Pick The Best Roofing Material For Colorado–5 Common Types

Picking a roof material can be a tricky task for any business or homeowner, but this is especially true when it comes to Colorado roofing. To help you as you look into the best roofing materials for Colorado roofs, we’ve rounded up 5 common types.

While you want your roof to look aesthetically pleasing, in Colorado it’s also important to consider the weather and elements that batter roofs in the area throughout all four seasons. At CJ Roofing, we’ve seen many kinds of roofs come and go over the years, and we’ve learned from experience which ones are preferred for Colorado roofing solutions. So if it’s time to replace your roof, read on to find about the most common Colorado roofs—along with some of the benefits and drawbacks of each kind.

Asphalt shingles

Tried and true, asphalt shingles account for one of the first materials most folks think of when they picture a roof. Asphalt shingles are easily the most common residential roofing material in Colorado and beyond. This material is relatively durable, but it’s heavily preferred due to its low cost compared to many other roofing types.

The main drawback of asphalt shingles is that they simply don’t last as long as other options, with an expected lifespan of 15-20 years that may be shortened by inclement weather. Asphalt shingles are also vulnerable to algae, which can lead to discoloration and damage. Still, no other material comes close in terms of affordability, and this classic standby is here to stay.

Here are some tips on how to make your roof last longer > (Yes, keeping it maintained is key!)

Wood shake and cedar shingles

Opting for wood on your roof may raise some eyebrows among Colorado homeowners, but wood shake or cedar shingles make for a reasonable option, especially for those looking into eco-friendly roofing solutions in Colorado. That’s because wood shake roofs can often be made with recycled wood or otherwise harvested responsibly, while cedar in particular acts as a natural insulator. This material is also surprisingly durable, with a lifespan of around 30 years, though it does represent a fire risk. 

Metal roofing

For roofing that stands up to Colorado’s harshest weather, it’s hard to beat metal roofing. While not always ideal for residential roofing projects—mostly because folks feel it falls short in the appearance department—metal roofing will last at least several decades and, with proper maintenance, potentially past the century mark. Over the past several years, metal roofing options have also become more affordable and customizable than ever. For pure practicality, nothing really comes close to this lightweight, durable, and relatively eco-friendly material.

Slate roofing

The pinnacle of sophistication and quality, slate roofing represents a level of upscale roofing that generally can’t be matched by other roofing materials, putting it on our list of the best roofing materials for Colorado. Slate offers a bold, yet natural appearance, and it’s practically impervious to both rot and fires.

This material is heavier than others, which drives installation and overall costs up a bit, but this also lends its superior durability as it’s more than able to withstand rain, snow, wind, hail, and anything else Colorado weather has to throw at it. Its higher cost may be a sticking point for some, but besides this slate represents one of the most ideal forms of Colorado roofing.

Highland composite slate shingles >

Symphony composite slate shingles >

Synthetic roofing materials

While this is a fairly broad category, that’s because there’s a whole lot synthetic roofing can do for Colorado homes and businesses. These materials can emulate everything from wood shake roofs to asphalt shingles—or even expensive slate. At the same time, synthetic roofing materials are often made to eliminate the issues face by the materials they emulate, as they’re resistant to algae and fire. Synthetic roofing materials are customizable in just about every way, and they often carry the longest warranties out of all common roofing materials, making them one of the best choices in roofing material for Colorado roofs.

CJ Roofing: Experts in Colorado Roofing Solutions

As professional Colorado roofers within the Denver metro and Littleton areas, we know picking the right material for your next roofing project is a tough task. Colorado home and business owners have to consider not just cost and appearance, but also the added complication of planning for the most brutal summer storms, the harshest winters, and everything in between. Luckily, our team at CJ Roofing is here to help. We’ve served the Front Range of Colorado for more than 40 years, so we know how to provide Colorado roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Get in touch with us today for a quote or a free roof inspection!