What is the Colorado Roofing Market Like?

The Colorado roofing market is expected to be around $2.2 billion in 2024, with continued growth projected [1]. Here’s a breakdown of some key factors:

Market size and growth: Colorado’s roofing industry is substantial, reaching an estimated $2.2 billion in 2024 and showing signs of further growth [1].
Impact of 2023: Material shortages, especially asphalt shingles, were a major hurdle in 2023 due to a combination of factors including increased demand from hailstorms, housing boom, and hurricane damage in other parts of the US [3].
Post-shortage situation: It’s not clear if the shortage situation has completely resolved in 2024, but hopefully it’s improved compared to last year.

What types of roofs can be found in Colorado?

Colorado’s diverse climate with elements like hail, snow, and strong winds influences the type of roofs you’ll find in the state. Here are some common roofing materials:

Asphalt Shingles: The most popular and affordable choice. They offer decent durability but may not last as long as other options in Colorado’s weather.
Tile Roofs: Clay and concrete tiles are popular for their longevity, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal, especially in Spanish-style architecture.
Metal Roofs: Highly durable and long-lasting, metal roofs can withstand hail and strong winds well. Stone-coated metal roofs are a popular option as they combine the strength of metal with the look of traditional tiles.
Flat Roofs: More common in commercial buildings, flat roofs require specific materials and maintenance to prevent water pooling and damage.

Is there a lot of roofing damage from natural disasters in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado is prone to weather conditions that can cause roofing damage. Here’s a breakdown of why:

Hail: A significant culprit, Colorado experiences frequent hailstorms, particularly in the spring and summer. Hailstones can cause punctures, cracks, and dents in various roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, tiles, and metal.

High Winds: Strong winds are common throughout the state, especially during winter and spring. High winds can rip off shingles, loosen tiles, and damage flashing around roof penetrations like vents and pipes.

Snow: Colorado’s heavy snowfall can put a strain on roofs. The weight of accumulated snow can lead to roof collapse, especially on flat roofs. Additionally, ice dams caused by uneven melting can cause water to back up under shingles and lead to leaks.

These weather events can cause significant damage to roofs, leading to a high demand for roofing repairs and replacements in Colorado. Here are some additional points to consider:

Location Matters: The severity of weather and the resulting roofing damage can vary depending on specific locations within Colorado. Areas like the Front Range mountains might experience more frequent high winds and snow compared to the eastern plains.

Roof Material Impact: The type of roofing material also plays a role. Metal roofs tend to be more hail-resistant than asphalt shingles, while slate or tile roofs can be more wind-resistant.

What type of license do I need to legally build roofs in Colorado?

Colorado differs from many states regarding roofing licenses. Here’s the key takeaway:

No Statewide License: There’s no requirement for a statewide roofing contractor license in Colorado.

However, regulations shift to the local level:

Local Licensure or Permits: You’ll need to acquire a license or permit from the specific city or county jurisdiction where you’ll be working. This applies to both roof installation and repair.

Here’s why checking locally is crucial:

City vs. County Requirements: Processes and requirements can vary between cities and counties. Some larger cities might have mandatory contractor licenses, while rural areas might focus on permits.

To ensure compliance, it’s best to contact the building department in the city or county where you plan to build the roof. They’ll provide the specific requirements for obtaining a license or permit.

Can I pull permits with an ICC Certificate in Colorado?

An ICC Certificate alone might not be enough to pull permits in Colorado for roofing work. Here’s the breakdown:

ICC Certificate: While valuable, an ICC Certificate demonstrates your knowledge of building codes through passing an International Code Council exam.
Local Requirements Rule: In Colorado, acquiring permits for roofing work falls under local jurisdictions (city or county).

The good news is that an ICC Certificate can be a plus:

Potential Benefit: Some localities in Colorado, like Adams County, might allow using an ICC Certificate in place of a local contractor’s license for obtaining a permit for general contractor work, which can include roofing.

Here’s what to do to be sure:

Contact Local Building Department: The most reliable way to confirm permit requirements is to directly contact the building department in the specific city or county where you’ll be working.
Explain you have an ICC Certificate and inquire if it’s sufficient for pulling a roofing permit.

They’ll provide the most up-to-date information on:

Permitting process
Any additional qualifications needed
Applicable fees

Following these steps ensures you have the necessary licenses or permits to legally build roofs in your area of Colorado.

The following cities do take an ICC F14 Roofing Certificate:

Town of Castle Rock
Jefferson County
City of Arvada
Elbert County
Aurora
Centennial
Pikes Peak and many others.

Getting licensed in Denver County involves two steps. They don’t accept licenses from other states or counties.

Supervisor Certificate: First, one person from your company needs to apply for and obtain a supervisor certificate. This focuses on construction specialties, including roofing (Class D). You’ll find all the details and instructions for this certificate on our website: https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Contractor-Licensing.

Contractor License: Once the supervisor certificate is approved, your company can apply for a contractor’s license.

See how much roofing knowledge you have with our Free Colorado ICC F14 Roofing test:

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ICC F14 Roofing Contractor / Subcontractor Free Test

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1 / 10

A bulkhead may be considered __ when used for sheltering mechanical or electrical equipment or vertical shaft openings.

A) a penthouse

B) an additional story

C) either A or B

D) neither

2 / 10

__ will be required to be used as underlayment on low slope roofs between 21-percent and 33-percent
slope.

A) a 19-inch strip of underlayment installed parallel to the eave

B) a 36-inch wide strip of felt underlayment, with a 19-inch overlap of successive sheets

C) either A or B

D) neither

3 / 10

A Class A roof assembly will be required to withstand severe fire test exposure.

A) True

B) False

4 / 10

A building will be subject to the requirements for new construction if it was completed, but not occupied prior to adoption of the International Building Code.

A) True

B) False

5 / 10

A live load is a load on a roof that is produced __ .

A) during maintenance

B) by movable objects

C) by use and occupancy

D) any of the above

6 / 10

A membrane penetration is a breach in __ side( s) of a floor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assembly that will be used for necessary installations.

A) one

B) two

C) three

D) all

7 / 10

A __ is a secondary member.

A) structural member not directly connected to a column

B) member of floor or roof construction not directly connected to a column

C) bracing member that Is not a part of the primary structural frame

D) all of the above

8 / 10

A maintenance roof repair is __ of an existing roof.

A) reconstruction

B) renewal

C) either A or B

D) neither

9 / 10

A mechanical equipment screen may be built of combustible materials in which of the following instances?

A) if the fire separation distance is not less than 20 feet

B) if the height of the screen does not exceed 4 feet above the roof deck

C) either A or B

D) neither

10 / 10

__ sheathing is preferred beneath wood shingles if installed in an area where the formation of ice will likely cause a backup of water.

A) Solid

B) Spaced support

C) either A or B

D) neither

Your score is

The average score is 65%

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