Custom Metal Roofing Canopies for Colorado’s Light Rail System

Colorado’s Light Rail stations are some of the most visible and heavily used public spaces in the state. They serve thousands of commuters each day, and every structural element must deliver long-term durability, safety, and architectural appeal. One of the most critical components of these stations is the metal roofing canopy system, designed to protect passengers while enhancing the identity of each transit hub.

At Tiley Roofing, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with the City and County of Denver and the regional transit system to fabricate and install large-scale custom metal canopies that redefine what public infrastructure can look like.

Engineering Metal Canopy Systems at a Civic Scale

Designing metal roofing for a custom home is one thing—designing it for a public transportation system is another entirely. Light rail canopies must withstand constant exposure, heavy use, and Colorado’s extreme weather fluctuations.

Our team engineered canopy systems that meet the highest standards for:

• Structural performance in wind, snow, and high-altitude UV conditions

• Long-span stability using oversized custom metal panels

• Impact resistance and long-term dent prevention

• Corrosion resistance for year-round exposure

• Passenger safety with precise water‑management and drainage planning

To meet these performance expectations, Tiley Roofing coordinated closely with city engineers, general contractors, architects, and fabrication teams throughout every phase of the project.

Giant Custom Metal Panels Built for Public Use

The Light Rail canopy systems required massive, fully custom metal panels—far larger and more complex than panels used in commercial or residential roofing.

These large-format panels were:

• Individually fabricated to match exact design specifications

• Custom rolled and formed to achieve long, continuous runs

• Installed with hidden fastener systems for clean architectural lines

• Designed for rapid water shedding to keep platforms safe and dry

• Installed with precision lifting equipment due to their size and weight

The result is a canopy that is visually striking, structurally robust, and architecturally aligned with Denver’s modern transit identity.

Collaboration With the City of Denver

Working on public infrastructure requires a level of coordination and compliance far beyond standard roofing projects. Our team navigated the full scope of city-driven requirements, including:

• Engineering reviews and stamped submittals

• Structural load calculations

• Safety and public-access protocols during construction

• Project phasing to minimize service disruptions

• Compliance with Denver’s building and environmental standards

Tiley Roofing worked hand-in-hand with the City and County of Denver and its project partners to ensure that every detail—from design intent to public safety—was executed flawlessly.

Architectural Design Meets Public Function

Metal canopy roofing at Light Rail stations has both a functional mission and an aesthetic one. The canopies must:

• Provide shade and weather protection

• Move water and snow efficiently away from passenger areas

• Resist wear from constant use

• Enhance the architectural identity of the station

Our custom canopy systems achieve all of these goals, combining form and function in a way that elevates the passenger experience.

Built for Colorado’s Unique Weather Conditions

Colorado’s climate is one of the harshest in the country for exposed metal systems. Our canopies are engineered to withstand:

• Intense UV radiation

• Frequent freeze-thaw cycles

• Snow drifting and heavy accumulation

• Sudden hail events

• High winds passing through open transit corridors

Every panel, seam, and flashing detail is designed to perform for decades in these conditions.

Why Transit Partners Choose Tiley Roofing

Public infrastructure projects demand accuracy, safety, and proven experience. Tiley Roofing brings:

• Advanced metal fabrication expertise

• A track record of successful municipal projects

• High-capacity field crews trained for complex installations

• Precise project management in city-regulated environments

• A commitment to quality, longevity, and architectural integrity

Our work on the Light Rail canopy systems demonstrates what’s possible when craftsmanship meets civic engineering.

Elevating Colorado’s Public Transit Through Exceptional Metalwork

The custom metal roofing canopies installed across Colorado’s Light Rail system are a testament to what thoughtful design and expert fabrication can accomplish. These structures don’t just protect passengers—they define the look and feel of modern public transportation in Denver.

Tiley Roofing is proud to contribute to projects that serve the community, improve the passenger experience, and stand as examples of Colorado craftsmanship at its best.

If you’re planning a public, municipal, or large-scale architectural metal project, our team is ready to collaborate with you from concept to completion.