In this helpful guide, we'll compare various shingles, roofing materials, and styles to help you find the best options for your property.

Selecting The Best Roofing In Fort Collins For Your Home

When you're looking for the right shingles for your home, don't just focus on the aesthetic and your ROI! Remember to take into consideration things like:

• Local weather patterns - The city of Fort Collins sees plenty of sunny days throughout the year. But there are many windy, snowy, and stormy days too. For that reason, a shingle with a high wind rating and high impact resistance will likely be best for your home.
• Recurring temperatures - Certain roofing materials may not perform well in colder environments.
• Your roof structure - Asphalt shingles don't weigh very much, which makes them suitable for just about any roof. However, tile materials are heavier and may require a better internal roof structure
• Budget - How much are you willing to shell out for a new roof? A smaller budget will limit your options for roofing materials.

With those notes in mind, let's dive into the many material options available for your roofing in Fort Collins, CO.

Asphalt Shingles

These are the most common type of roofing material used today and with good reason. They are cost-effective - asphalt shingles can range in price from $80 to $550 per 100 square feet (HomeAdvisor). They also come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and styles, which allow them to mimic other materials like slate or tile. Plus, they are easy to install and can be easy to replace too.

That said, asphalt shingles come with some trade-offs. In general, asphalt shingles do not last very long. Most asphalt shingles last no longer than 20 years and even the higher-end luxury or designer shingles don't last much longer.

Since asphalt shingles are light materials, they can crack more easily, especially in extreme temperature fluctuations. These inexpensive products also generate a lot of waste, which means they're not very environmentally friendly.

Composite Shingles

These products are a mixture of plastics, wood, rubber, asphalt, and fiberglass. These shingles aim to mimic the look and feel of shingles made of natural materials, like wood or slate.

Composite shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can typically expect them to last for roughly 50 years and may feature additives for additional defenses against moss and UV light.

That said, composite shingles aren't cheap. They can cost anywhere from $300-$1,600 per square and can only be installed by select contractors. In addition, these shingles don't perform as well as others in colder climates.

Metal Roofing

If you're looking for a dependable roofing system, then consider a metal roof. These systems can be installed on steep or flat roofs, and they are incredibly durable. If properly installed, a metal roof can last for as long as 50 years! Metal roofs are also environmentally friendly because they are 100% recyclable.

Metal roofing can also be very affordable too, as different types of metal come at different price points. For instance, an aluminum roof will typically cost roughly $325-$575 per square (100 square feet). Meanwhile, a zinc metal roof may cost anywhere between $565-$1,100 per square (Modernize).

Your metal roof will endure tough storms like a pro, but it will cause plenty of noise during hail or rainstorms. During those storms, your metal roof can become dented by large pieces of hail or falling branches. This means your metal roof will require more regular inspections and routine maintenance than other roofing materials.

Clay Tile

Nothing says style quite like tile shingles. These materials can be molded into unique shapes and are often made in lighter colors, which helps with temperature regulation.

Clay tiles are another terrific option for the environment, as they are also entirely recyclable. These tiles also have an impressive lifespan of approximately 80 years and will usually increase your home's value.

However, clay tiles aren't cheap. In fact, the average cost for a new clay tile roof is approximately $15,000 (HomeAdvisor). They are also heavy materials, which can place significant strain on your roof structure. And they require consistent maintenance to patch up cracks and holes in the broken tiles.

Which Shingles Are Best For Your Roof?

That's up to you! Any of these products can likely work well on your Fort Collins property. But keep these notes in mind:

• To minimize hail damage, get shingles that have a Class-4 impact resistance rating
• If the wind has caused damage to your roof before, make sure your shingles have a Class-F wind rating
• And make sure your shingles have a Class-A fire rating too

These ratings will help protect your roof for many years to come.

Upgrade Your Home With The Best Roofing In Fort Collins

Are you interested in changing up your roofing system? Then give us a call at Ethos Roofing & Restoration today!

We partner with industry-leading shingle manufacturers like GAF to leverage high-quality roofing materials for our clients' benefit. We'll walk you through the pros and cons of each roofing material to help you select the best fit for your roofing needs.

Contact Ethos today to schedule your FREE roofing inspection and learn why we're a top provider of the best roofing in Fort Collins.