You need a new roof. You picked out a great shingle color. You got quotes from a few contractors. You're ready to go.
Then your HOA says no.
If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association anywhere along the Denver metro area, your roofing project has an extra layer of complexity. HOAs have rules about roofing materials, colors, profiles, and even which contractors can work in the neighborhood. Violating those rules can mean fines, forced removal of your new roof, or months of headaches with your association's architectural review board.
The good news? Navigating HOA requirements isn't hard when you know what to expect. After installing thousands of roofs across Denver's suburbs over the past decade, we've worked with just about every HOA in the metro area. Here's what you need to know before you start your project.
Why HOAs Care About Your Roof
HOAs exist to maintain property values and aesthetic consistency in a neighborhood. Your roof is one of the most visible parts of your home's exterior, so it makes sense that associations want to have some say in what goes up there.
Most HOA roofing requirements focus on three things: color, material type, and profile. Some associations are extremely specific about all three. Others only care about color. The level of restriction varies widely from one neighborhood to the next.
Step One: Get Your HOA's Architectural Guidelines
Before you do anything else, request a copy of your HOA's architectural guidelines or covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These documents spell out exactly what's allowed and what isn't.
Look specifically for sections about:
Exterior modifications. Roofing materials. Color palettes or approved color lists. Architectural review committee (ARC) approval process. Required documentation for approval. Timeline requirements for submitting requests.
Some HOAs maintain an approved shingle list with specific brand names, product lines, and color names. Others provide a general color palette and leave the specific product choice to you. Either way, you need to know the rules before you make decisions.
Common HOA Roofing Requirements in Denver Suburbs
Color Restrictions
This is the most common HOA requirement. Most associations limit your roof color to a range of earth tones. Charcoal, weathered wood, brown, gray, and slate are typically safe bets. Bright colors, stark black, or anything unusual is almost always prohibited.
Some HOAs require you to choose the exact same color as your current roof, especially in neighborhoods where all the homes were originally roofed with the same product. Others allow you to choose within an approved palette, which gives you some flexibility.
Here's a pro tip. If your whole neighborhood needs new roofs at the same time (which happens a lot after major hailstorms in Colorado), the HOA sometimes negotiates a group deal with one contractor. These group projects can save you money, but they also limit your choices. roof replacement
Material Requirements
Most Denver suburban HOAs require architectural (dimensional) shingles as a minimum. Three tab shingles, which lie flat and have a more basic appearance, are often prohibited because they look less premium.
Some higher end neighborhoods require specific material types like synthetic slate, tile, or concrete. Others require Class 4 impact rated shingles, which is actually a smart requirement given Colorado's hail exposure.
If your HOA requires impact rated shingles, that's not a bad thing. Class 4 shingles typically earn you an insurance discount that offsets much of the extra cost, and they last longer in Colorado's harsh climate.
Profile and Style
The profile of a shingle refers to its visual texture and thickness. Some HOAs require a "high definition" or "designer" profile that creates more shadow lines and depth on the roof. This is more about aesthetics than performance, but it can limit your budget friendly options.
The Approval Process: Don't Skip It
Almost every HOA in the Denver metro requires you to submit an architectural change request before starting any roofing work. This typically involves:
1. Completing an application form
2. Providing the shingle brand, product line, and color name
3. Submitting a physical sample of the shingle (sometimes required)
4. Waiting for the architectural review committee to meet and vote
The timeline for approval varies. Some committees meet monthly, which means you could wait up to four weeks for a decision. Others have an expedited process for storm damage situations. Some handle approvals via email within a few days.
Here's the critical point. Do not start work before you have written approval. If you install a new roof without HOA approval and it doesn't meet their requirements, they can require you to tear it off and start over at your own expense. We've seen it happen. It's expensive and entirely avoidable.
Emergency Situations
If your roof has active leaks from storm damage, most HOAs have a provision for emergency repairs. You can typically tarp or temporarily repair the roof without prior approval. But the permanent replacement still needs to go through the approval process.
Document the emergency damage thoroughly with photos and notify your HOA in writing as soon as possible. This protects you if there are any disputes later about why temporary work was done without approval.
Working With Your HOA (Not Against Them)
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Contact your HOA before you start getting quotes. Find out exactly what they require so you can communicate those requirements to your contractor from the start. Nothing wastes time like going through the quoting process only to find out your chosen shingle isn't approved.
Submit a Clean Application
Incomplete or unclear applications are the number one reason for delays. Include every piece of information the committee asks for. If they want a physical sample, provide one. If they want the specific manufacturer color code, provide it. Make it easy for them to say yes.
Know Your Timeline
If you're filing with your insurance company, your insurance company has timelines too. You need to coordinate the HOA approval process with your insurance restoration timeline. Starting the HOA approval process the same week you file with your insurance is ideal. That way, by the time the insurance side is sorted out, your HOA approval is already in hand.
Ask About Neighborhood Projects
After a major hailstorm, dozens or even hundreds of homes in one HOA might need new roofs simultaneously. Some associations coordinate group projects, which can streamline the approval process and potentially reduce costs.
At Gates Enterprises, we've managed large scale HOA projects involving 50 to 100+ homes at once. We handle the approval paperwork, coordinate with the association, and ensure every installation meets the HOA's specifications. It's one of our specialties. about Gates Enterprises
What If Your HOA Denies Your Request?
If your application gets denied, don't panic. Find out specifically what the issue was. Usually it's a color or product that doesn't match the approved list. Most denials are easily resolved by switching to an approved option.
If you believe the denial is unreasonable, most CC&Rs include an appeal process. You can request a variance or appear before the board to make your case. Having your contractor provide documentation about why a specific product or color is appropriate can support your appeal.
How Gates Enterprises Handles HOA Projects
We deal with HOAs constantly. Our team knows the approval processes for most major HOA communities across the Denver metro, including Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Thornton, Parker, Castle Rock, and dozens more.
When you work with us, we help you navigate the entire HOA process. We identify approved products, prepare your application materials, and coordinate the timeline between your insurance filing and your HOA approval. We've completed over 7,200 roofs across the Front Range, and many of those have been in HOA communities. service areas
As a quadruple certified contractor (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed Shingle Master Pro, Malarkey, and Emerald Premium), we carry every major shingle brand. Whatever your HOA requires, we can provide it. And we can offer the top warranty from each manufacturer, which is something most contractors can't do. our certifications
Need a new roof in an HOA community? Call Gates Enterprises at (720) 766-3377 or contact us to schedule a free inspection. We'll handle the HOA process so you don't have to.