We understand it can be difficult choosing the right roof for your home in Northern Colorado. On one hand, traditional asphalt shingles are the go-to roof because they’re the least expensive initially. However, they’re among the most expensive long-term. On the other hand, stone-coated steel shingles last much longer than traditional shingles, making them less expensive in the long run, though they cost more initially. Then there is standing seam metal roofing panels to consider, the most energy-efficient roof available today. Below, we offer 4 things to consider to help you choose the right roof for your home in Northern Colorado.
New Roof Options
Traditional Asphalt Shingles
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles, Shake
Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels
To help homeowners in Northern Colorado choose the right roof for them, we offer three options: traditional asphalt shingles, stone-coated steel shingles and shake, and standing seam metal roofing panels.
Each has its own pros and cons. Some cost less initially, while others cost less long-term. Some are more durable than others. Some help save you money by being more energy-efficient than others.
Traditional Asphalt Shingles
Traditional asphalt shingles are the default roof for many Coloradans. They have many advantages, but they also have some disadvantages. When choosing the right roof for your home, consider them all.
Low Initial Cost
Somewhat Durable
DIY-Friendly
Wide Availability
High Long-Term Cost
Longevity
Not Locally Recyclable
Pros
The primary advantage of traditional asphalt shingles is affordability – traditional asphalt shingles are the most affordable roof covering in the short term. They’re also DIY-friendly – many homeowners install or repair them themselves. There are also many asphalt shingle manufacturers to choose from, including Owens Corning, Tamko, GAF, CertainTeed, and more. Traditional asphalt shingles are also mostly durable to hail, insects, rot, and strong winds.
Cons
Traditional asphalt shingles also have their disadvantages. One big disadvantage is their high long-term cost. They might cost the least initially, but because they don’t last that long, they often cost more in the long run. Even high-end asphalt roofing shingles don’t last as long as other roof coverings. In the best-case scenario, you can expect 30 years out of your asphalt shingles. They’re also not recyclable in our area. As our landfills fill up, this is becoming increasingly important to Coloradans.
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles, Shake
Although stone-coated steel shingles are somewhat new, they’re quickly becoming more popular. More Coloradans are choosing steel as the right roof for them. We offer stone-coated steel roofing products from Decra and Westlake Royal Roofing.
Low Long-Term Cost
Highly Durable
Fewer Re-Roofings
Locally Recyclable
Energy-Efficient
High Initial Cost
Pros
There are many advantages of stone-coated steel roofing. The biggest one is durability. Stone-coated steel shingles and shake are much more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. As a result, they last a lot longer. Traditional asphalt shingles typically last only 30 years at best. Steel shingles, on the other hand, often last 70 years or more. Therefore, they often cost less in the long run. That’s something a lot of homeowners don’t consider. Also, a longer-lasting roof means fewer re-roofing interruptions. They’re also recyclable in our area, unlike traditional asphalt shingles. Stone-coated steel roofing products are also more energy-efficient than traditional asphalt shingles, saving you money on your utility bill.
Cons
Stone-coated steel shingles and shake have few disadvantages. In fact, the only disadvantage is their initial cost. However, because they last so long, their long-term cost is low. If you’d like a roof that lasts a long time, roof financing options are available.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing Panels
Standing seam metal roofing is increasingly popular due to its durability, energy efficiency, and longevity. We make our own standing seam metal roofing panels in-house for a perfect fit to your roof.
Low Long-Term Cost
Highly Durable
Fewer Re-Roofings
Locally Recyclable
Energy-Efficient
High Initial Cost
Pros
Like stone-coated steel roofing, standing seam metal roofing panels enjoy many advantages: low long-term cost, recyclability, and fewer re-roofing interruptions. Other perks of standing seam roofing are even better energy efficiency. That’s because standing seam metal roofing reflects more of the sun’s heat, keeping the attic and home cooler. Standing seam metal roofing panels also enjoy the most colors available in any roof covering.
Cons
Like stone-coated steel roofing, the only disadvantage of standing seam is its initial cost. However, when homeowners learn of their numerous advantages, they take advantage of our roof financing.
How to Choose the Right Roof for Your Home
For many homeowners, the right roof for them comes down to initial cost – how much is it going to cost to replace your roof right now. However, it’s worth considering the long-term cost of a roof – how much will your roof cost over its lifetime. Perhaps the right roof for you is the one that costs the least in the long run and saves you money on your utility bill.
Save Money Short-Term?
Traditional Asphalt Shingles
If saving money in the short term is most important, go with traditional asphalt shingles, as they are the least expensive to purchase and install. They’re also the quickest to install, once materials have been delivered and our roofing crew begins. In most cases, we can re-roof a home within a day or two, including tearing off your old roof.
Save Money Long-Term?
Stone-Coated Steel
or Standing Seam
If saving money in the long term is your priority, stone-coated steel shingles or shake, or standing-seam metal roofing panels are the most durable and will last the longest. Traditional asphalt shingles only last 15-30 years if professionally installed and regularly maintained. Metal roofing, however, often lasts 50-70 years or more. As a result, a longer-lasting roof should cost less in the long-run.
Most Energy-Efficient?
Standing Seam Metal Panels
If you want the most energy-efficient roof, consider standing seam metal roofing panels, as they have the highest solar reflectivity rating. As a result, you save money on a lower utility bill. In addition, standing seam is recyclable, durable, and comes in dozens of colors. In fact, no other roof coverings come in more colors than standing seam. We make our own standing seam metal roofing panels in-house for an exact fit to your roof.
Best Wood Shake Alternative?
Stone-Coated Steel Shake
If you like the look of real wood shake but don’t want the headaches that come with it, a new stone-coated steel shake roof is best, since they resemble real wood shake the most. What’s more, stone-coated steel shake is recyclable, unlike real wood shake. And, steel shake is much more resistant to insects, rot, mold, and hail. A new stone-coated steel shake roof also lasts much longer than natural wood shake.
What’s the Right Roof For Your Home
Is the right roof for your home in Northern Colorado the cheapest to install, or the one that costs the least long-term? Or is it the roof that looks the most natural, like real wood shake? Or is it the roof that helps save you money by lowering your utility bills? Whether the right roof for you is traditional asphalt shingles, stone-coated steel shingles or shake, or standing seam metal roofing panels, we can help. All our roof installations are backed by our 5-year workmanship guarantee. Contact us for a free consultation or estimate, today.
