Colorado Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2025 Update)

Introduction

In this article, I’ll give you the typical costs for installing a new roof in Colorado in 2025, for both residential and commercial buildings. I’ve spent years reviewing contractor bids and researching roofing costs for my clients around the country. The roof cost estimates I provide here were produced by analyzing current material prices, Colorado labor costs, and other relevant factors, including roofing project values from actual Colorado building permit data. The roof systems covered here include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, tile, synthetic composite, cedar shakes and shingles, and all of the common types of low-slope commercial roofing.

Construction costs in Colorado are slightly below the national average, with statewide roof replacement costs averaging about 5% to 10% lower than the U.S. average. Prices tend to be higher in the Denver and Boulder metro areas and somewhat lower in smaller towns and rural parts of the state. (Compare with national average roof replacement costs.)

Actual roof prices will vary depending on location, roof size, roof slope, complexity, and, of course, the type of roof system installed. Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular residential roof covering in Colorado, but alternatives like standing seam metal, synthetic composite, and cedar shakes are also used. Commercial “flat” (low-slope) roofs typically use single-ply membranes (EPDM, TPO, and PVC), modified bitumen, or spray-applied polyurethane foam roofing systems.

On average, Colorado residential roof replacement prices in 2025 typically range from around $5.50 per square foot for basic asphalt shingles to around $32 per square foot for high-end copper roofing. This means a typical 1,700-square-foot pitched roof may cost between $9,300 and $55,000, depending on the type of material you choose.

Commercial roofing generally costs less per square foot, with commercial roof replacement prices ranging, on average, from around $4.40 per square foot for a ballasted EPDM overlay system with no insulation included to around $16 per square foot for a 2-ply modified bitumen roofing system with enough insulation to meet the R-30 energy code requirement for most Colorado commercial roofs with above-deck insulation.

The tables below provide cost information for all roof types and systems.

Climate Considerations for Colorado Roofs

The climate in much of Colorado is classified as semi-arid, but because of the state’s elevation and varied topography, conditions range from alpine in the mountains to more continental across the Front Range and plains. Winters can be long and cold, with heavy snowfall in the mountains and periodic snowstorms along the Front Range. Summers are generally warm to hot with lower humidity than much of the country, though strong thunderstorms, hail, and even the occasional tornado are common during late spring and summer. With annual precipitation averaging 15 to 20 inches statewide, Colorado is drier than most states, but snow loads and hail damage are major considerations.

Heating degree days exceed cooling degree days, and heating costs are the primary building energy concern in Colorado. This means reflective “cool” roofing is less important for energy efficiency than in warmer climates, and darker roofing materials may help by absorbing solar heat in the winter. Hail is a leading cause of roof damage in Colorado, so impact resistance should be a high priority. Roof algae (Gloeocapsa magma) is not much of a concern in Colorado.

Given these conditions, homeowners and property managers in Colorado should consider the following:

• Asphalt shingles are widely used. Because hail is a frequent hazard in Colorado, impact-resistant shingles (Class 4 rated) are strongly recommended. Algae growth is less of a concern than in humid climates, but can still appear in wetter regions, especially near the foothills.
• Ventilation and underlayment are critical. Proper attic ventilation and code-compliant underlayments reduce risks from ice dams in the mountains and foothills, and also help manage heat buildup in lower-elevation regions. Note that improper attic ventilation can void your roof warranty.
• Metal roofing performs very well statewide. PVDF-coated steel and aluminum panels provide excellent durability and resistance to hail, wind, and snow. Standing seam metal systems with snow retention devices are especially effective in high-snowfall mountain regions.
• Slate, tile, and cedar can perform well if properly designed. Adequate flashing, fastening, and drainage design are essential in Colorado’s freeze–thaw conditions. Cedar shakes and shingles should only be installed as part of a Class A fire-rated assembly due to wildfire risks, particularly in the foothills and mountain communities.
• Insulation and air sealing are essential. A tightly sealed and well-insulated attic reduces heating costs, minimizes risks of ice dams, and helps maintain indoor comfort through Colorado’s wide daily temperature swings.

Things to Keep in Mind

These roof cost estimates should be fairly accurate; I make an effort to update them regularly using current material prices and labor data specific to Colorado. Keep in mind that the costs listed below are averages, and actual costs can vary significantly depending on your specific location and the size, configuration, accessibility, and condition of your particular roof.

The residential roof cost estimates provided here are for roof replacements on roofs with a 6/12 pitch and include all standard roof components (underlayment, ice & water shield, fasteners, flashing, etc.). Steeper roofs or roofs with complex designs can increase costs by as much as 30%. Due to the snow, Colorado roofs tend to be steeper than what is typical in most of the U.S.

Removal of an existing commercial or residential roof typically adds between $1 and $3 per square foot. For the estimates in the tables below, $1.50 per square foot for tear-off and disposal has been included in all pricing except for the “no additional insulation” commercial roof pricing, which generally indicates a roof recover project.

Table 1: Residential Roof Costs in Colorado

Table 2: Commercial Roof Costs in Colorado

For energy code purposes, Colorado spans IECC Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, and 7. In Zones 4, 5, and 6, commercial roofs with insulation entirely above the deck must meet a minimum of R-30 continuous insulation (R-30ci). In Zone 7, which includes counties in the Central Rocky Mountains region, the requirement increases to R-35ci.

These requirements are established by the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The minimum R-values apply both to new construction and roof replacements. Always verify current R-value requirements with your local code authority, as energy codes are periodically updated.

When performing a roof recover, these insulation requirements generally do not apply. Recover projects usually involve adding a layer of cover board over the existing system to provide a suitable substrate, followed by the new roof membrane. Roof recovery is not always permitted or advisable.

Where the price estimates below include R-30 insulation, add $1.00 for roofs that require R-35.

Further Reading: Roof Cost Details by Roofing Type

• Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost Guide
• Cedar Shake & Shingle Roof Cost Guide
• Copper Roof Cost Guide
• EPDM Rubber Roof Cost Guide
• Metal Roof Cost Guide
• Modified Bitumen Roof Cost Guide
• PVC Membrane Roof Cost Guide
• Shingle Roof Cost Guide
• Single-Ply Roofing Cost Guide (EPDM, PVC, TPO)
• Slate Roof Cost Guide
• Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing Cost Guide
• Standing Seam Metal Roofing Cost Guide
• Tile Roof Cost Guide
• TPO Membrane Roof Cost Guide

About the Author

Jack Gray spent 20 years as a principal roof consultant with the Moriarty Corporation, an award-winning building enclosure consultant firm founded in 1967. Mr. Gray has worked in the roofing industry for over 25 years, with training and practical experience in roof installation, roof inspection, roof safety, roof condition assessment, construction estimating, roof design & specification, quality assurance, roof maintenance & repair, and roof asset management. He was awarded the Registered Roof Observer (RRO) professional credential in 2009. He also served as an infantry paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and has a B.A. from Cornell University.