Mountain homes are typically built with much more in mind that the structure will have to endure. For instance, here in Colorado, homeowners in the Rocky Mountains need to be concerned about excessive snow, high winds, hail, lightning, avalanche/rock slide, wildfires and so much more. That being said, when these structures are being built there may be special materials being used or common materials that are known to withstand any weather/elements that are thrown at them. The roofing on a mountain home is something that isn't taken lightly. It has to be strong and sound enough to take on a few feet of snow, extreme winds, and hail. Here are the materials the FH Water Restoration roofing experts have found work best on homes in the Rocky Mountains:
Asphalt Shingles
It only takes a short trip through the mountains to notice that asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing material used. This is due to the affordability and versatility - not only are asphalt shingles common in Colorado, they are common on all sorts of structures throughout the United States.
This material is low maintenance, sun-resistant, and weather resistant. Asphalt shingles are durable and hold up well against most weather elements including winds, rain, snow and hail (depending on size). They are also perfect for installing on sloped roofs which are common throughout the Rockies so snow doesn't pile up and create damage.
Metal Roofs
We've written a few blogs about metal roofs, mainly because they are a great option here in Colorado where FH Water Restoration operates. Just like asphalt shingles, metal roofing materials are versatile, durable, stand up well to extreme weather and long-lasting. Along with working well for the mountain elements, metal roofs can add an element of unique style depending on the look you're going for. Metal roofing systems are a great alternative to asphalt shingles and in some cases, work even better.
Stone Coated Steel
Using stone coated steel roofing is a great option for those in high-wind or hail-prone mountain areas AKA, the Rocky Mountains. You can probably tell by the name that stone coated steel roofs are extremely durable and are designed to last longer than 50 years. Along with protection against hail and wind, this material can also protect against UV penetration. As you can imagine, this material is more expensive than the others listed above however, it may be worth the investment depending on the exact location of your mountain home and the weather conditions you anticipate.
When building a home in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, there are several things to take into consideration. The team at FH Water Restoration thinks one of the biggest factors is your roof as it's the protection to your home of the natural elements that are bound to happen throughout the year. If you are planning a mountain home build and want to consult on roofing options or other construction-related questions, give FH Water Restoration a call. Our Denver and Colorado Springs-based roofing experts will be happy to talk to you about options and put a plan in place for your roofing project. Just remember that roofing on a mountain home isn't something to be taken lightly - make sure you take into consideration the weather conditions and what material will protect your home the best.