Metal Roofing Contractor in Fort Collins, CO
A Roof That Outlasts Multiple Hail Seasons
Composition shingles and other traditional roofing materials are the default for most Fort Collins homes, but for homeowners who want a roof that genuinely outperforms the Front Range’s hail seasons rather than just surviving them, steel is the toughest roofing material to look at.
As a local roofing company, HWG Exteriors installs Corten weathering steel and standing seam metal roof systems, both of which trade a higher upfront cost for a dramatically longer service life and better storm performance than ordinary roofing materials.
Types of Metal Roofing We Install
Corten Weathering Steel
Corten is a weathering steel that develops a stable, protective rust-colored patina over time instead of requiring a painted finish. That patina layer is actually part of what protects the premium-grade steel underneath from further corrosion, which means the roof's weathered look isn't a maintenance problem — it's the material doing exactly what it's engineered to do. It's a distinctive aesthetic option that fits modern, industrial, and mountain-contemporary home styles particularly well, and it's increasingly popular on Fort Collins builds that want a roofline that stands out from standard traditional shingles.
Steel Roofing Lifespan
Steel roofing typically lasts 40 to 70 years with proper installation, compared to 20 to 30 years for asphalt or composition shingles. Over the life of a home, that can mean never needing a second roof replacement, which is a meaningful difference when weighing the higher upfront material cost against long-term value.
Standing-Seam Steel Roofing
Standing-seam roofing uses raised, interlocking seams that run vertically along steel roofing panels, with no exposed fasteners on the visible surface. That design detail matters more than it might seem — exposed fasteners are a common failure point on lower-quality metal roofing, since the seals around them degrade over time and create leak paths. A properly installed standing-seam roof avoids that vulnerability entirely, and unlike Corten's natural patina, standing-seam panels are available in an assortment of colors to match different architectural styles.
Hail Resistance & Storm Performance
Common occurrences like hail and storm-blown debris are one of the more frequent causes of roof damage on the Front Range, and metal roofing holds up significantly better against a beating from hail than asphalt shingles. Many steel roofing products carry a Class 4 impact resistance rating — the highest classification in the industry's standard hail-impact testing.
Energy Efficiency
Steel roofing reflects a significant portion of solar heat rather than absorbing it the way asphalt shingles do, making it a genuine energy-efficient home upgrade that can help reduce cooling costs during Colorado's intense summer sun. Some insurers also offer premium discounts for impact-resistant roofing materials, which can help offset the higher upfront installation cost over time.
Insurance Considerations for Steel Roofing
Insurance companies often view impact-resistant roof types favorably, sometimes reflected in premium discounts for Class 4-rated materials. If a storm has already damaged your existing roof and you’re deciding whether to upgrade to steel as part of the replacement, our insurance claim help page walks through how that process works.
Permits for Metal Roofing Installation
Most metal roof replacements require a building permit in Fort Collins and throughout Larimer County. We handle the permitting process as part of your project so you’re not tracking down paperwork on your own.
Steel Roofing for Commercial Properties
Corten and standing-seam steel roofing aren’t limited to single-family homes — they hold up just as well on commercial buildings. Our commercial roofing services cover what that looks like at a larger scale.
Is Steel Roofing Right for Your Home?
Steel roofing isn’t the right fit for every budget or every home style, and we’ll give you an honest comparison during your consultation rather than pushing the higher-cost option by default. If you’re weighing steel against asphalt shingle or flat/TPO roofing, our roofing page covers the full material lineup and installation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does steel roofing last compared to asphalt shingles?
What is Corten weathering steel?
It’s a type of steel that develops a stable, rust-colored protective patina over time instead of requiring a painted finish. The patina layer helps protect the metal underneath from further corrosion.
Does steel roofing hold up better against hail than shingles?
Yes. Metal roofing generally performs significantly better against hail impact than asphalt shingles, and many steel products carry a Class 4 impact resistance rating, the highest available classification.
Do I need a permit for a metal roof installation?
In most cases, yes. We handle the permitting process as part of your project so you don’t have to manage that separately.
Is steel roofing more energy efficient than asphalt?
Yes. Steel reflects more solar heat than asphalt shingles absorb, which can help reduce cooling costs, particularly during Colorado’s intense summer sun.
Get a Free Steel Roofing Estimate
Whether you’re drawn to the look of Corten weathering steel or the clean lines of a standing-seam roof, HWG Exteriors can help you decide if metal roofing is the right fit for your home.
Call (970) 893-9006 or request a free steel roofing estimate online.