Asphalt shingle
roofing.
The Colorado guide.
Asphalt shingles cover more than 80% of residential roofs in Colorado Springs. Choosing the right type, rating, and brand matters more here than almost anywhere else — altitude, hail, and UV are harder on roofing than most homeowners realize.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
3-Tab Shingles
Basic20-25 years
Single-layer flat shingles with a uniform appearance. Lowest cost per square, but also the least durable in hail-prone areas. Wind rating typically 60-70 mph. We rarely recommend these for Colorado homes unless budget is the primary concern.
Architectural Shingles
Most Popular30-50 years
Multi-layered dimensional shingles with a textured, shadow-line appearance. Heavier and more durable than 3-tab. Wind rated to 130 mph. Available in Class 4 impact-resistant versions. This is what we install on the majority of Colorado Springs roofs.
Designer / Luxury Shingles
Premium50+ years
Thick, heavy shingles designed to replicate the look of natural slate or cedar shake. Premium aesthetics with maximum durability. Best suited for homes where curb appeal and longevity are top priorities.
Why Colorado Is Different
Shingle performance specs are tested at sea level in controlled conditions. At 6,000+ feet with 300 days of sun and regular hailstorms, real-world performance can differ significantly.
UV Degradation at Altitude
UV radiation is 25% stronger at Colorado Springs elevation than at sea level. Shingles lose granules faster, colors fade sooner, and asphalt dries out more quickly. SBS-modified asphalt shingles resist this better than oxidized asphalt.
Hail Impact Ratings
Shingles are rated Class 1-4 for impact resistance under UL 2218. Class 4 withstands 2-inch steel ball impact. In El Paso County, Class 4 is not optional — it is the smart investment.
Wind Ratings
Colorado Springs regularly sees 60-80 mph wind gusts along the Front Range. Architectural shingles rated to 130 mph with proper nailing patterns handle this. 3-tab shingles at 60-70 mph do not.
Thermal Cycling
Temperature swings of 40-50 degrees in a single day are normal here. Shingles expand and contract constantly. SBS-modified asphalt stays flexible through these cycles while standard oxidized asphalt cracks.
Insurance Discounts
Colorado mandates insurance discounts for Class 4 impact-resistant roofing. Most homeowners save 15-30% on annual premiums — often $300-600 per year. Over 30 years, that is $9,000-18,000 in savings.
Proper Ventilation
Colorado's dry climate can create attic moisture problems when ventilation is inadequate. Proper ridge and soffit ventilation extends shingle life and prevents ice dam formation in winter.
Owens Corning Shingle Lines
As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we install their full product line. Here are the shingles we recommend most for Colorado Springs.
Duration
Standard Architectural
The workhorse. SBS-modified asphalt for flexibility, 130 mph wind rating, and TruBond sealant. Available in 20+ colors. Lifetime limited warranty. Our most-installed shingle.
Duration FLEX
Class 4 Impact Resistant
Same SBS-modified base as Duration with added impact resistance. UL 2218 Class 4 rated. Qualifies for Colorado insurance discounts. The shingle we recommend most for El Paso County.
TruDefinition Duration
Enhanced Color Depth
Deeper color saturation and more granule blending for a richer appearance. Same performance specs as standard Duration. Choose this when curb appeal is a high priority.
Berkshire Collection
Premium Slate Look
Heavy, thick shingles designed to replicate natural slate at a fraction of the weight and cost. Best for higher-end homes, HOA communities, and homeowners who want a distinctive roof.
Choosing Colors and Styles
Earth tones dominate Colorado Springs roofing — browns, tans, and weathered wood shades that complement the natural landscape and Pikes Peak views. Darker colors absorb more heat and can accelerate wear at altitude, while lighter tones stay cooler and show less fading.
If you have an HOA, check their approved color palette before selecting. Many Colorado Springs communities — Briargate, Northgate, Flying Horse — have specific shingle color requirements. We can help you navigate HOA approvals and find a color that satisfies both the board and your taste.
Resale Impact
A new roof in a complementary color increases appraised value by $12,000-15,000 on average in El Paso County.
HOA Compliance
We pull your HOA color guidelines before your estimate so there are no surprises after installation.
Sample Boards
We bring full-size shingle samples to your home so you can see colors against your siding, stone, and trim in natural light.
Shingle Roofing Questions
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles like Owens Corning Duration FLEX are the best choice for Colorado hail zones. They are rated to withstand 2-inch steel ball impacts and carry UL 2218 Class 4 certification. Most importantly, they qualify for insurance premium discounts of 15-30% in Colorado.
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminate) are thicker, heavier, and have a layered appearance that mimics wood shake or slate. They typically last 30-50 years compared to 20-25 for 3-tab. They also handle wind better — most are rated to 130 mph versus 60-70 mph for 3-tab. The cost difference is roughly 20-30% more for architectural, but the longer lifespan makes them the better value.
At 6,000+ feet, UV radiation is significantly stronger than at sea level, which accelerates shingle aging. A shingle rated for 30 years in Ohio might last 22-25 years here. Proper attic ventilation, lighter shingle colors, and quality underlayment all help extend lifespan. We factor altitude degradation into every recommendation we make.
Yes. Colorado law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for impact-resistant roofing. Most homeowners see 15-30% off their annual premium after installing Class 4 rated shingles. Over the life of the roof, those savings often exceed the additional cost of upgrading from standard architectural shingles.
All shingles experience some color change over time, but premium architectural shingles use ceramic-coated granules that resist fading far better than budget options. Lighter earth tones show less visible fading than very dark colors. We recommend choosing shingles with SBS-modified asphalt, which stays flexible and retains color better at altitude.
We tear off the existing shingles down to the roof deck, inspect the decking for damage, replace any compromised plywood, and install new underlayment before the new shingles go on. Old shingles go to a recycling facility when possible — asphalt shingles can be repurposed into road paving material.
Get a Shingle Roofing Estimate
Whether you need a full replacement after storm damage or want to upgrade to impact-resistant shingles, we provide free estimates with honest recommendations based on your roof and budget.
Or call us directly at (719) 355-0648