Key Takeaways:
Colorado’s extreme climate — including hail, high winds, heavy snow, intense UV exposure and temperature swings — makes roofing system selection a critical long-term investment for multifamily building owners and facilities managers. Standing seam metal and stone-coated steel roofing systems offer the longest lifespans (40-70 years) and are well-suited to steep-slope multifamily roofs. TPO and PVC roofing systems are durable, energy-efficient options for flat and low-slope roofs, with PVC offering superior moisture resistance and better performance in buildings with rooftop HVAC systems or restaurants. Asphalt shingles provide a cost-effective solution for sloped roofs where budget is a primary concern, though they carry a shorter lifespan than metal alternatives. When selecting a roofing system, facilities managers should evaluate roof slope, HOA regulations, insurance incentives for impact-resistant roofing and total lifecycle cost rather than upfront installation cost alone.
Choosing a roofing system represents a long-term investment that affects your multifamily building’s operating costs, tenant comfort, liability exposure and structural integrity. In Colorado, your multifamily roofing system must provide the durability required of a climate that regularly sees triple-digit heat indexes in summer, blizzard conditions in winter, driving hail storms, heavy winds and intense UV exposure at high altitude.
The good news is modern commercial roofing systems have evolved to handle exactly the kind of punishment found in Colorado’s climate. When properly installed and maintained, a roofing system that is well-matched to the needs of your multifamily building can deliver reliable performance for 15-30 years, if not longer, providing peace of mind that roofing issues won’t creep into your work order list.
Metal Roofing Systems
Standing seam metal roofing systems are highly durable and will perform well in Colorado’s’ harsh weather. They shed snow effectively, withstand hail and high winds, and reflect solar heat well, providing excellent energy efficiency during the summer. These systems are a good option for steep-slope multifamily roofs.
Benefits of standing seam metal roofing systems include:
- Long lifespan (40-70 years)
- Low maintenance
- Class A fire resistance
- Light weight compared to other roofing materials
While these roofs have a higher upfront installation cost than many other systems, their long lifespan, low ongoing maintenance costs and durability will typically balance out the additional upfront cost over the lifetime of the roof.
Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Systems
Stone-coated steel roofing systems provide comparable durability to metal roofs with a more residential look, making them a popular option for many multifamily buildings. The stone granules used to coat the steel roofing material enhance the durability of these systems and contribute to it’s aesthetic appeal.
Benefits of stone-coated steel roofing systems include:
- Long lifespan (up to 70 years)
- Energy efficient
- Low maintenance
- Weather and fire resistant
TPO Roofing Systems
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing systems are a popular choice for flat and low-slope multifamily roofs. They’re heat reflective and resistant to UV exposure, making them highly energy efficient. TPO systems are also highly durable and will withstand Colorado’s extreme weather conditions. In addition, they’re more affordable and faster to install than PVC roofing systems.
Benefits of TPO roofing systems include:
- Resistant to chemical exposure
- 20-30 year lifespan
- Impact resistant
If you’re looking for durability and strong performance with lower installation costs, TPO roofing systems may be the right solution for your multifamily building.
PVC Roofing Systems
PVC roofing systems are an economical and durable option for flat multifamily roofs. This single-ply system uses heat-welded seams which make the roof highly moisture resistant. In addition, PVC roofing is very durable and can withstand Colorado’s extreme weather conditions.
Benefits of PVC roofing systems include:
- Resistant to chemicals, fire and wind
- 25-30 year lifespan
- Energy efficient reflective surface
- Low maintenance
- Impact resistant
While PVC roofs have a higher upfront installation cost than TPO systems, they provide a more effective solution for multifamily buildings with rooftop HVAC or exhaust systems. They also handle grease better than other roofing membranes, making them an ideal option if your building has a restaurant on site.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Systems
Asphalt shingles are a popular option for multifamily buildings with sloped roofs. They provide a cost-effective roofing solution for buildings where budget is an important factor in the decision-making process. Asphalt comes in a variety of styles, textures and colors, making it easy to find an option that matches the aesthetics of your building. In addition, they’re very durable and can withstand Colorado’s harsh weather.
Benefits of asphalt shingle roofing systems include:
- Resistant to hail, high winds and UV radiation
- Low upfront cost
- Low maintenance
The one drawback associated with asphalt shingle roofing systems is that they have a shorter lifespan than other systems used on sloped roofs, such as metal or stone-coated steel roofs.
Tips for Selecting the Right Roofing System
Make sure you consider the following items when evaluating different roofing systems for your multifamily building:
- Roof Slope – Certain roofing systems are more ideally suited to steep-sloped roofs, while others perform better on flat or low-sloped roofs.
- HOA Regulations – Many HOAs will contain guidelines regarding your roof’s fire resistance properties, colors or energy efficiency. These rules may dictate the types of roofs that you can choose.
- Insurance – Certain insurance policies may provide discounts for class 4 impact-resistant roofs. Consulting your insurance provider may help you identify roofing systems that will lower your insurance costs.
- Total Cost – Some roofing systems that have a higher upfront installation cost may save you a significant amount of money in maintenance and energy costs over the lifespan of the roof. Evaluating the total costs associated with the roof over its entire life can help you determine which systems provide the best long-term value.
HRS Roofing Can Help
If you’re looking to replace the roof at your multifamily building, HRS Commercial Roofing will help you navigate the process and ensure you choose the right roofing system for the specific needs of your building. We’ve been the leading commercial roofing company in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region for over 50 years, and we have extensive experience installing a wide range of commercial roofing systems used with multifamily buildings. This allows us to provide the customized solutions your building needs.
HRS is a subsidiary of Haselden Construction, a third-generation, family-owned company serving Colorado for over 50 years. Haselden is the only contractor of its size with a dedicated commercial roofing team. This allows us to keep all work in-house, providing you with a more streamlined process that ensures competitive pricing and reduces project time. You’ll also have peace of mind that all work will be completed according to Haselden’s high quality standards. We stand by our work, and our team will do whatever it takes to provide the exceptional results your building deserves.
Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection. HRS Commercial Roofing serves multifamily buildings in Denver and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
