A real roof expert can explain how every part of your roof works together, from the deck and underlayment to the flashing, vents and ridge, and can tell you which local code rules apply to your house before you ask. A salesman tends to talk about shingles, colors and price. The quickest way to tell them apart is to ask six specific questions at the inspection and see who answers with specifics, in writing.
Why the title is easy to claim
Search “roofing Colorado Springs” and you get pages of directories, badges and ads. Many are paid placements, and a company can look established online within weeks. Experience on roofs is harder to fake. Our founder, Jerry Fristoe, had 14 years in roofing, painting and remodeling before he started this company in 1990, and the expertise that matters is the same now: knowing why each component is there.
Six questions an expert answers without notes
| Ask | What a Colorado expert should say |
|---|---|
| Will you tear off to the deck? | In PPRBD’s area (Colorado Springs and El Paso County), all existing layers must come off before new asphalt shingles. In Denver, tear-off is required where two or more layers exist. |
| Do I need an ice barrier? | PPRBD requires one on homes above 7,000 feet, from the eave to 24 inches inside the wall. Denver does not require one. A good roofer then tells you whether they install it anyway, and why. |
| What wind rating do my shingles need? | In Denver, shingles must be labeled to ASTM D7158 classes D, G or H by wind zone: 115 mph east of Federal Blvd, 125 mph to Sheridan, 140 mph to Kipling. See shingle wind ratings explained. |
| How will you flash my walls and chimney? | Step flashing at sidewalls, counterflashing, a kick-out where the wall ends, and a cricket behind wide chimneys on new construction. Denver’s checklist sets step flashing at a minimum of 4 by 4 inches. |
| What do you do about my furnace vent? | On PPRBD jobs a roofer may replace only the cap, collar and jack on a B-vent; the vent itself needs a licensed HVAC contractor. |
| What is wrong with my roof, exactly? | A written answer with photos: where the damage or wear is, what caused it, and whether repair or replacement makes sense. |
Someone who hesitates on these may still be a pleasant salesperson. They should not be the person deciding what goes on your roof.
Other signs of real expertise
- They put it in writing. Findings, scope and materials, with photos you keep.
- They know what they sell and install. An expert can install every product the company offers and explain why one fits your roof better.
- They expect the unexpected. Rotted decking, hidden layers and bad venting show up at tear-off. An expert prices how those are handled before work starts.
- They tell you when you do not need a roof.
Manufacturer credentials help too; read what a shingle master credential proves. For the company itself, use how to evaluate a local roofing company, whether a Colorado Springs roofer is legitimate, and on insured roofs, what to check in your policy first. Flat sections need their own expertise: see what a flat roof contractor should explain.
Work with people who install roofs
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Every inspection is documented with detailed photos, followed by an honest assessment and Good, Better and Best options with upfront pricing when work is needed. Call Colorado Springs (719) 488-2800, Denver (303) 209-0152 or Austin (512) 610-5897, or book a free roof inspection. We reach out the same business day.
Sources: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, Reroofing Guidelines (rev. 03/05/2024); City and County of Denver, Roofing Guide and Checklist (updated 4/11/2024).
