Key numbers
About 29% of U.S. homes with asphalt shingles have less than four years of remaining useful roof life (Insurance Journal (reporting Verisk), 2025 (report year)).
| About 0.02 | Without algae growth, asphalt shingle solar reflectance changes by about 0.02 or less over three years; algae staining in humid climates can cut it by up to 0.06. Source: LBNL / Cool Roof Toolkit (abstract), 2012 |
|---|---|
| Over 50 | NAHB's 2007 study says slate, copper and clay/concrete tile roofs have the longest life expectancy, over 50 years. Source: National Association of Home Builders / Bank of America Home Equity, 2007 |
| 18.34 million | 18.34 million occupied U.S. homes were built in the 1970s, the most of any single decade bin in RECS 2020 (20.26 million were built before 1950). Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020 |
Yes, you can replace a roof in winter in Colorado Springs. The work just needs the right days and a crew that adjusts for the cold: dry decks, little wind, shingles stored and handled per the manufacturer, and hand sealing where the factory sealant will not activate until spring. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) rules are the same all year, including a permit, full tear-off, and an ice barrier on homes above 7,000 feet.
What cold changes, and how a good crew handles it
| Cold-weather issue | What we do |
|---|---|
| Sealant strips need heat to bond | Hand-seal shingles at the edges, ridges and other wind-exposed areas when they will not seal on their own |
| Cold shingles are stiff and can crack | Store bundles per the manufacturer’s instructions and choose SBS modified shingles where flexibility matters |
| Short days and changing weather | Tear off only what can be dried in the same day |
| Wind | Reschedule on high-wind days rather than risk lifted shingles |
Owens Corning, whose shingles we install as a Platinum Preferred contractor, says winter projects may take longer depending on the weather, that shingles may take longer to thermal seal and may need additional hand sealing, and that SBS modified shingles such as its Duration FLEX line are more pliable and resist splitting in less than ideal installation conditions.
The rules do not change in winter
- Permit and license. Any reroof, or repair over 100 square feet, needs a PPRBD permit, pulled by a licensed contractor unless you own, live in and are doing the work on the home yourself.
- Full tear-off. New asphalt shingles cannot go over existing layers.
- Ice barrier above 7,000 feet. PPRBD requires an ice barrier from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line on properties above 7,000 feet. The elevation is printed on the permit receipt.
- One inspection for asphalt. An asphalt reroof gets a final inspection; tile adds a mid-roof (dry-in) inspection before tile is stocked on the roof.
Ice dams are the winter problem we see most on older Front Range roofs. An ice barrier along the eaves is part of our roofing system, along with a windstorm starter strip.
A story from our project managers
In 2017 one of our Colorado Springs project managers told a homeowner, more than once, that his new winter roof would look wavy for a while. On install day he had forgotten and called worried. The shingles settled flat as the weather warmed, exactly as expected. The lesson for us: remind the homeowner the week of the install, not just at signing.
Why some homeowners prefer winter
- Spring and summer hail fill roofing schedules fast. Winter is usually easier to book.
- Shingles are less prone to scuffing from foot traffic when they are not soft from summer heat.
- If a fall storm damaged the roof, waiting until spring risks leaks from snowmelt.
Not sure your roof can wait? Start with what to do after storm damage, or see our guide to spring wind preparation. When a full roof replacement is the answer, ask about financing. For wind ratings on the shingles themselves, read what ASTM D3161 means.
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, with 650+ Google reviews. Call (719) 488-2800 or book a free inspection; we reach out the same business day.
Sources: Owens Corning, Can You Get a New Roof or a Roof Repair in the Winter? (2024); PPRBD Reroofing Guidelines (rev. 03/05/2024); PPRBD, Do You Have Roof Damage From a Storm?.
