If you are searching for the cost of a roof replacement in Denver, you have probably noticed that getting a straight answer is surprisingly difficult. Every website gives a different range. Every contractor has a different price. And nobody seems willing to just tell you what it actually costs.
We are going to fix that. While we cannot give you an exact price without inspecting your specific roof (there are too many variables), we can give you realistic ranges based on what we are seeing across the Denver metro area in 2026. We have replaced over 7,200 roofs across the Colorado Front Range, so we have a pretty solid dataset to work with.
The Short Answer: What Most Denver Homeowners Pay
For a typical single family home in the Denver metro area with a standard architectural shingle roof, most homeowners in 2026 are paying between $12,000 and $28,000 for a full roof replacement.
That is a wide range, and we will explain exactly why in a moment. But if your home is around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet with a moderately complex roof, you are most likely looking at $15,000 to $22,000 for quality materials and professional installation.
If that sounds higher than what you expected, it is because roofing costs have increased meaningfully over the past few years. Material costs, labor costs, insurance costs, and compliance requirements have all gone up. The silver lining is that a properly installed roof by a certified contractor will last 25 to 50 years depending on the material, making it one of the best long term investments in your home.
What Factors Affect Roof Replacement Cost?
Let us dig into the variables that push your price up or down.
Roof Size
This is the biggest factor. Roofing is measured in "squares," with one square equaling 100 square feet of roof area. A typical Denver home has a roof between 20 and 35 squares. More squares means more materials and more labor, which means higher cost.
Important note: your roof area is not the same as your home's square footage. Roof area depends on the footprint of the home plus the slope of the roof. A home with a steep roof pitch has significantly more roof area than an identical footprint with a low pitch.
Roof Complexity
A simple gable roof with minimal penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights) is faster and easier to install than a complex roof with multiple valleys, dormers, hips, and transitions. The more complex the roof, the more labor and flashing details are required, and the higher the cost.
Material Selection
The shingle product you choose has a significant impact on price. Here is a general breakdown of 2026 pricing per square (installed) in the Denver market.
Standard 3 tab shingles: $350 to $450 per square. These are the most basic option and are becoming less common on residential homes.
Architectural (dimensional) shingles: $450 to $600 per square. This is the standard for most Denver homes. Brands like GAF Timberline and CertainTeed Landmark fall in this category.
Class 4 impact resistant shingles: $550 to $750 per square. The premium over standard architectural shingles is typically 15% to 25%, but the insurance savings often offset the difference within a few years Class 4 impact resistant shingles.
Premium designer shingles: $700 to $1,000+ per square. These include products that mimic the look of slate or cedar shake. They are gorgeous but come at a premium price.
Metal roofing: $800 to $1,500+ per square. Standing seam metal roofs have become increasingly popular in Colorado for their durability and longevity (50+ years). The upfront cost is higher, but the lifecycle cost can be lower than shingles.
Tile and slate: $1,200 to $2,500+ per square. These are the highest end options and are less common in the Denver metro but popular in certain neighborhoods and custom homes.
Tear Off and Disposal
Most roof replacements require removing the existing shingles before installing the new roof. This "tear off" adds labor and disposal costs. If your home has multiple layers of old shingles (some older homes have two or even three layers), the tear off will cost more.
In Denver, disposal costs have increased as landfill fees have gone up. Budget an additional $1,000 to $2,500 for tear off and disposal on a typical home.
Decking Repairs
Once the old shingles come off, your contractor will inspect the plywood decking underneath. If there is rot, water damage, or soft spots, the damaged sections need to be replaced before the new roof goes on.
Minor decking repairs are normal and usually run $50 to $100 per sheet of plywood. Extensive decking damage can add $1,000 to $3,000 or more to the project. A good contractor will include an allowance for decking repairs in their estimate and will communicate with you if additional work is needed.
Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is critical to the performance and longevity of your roof. If your current ventilation is inadequate, your contractor should upgrade it during the replacement. Adding ridge vents, soffit vents, or powered ventilation can add $300 to $1,500 to the project but will prevent premature shingle failure and ice dam issues.
Permits and Code Compliance
Most Denver metro municipalities require a building permit for a roof replacement. Permit costs vary by city but typically range from $100 to $500. Your contractor should pull the permit for you and ensure the installation meets current building codes.
Insurance Restoration and Roof Replacement Cost
A huge percentage of roof replacements in Denver are triggered by hail damage and covered by homeowner's insurance. If your roof was damaged in a storm, the cost to you may be limited to your deductible insurance restoration support.
Here is how it works. Your insurance company sends an adjuster to assess the damage. If they determine the roof needs replacement, they issue a payment based on their estimate, minus your deductible. If the insurance estimate is lower than the actual replacement cost (which happens frequently), your contractor can file a supplement requesting additional funds.
At Gates Enterprises, we handle the entire insurance process for our customers. We attend adjuster meetings, review insurance estimates line by line, and file supplements when needed. Our goal is to make sure you receive every dollar your policy entitles you to, so you get a quality roof without unexpected out of pocket costs beyond your deductible.
The key takeaway here is that if your roof has storm damage, do not assume you cannot afford a replacement. The insurance restoration process exists for exactly this situation, and a good roofing partner will guide you through it insurance restoration support.
How to Get the Best Value on Your Denver Roof Replacement
Value is not the same as price. The cheapest roof replacement will almost always cost you more in the long run through premature failure, warranty issues, or shoddy work that leads to leaks. Here is how to get the best value.
Choose a Certified Contractor
Manufacturer certifications directly affect the warranty coverage on your new roof. A contractor with the highest level of certification can offer extended warranties that cover both materials and workmanship for 25 to 50 years. A non certified contractor may only be able to offer a limited material warranty with no workmanship coverage.
Gates Enterprises holds GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed Shingle Master Pro, Malarkey, and Emerald Premium certifications our certifications. No other roofing company in Colorado can say that. These certifications give our customers access to the best warranties available from each manufacturer.
Do Not Skip the Underlayment
The underlayment is the waterproof barrier installed between the decking and the shingles. It is your last line of defense against water intrusion. Some budget contractors use the cheapest underlayment available or skip ice and water shield in critical areas to cut costs. This is a terrible place to save money.
Invest in Proper Flashing
Flashing around chimneys, skylights, walls, and valleys is where most roof leaks originate. Quality flashing installation requires skill and attention to detail. Make sure your contractor specifically addresses flashing in their estimate.
Consider Class 4 Shingles
We covered this in detail in our post on Class 4 impact resistant shingles Class 4 impact resistant shingles, but it bears repeating. The upfront premium for Class 4 shingles is small compared to the insurance savings and reduced replacement risk over the life of the roof. In Colorado, it is almost always worth the upgrade.
What About Financing?
Not every roof replacement is covered by insurance, and not every homeowner has $15,000 to $25,000 sitting in savings. That is okay. Most reputable roofing companies offer financing options with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Gates Enterprises offers several financing programs that allow homeowners to get a quality roof now and pay over time financing options. We can walk you through the options during your free estimate appointment.
Request a Free Inspection & Estimate for Your Denver Roof Replacement
Every roof is different, and the only way to get an accurate price for your specific home is to have a professional assessment. At Gates Enterprises, our estimates are free, detailed, and pressure free. We will inspect your roof, discuss your material options, explain the warranty differences, and give you a clear price in writing.
With more than 7,200 roofs completed and the only quadruple manufacturer certification in Colorado, we bring a level of expertise and accountability that you will not find anywhere else along the Front Range.
Call us today at (720) 766-3377 or schedule your free estimate online schedule a free inspection. Let us show you what a quality roof replacement looks like in Denver in 2026.