Denver gets 56 inches of snow every year. The US average is 26 inches.
Still, the city enjoys over 200 days of sun a year. These weather changes make metal roofs ideal for Denver homes.
Here is a look at the types of corrugated metal roofing available and why you should consider this type of roofing if you live in the capital.
Types of Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are available in:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Zinc alloy
Steel roofs will either have a painted finish or a zinc coating. On the other hand, copper roofs bear no finishing. However, they acquire a greenish protective patina over time.
Metallic roofs are available in metallic sheets or in shingles, whose fasteners can be exposed or hidden.
Aside from the variety they provide, here are three reasons why a metal roof is the best investment you can make in a hot climate.
1. Longevity and Recyclability
With proper maintenance and care, a metal roof will last you 50 or more years.
The duration of service is however dependent on the type of metal you pick. Here is a look at how many years you can get from the different roof types:
- Steel roofing: up to 40 years
- Aluminum roofing: up to 50 years
- Zinc roofing: 60 to 80 years
- Copper roofing: 100 years
If you go with steel roofing, it is 100% recyclable. A new or retrofit steel roof contains 25-28% recycled content.
Conventional roofing materials are likely to be disposed of at landfills. At times, they are classified as hazardous waste.
2. Winter vs. Summer Months
Denver winters run hot and cold. Literally. The sun often shines within hours of snowfall.
This means melted snow, which then leads to melting ice dams and water run-off. Both can quickly compromise the integrity of your roof and gutter drainage system.
Another concern for Denver residents are the heavy, snowy gusts of wind and lightning. One advantage of a metal roof is that it can withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour.
Again, during storms with lightning, it will not spark.
In the summer, metal roofing materials are self-cooling. By reflecting light, they repel more of the sun’s heat than they absorb.
This can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent. In addition to this, metal roofs can mitigate the urban heat island effect. This helps reduce smog formed from a reaction of organic chemicals and nitrogen oxides.
3. Metal Roofing Suffers Minimal Heat Damage
Hot climates subject roofs to a lot of heat. Under such conditions, a shingle roof, for example, will curl up, crack and dry up. This significantly shortens its lifespan.
Metal roofs do not follow this pattern. Excessive exposure to heat or sun does not break or cause cracks on metal.
Make the Best Choice for Your Denver Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the best options when it comes to the choice of roofing materials. This is especially so in localities such as Denver.
Whether you want to replace a damaged roof or install a new one, Rocky Mountain Roofing & Exteriors is your best bet.
When you search for “roofing contractors Denver” make sure you get a bid from us! Click this link to get a free quote today.