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Top Roofing Problems in Colorado

Roofing company Englewood Colorado

As a Colorado roofing company through and through, we know that many types of roofing problems can impact Colorado homeowners. The Centennial State is known for its unpredictable weather and major storms, both of which can result in roof damage. While roofing problems can be frustrating, they’re largely inevitable. But, you can reduce the impact of common roofing problems by taking proper care of your roofing system. Remember that the team at RME is here for all of your roof maintenance needs in Colorado. 

Below, you’ll find the main types of roofing problems in Colorado. With this information, you can prepare and protect your roofing system. 

Tree Damage

Did you know that the trees on your property may be a risk for your roofing system? This is an unfortunate truth for many homeowners in Colorado. While trees are beautiful on any property, they can lead to multiple types of roofing damage. 

Overhanging Branches

Overhanging branches, in particular, pose a risk for your roof. If branches hang over your roof, they may scratch your roof in the wind. For asphalt shingle roofs, this can lead to missing asphalt granules and diminished roof strength. If branches snap and fall onto your roof, whether due to high winds, snow, or other types of storms, a dent or puncture could result. Roof punctures are particularly damaging and could lead to leakage. 

Animals

Trees on your property also give animals, such as squirrels and raccoons, the opportunity to get onto your roof. This can lead to damaged roofing materials and a major inconvenience for you as the homeowner. Squirrels may also decide to nest in your roof, which is a tedious problem to resolve. 

For most types of roof damage from trees, simply trimming back the branches of the trees close to your home will help prevent damage. Additionally, if a tree on your property is dead or ill, make sure to have it removed so that it doesn’t pose the risk of falling onto your home.  

Hail Damage

Here in Colorado, hailstorms are to be expected each year. As one of the top states in the nation for severe hailstorms, Colorado often experiences storms that cause costly damage for home, car, and business owners. While hail damage isn’t a pleasant issue to deal with, it can usually be promptly resolved with the help of your Colorado roof hail damage experts. 

Types of Roof Hail Damage

Hail damage to your roof may take many different forms. The most common issue that homeowners may see after a hailstorm is a dented roof. Hailstones can create dents in all different types of roofing materials if they’re large enough. In the case of asphalt shingles, one of the most common roofing materials around, hailstones can damage the shingles’ outer protective coating. This is why you may notice asphalt granules in your gutters or around your property after a hailstorm. 

Damaged, broken, and missing shingles are also common after Colorado hailstorms. The storm may break or rip off a portion of some shingles or may tear entire shingles from the roof. This is a fairly easy issue to spot, given that the broken shingles will likely have fallen into your yard. 

If these types of roof hail damage are left alone, they’ll get worse with time. Missing shingles, for example, expose the deeper layers of your roofing system and could lead to a roof leak. So, whether it’s a missing shingle, missing protective granules on asphalt shingles, or roof dents, make sure to get roof hail damage repaired promptly. 

Wind Damage

We often experience high winds here in Colorado. High winds can cause shingle damage, given that the shingles may curl or peel back in the wind. Wind can also damage the protective granules of asphalt roofing, leading to granules piled up in your gutters. Over time, damage from high winds tends to reduce the strength of any roofing system. To ensure that your roof has a long lifespan, schedule regular roof inspections to check for wind damage. 

For help with these roofing problems and more, contact RME. Our team has the expertise to handle all types of roof damage and restore the longevity of your roof. 

Our Guide To Roof Leaks

Roof Repair Englewood CO

For homes in Colorado and across the country, a leaky roof is an unwelcome issue. A leaky roof is a nuisance that can lead to water damage throughout your home, as well as costly roof repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, an entire roof replacement. Plus, you shouldn’t have to grab a bucket to catch the leaking water whenever a storm passes through. 

Roof leaks are undoubtedly inconvenient. But, you can largely prevent this roofing problem by taking proper preventative measures. So, let’s cover everything you need to know about Colorado roof leaks. If a leak should impact your roofing system, you’ll have a better idea of how to deal with the issue. 

What Causes a Leaky Roof?

Ice Dams

Ice dams present a major risk for roof leakage here in Colorado. An ice dam can form when the center of your roof is warmer than the edges. This causes snow at the center of the roof to leak to the edges, where it re-freezes and creates a ridge. When an ice dam forms on your roof, it can cause a few key issues. 

For one, the ice dam will trap moisture on the surface of your roof. When roofing materials get wet, they need to dry out promptly to avoid damage. Additionally, the weight of an ice dam can strain your roofing materials and lead to damage. 

Proper insulation and ventilation are some of the best ways to avoid the formation of ice dams during the winters here in Colorado. This will help regulate the surface temperature of your roof so that the center of the roof isn’t warmer than the edges. 

Cracked Flashing

The flashing is the thin metal used to protect the inner layers of your roofing system from water damage. Since flashing plays a big role in the prevention of roof leaks, damage to flashing is a big risk factor for a roof leak. Flashing can break down over time and may be damaged in wind, hail, or rain. If roof flashing cracks, precipitation can seep into your roof, creating a leak. Having your Colorado roofing team inspect your roof regularly will help identify and amend flashing issues promptly. 

Poorly Sealed Valleys

Roof valleys are the point at which two roof planes meet. In residential roofing systems, the valleys are generally sloped. So, if the valleys are poorly sealed, or if the sealant has broken down due to time, the elements, etc., the roof may start to leak. Moisture and water stains along the seams of a roof are clear signs that the sealant isn’t doing its job. Thankfully, roof valleys can be resealed to restore the condition of the damaged sealant. Ideally, this repair job will be done ASAP, before the roof starts to leak. 

Shingle Damage

Damaged or broken shingles are common, especially after high winds or a hailstorm. You may notice broken shingles around your home after a big storm, or you may see bare patches on your roof. Shingles are important to the durability of your roof. So, if some shingles are damaged or missing, your roof will be more likely to leak. Damaged shingles should be replaced properly to avoid leaks and other types of roofing problems. 

Signs of a Roof Leak

Spotting a roof leak early on after it occurs can help minimize the damage to your home. There are many possible signs of a roof leak that you can keep an eye out for, especially after a large storm, when leakage is more likely to occur. 

Common signs of roof leaks:

  • Water marks and stains on ceilings and walls
  • Water stains on the rafters in your attic
  • Peeling or bubbling interior paint 
  • Moisture in the paint or drywall near electrical outlets 
  • Moisture near fireplaces and air vents inside your home
  • The sound of dripping in your home
  • Curling roof shingles
  • Rotting, discolored, and/or degraded roofing materials
  • Moldy exterior walls 
  • Water-damaged siding

If you suspect that your roof in Colorado is leaking, contact RME today. Our skilled team can identify the issue and suggest the best solution to restore the strength of your roofing system.

Types of Tree Damage To Roofs

Roofers Englewood Colorado

Here in Colorado, many homeowners have trees on their properties, and that’s a good thing. Trees add beauty to any home and can largely enhance your landscaping. However, trees can also damage your roof in a few different ways. 

This article will cover the main types of tree damage to residential roofing systems in Colorado. With a few preventative measures, you can keep the trees on your property in check and avoid most types of tree-related roofing damage. 

Overhanging Branches

If you have any trees growing close to your property with branches hanging over your roof, know that the overhanging branches may cause roofing damage. This is especially true if the branches are close enough to touch your roof. 

Especially in high winds, (which we experience often here in Colorado), overhanging branches can scratch the surface of your roof. If you own an asphalt roofing system, these scratches may cause more damage than you’d expect. The branches may scratch granules off of asphalt shingles, thus damaging the shingles’ outer protective coating. When asphalt shingles are missing protective granules, they’re more likely to break down over time. This may put your entire roofing system at risk for severe damage. 

Fallen Branches

In Colorado, we experience multiple types of storms throughout the year. Snowstorms during the winter can lead to snow piled on tree branches. This excess weight makes it more likely for tree branches to snap and fall onto your roof. However, snowstorms aren’t the only weather condition that can cause broken branches. Hailstorms, thunderstorms, and even a very windy day can also place enough pressure on tree branches to cause them to snap. 

Dents and Punctures

If the branches hanging over your roof snap and fall, major roof damage can occur. Depending on the size of the branch and from how far a distance it falls, it may dent or puncture your roof. Roof punctures from fallen tree branches can be particularly damaging and may even lead to a roof leak. 

Missing Shingles

Branches that fall onto your roof in Colorado also have the potential to rip entire shingles off of your roof. Missing shingles put the deeper layers of your roofing system at risk for damage and deterioration. Thankfully, asphalt shingles are usually simple and affordable to replace with the help of your Colorado roofing team. 

Tree Debris

Debris from trees, like leaves and pine needles, generally seem innocuous. However, when this debris builds up on your roofing system, it can lead to a host of problems. 

Leaves, pine needles, and other types of outdoor debris trap in moisture. When this debris is sitting on your roof, it can hold moisture against the surface of your roof. When your roofing materials are vulnerable to moisture for extended periods of time, they may start to deteriorate or rot more quickly. Excess moisture on your roof also provides an opportunity for mold to grow. Moldy roofing materials will need to be replaced. 

Debris from trees on your property can also build up in your gutters. Clogged gutters are never a good thing for your roofing system, as it can lead to leakage and water damage during storms. If your gutters are clogged and start to leak water while it’s raining, water may pool over your home’s foundation and put it at risk. 

Animal Damage

Trees on your property give critters like squirrels and even raccoons a chance to access your roof. Squirrels, in particular, are very agile and can jump onto your roof from a high branch. 

Animals, especially if they choose to nest in your roof, can cause significant damage. You may notice missing shingles, chew marks in the decking, and holes in your roof’s soffit and fascia. 

How To Prevent Roof Damage From Trees

While roof damage from trees on your Colorado property can be frustrating, it’s also mostly preventable. Here’s what you can do to lower your risk of tree-related roof damage:

  • Keep tree branches pruned. Any branches that hang over your roof should be trimmed back. 
  • Frequently clean your roof to avoid the buildup of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Have your gutters cleaned regularly, too. 
  • Have any dead or ill trees on your property removed by a professional. 

To learn more about protecting your Colorado roof, contact RME today. 

Is Roof Hail Damage Preventable?

Roofing company Englewood Colorado

In Colorado, severe hailstorms are far from uncommon. As a part of “hail alley”, Colorado experiences many hailstorms from spring to fall, often leading to property damage for home and business owners. In particular, hailstorms often cause damage to roofing systems. Roof hail damage is common in the Centennial State, but is it preventable?

Here, we’ll talk about prevention methods for roof hail damage in Colorado. By taking care of your roofing system, you can prolong its lifespan. 

Start With Strong Roofing Materials. 

When you have your roof installed in Colorado, make sure to select roofing materials that are cut out for the climate. This means opting for a material that can withstand hailstorms. Not all roofing materials are made equal, and some options will hold up better against hailstones than others. 

Some of the top roofing materials for hail damage include:

Rubber

Rubber is one of the most hail-resistant roofing materials. It can withstand the impact of hailstones so that even severe hailstorms don’t cause overwhelming damage. Rubber roofing can also bounce back to its original position after being dented by a hailstone, allowing you to avoid visible roof hail damage. 

Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the most popular home roofing materials in the United States. Among its other benefits, repairing hail damage to asphalt roofing is much more affordable than other roofing materials. This is a perk for homeowners on a budget because while hail damage to asphalt roofing largely can’t be avoided, the hail damage repairs won’t break the bank. 

Hailstones tend to knock the protective granules off of asphalt shingles. This is why you may notice asphalt granules in your gutter system after a hailstorm, if you have an asphalt roof. With a compromised outer coating, asphalt shingles will be vulnerable to future damage. So, damaged asphalt shingles should be replaced after a hailstorm. 

Metal 

Metal is another roofing material that generally fares well in hailstorms. As a sturdy and light material, metal lasts longer than asphalt shingles and offers greater hail-resistance. Thicker metals, as well as strong metals like steel, can further increase your roofing system’s ability to withstand hail damage. 

Hail Damage Prevention With Proper Maintenance

Besides selecting a strong roofing material, properly maintaining your roof is one of the best ways to prevent roof hail damage in Colorado. Plus, by maintaining your roof, you can prevent wear-and-tear on your roof over time, thus improving its longevity. 

Keep these roof maintenance tasks in mind as a Colorado homeowner for hail damage protection:

Keep The Trees on Your Property Trimmed Back. 

A hailstorm can cause enough damage to your home on its own. The last thing that you need in a hailstorm is for overhanging branches to break and fall onto your roof. Branches can scratch, scrape, and puncture your roof. If you own a shingle roof, fallen branches may rip entire shingles off of your roof. In a hailstorm, when high winds are often present, tree branches are more likely to break. So, to ensure that broken branches don’t fall onto your roof, keep the trees on your property trimmed back. No branches should hang over your roof. 

Have Your Roof Inspected Regularly. 

Roof inspections are the best way to catch potential roofing problems and have them resolved before damage occurs. We recommend that you have your roof inspected approximately once per year – ideally before hail season here in Colorado! This will give your local roofing experts a chance to repair any weak points before hailstorms strike. Otherwise, with a weak roof headed into hail season, you could end up with severe roof hail damage, such as a leak. 

Don’t Put Off Roof Replacements. 

At some point, all roofs need to be replaced. If the time has come to replace your home’s roofing system, don’t put off scheduling the replacement. Otherwise, you may put the interior of your home in danger of water damage due to a roof leak. While a roof replacement may seem like a hassle, you can ensure that it’s completed seamlessly by selecting a trusted Colorado roofing company.

Contact RME today to learn more about roof hail damage and how you can prevent it.