Key numbers
45 verified hail storms with stones of 1.75 inches or larger reached Denver County from 1984 to 2026 in the storm records we keep; the largest measured 4.5 inches (softball size) on July 13, 2011 (NOAA NCEI).
| Hail storms by decade, 1984 to 2026 | 1980s: 1, 1990s: 4, 2000s: 12, 2010s: 17, 2020s: 11 Source: Storm library: Denver metro hail history |
|---|---|
| Largest hail | 4.5 in. (softball), July 13, 2011 Source: NOAA NCEI |
| Costliest hail storm | $2.3 billion insured losses (2017 dollars), May 8, 2017 Source: RMIIA |
A storm counts when the library lists Denver 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.
Most Denver homes are best served by an architectural or impact-resistant (Class 4) asphalt shingle that carries the wind rating Denver requires for your part of the city. Denver splits the city into three wind zones: shingles must be rated for at least 115 mph east of Federal Blvd, 125 mph from Federal to Sheridan, and 140 mph from Sheridan to Kipling. Asphalt shingles are the most common roof in the metro because they cost less than metal, tile or slate, come in many colors, and can be repaired one shingle at a time.
3-tab, architectural or Class 4?
- 3-tab. Flat, single-layer shingles. The lowest price. Fine for a rental or a budget replacement, as long as the wrapper shows the wind label for your zone.
- Architectural (laminated). Two bonded layers give a dimensional look and a heavier shingle. This is a common choice on Denver replacements.
- Impact-resistant (Class 4). Built to pass the UL 2218 impact test at its highest class. Worth a look in hail-prone neighborhoods. Our Class 4 shingle comparison explains the ratings and products.
- Luxury / designer. Heavier shingles cut to look like slate or cedar shake, for homeowners who want that look without the weight or upkeep of slate or real cedar.
Most of the shingle roofs we install are Owens Corning systems, and as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor we register the manufacturer warranty when the job is done. The differences between the basic types are covered in 3-tab vs architectural shingles.
Details Denver’s inspectors check on a shingle roof
These come from the City and County of Denver roofing checklist. They are the details that separate a roof that passes from one that gets a correction notice:
- Slope. Shingles only on slopes of 2:12 or steeper, with double underlayment from 2:12 up to 4:12.
- Valleys. Open metal valleys at least 24 inches wide, or closed valleys lined with at least 36 inches of roll roofing or self-adhering membrane. Denver does not allow metal in a closed valley.
- Wall flashing. Step flashing at least 4 by 4 inches, one piece per shingle course, counter-flashed and sealed, with a kick-out at the bottom of each sidewall to throw water away from the siding.
- Drip edge. At eaves and rakes, lapped at least 2 inches and fastened at least every 12 inches.
- Chimneys. Any vertical projection wider than 30 inches on a sloped roof needs a cricket or saddle.
- Fasteners. The manufacturer’s nailing pattern, and never fewer than four nails per strip shingle.
Neighboring cities add their own rules. Lakewood does not accept T-lock shingles on re-roofs, and Littleton requires six nails per shingle and ice and water barrier at the eaves; see our Lakewood and Littleton pages.
Price and next steps
A shingle roof is usually the least expensive full replacement; our Denver roof replacement cost guide shows what moves the price. If hail or wind damaged the roof, see Denver storm damage repair. The claim stays yours, and our photos make sure nothing gets missed in the scope.
We are veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, with 650+ Google reviews and a Denver-area office in Centennial. Call (303) 209-0152 or book a free Denver roof inspection, and we will tell you which wind zone you are in and which shingles make sense for your house.
Source for Denver code details: City and County of Denver, Roofing Guide and Checklist (updated 4/11/2024). Lakewood and Littleton details are sourced on their town pages.
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