If you need to replace your roof and you’re trying to figure out the best shingles for Colorado Springs, you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask when they realize their roof needs to be replaced.
And honestly, it’s a good question—because roofing materials that work well in other parts of the country don’t always hold up in Colorado’s Front Range climate.
Between hailstorms, high winds, freezing winters, and intense summer sun, roofs in Colorado Springs take a beating.
I’ve been working in the roofing industry here since 2011, and after inspecting hundreds of roofs and installing thousands of squares of shingles, there’s one product that consistently stands out above the rest.
Before I tell you what it is, let’s talk about what actually makes a shingle good for Colorado.
What Makes a Shingle Good for Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has some of the toughest roofing conditions in the country.
A shingle that performs well here needs to handle several challenges.
1. Hail Resistance
Hail is the biggest factor when choosing roofing materials in Colorado.
Some neighborhoods in Colorado Springs see multiple significant hailstorms every year.
In fact, in one year alone we experienced five major hailstorms in the city.
After storms like these, we inspect dozens of homes. These roofs typically have shingles from many different manufacturers.
What we often see is this:
Most shingles show damage.
But occasionally there’s one roof that doesn’t.
That observation over many years is one of the biggest reasons I prefer the shingle I’ll discuss later.
2. Wind Resistance
High winds are another common issue along the Front Range.
We frequently see winds strong enough to lift or tear off poorly sealed shingles.
When that happens, it usually means the shingle didn’t seal properly or the seal failed over time.
A good Colorado shingle needs to:
- Seal quickly
- Seal tightly
- Stay sealed even after years of weather exposure
3. Temperature Extremes
Colorado Springs experiences major temperature swings.
In the winter, roofs can face freezing temperatures and snow.
In the summer, the same roof may experience intense UV exposure and extreme heat.
Standard asphalt shingles can become brittle in colder temperatures.
When shingles are brittle, they can:
- Crack during installation
- Break under impact
- Fail sooner over time
That’s why the type of asphalt used in a shingle matters.
The Type of Shingle That Performs Best in Colorado
Not all asphalt shingles are created equal.
The type that performs best in our climate is called SBS modified asphalt shingles.
SBS stands for Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, which essentially means the asphalt is rubberized.
This rubberized design provides several advantages:
Better Hail Resistance
The rubberized asphalt can absorb impacts better than standard shingles.
More Flexibility
Even in colder temperatures, the shingles remain flexible rather than brittle.
Stronger Wind Resistance
These shingles typically seal faster and tighter to the roof deck.
Easier Cold-Weather Installation
Because they’re more flexible, they can often be installed in colder temperatures without cracking.
For a climate like Colorado Springs, these benefits make a big difference.
My Pick for the Best Shingle for Colorado Springs
After working in roofing since 2011, the shingle I recommend most often is:
CertainTeed NorthGate.
This isn’t a paid endorsement or sponsorship.
It’s simply the shingle I’ve seen perform the best over many years of real-world installations and inspections.
In fact, it’s the same shingle I installed on my own home.
Why CertainTeed NorthGate Performs So Well
There are several reasons NorthGate stands out compared to other shingles.
1. It’s an SBS Modified Asphalt Shingle
As mentioned earlier, the rubberized asphalt gives it significant durability advantages.
It stays flexible, seals well, and handles impacts better than many traditional shingles.
2. It’s Thicker and Heavier Than Most Competitors
Weight matters with roofing shingles.
NorthGate is thicker and heavier than many competing products.
That additional material helps it:
- Resist hail damage
- Handle strong winds
- Maintain its appearance longer
3. It Seals Faster and Tighter
One thing we’ve noticed over the years is how quickly NorthGate shingles seal.
This helps prevent wind damage.
In fact, we’ve installed many NorthGate roofs and rarely receive calls about shingles blowing off.
4. It Holds Up Over Time
A roof shouldn’t just perform well right after installation.
It should still look good years later.
One homeowner we worked with had a NorthGate roof installed over eight years ago.
When we returned to inspect the roof recently, it still looked nearly brand new.
Even after several major hailstorms.
That kind of long-term performance is exactly what homeowners want.
A Real Example From My Own Roof
When we installed the roof on my house in 2016, we had to finish the job in late December.
The second day of installation was only 27 degrees outside.
Ten days later, our area experienced a 101 mph windstorm.
The result?
I didn’t lose a single shingle.
That experience made me even more confident in recommending this product to homeowners.
Insurance Discounts for Impact-Resistant Shingles
Another benefit of impact-resistant shingles like CertainTeed NorthGate is insurance savings.
Many insurance companies offer significant premium discounts for Class 4 impact-resistant roofing materials.
Some homeowners see discounts of:
- 20%
- 30%
- Even up to 40%
Depending on the insurance provider, this can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars saved each year.
Are There Any Downsides?
There is one main drawback.
CertainTeed NorthGate isn’t available in every market.
Some homeowners from other states contact us asking for this shingle, but it’s not distributed everywhere.
Fortunately, it is available here in Colorado, which is great news for local homeowners.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Shingles for Colorado Springs
When choosing roofing materials in Colorado Springs, it’s important to think about long-term performance, not just initial cost.
Because of our climate, the best shingles should:
- Resist hail damage
- Handle strong winds
- Remain flexible in cold weather
- Maintain their appearance for years
In my experience working in roofing since 2011, CertainTeed NorthGate checks all of those boxes.
It’s durable, reliable, and proven to perform in Colorado’s demanding conditions.
That’s why it’s the shingle I recommend most often—and the one I trusted enough to put on my own house.
✅ If you’re considering replacing your roof and want help evaluating the best shingles for your Colorado Springs home, Homestead Roofing is happy to help.
We take a consultative approach—walking homeowners through their options so they can make the best long-term decision for their home.
No pressure. Just honest advice.