There are lots of different roofing materials to install on a roof and choosing which material is right for your needs is important.
Here are some of the choices you have with roofing projects:
Asphalt Shingle Roofing:
Residential roofing companies that specialize in asphalt shingle roofing have to uphold a certain standard when estimating a full roof replacement, or even when it comes to a simple roof repair. The proper shingles can make or break a roofing job for both the roofer and the homeowner. The type of shingle you decide to have installed on your roof can affect the cost, the livelihood, and the effectiveness of your structure. The most common residential roofing material used in the United States are asphalt shingles, and not surprisingly to say the least.
Asphalt shingle is probably what comes to mind when you think of a traditional roof. It’s been used since 1903 and has a LONG history as being one of the reliable materials to be the top line of protection on your roof. Picking the right shingle is very important first step in the longevity of your new roof, and we love to educate our clients on the different materials that can be used.
The asphalt shingle is least expensive choice up front, is easy to install, needs little maintenance, and will give you a GREAT bang for your buck when it comes to roofing materials. Here on the Colorado front range, your average roof (if it’s installed correctly and vented properly) should last around 20 years or more on average. They come in two types of material construction: organic and fiberglass. The shingle manufacturers have recently changed the way that shingles are constructed and they’re now designed to additionally reflect the heat of the sun away from the home which will also help bring down your electric bills during those scorching summer months. There are also shingles that are designed to handle wind and water damage differently, and most importantly, protect you from the impact of smaller hail. Those are called Class IV Impact Resistant Shingles. These newer shingle designs come in multiple colors that can easily fit your visual taste and your wallet at the same time. The overall value, look and performance is quickly taking the roofing industry by storm. Pun intended. 😉
Metal Roofing
We’re seeing more and more clients ask for metal roofing as it becomes a growing trend up and down the Colorado front range. The metal roof market has grown over 400% in the last 10 years. They’re more expensive up front, AND they have a huge benefit for you as a homeowner over time. They’re low to no-maintenance, environmentally friendly, lightweight, and also safer with recent surge of fires here in Colorado. Plus, they have a lifespan of 50+ years. This means that once you choose to install a metal roof, it’ll more than likely be the LAST roof you ever install (barring a catastrophic, once in 100-year hailstorm).
There are a number of different choices when it comes to metal roofing such as standing seam, aluminum, copper, corrugated, steel, tin, and more. It really depends on your end goal for your roofing material choice.
We’re well versed in metal roofing installation and can help you through the change over from shingles to because it can be a little tricky at times. So choosing the right company to install your roof correctly is paramount! Our team has installed ALL kinds of roofing materials, and we know the “ins and outs” of what’s really important. We look forward to sharing our hard-earned knowledge with you.
Tile Roofing
Tile roofs are known as one of the most rugged and longest-lasting roofing materials around. They’re a hefty upfront expense, but it’s a bit like “one and done.” Here on the front range where hail is prevalent, this is the right solution for many situations.
Tile roofing shingles can be manufactured in multiple materials. They can be constructed from slate, concrete, or clay. Each tile option has its pros and cons just like anything else. The pros are that tile roofs have been used as a go-to material for centuries and can last well over 100 years when they’re well taken care of.
Slate tile roofing material has some unique properties in addition to how long they last. They’re fireproof, which is a big advantage in certain situations, and they’re also resistant to fungi and mold. We don’t get the type of moisture that other parts of the country do, yet we still see moldy roofs from time to time and they’re never slate tile.
You also have ceramic, clay, and terra cotta roofing. Our team supervisor has installed more terra cotta tile roofing than just about any other company in Colorado, so we know what we’re doing when it comes to tile roofs. They have the same benefits as a slate roof does, AND because of how they are installed, they rarely have problems with leaks unless they crack or break from an impact of something heavy. They’re ecologically friendly because they are made from natural materials.
Low Slope – Flat Roofing
Flat roofing has historically been used more in commercial roofing projects than in residential roofing. That said, it’s becoming more and more common to have sections of flat roofing in all types of new roofing designs, and it’s now popping up all over the Denver metro area, so it’s not just for commercial roofs any more. It’s important to get the right roofing company to install flat roofing correctly because one mistake on the design can cause issues with the drainage system that is installed.
Make sure that you hire a skilled company that will do it right. We see inferior installed flat roofing all the time on repairs and reroofing projects. The wrong slope calculations can lead to big issues down the line where water mitigation is concerned. You don’t want to have any flooding issues! If flat roofing will work for your project, it can be a quick and easy process when done correctly with little to no maintenance over time.
Modified Bitumen Roofs
Modified Bitumen (MB) roofing is the right choice in a low-slope/no-slope situation. It’s an asphalt-based material that’s similar to the Built-Up-Roof (BUR) designed for flat roof structures. MB is a proven roofing system that’s been around for a long time and will stand up to harsh weather environments. It even does well in small hail storms.
With its five-layers of enhanced protection, it’s one of the most trusted flat roofing systems used in the industry today. MB roofs are found to be helpful at stabilizing the inside temperature of a structure while also providing a certain level of UV protection and waterproofing capabilities. MB roofs are also installed without the use of harmful VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds)
TPO Roofs – (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Reflective Membrane – “White Roofs”
This type of roofing is most common in commercial roofing. Using Thermoplastic Polyolefin can be the right choice when you want to reliably protect your commercial property. When a TPO Roof is properly installed and maintained, a single-ply membrane roof can last up to 30 years.
If you’re wondering if TPO is the route for you to take, here are some of the benefits of single-ply membrane roofing systems:
- You get to choose the type of and amount of Insulation that’s right for your building. The single-ply roofing membrane system can be modified to fit any insulation factor.
- The most commonly installed TPO is a bright white, highly reflective roofing material which is great when it comes to reflecting the UV rays and heat from the building. This will translate into money savings during the summer heat by decreasing energy usage to cool the property.
- Easy to install for large areas.
EPDM Roofs (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) – “Black Roofs”
Try saying this 3 times real fast: Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. Go ahead… try it… No? Well, now you understand why we call it EPDM instead.
These are commonly referred to as “black roofs”. They’re a lot like TPO roofing because of the reflective material. EPDM is the cohesive polymer that creates one of the strongest rubber roofing materials made. It is the best choice in MANY situations.
Pros: amazing resistance to weather, steam, heat, and ozone, and it’s also an electrical insulator. No wonder it’s become the material that most commercial properties owners and architects choose to use to cover their investments!
If EPDM sounds familiar, and you’re not an electronic dance music fan, it’s probably because this polymer is well-known in the automotive industry. Strong enough to hold a 4,000lb motor vehicle (and all of its parts) together, EPDM is a highly durable roof flashing system.
EPDM gives outstanding resistance to heat, ozone, steam, and weather. It’s an electrical insulator, so many commercial property owners refer to this roofing material as a cost-effective and economic option to cover their office buildings in Colorado.
PVC Roofs – (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC roofs are a great choice for certain types of buildings here on the Colorado front range. It’s a very sturdy and durable roofing membrane that also has high flexibility and an increased resistance to tearing, punctures, chemicals, UV, and the affects of ozone.
PVC membranes are a bright white reflective color and are put together with heat-welded seams. They’re easy to repair, which makes it a good choice for both a property owner and a roofing contractor. We’re seeing a rise in people choosing to use PVC roofing systems recently.
They’re resistant to a number of chemicals, especially to oil and grease. They’re also a good choice over other flexible roofing options that could potentially cause great damage to a roof. PVC roofs are easy on the wallet when choosing a commercial roofing material, and they have an increased energy savings.
Rubber Roofs
Rubber roofs can be friendly on the wallet as an option, and along with being a good choice for durability, they’re also offered in a number of designs and colors. Rubber roofing is known to be resistant to discoloration, rotting, cracking, mold, and denting. Plus, most manufactures will give at least a 30-year warranty on the materials. They’re made from recycled rubber which is known for its insulating capabilities, which means it tends to help you save on your energy consumption, in turn bringing down the cost of your bill.
If your rubber roof ever starts to leak, it can be simply repaired with a strong sealant, enhancing the life of your roof. Easily installed, lots of styles and colors, and low maintenance, it might just be the right option for your new roof.
Coated Roofs
Over the last decade, we’ve seen a rise in roof coating materials designed for extending the life of buildings that are structurally sound at a time when a new roof might not be an option. We’re not big fans of roof coatings, but in certain situations, adding a roof coating to your commercial property can be an efficient choice as a short-term tactic to protect your investment against wind, weather, and other strange incidents. You don’t want a possible flooding catastrophe! It’s not the best solution, but might be the best solution for the moment.
Let us help you come up with the correct roof coating for your needs. They come in a variety of different types, such as acrylic, silicone, and polyurethanes to meet the different building budgets. So whatever your issue is, we’ve got you covered!
As you can see, we work with just about any roofing material that will best meet your needs.
Get in touch and let’s work together to pick out the correct material for your situation.
