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Contractor’s Corner

Roofing, painting, siding and window tips and tricks from Rocky Mountain Roofing & Exteriors
Is It Worth the Extra Cost to Upgrade My Roofing Material When Replacing My Roof?

Is It Worth the Extra Cost to Upgrade My Roofing Material When Replacing My Roof?

Roof replacement cost is expensive! Roof replacement cost in Denver can be downright insane. When dealing with a roof replacement, keeping the cost as low usually ranks pretty high on most homeowner’s priority lists. Especially when dealing with hail damage, the goal is to get the roof repaired or replaced for as little cost as possible. For this reason, many homeowner’s don’t consider upgrading their roofing material. However, this is not always advisable. Yes, the cost of upgrading your roof during a roof replacement project can be significant, but the benefits may outweigh the costs over time.

Here are several factors to consider before you say no to upgrading your roofing material when you replace your roof:

  1. Insurance discounts: most insurance carriers will provide a discount for class three or class four (more hail resistant shingles). Some carriers will provide a discount of up to 30% annually on your homeowners insurance premium. Most of the time you can upgrade your existing asphalt shingles to a class three four shingle for less than $3,000.00. So expensive, yes but if you save $750.00 per year on your insurance premium, this will pay for itself in 4 years and ultimately put more money in your pocket over time.
  2. Higher deductibles and less full RCV payouts: More and more roof replacement projects in Denver that are related to an insurance claim due to hail are requiring more out of pocket cost from the homeowner. This is due to larger deductibles and less than full RCV policies becoming more common. So what that means is that it is going to cost you (the property owner) more money every time the roof is replaced, even if it is handled as part of an insurance claim. Upgrading your roofing material to a class three or class four material or a better than asphalt material will mean a storm effecting your roof is significantly less likely. So even though it might cost more now to upgrade your material, it will likely save you money next storm season.
  3. Aesthetic appeal: the vast majority of roofs in the Denver area are asphalt shingles. If you want to stand out from your neighbors and give you home a premium look, consider upgrading to F-wave, tile, stone-coated steel or DaVinci. The new roof will totally change the aesthetic look of your home, add to resale value and will better protect you from future hail storms.

If you have questions about different roofing materials and you live in the Denver area, give us a call at 303-377-2801 to speak with our team. Our team can help you find the option that is right for you and your budget.

To learn more about the most common roofing materials we install in Colorado, see below for a detailed description of a class three and class four asphalt shingle as well as a F-Wave synthetic product.

At a Glance: Product Tier Comparison

Feature F-Wave (Synthetic) Malarkey Vista (Class Four) IKO Cambridge (Class Three)
Positioning Best performance, longevity, aesthetic appeal Highest possible quality & value in asphalt shingles Popular, budget-friendly and  durable
Design / Aesthetic High-end upgraded look, your house will look better than your neighbors  Modern architectural style  Modern architectural style 
Material Technology Advanced polymer‐enhanced mat for superior impact resistance and flexibility Upgraded asphalt and rubberized SBS for stronger weather protection than fiberglass Standard fiberglass base with asphalt saturation
Wind Resistance Up to 130+ mph with proper installation Up to 130 mph Up to 130 mph (six nails per shingle required)
Impact Resistance Class Four Class Four Class Three 
Fire Rating Class A Class A Class A
Expected Service Life 30+ years 25–30 years 20–25 years
Warranty Options 50 Year Industry-leading Limited Warranty + 5 Year Hail Warranty (up to two inch hail)  Limited Lifetime Defect Warranty, 15 Year Right Start Period  Solid basic coverage for 15 years 
Best For… Customers who want top performance, look  & long-term investment Customers looking for durable and stylish roof with best possible insurance discount and protection from asphalt product  Budget-conscious customers without sacrificing quality

Why Choose Each Option?

F-Wave – Premium Roofing

  • Top-Tier Protection: Strongest impact and weather resistance and self-healing capabilities  (using thermoplastic polymers)  make this possibly the strongest material in the market.

  • Enhanced Performance: Best suited for areas with severe weather, low maintenance and long longevity. 

  • Long-Term Value: Extended lifespan and superior warranty give peace of mind.

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Significant upgrade in aesthetic appeal. Lots of aesthetic options and molds. This looks like a premium product and will make your home or business stand out compared to your neighbors.

Ideal for homeowners prioritizing durability, resale value, aesthetic appeal and long-term performance.

Malarkey Vista – Preferred Choice

  • Balanced Performance: Excellent overall resilience and weather protection with best possible durability you can get with an asphalt product.

  • Trusted Technology: Rubberized asphalt adds flexibility and strength.

  • Class Four Discount: Get the best possible discount on your insurance premiums by installing a Class Four product.

  • Excellent Looks: Style and color options that give your home a fresh new look.

Perfect for customers who want great performance, value and the best possible discount on their insurance premiums. 

IKO Cambridge – Standard Roofing

  • Reliable Protection: Solid performance and proven reliability.

  • Budget-Friendly: Dependable option for quality roofing without premium pricing.

 

  • Discount on Insurance Premiums: This product qualifies for a small discount on your insurance premiums as a Class Three product.

  • Classic Style: Attractive laminated design that complements most homes.

Best for value-driven projects where quality still matters.

Quick Decision Guide

F-Wave: Top Pick for Maximum Protection , Aesthetic Appeal & Longevity:  
Malarkey Vista: Best Balance of Value & Performance with Top Tier Premiums Discount 
IKO Cambridge: Affordable & Trusted Solution