New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements

By Alex Tolle.

The Colorado Roofing Association has released a member resource and announced an upcoming panel discussion with IIBEC to help roofing professionals understand the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code.

As communities across Colorado adopt and enforce the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC), roofing contractors may encounter new project requirements and varying interpretations among municipalities. To help members navigate these changes, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) Building Code and Standards Committee has developed a new educational advisory focused on the code’s implementation.

The member-only resource explains:

• When the CWRC may apply to roofing projects and outlines practical considerations for contractors preparing to work under the new fire codes
• New structure-hardening and defensible-space requirements
• Recommendations for coordination with local building and fire departments and communication with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Documentation and compliance considerations
• Best practices intended to help contractors reduce inspection issues and project delays

It is important to note, that this advisory is a general educational resource. It is not a substitute for adopted codes, local amendments, project-specific requirements or guidance from the appropriate AHJ. Because code adoption, amendments and interpretations may differ by jurisdiction, CRA encourages contractors to verify the requirements for each project with the applicable AHJ. Members should also review the complete advisory for its legal disclaimer and limitations.

And the advisory isn't the only thing the CRA team is doing to help contractors navigate the new code. CRA will be collaboriating with the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) to host a panel dicsussion on September 10, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at MCA The Cube in Denver. The discussion, titled Fire Code: What Roofers Need to Know, will see roofing industry leaders, building officials, fire officials and legal counsels discuss code implementation, common questions and practical considerations for contractors.

Learn more about the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code by downloading the CRA advisory and exploring the upcoming CRA and IIBEC panel discussion.