Class 4 Shingles vs. Metal Roofs in Denver

Hail is the reason most Denver-area roofs get replaced, and it's increasingly the reason homeowners insurance costs what it does. Colorado's Division of Insurance (DOI) says hail damage is the number one cost driver of homeowners insurance rates in the state, accounting for an average of 26 to 54 percent of an annual premium. Its one-page summary estimates the average hail portion of a Denver County premium at $1,547 out of an average $3,040. So when it's time for a new roof, the material choice matters beyond the next storm.

The two most common upgrades are impact-rated (Class 4) asphalt shingles and metal. Here's how they compare.

Cost

From HomeGuide's roof replacement guide (updated November 7, 2025), an architectural shingle roof costs $4 to $6 per square foot installed, or $7,500 to $16,000 on average. Impact-rated shingles are a premium line within that category and typically cost more than standard architectural shingles.

From HomeGuide's metal roof guide (updated November 21, 2025):

Standing seam, the most common residential metal look in the metro, costs roughly two to three times as much per square foot as architectural shingles.

What "Class 4" means, and what it doesn't

Class 4 is the highest rating in a laboratory impact test for roofing (UL 2218). It means the product resisted cracking when struck by test impacts in a lab. It doesn't mean a roof can't be damaged by hail. Large stones can still bruise, crack or dislodge granules on any shingle. Products with the same rating can also perform differently, so ask your roofer for the specific product and its test data.

How each handles Front Range conditions

Hail. Class 4 shingles resist functional damage better than standard shingles. Metal resists punctures and leaks very well but can dent. Many insurers treat dents that don't affect function as cosmetic, and some policies exclude cosmetic damage to metal. Read your policy before you choose metal.

Wind. Both can handle Colorado wind when installed to the manufacturer's high-wind specs. Golden, for instance, publishes a 150 mph ultimate design wind speed for roofs.

Snow. Metal sheds snow, which can be good for the roof and bad for whatever sits below the eaves. Snow guards are often needed over walkways and decks.

Fire. Many metal roofs and many asphalt shingle assemblies carry Class A fire ratings. In wildfire-mapped areas of Lone Tree, Arvada, Boulder, Jefferson County and Douglas County, confirm the rating of the complete assembly with your roofer. Golden requires at least Class A for wood shakes and shingles.

Sun. Metal reflects more heat in summer, especially in lighter colors. Asphalt shingles lose granules over time in intense UV.

Lifespan. Metal generally lasts longer than asphalt, which helps if you plan to stay.

Insurance

The DOI's advice after a major Denver hailstorm was to ask your insurance company or agent what premium discounts or future deductible savings may be available if you replace your roof with hail-resistant material. There's no single statewide discount; it's up to each insurer. Before you sign, get your insurer's answer in writing, including:

• the discount for Class 4 shingles or metal, if any;
• what documentation they need, such as the product certificate and invoice;
• how cosmetic damage to metal is handled;
• whether the discount affects your wind and hail deductible.

Which is right for you?

Class 4 shingles suit you if you want the familiar look of shingles, a moderate premium over standard architectural shingles, and better hail resistance, and your HOA prefers shingles.

Metal suits you if you plan to stay a long time, want maximum durability and fire resistance, like the look, and have confirmed your policy's cosmetic-damage terms.

Either way, installation matters as much as the product. See the roofing and hail repair guide and the hail season guide. In Golden, see the city's specific re-roof requirements.