Living in Colorado Springs, we know how unpredictable our weather can be. From sudden hailstorms in summer to heavy snow loads in winter, your roof takes a beating year-round. That’s exactly why partial roof replacement doesn# Why Partial Roof Replacement Never Works: A Colorado Springs Homeowner’s Guide
If you’re a Colorado Springs homeowner dealing with storm damage, you’ve probably heard the phrase “we’ll just replace the damaged section.” This partial roof replacement approach sounds reasonable, even cost-effective. But let me tell you about Angela’s story—and why partial roof replacement almost always backfires.
Replacing just half of a roof might sound like a cost-saving move—but in reality, it creates more problems than it solves.
Angela’s $12,000 Mistake
Replacing part of a roof might sound like a reasonable compromise—until it isn’t. When Angela’s insurance company told her they’d only pay for a partial roof replacement on the back half of her roof, it seemed fair. After all, that’s where most of the hail hit. And they said it would save time and money.
But three months later, Angela called me in a panic. The front half—the “good” half—had started leaking.
The shingles had been lifted to tie in the new ones. But once they were disturbed, they never resealed. And with the next storm, water found its way in. Through the attic. Into the drywall. Down to her hardwood floors.
That “cost-saving” decision? It became a $12,000 mistake.
Here’s why partial roof replacement almost always ends up costing homeowners more—and why insurance companies hope you won’t question it.
The Hidden Problems with Partial Roof Replacement
Living in Colorado Springs, we know how unpredictable our weather can be. From sudden hailstorms in summer to heavy snow loads in winter, your roof takes a beating year-round. That’s exactly why partial roof replacement doesn’t work.
Shingle Damage During Tie-In
To install new shingles next to old ones, contractors must lift or remove the existing shingles along the transition line. This often breaks the seal and weakens surrounding shingles, making them more vulnerable to wind and water. Once disturbed, these older shingles may not re-adhere properly—especially if they’ve aged, curled, or become brittle from our intense UV exposure at 6,000+ feet elevation.
Loss of Uniform Protection
Shingles work together as a system. When only part of the roof is replaced through partial roof replacement, you introduce inconsistencies in performance. The new side sheds water better, resists wind better, and handles UV rays better—while the older side continues to degrade, exposing the home to future leaks and damage.
This is particularly problematic in Colorado Springs, where we can experience temperature swings of 40+ degrees in a single day. Your roof materials expand and contract constantly, and partial roof replacement creates stress points that inevitably fail.
Age Discrepancy = Uneven Wear
A roof with two different ages doesn’t age gracefully. As time passes, the older half may fail far sooner—meaning more repairs, more claims, and more risk for both the homeowner and insurer. In our climate, partial roof replacement accelerates this timeline significantly.
Manufacturer Warranty Conflicts
Many shingle manufacturers void or limit warranties when new materials are tied into old ones through partial roof replacement. If there’s a problem down the road, the homeowner may be left without coverage—just because the insurance company insisted on partial roof replacement instead of a full replacement. Check your manufacturer’s specific warranty terms before agreeing to partial replacement.
Visual Mismatch
Even if the same brand and color are used, the older shingles will have faded from our intense Colorado sun. A partial roof replacement creates an obvious visual mismatch that affects curb appeal and resale value—something especially important in Colorado Springs’ competitive real estate market.
Reduced Home Value and Marketability
Home inspectors and buyers often flag a split roof as a future liability. This can lower your home’s value or make it harder to sell. In a city where homes change hands regularly due to military relocations, this can be particularly costly.
Code Violations in Some Areas
The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) may not allow partial roof replacement if the existing materials are too degraded, or if the roof plane exceeds certain damage thresholds. Always check local requirements before proceeding.
Can a Roofer Help Me Navigate This?
Absolutely. In Colorado Springs, a qualified roofer or roofing contractor can assist you in obtaining full roof replacement coverage through your insurance, provided they operate within legal boundaries. Here’s exactly how they can help:
How a Roofer Can Assist
Damage Assessment and Documentation: After a storm, a reputable roofer can conduct a thorough inspection of your roof, documenting all damage with photographs and detailed notes. This documentation is crucial when filing an insurance claim. They understand what Colorado Springs adjusters look for and can ensure nothing gets missed.
Providing Repair Estimates: The roofer can supply a comprehensive estimate for the repair or replacement costs, which you can submit to your insurance company. Local contractors understand Xactimate pricing specific to our market and can argue against unnecessary partial roof replacement.
Meeting with Insurance Adjusters: During the insurance adjuster’s inspection, having your roofer present can ensure that all damage is properly identified and considered. The roofer can answer technical questions and point out issues that might otherwise be overlooked—especially important given our unique weather challenges.
Assisting with Supplements: If additional damage is discovered after the initial claim is filed, the roofer can help submit supplemental claims to cover these unforeseen costs.
Legal Considerations in Colorado
It’s important to note that in Colorado, roofing contractors are not permitted to act as public adjusters unless they are licensed as such. This means they cannot negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf or represent you in claim disputes. However, they can provide the necessary documentation and be present during inspections to support your claim. Colorado law specifically allows contractors to discuss the scope of repairs with insurance companies when they have a valid contract with the property owner.
For complex claims, you might consider hiring a licensed public adjuster who can advocate directly on your behalf.
Colorado Springs Building Requirements
In Colorado Springs, roofing work is regulated by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD), which serves El Paso County and the city. Roofing contractors must be licensed with both the state of Colorado and PPRBD to legally perform work in Colorado Springs. Colorado has no statewide building code, so local jurisdictions like Colorado Springs establish their own requirements through PPRBD.
Always verify your contractor’s licensing through the PPRBD website before signing any contracts.
Importance of Policy Type
Your insurance policy type significantly affects your claim outcome. Policies offering Replacement Cost Value (RCV) cover the full cost of replacing your roof without deducting for depreciation, whereas Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies factor in depreciation, potentially leaving you with higher out-of-pocket expenses.
If you’re unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance agent or review your policy documents. Many Colorado Springs homeowners are surprised to learn they have better coverage than they realized.
Colorado Springs Weather Context
Colorado Springs is located in “Hail Alley,” which receives the highest frequency of large hail in North America. Residents typically experience three or four catastrophic hailstorms annually. In the last 10 years, hailstorms have caused more than $5 billion in insured damage across Colorado, making proper insurance claim handling particularly important for local homeowners.
This frequency means your roof isn’t just dealing with one storm—it’s weathering multiple severe weather events throughout its lifespan. That’s another reason why partial roof replacement doesn’t make sense here.
Choosing the Right Roofer
Select a local, licensed, and insured roofer with experience in handling insurance claims. They should be familiar with PPRBD building codes and insurance processes. Look for contractors who are members of the Colorado Roofing Association and have established relationships with local suppliers.
Avoid contractors who promise to cover your insurance deductible, as this practice is illegal in Colorado and can result in criminal charges including potential jail time and fines.
Critical Legal Warning
Colorado law strictly prohibits roofing contractors from advertising, promising to pay, waive, or rebate any portion of your insurance deductible. Violating this law is a Class 2 misdemeanor that can result in 3-12 months imprisonment and fines of $250 to $1,000. This law exists to protect homeowners from fraudulent “storm chasing” contractors.
The Bottom Line for Colorado Springs Homeowners
When a roof is damaged, it should be replaced as a system—because that’s how it functions. Partial roof replacement is a shortcut that benefits the insurer, not the homeowner. If a test square or inspection reveals enough damage on one side, chances are the rest isn’t far behind. And in cases where a match can’t be made, or where the integrity of the system would be compromised, a full replacement isn’t just fair—it’s necessary.
Our unique climate conditions in Colorado Springs—from intense UV exposure to dramatic temperature swings to frequent hailstorms—make roofing systems particularly vulnerable to cascading failures when addressed through partial roof replacement.
By collaborating with a knowledgeable, roof consultant and understanding your insurance policy, you can navigate the claims process more effectively and increase the likelihood of securing full coverage for your roof replacement.
Don’t let your insurance company talk you into Angela’s mistake with partial roof replacement. Your roof protects your most valuable investment—treat it like the complete system it is.
For more information about Colorado Springs weather patterns and their impact on roofing, visit the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office. To verify contractor licensing, check the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department directory.
