Roofing Mistakes to Avoid in Denver
Roofing Mistakes to Avoid
If you’ve owned a home in Denver for more than a season, you already know our roofs take a beating. Hailstorms, sudden downpours, heavy snow, and strong UV exposure at high altitude test every weak spot. And yet, the biggest roof failures I see aren’t always from the weather — they’re from avoidable mistakes made by homeowners or unqualified contractors.
I’ve been roofing in Denver for decades. I’ve seen every shortcut, quick fix, and misstep that ends up costing families thousands down the road. This article will walk you through the most common roofing mistakes I see Denver homeowners make, why they happen, and how to avoid them.
DIY Tar Patches and Quick Fixes
Tar buckets and tubes of caulk look like easy solutions. I can’t count the number of roofs I’ve climbed where a homeowner tried to “patch” a leak with black tar.
Here’s the problem:
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Tar cracks in Denver’s freeze-thaw cycle.
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It hides the real source of leaks instead of fixing them.
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Tar patches trap moisture and accelerate rot underneath shingles.
I once inspected a Lakewood home where a tar patch covered a chimney leak. Within two winters, the decking was soft and mold spread into the attic. A $400 flashing repair turned into a $7,000 partial roof replacement.
Choosing the Cheapest Bid
Everyone wants to save money, but roofing isn’t the place to cut corners. Low-ball bids usually mean:
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Cheaper shingles with shorter lifespans.
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Crews with no insurance (liability risk for you).
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Skipping code requirements like ice and water shield.
A homeowner in Aurora picked a roofer who underbid by $2,000. Five years later, the shingles were curling, and insurance refused to cover a second replacement because the first wasn’t installed to code. That cheap roof ended up costing more.
Delaying Small Repairs
One missing shingle may not seem urgent, but here in Denver, one winter storm is enough to turn that weak spot into a major leak.
Common consequences of delaying repairs:
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Meltwater seeps into underlayment and decking.
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Leaks spread into insulation and drywall.
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Mold and structural rot develop inside walls and attics.
I tell homeowners all the time: “If you fix it now, you’ll spend a couple hundred bucks. Wait until next spring, and you’re staring at thousands.”
Hiring Out-of-Town Storm Chasers
After a hailstorm, trucks with out-of-state plates swarm neighborhoods. They knock on doors, promise quick work, and offer to “handle your insurance.”
Here’s what usually happens:
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They use fast crews with little training.
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They leave town once the storm season ends.
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When leaks show up later, no one answers your calls.
Local roofing isn’t just about installing shingles — it’s about standing behind your work. If your roofer disappears after the check clears, you’re left with no warranty support.
Ignoring Gutters and Drainage
Your roof and gutters work as a team. Ignore one, and the other suffers. Common issues I see:
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Clogged gutters form ice dams that push water under shingles.
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Broken downspouts flood foundations and siding.
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Poor gutter pitch dumps water in the wrong places.
One Thornton homeowner had seamless gutters installed 20 years ago but never cleaned them. Ice dams forced water back under shingles, rotting an entire roof edge. The fix wasn’t just a gutter cleaning — it was a full fascia and decking replacement.
Skipping Inspections
Many homeowners wait until they see water stains on the ceiling to call a roofer. By then, the damage is already expensive.
Why inspections matter in Denver:
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Hail bruises shingles long before leaks appear.
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Annual freeze-thaw cycles loosen flashing and fasteners.
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Insurance claims are easier when damage is caught early.
I recommend two inspections a year: one before winter, one after spring hail season.
Poor Ventilation
A roof is more than shingles — it’s a system. Without proper attic ventilation:
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Heat builds up, shortening shingle life.
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Moisture condenses, causing mold and rot.
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Ice dams form more easily in winter.
Many low-cost roofers skip this step because it takes more time. But ventilation is one of the best long-term protections for your roof.
Installing Wrong Materials for Denver’s Climate
Not every shingle sold at a big box store is built for Colorado. Homeowners sometimes choose materials based on looks or price instead of performance.
Examples of poor choices:
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Thin 3-tab shingles that can’t withstand hail.
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Low-grade underlayment that tears during installation.
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Improper flashing materials that rust in two years.
Always choose materials rated for hail, wind, and high UV exposure.
Skipping Permits or Working Without Code Compliance
Denver requires permits and inspections for roof replacements. Some contractors skip this to save time or money. That leads to:
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Failed home inspections when you try to sell.
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Voided insurance claims.
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Potential fines from the city.
A proper permit protects you as the homeowner. It proves the job was done to code.
Not Hiring Local, Experienced Contractors
Your roof is one of the biggest investments in your home. Hiring local ensures:
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The contractor knows Denver codes and inspectors.
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You get warranty support years down the line.
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Your money supports the local community.
At Ernie’s Roofing, we’ve been here since 1978. Our work is on homes from Highlands to Parker — roofs we can still drive by today. That’s the difference between local and fly-by-night crews.
Conclusion
Roofing mistakes are easy to make and expensive to fix. The good news is they’re avoidable with the right knowledge and the right contractor. Don’t patch leaks with tar, don’t chase the lowest bid, and don’t ignore inspections.
At Ernie’s Roofing, we’ve seen every mistake in the book, and we’ve spent decades helping Denver homeowners avoid them. If you’re unsure about your roof’s condition, call 720-346-ROOF for a free inspection. We’ll give you the straight answer — no gimmicks, no storm chaser games, just honest roofing.
FAQs
(unchanged — still 10 detailed Q&As)
Ernie’s Roofing – Your Denver Roofing Contractor
Ernie’s Roofing
1195 W Custer Pl
Denver, CO 80223
Phone: 720-346-ROOF
Website: https://erniesroofing.com/
OUR SERVICES
Your Neighborhood Roofing Contractor
Get more information concerning our service, do not wait to call us at 720 346 ROOF today. We’ll be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you.
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Ernie’s Roofing specialize in residential roofing in Denver and have a team of experienced professional Roofers available to help you get the job done right The First Time. From minor repairs and maintenance to full–scale roof replacements,
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We construct, repair, as well as maintain Commercial Roofing systems for services both large and also small, creating personalized services that conserve our client’s time, cash, and also power. Call us at 720 346 ROOF and book a consultation today.
Hail Damage
Their knowledgeable staff is ready to help you assess the damage caused by storms and provide you with a comprehensive repair evaluation & plan. We specialize in all types of roof damage, including hail, wind, and even lightning strikes. Hail Claim Help
INSURANCE CLAIMS HELP
Our team of experienced insurance claim specialists will work with you to ensure that the insurance claim process is as stress-free as possible. We will work with your insurance company to provide all necessary documentation and estimates to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and correctly.
Wind Damage
When it comes to roof damage, it can be difficult to determine whether the damage was caused by hail or wind. While both types of damage can cause similar symptoms, they have different causes and require different repair methods.
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