Denver Residential Roofing Requirements: Your Essential Guide

Thinking About Replacing Your Roof in Denver?

Denver’s extreme weather—snowstorms, hail, wind, and blazing sun—can cause serious wear and tear on residential roofs. If you’re seeing missing shingles, granule loss, or leaks, it might be time to replace your roof. But before you get started, make sure you understand the city’s official roofing guidelines.

🔍 What Are Denver’s 2024 Roofing Requirements?

According to the City and County of Denver, here are the most important code items every homeowner must follow:

✅ 1. You Need a Roofing Permit
A building permit is required for all roofing projects—including repairs, replacements, and new installations. Apply through Denver’s e-permits system. Most contractors, like NexGen, handle this for you.

✅ 2. Mid-Roof and Final Inspections Are Required
Denver mandates two inspections:

• Mid-roof inspection – after the underlayment is installed, but before it's covered

• Final inspection – once the roofing work is complete

✅ 3. Material Ratings Matter

• Asphalt shingles must be Class A fire rated.

• Wood shakes/shingles need to be pressure-treated with at least a Class B fire rating.

• Tile roofing must follow manufacturer specs exactly.

✅ 4. Ice and Water Shield Is Required in Key Areas
You must install ice and water shield at eaves, valleys, and around roof penetrations. The barrier must extend at least 24" past the warm wall to prevent ice damming.

✅ 5. Attic Ventilation Must Be Up to Code
IRC R806.2 ventilation code requires a balance of intake (soffit/eave) and exhaust (ridge or static vents). Poor ventilation leads to mold, warping, and ice dams.

✅ 6. Drip Edge and Flashing Standards Apply

• Drip edge flashing is mandatory on all eaves and rakes. Install it under underlayment at eaves, and over it at rakes.

• Valley flashing must be minimum 24 inches wide and corrosion-resistant.

✅ 7. Hire a Licensed Roofing Contractor
Denver requires all contractors to be licensed and insured. Always verify your roofer’s credentials.

📥 Download the Full 2024 Denver Roofing Guidelines

Before you begin your project, get familiar with the city’s official requirements: 👉 Download the Denver Roofing Guidelines & Checklist (PDF)

The guide includes:

• Permit details

• Flashing/ventilation requirements

• Ice barrier zones

• Code references and roof types

🛠️ Denver Roofing Tips From the Field

At NexGen Roofing, we’ve completed hundreds of reroofs in Denver, often following hail or wind damage. Here are a few expert tips:

• Get your inspection on the calendar early – The city gets backed up during storm season.

• Upgrade spaced sheathing – Many older homes need plywood/OSB sheathing to meet current code.

• Ask about HOA restrictions – Some neighborhoods regulate roof materials.

🎯 Book Your Denver Roof Inspection Today

We’re local, licensed, and fully familiar with Denver’s roofing codes. We’ll take care of permits, inspections, materials—and make the process hassle-free.

🔘 Book Your Free Roof Inspection Now
📞 Or call: (303) 800-8258