flashing and Trimming: Installed at the intersections and terminations of the metal roofing system to seal the roof and prevent water from entering the roofing system and building envelope.
- Caulking and Sealants: Used for metal-to-metal connections such as laps or junctions where trims and panels intersect. The sealant must adhere to painted metal surfaces and provide some elasticity as the metal expands and contracts in response to changing weather conditions.
Seamless gutters are a popular option with metal roofing. Gutters should be mounted as high as they can be on metal roofs and sloped to assist with drainage.
As part of the metal roofing services, set up a regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance program. This will help avoid any long-term issues and costly repairs.

Other Roofing Systems
In addition to metal roofing, there are options available that may better fit your budget and design aesthetic including asphalt shingles, traditional shingles, slate tiles, clay tiles, composite roofing shingles, and others. Some options provide a low-cost roofing solution depending on the materials utilized.
When it comes to deciding on your Denver metal roofing options, be sure to work with a quality roofing company. Ask about getting a free inspection and estimate and for recommendations from other customers in Denver, Colorado and the surrounding areas who have had metal roofs installed. Your roofer should also offer commercial roof inspections and have experience in roofing many buildings throughout Denver.
Title & Description:
What’s Great About Colorado Metal Roofing
Colorado metal roofs are becoming more popular due to their durability, performance, energy efficiency and style options. See if metal roofing is right for you.