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 |
| 4.89 million | Ceramic or clay tile was the main roofing material on 4.89 million U.S. homes in 2020, and concrete tile on 2.14 million. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020 |
| 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 |
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.
A tile roof in Denver means clay or concrete tile laid over underlayment and battens on a roof pitched at least 2.5:12, with a mid-roof inspection before more than 30% of the tile is on. Tile lasts for decades, resists fire, and suits Spanish, Mediterranean and many custom homes. It is also heavy and brittle underfoot, so the two big questions are whether your framing can carry it and whether your crew knows how to walk and flash it.
Clay, concrete or synthetic tile
- Clay tile. Kiln-fired, with color that holds for the life of the roof. The classic barrel and flat profiles. The most expensive tile.
- Concrete tile. Heavier than clay and less expensive. Made in profiles that imitate shake and slate as well as traditional tile.
- Synthetic tile. Polymer tiles that look like clay or concrete at a fraction of the weight. A common pick when the framing was built for shingles.
How Denver inspects a tile roof
A tile re-roof in Denver needs a permit, and the city’s roofing checklist (based on the 2021 IRC and Denver Building Code) has specific rules for clay and concrete tile:
- Minimum slope of 2.5:12, with double underlayment from 2.5:12 to 4:12.
- Valley flashing at least 11 inches from the centerline on each side, with a raised splash diverter rib at least 1 inch high and sections lapped at least 4 inches.
- A 36-inch strip of Type I underlayment under valleys on slopes over 3:12.
- A mid-roof inspection of the underlayment, battens and flashing, requested before more than 30% of the tile is installed. Failing an inspection brings a $100 re-inspection fee.
- Reused tile must be sound. Undamaged tile can go back on; damaged flashing cannot.
Nearby cities are similar but not identical. Lakewood requires an engineer’s stamped letter for tile of 7.5 pounds per square foot or more and full nailing when tile goes on solid sheathing without battens. In unincorporated Adams County, which includes Henderson, switching from shingles to tile needs an engineer’s approval of the framing.
Repairs on an existing tile roof
Many tile roofs leak because the underlayment under the tile has worn out, not because the tile failed. In that case the tile can come off, the underlayment and flashing get replaced, and the sound tile goes back on. If you only have a few cracked tiles after a storm, see Denver roof repair.
Cost and next steps
Tile costs more than shingles and usually less than natural slate; see tile roof cost in Denver and our article on tile roofing in Denver. Financing is available for upgrades. Comparing options? See slate and metal.
We are veteran-owned, family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor, and have 650+ Google reviews. Call our Centennial office at (303) 209-0152 or book a free Denver roof inspection.
Sources: City and County of Denver, Roofing Guide and Checklist (updated 4/11/2024); City of Lakewood, Roofing and Re-roofing handout; Adams County, Residential Roofing Requirements (July 2026).
Photos From Our Projects
