TAMKO Building Products
In Colorado, weather shifts aren’t just seasonal—they can change within hours. Sunshine can quickly turn to snowfall, calm conditions can give way to harsh winds, and that constant variability takes a major toll on residential roofing. For both homeowners and contractors, the issue isn’t just about durability. It’s about finding a roofing system that can adapt to Colorado’s wide range of weather extremes.
As climate unpredictability becomes more common along the Front Range, materials made for “average conditions” are no longer cutting it. Today’s Colorado homes need roofing systems that don’t just stay intact—they need to perform under pressure. From UV rays to snow buildup, high winds to freeze-thaw cycles, a roof here has to resist it all.
A Roof That Handles Every Forecast
Colorado’s most relentless element may not be storms, but rather its temperature swings. Spring mornings often start with frost and end in summer-like warmth. That kind of thermal expansion and contraction causes shingles to shift, nails to back out, and seams to pull apart. These subtle shifts eventually create entry points for moisture, compromising a roof’s durability before any visible damage appears.
Compared to coastal climates, the Rockies subject roofs to far more wear and tear. A shingle that might last 30 years elsewhere could lose a third of its lifespan in Colorado without the right engineering.
High Elevation, Higher Risk
Colorado’s elevation also means higher ultraviolet exposure, which accelerates the breakdown of shingle materials. UV rays fade pigment, dry out asphalt binders, and can even make shingles brittle over time. Studies have shown UV intensity at elevation can reduce a roof’s life by up to 50%, which is why material choice isn’t just a design decision here. It’s an investment in longevity.
This is where TAMKO’s trusted shingle lines, proudly deemed America’s ShingleⓇ, have proven especially valuable and favored by Coloradoans:
- Redesigned with proprietary Tri-Shield™ technology, the HeritageⓇ shingle line is constructed with Advanced Asphalt Technology specifically designed to help withstand high-UV exposure, hot/cold weather cycles, and various forms of moisture, including rain, ice, and snow.
- Designed for impact-rated protection, StormFighter FLEXⓇ shingles feature polymer-modified asphalt that adds flexibility and strength. Engineered for resilience against the toughest elements — wind, cold, and more — with a Class 4 impact rating* and seals quickly — even in low temperatures..
- TAMKO’s most advanced architectural shingle, Titan XTⓇ shingles combine new TriShield™ Technology with AnchorLock Layer™ protection to deliver wind resistance up to 160 mph† with only four nails. It’s ideal for extreme storm zones and maximum roof durability.
Understanding the Ice Dam Risk
Winter in Colorado comes with its own challenges. While the weight of snow can stress a roof, the more serious risk comes when snow melts and refreezes. These melt cycles form ice dams—where water infiltrates beneath the shingles during the day and then freezes at night, forcing shingles apart and triggering leaks or even mold growth.
With roofing projects frequently starting or wrapping up in borderline winter conditions, roofers need materials that install properly despite fluctuating temps. That’s why TAMKO’s HeritageⓇ, Titan XTⓇ, and StormFighter FLEXⓇ shingles are so popular—they feature low-temperature sealing adhesives and heavier mats that lay flat in cold weather, giving contractors more flexibility. StormFighter FLEXⓇ shingles can even be installed in temperatures as low as 25°F‡—the lowest approved installation temperature in the market.
Hail Season Is Real—and Frequent
Colorado ranks among the most hail-affected states in the U.S., seeing seven to nine major hailstorms each year. These events bring more than minor surface blemishes. When hail hits at 50 mph, it can dislodge granules, expose underlying asphalt, and create conditions ripe for leaks.
TAMKO’s StormFighter FLEXⓇ shingles were built for precisely these conditions. Beyond just impact protection, they’re engineered with advanced asphalt, superior polymers, and proprietary additives to enhance flexibility, hold granules, and absorb impact. StormFighter FLEXⓇ shingles carry a Class 4 impact rating* and uses both ForceFXⓇ and AnchorLock™ technology for wind protection up to 160mph!†
Advanced granule retention is key to how these shingles help withstand Colorado’s harsh elements—from hail to UV to ice.
Roofing That’s Ready for Anything
In a state like Colorado, roofing isn’t just about surviving a single season—it’s about thriving year-round. From 70-degree afternoons followed by a freeze, to hail, high UV, wind, and snow, no single element causes roof failure; it’s the cumulative stress. That’s why choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions a Colorado homeowner can make to protect their family and structure.
If you’re planning to build, replace, or reinforce your roof this year, don’t just ask about aesthetics, price or curb appeal. Ask whether your roofing system is engineered for Denver’s altitude, temperature shock, and weather swings.
Because in Colorado, it’s not just about bracing for the next storm. It’s about building a roof that is built to handle the day-to-day, and still ready for the storm season.
*StormFighter FLEXⓇ shingles are classified by UL for compliance with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. UL 2218 testing utilizes a dropped steel ball which may not correlate with real world rooftop experience with the impact of storm driven hail or other objects.
†160 MPH wind warranty requires TAMKOⓇ starter and TAMKOⓇ hip and ridge. See TAMKO’s full High Wind Application Instructions for all requirements and restrictions.
‡Please consult TAMKO’s Limited Warranty and Application Instructions for requirements.
