Architectural asphalt shingles are the most common roof on Colorado homes, and for most homeowners they're a sensible, practical choice. This page explains what they are, how they perform in Colorado conditions, and where their strengths and limits lie — so you can decide whether asphalt is right for your home, or whether an upgrade makes more sense. We install architectural asphalt shingles from manufacturers including Owens Corning, Malarkey, GAF, and CertainTeed, and we'll install the product you prefer. On residential work we're experienced installers of these brands but don't hold manufacturer "certified contractor" designations, which we state plainly.

What architectural asphalt shingles are

Architectural shingles — also called dimensional or laminated shingles — are multi-layered asphalt shingles that create a textured, dimensional look on the roof. They replaced the old flat three-tab style for most homes, offering better durability, a more attractive appearance, and a wider range of colors and profiles. They consist of a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules that protect the asphalt from UV and give the shingle its color.

Why they're the default choice in Colorado

Asphalt shingles dominate for a few practical reasons: cost (they're the most economical of the common roofing materials), appearance (a wide range of colors and styles fits nearly any home), performance (a quality architectural shingle installed correctly performs well through Colorado seasons), and availability and repairability (they're widely stocked and straightforward to repair). For a homeowner who wants a solid, attractive roof at a reasonable price, asphalt is hard to beat.

How asphalt shingles hold up to Colorado weather

This is where honesty matters. Asphalt shingles perform well overall, but they have a specific vulnerability in Colorado: hail. Standard architectural shingles bruise and crack more readily than impact-resistant products, so in high-hail areas they may sustain more storm damage over their life. High-altitude UV also ages asphalt faster than in milder climates, particularly on south- and west-facing slopes. And wind can lift and crease shingles that aren't properly sealed and nailed. None of this makes asphalt a poor choice — it makes installation quality, and in high-hail areas the Class 4 question, worth serious thought.

The role of granules, and why they matter

Those mineral granules aren't just for color — they're the shingle's sunscreen. When hail knocks granules loose, or they wash away with age, the exposed asphalt degrades faster under UV. This is why granule loss (whether from hail or aging) is one of the clearest signs a shingle is wearing out, and why you'll see granules like coarse black sand in gutters as a roof ages.

Standard versus impact-resistant asphalt

Architectural asphalt comes in standard and Class 4 impact-resistant versions, and in a hail belt the difference is worth understanding. Standard architectural shingles cost less and perform well outside of severe hail. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles cost more, resist hail far better, and may qualify for an insurance discount depending on your carrier. If you're in a high-hail area of the Front Range and plan to stay in your home, the Class 4 upgrade is often worth considering, especially at replacement time.

When asphalt is the right choice

Asphalt architectural shingles make the most sense when you want a quality roof at a reasonable price, when you're working within a budget, when you may not stay in the home long enough to recoup a premium material, or when your area sees less severe hail. For a large share of Colorado homeowners, they're exactly the right call.

When to consider something else

Consider an upgrade when you're in a high-hail zone and plan to stay long-term (where Class 4 may pay off), when you want maximum longevity and low maintenance (where metal may be worth the premium), or when you've been through repeated hail claims and want to reduce future damage. We'll help you weigh it honestly.

Colorado-specific installation considerations

With asphalt, as with any material, the install determines how well it performs. Proper nailing matters for wind resistance. Sealing conditions matter — shingles installed in cold weather may not bond well until warmer temperatures. Ventilation matters — a poorly ventilated attic cooks shingles from below and shortens their life. And flashing and underlayment, including ice-and-water shield at vulnerable areas, protect against Colorado's freeze-thaw and ice dams. A quality asphalt roof is as much about these details as about the shingle itself.

Understanding asphalt shingle warranties

Asphalt shingles come with two very different kinds of warranty, and homeowners often conflate them. The manufacturer warranty covers the shingle product itself against defects; its terms vary widely by product, and many are prorated, meaning coverage declines over time. The workmanship warranty covers the installation and comes from the contractor, not the manufacturer. Ours is a 5-year workmanship warranty. Both matter for different reasons: a manufacturer warranty protects against a bad batch of shingles, while a workmanship warranty protects against installation errors — which are actually the more common source of roof problems.

Asphalt shingle colors and appearance

One practical advantage of asphalt is choice. Architectural shingles come in a wide range of colors and blends that can complement your home's exterior, and in some cases lighter or specially designed shingles reflect more heat, which can matter in Colorado's strong sun.

How we install asphalt roofs

When you choose asphalt, we help you select a product and color, tear off the old roof, inspect and repair decking, install proper underlayment and ice-and-water shield, flash all details correctly, confirm ventilation, and install the shingles to manufacturer spec. We finish with a full cleanup and nail sweep and back the work with our 5-year workmanship warranty.

Written by Peter Regalado, Operations Manager · Reviewed by Mason Pastorello, Managing Director · Last reviewed: July 2026