If your home sits near open space, grassland, or foothills, your next roof may have to meet Colorado's wildfire code. Most homes lost in wildfires are ignited by embers, not the fire front itself, and the roof is where many of those embers land.
Here's what changed and what it means for your roof.
The Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
Colorado adopted its first statewide wildfire building code, the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, on July 1, 2025. Cities and counties with wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas had to adopt it by April 1, 2026, and full enforcement began July 1, 2026.
The code applies to homes inside mapped WUI zones. Those zones are rated by fire intensity, and the requirements get stricter as the rating goes up. It covers new construction and certain additions and remodels. A roof replacement can trigger it, depending on your local building department.
Not sure if your home is in a WUI zone? Your city or county building department can tell you.
What the Code Requires on Roofs
In the lowest-intensity zones, the code focuses on the roof, gutters, and vents. Higher zones add siding, windows, decks, and more. Roof requirements include:
- Class A fire-rated roof assembly. Class A is the highest fire rating. Many architectural asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and tile roofs qualify when installed with the right underlayment.
- Metal valley flashing. Valleys collect leaves, needles, and embers, so the code calls for metal valley flashing over a fire-resistant underlayment.
- Noncombustible gutters and downspouts. Vinyl gutters are out.
- Ember-resistant vents. Attic vents must keep embers from getting in. Many standard roof vents don't meet this requirement.
Local governments can add stricter rules, so requirements vary by town.
How Condor Builds to Wildfire Code
We've already changed how we build in wildfire zones:
- Custom metal flashing. We use a custom metal fabricator for valley and step flashing, built to code for your roof.
- Ember-resistant intake vents. We install O'Hagin fire-rated vents, designed to keep embers out of the attic.
- Class A assemblies. Our IKO shingle systems are installed to IKO's standards, which keeps both the fire rating and your warranty intact.
Can My HOA Stop Me?
Colorado law (HB24-1091) limits HOAs from banning fire-resistant building materials. If your HOA has concerns, ask to see its current rules and compare them to state law.
Beyond the Roof
A fire-rated roof works best with defensible space around the house. Clear pine needles and leaves from gutters and roof valleys, trim branches away from the roof, and keep firewood and mulch away from the walls.
Get a Wildfire-Ready Roof
We'll check your WUI status, explain what your town requires, and give you a clear plan and price. Call 303-900-2184.