Colorado’s Front Range takes a beating from hail, rapid freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and high UV at altitude. If you’re a homeowner or property manager in the Denver metro, Front Range, or Cheyenne, choosing the right impact-resistant shingles and the right roof coatings can dramatically improve durability, reduce storm damage, and protect your investment.
Below, the HAAG-certified team at AC INC. Roofing shares how to select materials and assemblies that stand up to Rocky Mountain weather.
What “impact-resistant” really means
- Class ratings: Asphalt shingles are rated by UL 2218 (Class 1–4). Class 4 indicates the highest impact resistance and is the standard we recommend for hail-prone areas.
- Not “hail proof”: Class 4 shingles reduce damage from many hail events but cannot guarantee zero damage in every storm. Size, density, and wind-driven speed matter.
- System over shingle: Performance depends on the entire roof system—decking, underlayment/ice barrier, flashings, ventilation, and installation quality—not just the shingle label.
Choosing impact-resistant shingles for Colorado
Focus on these shingle and system attributes:
- Polymer-modified asphalt: Look for IR shingles that use SBS/SEBS-modified asphalt and reinforced mats to help absorb hail energy and resist cracking in freeze-thaw.
- Strong nailing zone and wind rating: Prefer shingles with wide, reinforced nail zones and at least a 130 mph wind rating when installed with a 6-nail pattern.
- Ice and water protection: A self-adhered ice barrier at eaves, valleys, and penetrations helps guard against ice dams and freeze-thaw leaks. Best practice is extending the barrier at least 24″ inside the warm wall line where required.
- Metal valleys and edges: In high-snow areas, robust valley metal (e.g., 24-gauge steel) and properly hemmed edges reduce abrasion and ice damage.
- Balanced attic ventilation: Adequate intake and exhaust (commonly 1:150 or 1:300 NFVA, per code/design) helps limit ice dams, moisture, and thermal cycling that age shingles.
- Fasteners and sealing: 6-nail patterns, correct nail length/placement, sealed starter strips, and proper drip edge create a tougher assembly against wind-driven hail and snowmelt.
Atlas and GAF systems, backed by pro warranties
AC INC. Roofing is an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor and a GAF Certified contractor. That means:
- Access to premium, impact-resistant Atlas shingle systems with enhanced manufacturer coverage—Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractors can offer warranties up to 50 years (on eligible systems).
- GAF System Plus warranties are available on qualifying systems.
- Our Directorii certification backs your project with a customer guarantee of up to $20,000.
We’ll help you compare profiles, colors, and warranty options so you choose the best balance of curb appeal, resilience, and budget.
Coatings for low-slope roofs facing hail and freeze-thaw
For commercial roofs and low-slope sections (TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen), fluid-applied coatings can restore waterproofing, add reflectivity, and improve hail and weather resistance when the existing roof is a good candidate. Selection should account for both hail impacts and freeze-thaw cycling.
Key selection criteria:
- Elongation and tensile strength: Choose coatings with high elongation and strong tensile properties to absorb impacts and thermal movement without cracking.
- Cold-temperature flexibility: Verify cold-flex performance suited to Rocky Mountain winters.
- Hail performance: Look for assemblies tested for hail resistance (e.g., FM Approvals Severe/Very Severe Hail when paired with appropriate substrates/coverboards). High-density coverboards under membranes can significantly improve hail resistance.
- Thickness and reinforcement: Specify the right dry-film thickness (mils) and add reinforcement (polyester fabric) at seams, transitions, and penetrations.
- Ponding and drainage: In freeze-thaw, standing water magnifies risk. Consider coatings and details that tolerate incidental ponding and ensure drainage paths are clear.
- Substrate compatibility: Match chemistry to the existing membrane (TPO, EPDM, Mod Bit) and confirm adhesion/primers via pull tests.
- UV durability: At altitude, high UV matters—select high-solids, UV-stable formulations and plan for recoat cycles per manufacturer guidance.
Not sure if you should recoat or replace? Our HAAG-certified inspectors provide photo-documented assessments and clear recommendations for TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, metal, and coated systems.
Freeze-thaw details that extend service life
- Flashings first: Hail and ice exploit weak flashings. Upgrade pipe boots, wall/step flashings, and terminations with robust materials and sealant details.
- Snow load paths: Keep valleys and crickets properly formed so meltwater drains fast when temperatures jump.
- Temperature-aware installs: Use cold-weather-rated underlayments and follow manufacturer temperature windows for adhesives, coatings, and sealants.
- Ventilation and insulation: Balanced ventilation reduces attic condensation and ice damming; pair with appropriate insulation/air sealing by your building professional.
Roof rejuvenation: When it makes sense
If your asphalt shingles still have structural integrity but show age-related drying or granule loss, roof rejuvenation may be an option to extend service life. AC INC. Roofing can evaluate whether rejuvenation, targeted repairs, or full replacement is the best value based on your roof’s condition and storm history.
Insurance, documentation, and ROI
- Class 4 savings: Many insurers offer premium discounts for UL 2218 Class 4 shingles—check with your carrier.
- Storm-readiness: Keep records of roof specs, photos, and warranty registration. After a storm, prompt documentation speeds claims and protects your warranty.
- Expert advocacy: AC INC. Roofing specializes in storm damage restoration and insurance claim support with thorough, HAAG-standard documentation.
Why AC INC. Roofing
- Licensed and insured; 5.0-star Google rating for service and integrity
- Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first to reach Master level)
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor
- Directorii-certified (up to $20,000 customer guarantee)
- Fortified Roofing Solutions certified (systems designed to withstand severe wind and hail)
- Professional memberships: RSRA (invitation-only), CRA, NRCA, APA
- Premium materials: Atlas shingle systems; impact-resistant asphalt shingles; metal and tile; TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen; fluid-applied coatings
- Services: Residential and commercial roofing; storm damage restoration; roof inspections, repairs, replacements; roof rejuvenation; siding and gutters; concrete & asphalt sealing
- Service area: Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, Wyoming
Our office: 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216
Get a resilient roof for the Rockies
Whether you’re comparing Class 4 shingles for a steep-slope home or evaluating a coating versus replacement for a low-slope commercial roof, AC INC. Roofing will specify, install, and document a system built for Colorado’s hail and freeze-thaw cycles.
Schedule your free roof inspection with a HAAG-certified inspector. Contact Us today.