Key numbers
About 3.5 million U.S. households reported missing roofing material, 1.9 million a sagging roof and 1.5 million a hole in the roof in the 2023 American Housing Survey (Roofing Contractor (reporting Instant Roofer analysis of 2023 AHS), 2023).
| $4,699 | The average U.S. residential roof repair cost was $4,699 in 2025, up 25% from the prior four-year average. Source: Insurance Journal (reporting Verisk), 2025 |
|---|---|
| 4.4% | 4.4% of U.S. households reported roof leaks in the 2023 American Housing Survey, down from 7.6% in 1973. Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2023 |
| 20% | Leakage from attic supply ductwork and air handlers can exceed 20% of the system's airflow, per Building Science Corporation. Source: Building Science Corporation, 2006 (rev. 2013) |
Yes. Colorado roofers recommend fixing known roof problems in the fall because winter turns small ones into big ones: snow holds water against weak spots for weeks, freeze-thaw cycles open cracks a little more each night, and ice dams push meltwater under shingles at the eaves. Repairs also go better in mild weather, when shingles are flexible and sealant bonds. A roof that is sound in October usually stays that way until spring.
What winter does to a small problem
- A lifted or cracked shingle lets wind-driven snow under it, and meltwater follows.
- Worn pipe boots and flashing leak when snow melts around them during sunny afternoons.
- Clogged gutters hold ice at the eaves, which helps ice dams form.
- Poor attic ventilation or air leaks warm the roof deck, melt snow from below and feed ice dams.
- Soft or rotted decking gets worse under weeks of snow load.
The fall checklist
- Look from the ground with binoculars for missing, lifted or cracked shingles, especially at ridges and edges.
- Check the attic on a sunny day for daylight at penetrations, stains on the deck, and damp insulation.
- Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure water exits away from the foundation.
- Look at pipe boots, vents and chimney flashing for cracks and gaps.
- Trim branches that hang over the roof or could break under snow.
- Note interior stains on ceilings and walls, and date a photo of each so you can tell if they grow.
- Book repairs early. Fall schedules fill after late-season hail.
Rules that do not change with the season
| Colorado Springs and El Paso County (PPRBD) | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Repair permit | Any repair or replacement over 100 sq ft | More than 10 percent of the roof or 2 squares, whichever is smaller |
| Ice barrier | Required on homes above 7,000 ft elevation | Not required by the city |
| Design snow load | Ask PPRBD for your address | 35 psf ground snow load |
An ice barrier is a self-adhering membrane (or two cemented layers of underlayment) from the eave edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall. Where it is not required, it is still worth asking about at the eaves and valleys of a north-facing roof.
Can it wait until spring?
A repair can wait if the problem is cosmetic, the attic is dry, and nothing is getting worse. It should not wait if there is an active leak, a missing section of shingles, a soft spot you can feel, or a stain that grows after each storm. If you are planning a full replacement and the calendar slips into winter, read whether you can replace a roof in winter, and for the ice damage that shows up by February, see weather-related roof repairs.
Choosing who does the fall repair
Fall is also when out-of-town crews chase late-season hail. Hire someone who will be here in March: read why a local contractor matters in Colorado Springs, how to evaluate a local roofing company, or, in the metro area, what local knowledge changes on a Denver roof. Thinking about a roof that sheds snow? See metal roofs for Security-Widefield homes.
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. Call Colorado Springs (719) 488-2800 or Denver (303) 209-0152, or book a free roof inspection for a roof repair; 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).
