Top 10 Roofing Questions Colorado Homeowners Google the Most

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have a lot of questions about your roof—especially when it comes time for repairs or replacement. Roofing isn’t something most people think about until there’s a problem, and by then, it can feel overwhelming.

At Denver Dream Builders, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the Denver metro area through roofing projects of all sizes. Below, we’ve compiled the 10 most frequently asked roofing questions—and provided thorough, honest answers to help you make smart decisions for your home.

1. How do I know if I actually need a new roof?

Many roofs show signs of wear long before they fail completely. Here are key signs to watch for:

• Age: Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20–25 years. If your roof is approaching that age, it may be time to consider replacement.
• Missing or curling shingles: These are clear signs that your shingles are deteriorating.
• Granules in the gutters: Asphalt shingles shed granules as they age, and this can compromise water protection.
• Leaks or water stains: These could be a sign of failed flashing, underlayment, or other issues—especially around chimneys and vents.
• Sagging: A sagging roof deck is a structural issue and should be addressed immediately.
• Storm damage: Denver’s hailstorms can do serious damage in a short time, even if it’s not immediately visible.

Pro tip: Even if your roof looks fine from the ground, hidden damage is common. A professional inspection can give you clarity—and peace of mind.

2. What’s the average cost to replace a roof in the Denver area?

Cost depends on a variety of factors:

• Roof size and pitch: Larger, steeper roofs are more labor-intensive and require more materials.
• Material choice: Asphalt shingles are the most affordable, while metal, tile, and synthetic options cost more but last longer.
• Tear-off vs overlay: Removing the old roof adds to the labor cost, but is usually the better long-term option.
• Decking condition: If your underlying roof deck has rot or damage, that will need to be replaced too.

For most single-family homes in Denver, the typical range is between $9,000–$20,000, but insurance can cover part or all of the cost if storm damage is involved.

3. How long does a full roof replacement take?

For an average home (around 2,000–3,000 square feet), the roof replacement process typically takes 1–3 days, depending on complexity and weather. Here’s what the timeline usually looks like:

• Day 1: Tear-off and prep
• We remove old materials, inspect the decking, and lay down underlayment.
• Day 2: Installation of new shingles or materials
• Day 3: Finishing touches and cleanup
• Including flashing, ridge caps, vents, and a full magnet sweep for nails.

For larger or custom homes, projects can take longer, especially if we’re installing specialty materials like metal, slate, or tile.

4. Does my homeowner’s insurance cover roof replacement?

It depends on the reason for the damage. Insurance typically covers:

• Hail damage
• Wind damage
• Falling debris (like trees or branches)

It usually does not cover:

• Normal wear and tear
• Lack of maintenance
• Pre-existing issues at the time of policy start

Our team at Denver Dream Builders is experienced in working directly with insurance adjusters. We provide detailed reports, photos, and help you navigate the claim process to get the maximum coverage you’re entitled to. In many cases, we can help minimize or eliminate your out-of-pocket deductible through legal upgrade strategies and product selection.

5. What roofing materials do you offer, and which is best?

We work with a range of materials to fit different needs:

• Asphalt shingles (most common, cost-effective, 20–30 year lifespan)
• Architectural shingles (thicker, better wind resistance, more durable)
• Metal roofing (very durable, energy efficient, 40–70 year lifespan)
• Tile roofing (excellent for aesthetics and lifespan, heavier and pricier)
• Flat roofing materials like TPO or EPDM (for low-slope roofs and additions)

Which is best? It depends on your budget, design preferences, and how long you plan to stay in your home. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.

6. Do you only do full replacements, or can you repair roofs too?

We do both. In fact, many roofs don’t need to be replaced immediately.

We offer:

• Leak detection and patch repairs
• Shingle replacement
• Flashing repairs
• Storm and hail damage inspections
• Skylight and vent resealing

If a repair can safely extend the life of your roof for a few more years, we’ll tell you. No pressure sales here—just honest answers based on experience.

7. How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

Some damage is obvious—dented shingles or broken tiles. But much of it is not visible from the ground. Common signs of hail damage:

• Bald spots on shingles where granules have been knocked off
• Soft bruises on the surface of the shingle
• Dented gutters, downspouts, or vents
• Damage to window screens or siding

Colorado is one of the most hail-prone states in the country, and even small hail can shorten the life of your roof. We offer free hail inspections, and we’ll document everything for your insurance claim.

8. Is it okay to install a new roof over my old one?

This is called a roof overlay, and while it’s allowed in some cases, we usually don’t recommend it. Here’s why:

• You can’t inspect the decking underneath for rot or moisture
• Extra weight may strain your roof structure, especially with tile or multiple shingle layers
• Warranties are limited or voided when roofing over old materials
• It traps moisture and heat, which can shorten the life of your new roof

A tear-off costs more up front but protects your investment in the long run.

9. What should I look for when hiring a roofing contractor?

Great question—this is where a lot of homeowners go wrong. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Licensed and insured in the state of Colorado
• Local and reputable—not a “storm chaser” from out of state
• Offers a clear, written estimate
• Has recent references and reviews
• Uses quality materials and explains your warranty
• Doesn’t ask for full payment upfront

At Denver Dream Builders, we’re proud to meet every one of these standards. We treat your home like it’s our own.

10. What kind of warranty will I get with my new roof?

We offer two types of warranties:

• Manufacturer warranty: Covers defects in roofing materials, often 25–50 years depending on the product
• Workmanship warranty: Covers our installation work, typically 5–10 years

You’ll get a written copy of both so you know exactly what’s covered. And if anything goes wrong, we’ll make it right. No runaround.

🚀 Ready to get started?

Whether you need a simple repair or a full roof replacement, Denver Dream Builders is here to help. We offer:

✅ Free roof inspections

✅ Insurance claim assistance

✅ Flexible scheduling

✅ Honest, experienced pros