Asphalt Shingles in Denver – Installation, Repair, & Why Homeowners Need to Know
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Asphalt Shingles in Denver
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material on Denver homes, but they don’t behave here the same way they do in other parts of the country. Between hailstorms, intense sun at elevation, strong winds, and constant freeze–thaw cycles, asphalt shingle roofs in Denver take a beating year after year.
At Ernie’s Gutter, we work alongside roofing systems every day. We see how asphalt shingles age, where they fail first, and how poor drainage and gutter problems often make roof damage worse. If this is your first time hearing this, here’s the key takeaway: asphalt shingles can work well in Denver, but only when they’re installed correctly, maintained properly, and supported by a functioning gutter system.
This page explains how asphalt shingles actually perform in Denver, common problems we see, realistic lifespan expectations, and when repairs make sense versus full replacement.
Why Asphalt Shingles Behave Differently in Denver
Denver’s climate is tough on roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles. The issue isn’t one single factor—it’s how multiple weather conditions stack up over time.
What affects asphalt shingles most in this area:
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High UV exposure due to elevation, which dries out shingles faster
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Frequent small hail events that knock granules loose
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Rapid temperature swings that cause expansion and contraction
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Freeze–thaw cycles that work water into seams and nail penetrations
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Strong winds that stress seal strips and shingle edges
On many homes in Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, and Aurora, we see shingles wear unevenly depending on slope exposure. South- and west-facing roof planes usually age faster than shaded areas. From the ground, the roof may look fine. Up close, the damage tells a different story.
Types of Asphalt Shingles Commonly Used on Denver Homes
Not all asphalt shingles are the same, and some perform better here than others.
Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles
These are thinner and lighter. They’re still found on older Denver homes but tend to fail sooner in our climate due to wind and hail exposure.
Architectural (Dimensional) Asphalt Shingles
These are thicker, more durable, and far more common on homes built from the late 1990s through today. They hold up better against wind and temperature changes.
Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles
Designed to handle hail better, these shingles often last longer in Denver and may qualify for insurance discounts depending on the policy.
Choosing the right shingle type matters, but so does proper installation and drainage.
Common Asphalt Shingle Problems We See in Denver
During inspections, these issues come up repeatedly on asphalt shingle roofs:
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Granule loss from repeated hail impacts
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Brittle or cracked shingles caused by UV exposure
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Seal strip failure that allows wind uplift
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Exposed or popped nails after freeze–thaw movement
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Lifted shingles near roof edges and valleys
Many of these problems don’t cause immediate leaks. They quietly shorten the roof’s lifespan until a storm or heavy rain exposes the damage.
How Gutters and Drainage Affect Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Because this page lives on the Ernie’s Gutter site, this part matters.
Asphalt shingles rely on proper water flow off the roof. When gutters aren’t working correctly, water backs up where it shouldn’t.
Poor gutter performance leads to:
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Water spilling behind the gutter and soaking roof edges
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Ice dams forming along the eaves
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Fascia and decking rot beneath shingles
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Faster shingle deterioration near roof edges
We often see asphalt shingle damage that started as a gutter problem. Clean, properly pitched gutters extend the life of the roof above them.
Repair vs Replacement: What Makes Sense for Asphalt Shingles
Not every asphalt shingle issue requires a full roof replacement. The right decision depends on the age of the roof and the extent of damage.
Repairs Often Make Sense When:
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Damage is isolated to a small area
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The roof is under 12–15 years old
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Shingles are still flexible
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Granule loss is minimal
Replacement Is Usually Smarter When:
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Damage is widespread
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Shingles are brittle across multiple slopes
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Granules are collecting heavily in gutters
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The roof is approaching the end of its lifespan
Waiting too long often turns a repairable roof into a replacement project.
How Long Asphalt Shingles Really Last in Denver
Manufacturer warranties don’t reflect Denver’s climate reality.
Based on what we see in the field:
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Standard asphalt shingles: 15–22 years
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Architectural shingles: 18–25 years
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Impact-resistant shingles: 20–30 years
Sun exposure, hail frequency, installation quality, and gutter performance all influence lifespan.
When Asphalt Shingle Roofs Should Be Inspected
You should have your asphalt shingle roof inspected if:
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It’s over 12–15 years old
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You’ve had recent hail or windstorms
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You notice granules in gutters or downspouts
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Shingles appear curled, cracked, or uneven
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Water stains appear inside the home
Early inspections catch problems while they’re still manageable.
Why Asphalt Shingles Still Make Sense for Many Denver Homes
Despite the challenges, asphalt shingles remain a practical choice for many homeowners because they:
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Offer good performance when properly installed
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Are cost-effective compared to other materials
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Can be upgraded to impact-resistant options
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Work well with modern gutter and drainage systems
The key is choosing the right shingle and maintaining the system as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are asphalt shingles a good choice for Denver homes?
Yes, especially architectural or impact-resistant shingles installed correctly.
How does hail affect asphalt shingles?
Hail knocks granules loose and weakens shingles over time, even when damage isn’t obvious.
Can damaged asphalt shingles be repaired?
Often yes, if the damage is limited and the roof isn’t too old.
Do gutters really affect asphalt shingle lifespan?
Absolutely. Poor drainage accelerates roof edge damage and ice dam formation.
How often should asphalt shingle roofs be inspected in Denver?
At least once a year and after major storms.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it here?
In many cases, yes. They hold up better to hail and may lower insurance premiums.
What causes shingles to lift in wind?
Seal strip failure, brittle shingles, and improper installation.
Is granule loss always a problem?
Some loss is normal, but heavy buildup in gutters is a warning sign.
Get a Straight Answer About Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt shingles can perform well in Denver when the roof and gutter system work together. If you’re unsure about your roof’s condition or how your gutters are affecting it, a professional inspection can give you clarity before small issues turn into expensive repairs.
Ernie’s Gutter
1195 W Custer Pl
Denver, CO 80223
Phone: 720-346-ROOF
Serving Denver and the Front Range since 1978
OUR SERVICES
Your Neighborhood Roofing Contractor
Get more information concerning our service, do not wait to call us at 720 346 ROOF today. We’ll be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you.
Residential Roofing Contractor
Ernie’s Roofing specialize in residential roofing in Denver and have a team of experienced professional Roofers available to help you get the job done right The First Time. From minor repairs and maintenance to full–scale roof replacements,
Commercial Roofing
We construct, repair, as well as maintain Commercial Roofing systems for services both large and also small, creating personalized services that conserve our client’s time, cash, and also power. Call us at 720 346 ROOF and book a consultation today.
Hail Damage
Their knowledgeable staff is ready to help you assess the damage caused by storms and provide you with a comprehensive repair evaluation & plan. We specialize in all types of roof damage, including hail, wind, and even lightning strikes. Hail Claim Help
INSURANCE CLAIMS HELP
Our team of experienced insurance claim specialists will work with you to ensure that the insurance claim process is as stress-free as possible. We will work with your insurance company to provide all necessary documentation and estimates to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and correctly.
Wind Damage
When it comes to roof damage, it can be difficult to determine whether the damage was caused by hail or wind. While both types of damage can cause similar symptoms, they have different causes and require different repair methods.
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