Key numbers
103 verified hail storms with stones of 1.5 inches or larger reached El Paso County, which includes Colorado Springs, from 2000 to 2025 in the storm records we keep; the largest measured 4.5 inches (softball size) on July 13, 2011 (NOAA NCEI).
| Hail storms by decade, 2000 to 2025 | 2000s: 35, 2010s: 44, 2020s: 24 Source: Storm library: El Paso County hail history |
|---|---|
| Largest hail | 4.5 in. (softball), July 13, 2011 Source: NOAA NCEI |
| Costliest hail storm | $352.8 million insured losses (2016 dollars), July 28, 2016 Source: RMIIA |
| 38% | 38% of U.S. homes show moderate to poor roof condition, and those roofs have about 60% higher loss costs than roofs in good or excellent condition. Source: Insurance Journal (reporting Verisk), 2025 |
| About $500 | In a 2011 IBHS wind-driven rain test, the side of a duplex without a sealed roof deck would have cost about three times more to repair; the sealed deck cost about $500. Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), 2011 |
| 54.3% | According to Remodeling's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a metal roof replacement in the Mountain region cost $46,579 and recouped 54.3% at resale. Source: Remodeling / JLC (Zonda), 2025 |
A storm counts when the library lists El Paso County among the areas it hit. Each hail size is the storm's largest report, which may have fallen in a neighboring county, and insured losses cover every area the storm hit.
Yes. In Colorado Springs, architectural shingles are worth it for almost every home that is staying with asphalt: they cost a little more than flat three-tab shingles but are thicker, hold better in high wind, and look more like a premium roof. If your neighborhood sees regular hail, the impact-resistant (UL 2218 Class 4) version of an architectural shingle is the upgrade most worth pricing.
What makes a shingle “architectural”?
An architectural shingle is two or more layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass bonded together, so the shadow lines give the roof depth. That extra material is why it outperforms a flat three-tab shingle in wind and generally lasts longer.
How do they hold up to Colorado Springs wind?
PPRBD designs buildings in the Pikes Peak region for a 130 mph basic wind speed, which tells you how hard wind can hit a roof here. Wind resistance depends as much on installation as on the product: nails placed in the manufacturer’s nailing zone, a sealed starter strip at the eaves and rakes, and drip edge at both, which PPRBD requires. Our article on shingle wind ratings explains the ASTM test classes printed on the bundle.
Standard or impact-resistant?
Both are architectural shingles. The impact-resistant version is built to pass the UL 2218 test at Class 4, in which steel balls up to 2 inches across are dropped on the shingle. Whether it is worth the extra cost depends on your hail history and your insurer:
- Choose standard if budget is the priority and your roof has not been replaced for hail before.
- Choose impact-resistant if your street has had repeat hail claims, or your carrier offers a discount for Class 4.
Read our Class 4 shingle comparison for the products, or look at luxury shingles if you want a slate or shake look instead.
Installed to code, inspected by PPRBD
Every architectural shingle roof we install starts with a full tear-off, because PPRBD does not allow new shingles over old ones. We inspect and repair the decking, install underlayment and an ice barrier where required, and finish with ridge vents sized for your attic. The full checklist is in the Integrity Roofing System.
Next step
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned, family-run since 1990, and an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor. Compare every shingle tier on our asphalt shingle roofing page, or book a free inspection and we will price standard and impact-resistant side by side.
Sources: PPRBD, Basic Design Information (updated 06/30/2026); PPRBD, Reroof Guidelines (rev. 03/05/2024).
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