After helping hundreds of Colorado Springs homeowners navigate roofing decisions over the past decade, I’ve learned that understanding the cost of metal roof vs shingles is crucial for making the right investment. Our unique climate—with intense UV exposure at 6,000+ feet elevation, sudden hail storms, and dramatic temperature swings—creates specific challenges that impact both material choice and pricing.
The biggest misconception I encounter is that homeowners only look at upfront costs. In Colorado Springs, where homes in neighborhoods like The Broadmoor and Skyway regularly face weather extremes, the long-term value equation becomes much more important. Let me walk you through the real numbers and help you understand what drives these costs in our local market.
Cost to Install Metal Roof in Colorado Springs
Metal roofing installation costs vary significantly based on material type and complexity. Standing seam metal roofs, popular in areas like Old Colorado City for their historic appeal, represent the premium option. The labor component reflects our local wage structure—while individual roofers earn about $26.26 per hour according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, you’ll pay $39.39-$65.65 per hour because that rate includes business insurance, licensing, specialized tools, and company overhead costs.
| Metal Roof Type | Material Cost/Sq Ft | Labor Cost/Sq Ft | Total Cost/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Panels | $3.50-$7.00 | $4.00-$6.00 | $7.50-$13.00 |
| Aluminum | $4.00-$8.00 | $4.50-$6.50 | $8.50-$14.50 |
| Standing Seam | $6.00-$12.00 | $5.00-$8.00 | $11.00-$20.00 |
| Copper | $12.00-$18.00 | $6.00-$9.00 | $18.00-$27.00 |
Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot
Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice in Colorado Springs neighborhoods like Falcon and Security-Widefield due to their balance of cost and performance. Our high-altitude climate demands impact-resistant shingles rated for Class 4 hail—a requirement that adds $0.50-$1.00 per square foot but often provides insurance discounts that offset the extra cost within 3-4 years.
The pricing tiers reflect different quality levels, with architectural shingles offering the best value for most homeowners. Basic 3-tab shingles, while cheaper upfront, typically don’t perform well in our climate and may void manufacturer warranties at our elevation.
| Shingle Type | Material Cost/Sq Ft | Labor Cost/Sq Ft | Total Cost/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Basic | $1.50-$2.50 | $2.50-$3.50 | $4.00-$6.00 |
| Architectural | $2.50-$4.50 | $3.00-$4.00 | $5.50-$8.50 |
| Premium/Luxury | $4.00-$7.00 | $3.50-$5.00 | $7.50-$12.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to shingle a roof in Colorado Springs?
For a typical 2,000 square foot home in Colorado Springs, expect to pay $11,000-$17,000 for architectural shingles. This includes tear-off, disposal, new underlayment, and Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. The wide range reflects roof complexity—a simple ranch in Fountain costs less than a multi-story Victorian in Old North End with multiple dormers and steep pitches. Add $2,000-$3,500 if your home was built before 1990 and needs decking replacement, which we discover in about 40% of older Colorado Springs homes.
How much is a metal roof per square foot installed?
Metal roofing in Colorado Springs ranges from $7.50-$27.00 per square foot installed, depending on material and style. Standing seam steel ($11.00-$15.00/sq ft) offers the best value for most homeowners, lasting 40-50 years compared to 20-25 years for shingles. While the upfront cost is 2-3 times higher than asphalt shingles, metal roofs pay for themselves through longevity, energy savings, and insurance discounts. Our intense UV exposure at high altitude actually favors metal, as it reflects heat rather than absorbing it like dark shingles.
How much are roof repairs in Colorado Springs?
Emergency roof repairs after hail storms typically cost $400-$1,200, while scheduled maintenance runs $200-$800. Simple shingle replacement costs $8-$15 per shingle, but minimum service calls are usually $300-$500. During peak storm season (April-July), emergency rates increase 25-50% due to demand. I always recommend having HVAC technician services inspect attic ventilation during repairs, as poor airflow accelerates roof deterioration in our dry climate.
How much do roofers make per hour in Colorado Springs?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, individual roofers in Colorado Springs earn $26.26 per hour on average. However, when you hire a roofing company, you pay $39.39-$65.65 per hour because this rate covers business overhead including liability insurance ($15,000-$25,000 annually), state licensing, workers’ compensation, specialized equipment, and company profit margins. Established companies with good reputations typically charge toward the higher end but provide better warranties and professional accountability.
Is metal roofing worth the extra cost in Colorado Springs?
Yes, for most Colorado Springs homeowners planning to stay 10+ years, metal roofing provides superior value despite higher upfront costs. Our climate is particularly hard on asphalt shingles—intense UV, dramatic temperature swings, and frequent hail create a perfect storm for accelerated aging. Metal roofs typically last 40-50 years versus 20-25 years for shingles, provide 10-15% energy savings, and often qualify for insurance discounts of 5-20%. For homes in hail-prone areas like eastern Colorado Springs, the reduced replacement frequency alone justifies the investment.
How should I compare roofing quotes in Colorado Springs?
Get at least three written quotes that specify material brands, warranty terms, and cleanup procedures. Beware of door-to-door contractors after storms—legitimate companies are typically booked weeks in advance. Verify state licensing, insurance, and Better Business Bureau ratings. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bid; instead, calculate cost per year of expected life. A $20,000 metal roof lasting 45 years costs $444 annually, while a $12,000 shingle roof lasting 22 years costs $545 annually. Consider complementary services like pressure washing services to maintain your investment.
Emergency vs. Scheduled Service Pricing
Storm damage creates two distinct pricing scenarios in Colorado Springs. During peak hail season (April through July), emergency repairs cost 25-50% more than scheduled work due to high demand and urgent nature. However, most insurance policies cover emergency tarping and temporary repairs at full cost, so don’t delay calling after storm damage.
Scheduled roof replacement during off-season (September through March) often provides 10-15% savings and better contractor availability. Many established companies offer winter discounts since demand drops significantly. Just ensure weather windows allow proper installation—metal roofing can be installed in light snow, but shingles require temperatures above 45°F for proper sealing.
DIY vs. Professional: An Honest Comparison
While some homeowners consider DIY roofing to save money, Colorado Springs presents unique challenges that favor professional installation. Our elevation creates safety risks due to thinner air and increased UV exposure. More importantly, most manufacturers void warranties on DIY installations, and insurance companies may deny claims if work isn’t performed by licensed contractors.
The only DIY work I recommend is minor repairs like replacing individual shingles or cleaning gutters. Even then, consider professional services—a fall from a single-story home can cause life-changing injuries. Factor in tool rental, disposal costs, and time investment, and professional installation often costs only 20-30% more than true DIY expenses while providing warranties and insurance protection.
For related home maintenance, consider coordinating with garage door technician services during roofing projects, as contractors can easily access and service garage door components from roof level.
When weighing the cost of metal roof vs shingles for your Colorado Springs home, remember that our unique climate makes this decision more about long-term value than upfront savings. Metal roofing’s higher initial investment typically pays dividends through longevity and performance in our challenging weather conditions.
Pricing data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. Consumer prices calculated using industry-standard multipliers. See our methodology for details.