Roofing Shingles Installation Guide

Fixing shingles early costs less. Fixing water damage never does.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Before signing any roofing contract, ask these questions—no exceptions:

• How many nails per shingle are used? (Less than 4–6 is a red flag)

• Are nails placed in the manufacturer’s required nail zone?

• Will flashing and roof boots be replaced or reused?

• Is underlayment upgraded or just patched?

• Are you licensed and insured in Colorado?

If a contractor won’t answer directly, move on.

High-Pressure Sales Pitches Are a Bad Sign

If a roofer pushes you to “sign today” or claims pricing changes tomorrow, that’s not professionalism—that’s pressure sales.

Good roofing contractors:

• Inspect first

• Explain options clearly

• Put everything in writing

• Don’t rush decisions

A roof isn’t a car lot purchase. Take your time.

Roofing Warranties: What Actually Matters

You should receive two warranties:

1. Manufacturer warranty – Covers material defects

2. Workmanship warranty – Covers installation errors

A solid workmanship warranty should last at least 3–5 years. Anything less usually signals rushed work.

Licensing, Insurance, and Documentation (Non-Negotiable)

Any contractor installing roofing shingles must provide:

• Active Colorado contractor license

• General liability insurance

• Workers’ compensation coverage

No paperwork = no protection for you.

If something goes wrong and they aren’t insured, the homeowner eats the bill.

Why Cheap Roofing Materials Cost More Long-Term

Budget shingles may look fine on day one, but they fail faster—especially in Denver’s climate.

Cheap materials often lead to:

• Early granule loss

• Curling and cracking

• Wind blow-offs

• Shorter replacement cycles

Paying once for quality beats paying twice for repairs.

Keep the Roof and Gutters Working Together

Roofing shingles don’t work alone. They rely on:

• Proper flashing

• Healthy fascia

• Correctly pitched gutters

• Clear downspouts

When gutters clog, water backs up under shingles and along the roof edge. That’s how rot starts.

This is why roofing and gutter systems should always be evaluated together—something Ernie’s Gutter does on every inspection.

After Storms: Always Inspect the Roof

After hail, high wind, or heavy snow:

• Look for missing or lifted shingles

• Check valleys and roof edges

• Inspect flashing and roof boots

• Watch for granules in gutters

Small damage becomes big damage fast if ignored.

Specialty Roof Work Requires Experience

If your roof includes:

• Dormers

• Turrets

• Low-slope sections

• Complex valleys

Make sure the contractor has real experience with those features. Roofing is not one-size-fits-all.

Roof Boots: Small Part, Big Problem

Roof boots seal around vent pipes and penetrations. They’re often ignored—and often fail first.

When roof boots dry out or crack:

• Water leaks straight into the attic

• Damage spreads unseen

• Repairs get expensive fast

They should always be inspected and replaced during shingle work.

Avoid “Quick Fix” Roofing Solutions

Temporary patches usually:

• Trap moisture

• Hide deeper problems

• Fail during the next storm

A proper roofing shingle installation fixes the cause, not the symptom.

Final Word for Denver Homeowners

Roofing problems are stressful—but they don’t have to be disasters.

When shingles are installed correctly, paired with proper drainage, and maintained over time, your roof protects your entire home—not just the attic.

Use this guide, ask the right questions, and don’t cut corners where water is involved. Gravity always wins.