If you manage property or own a home along Colorado’s Front Range, you know roofs take a beating from hail, heavy snow, UV, and wind. A clear, detailed roof replacement estimate helps you compare contractors and avoid surprises. Here’s what a thorough estimate from a credentialed local roofer like AC INC. Roofing should include—and why each item matters in our climate.
Who we are
AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) is a licensed and insured residential and commercial roofing contractor based at 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216. We serve the Denver metro area, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Our team holds Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first to reach Master level), is an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor (eligible for up to 50-year warranties), GAF Certified (System Plus warranties available), Directorii-certified (backed by up to $20,000 customer guarantee), and Fortified Roofing Solutions certified. We’re proud of our 5.0-star Google rating and membership in RSRA, CRA, NRCA, and APA.
The anatomy of a professional estimate
A complete replacement proposal should spell out:
- Scope of work
- Tear-off vs. roof-over (most Front Range roofs benefit from full tear-off to inspect decking)
- Roof area in squares (100 sq. ft. units) with measured waste factor
- Steep/complex or multi-story access notes that may affect labor and safety
- Decking and substrate
- Deck inspection plan and repairs (per sheet pricing) if rot or hail fractures are found
- Fastener type/length and re-nailing pattern if required
- Underlayments and ice protection
- Synthetic underlayment type and rating
- Ice and water barrier at eaves, valleys, penetrations, and along low-slope transitions (per code and best practices)
- Ventilation and insulation interfaces
- Intake/exhaust ventilation calculation (net free area) and components to be installed
- Baffles, vents, or fan replacements where needed
- Flashings and metal work
- New drip edge, valley metal, step and counter flashing, chimney flashing, pipe boots, and skylight flashing kits
- Metal gauge/finish and color
- Penetrations and accessories
- Satellite/solar coordination notes, bath/kitchen vents, attic fans, snow retention (for metal/tile), and heat cable reattachment if applicable
- Gutters and downspouts (if included)
- Replacement or reattachment, sizes, profiles, and gutter guard options
- Materials and system selection (by manufacturer and model)
- Shingle, metal, tile, or membrane type, color, impact rating, and wind rating
- Starter, hip/ridge, and compatible accessory components
- Labor, safety, and site protection
- OSHA-compliant fall protection plan, property protection, landscaping coverings, and magnetic nail sweep
- Permits and inspections
- Municipality permit line item and expected inspection touchpoints
- Disposal and cleanup
- Dumpster/haul-off fees and recycling policies
- Warranties
- Manufacturer warranty level and contractor workmanship warranty term
- Schedule and logistics
- Estimated start/finish window, crew size, daily work hours, and weather contingencies
- Price and payment terms
- Fixed price or unit pricing for unknowns, payment milestones, and change-order process
Colorado-specific items to see in your estimate
- Impact resistance: If selecting shingles, look for Class 4 impact-resistant options suited for hail-prone corridors. AC INC. Roofing installs premium asphalt systems, including Atlas shingle systems engineered for Colorado hail performance.
- Wind and uplift: The Front Range can see strong chinook winds. Estimates should specify wind ratings and fastening patterns. Our Fortified Roofing Solutions certification reflects training in assemblies designed to withstand up to 130 mph winds and severe weather.
- Snow and ice: Ice barrier at eaves/valleys, adequate ventilation, and detail around cold-to-warm transitions help reduce ice dams and moisture issues.
- UV and altitude: High-elevation UV accelerates aging. Your proposal should call out underlayments and accessories that carry high temperature/UV ratings.
- Steep-slope safety and access: Expect staging plans, harnessing, and potential crane or lift notes on tall or tight sites common in mountain-adjacent suburbs.
Material options your estimate may include
- Asphalt shingles
- Standard and impact-resistant selections, colors, and matching ridge/hip accessories
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum system options with enhanced warranty eligibility
- Metal roofing
- Standing seam or stamped profiles with gauges/finishes noted, plus snow retention layout
- Tile roofing
- Concrete/clay tile with underlayment upgrades and flashing kits suitable for freeze-thaw cycles
- Low-slope/commercial systems
- TPO, EPDM, or Modified Bitumen assemblies with insulation type/thickness and attachment (mechanically attached, adhered, or ballasted)
- Fluid-applied coatings where a qualified existing membrane allows restoration instead of full replacement
Code, permits, and inspections
- Local code compliance: Your estimate should reference applicable code items (ice barrier, ventilation, flashing, and drip edge).
- Permit allowances: Expect a line item for municipal permits and scheduled inspection(s).
- HOA/ARC coordination: For communities with design controls, look for submittal support notes and product datasheets.
Storm damage and insurance considerations
- Inspection and documentation: AC INC. Roofing provides free roof inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors and thorough photo/report documentation to support legitimate claims.
- Scope alignment: Your estimate should clearly separate code-required items, like ventilation or ice barrier, from elective upgrades to aid discussions with your insurer.
- Supplemental items: If hidden damage is discovered (decking, insulation, or flashing), your contractor should outline a process for documenting and addressing supplements with your carrier.
Warranties explained
- Manufacturer coverage: As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor, we can offer Atlas system warranties up to 50 years on eligible installations. As a GAF Certified contractor, GAF System Plus warranties may also be available on qualifying systems.
- Workmanship: Your estimate should state the contractor’s workmanship term and what is covered. Clarify registration steps and documentation you’ll receive after completion.
Schedule, site protection, and cleanup
- Timeline: Typical residential replacements often complete in 1–3 days once work begins, weather permitting; larger or commercial projects vary with size and complexity.
- Protection plan: Notes on tarping landscaping, attic dust control, protecting A/C units, and safeguarding driveways should be included.
- Final QA: Expect a final walkthrough, magnetic sweep, and documentation packet (photos, warranty registration info, and proof of permit closeout).
Payment terms and change orders
- Transparent milestones: Most estimates outline a deposit and final payment upon substantial completion and inspection.
- Unknowns: Decking replacement or concealed conditions are commonly priced per sheet/linear foot; ensure unit costs are clearly listed.
- Change orders: Your estimate should define how changes are authorized and priced before work proceeds.
How to compare bids “apples to apples”
- Match the scope: Confirm all bids include the same tear-off, underlayment type, ice/water protection, ventilation, flashings, and warranty level.
- Check credentials: Verify licensing/insurance and seek proven expertise. AC INC. Roofing holds Master HAAG Certification, Atlas Pro+ Platinum and GAF Certified statuses, is Directorii-certified, and is a member of RSRA, CRA, NRCA, and APA.
- Evaluate materials: Compare exact product lines and accessory systems, not just generic categories.
- Consider support: Look for local, well-reviewed companies. AC INC. Roofing maintains a 5.0-star Google rating and provides robust documentation—especially valuable for storm-related projects.
Why Colorado owners choose AC INC. Roofing
- Local and accountable: Based in Denver, serving the Front Range and Cheyenne
- Credentialed experts: Master HAAG inspectors and fortified-system training for severe weather
- Premium systems: Asphalt and impact-resistant shingles, metal and tile, TPO/EPDM/Modified Bitumen, and fluid-applied coatings
- Full-service: Residential and commercial roofing, storm damage restoration and insurance claims support, inspections, repairs, replacements, roof rejuvenation, siding and gutters, and concrete & asphalt sealing
- Clear estimates: Detailed scopes, line-item pricing for contingencies, and warranty options
Ready to see a clear, Colorado-ready scope for your property? Our HAAG-certified inspectors provide free roof inspections and comprehensive estimates tailored to local codes and weather.