Comparing Roofing Materials: Asphalt Shingles, Specialty Roofs, and Metal

How Does Specialty Roofing Stack Up Against
Other Roofing Materials In Denver, CO?
Weighing The Costs And Benefits Of
Various Roofing Types
Deciding on the best roofing material for your home can sometimes be a challenge – especially when you consider the various environmental factors at play in the Denver Area. You might have heard about the benefits of specialty roofing for Denver, CO homes, and are curious to see how specialty tile holds up against metal or asphalt shingle roofing.
At Elite Construction & Roofing, we’ve worked with all kinds of roofing materials and know first-hand the benefits – and downsides – of each.
Let’s take a look at the three most popular roofing materials – including specialty roofing – in the Denver Area and how they rank in different categories. We want all our customers to make the best decisions for their homes.
What Is Specialty Roofing?
At Elite Construction & Roofing, specialty roofing is usually tile or slate. Most of our customers ask for standard roofing materials such as metal or asphalt shingles, but we’re skilled and qualified to install specialty tile and slate to make your home shine.
Tile Roofing
Ceramic tile is a classic roofing option in the Southwest, and the stunning style gives many homes in the area the perfect look. We recommend tile roofing because it’s durable, beautiful, and can last longer than other roofing materials.
However, it is more expensive than other roofing materials, and repairing tile roofing requires specialized hands. It’s definitely not a job for DIY enthusiasts (no matter how confident) or unqualified roofers.
Slate Roofing
It’s not common to see slate roofs in the Denver Area – but when you do, there’s no denying their eye-catching appearance.
Slate is a natural stone that’s mined from quarries. It’s breathtaking but very heavy, and you should always make sure your home can handle the weight of a full slate roof when considering this roofing material.
Like tile, slate is incredibly durable and resistant to high winds and moisture. However, repairing it requires specialized expertise, which we’re proud to have at Elite Construction & Roofing.
Specialty Roofing Vs. Metal Roofing
Vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofing
How do slate and tile roofing hold up against metal and asphalt shingle roofing? Let’s weigh each in the following categories so you can make the best decision for your home.
Longevity
Slate and tile roofing easily win in the longevity category, as each can last between 50 – 70 years – often longer, with proper maintenance and timely repairs.
Metal roofing lasts quite a while, often up to 50 years, and asphalt shingle roofing usually needs to be replaced after 25 – 30 years, depending on the type of shingle.
Performance
When homeowners in Denver, CO are considering the best material for their roofs, its performance against the harsh elements is often at the top of their list.
Tile and slate are both heavy materials, meaning they resist high winds. They’re also moisture resistant and don’t wear down from rain or snow.
However, heavy hail can sometimes chip or even crack individual tiles, requiring prompt repair.
Metal roofs perform very well against the elements, but their protective coating can sometimes wear down over time, requiring repainting to prevent rust or other forms of damage.
Asphalt shingles, especially if they’re new, perform well against all weather events. However, high winds often tear shingles from the roof, and hail stones can dent shingles, requiring quick repairs.
Ease Of Maintenance
Aside from being extremely durable, specialty roofing is also a low-maintenance roofing option. While regular inspections are recommended, tile and slate don’t wear down as quickly over time as other materials.
Metal and asphalt roofing do require regular inspections to identify any minor signs of damage that could develop into major roof problems.
Cost
When it comes to affordability, asphalt shingle roofing shines above the others in this category. Metal roofing is a slightly more expensive option, but it’s another roofing material that’s gaining popularity because of its durability and affordability.
Specialty roofing materials like tile and slate are premium materials – and come with premium price tags. However, if the price isn’t an issue and you want your Denver, CO home’s roof to look great and last for decades, specialty roofing is the roofing for you.
Are you considering a specialty roof for your Denver, CO home? It’s time to reach out to Elite Construction & Roofing to get started.