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Is It Time For a Roof Replacement?

If you’re a homeowner, getting a roof replacement probably isn’t how you want to spend your summer. But, in many scenarios, an Englewood roof replacement is necessary to preserve the lifespan of your roof. Extensive damage or simple wear and tear are often enough to merit a full roof replacement. 

For those wondering whether or not it’s time for a brand-new roof, this article is for you. Here, we’ll discuss the signs that you need a new roof rather than simple roof repairs. We know that a new roof is an investment, but trust us, you’ll be glad in the long run that you made the effort to protect your home. 

Signs That It’s Time For a Roof Replacement

Interior Damage

Believe it or not, the obvious signs of comprehensive roof damage are often found indoors. The inside of your home may show several signs of roof damage. Given that you can more easily view your interiors than the surface of your roof, this is good news for homeowners looking to identify roofing issues on their own. 

One of the main reasons why a failing roof may first become evident indoors is that roof water damage can seriously impact your home’s interior. When a roof starts to leak, the water will seep through all of the layers of the roof, eventually reaching the inside of your home. At this point, it can lead to an array of noticeable problems, including:

  • Mold 
  • Water stains
  • Peeling or bubbling paint
  • Light coming through the attic

Rising Energy Bills

Your energy bills are impacted by the efficiency of your Englewood roofing system. This is because your roof affects how well the temperature of your home is regulated. If your roof is old, worn-down, or damaged, air will leak in and out of your home. This means that your HVAC system will have to use more energy to maintain your home’s temperature, whether the AC is running in the summer or the heater is running in the winter. 

If your roof has reached the end of its run, it may rack up your home’s monthly energy bills. For those with rising energy bills who have ruled out all other possible causes, the roofing system could be to blame. By having an Englewood roof replacement completed, these homeowners can save money in the long-run by avoiding excessively high utility bills. 

Shingle Damage

Serious shingle damage is a common sign of a roof that needs replacement. The shingles on your roof serve as the outermost protective layer. When the shingles get damaged, whether due to a storm, fallen tree branch, squirrel activity, or deterioration over time, your roof will become more susceptible to leakage. 

Minor shingle damage can usually be resolved by replacing the individual shingles that are broken down. If many shingles on your roof are damaged, however, it may be a smarter choice to replace the entire roof. This is because if many of the shingles on your roof are worse for wear, odds are that damage has been done to the deeper layers of your roof, too. 

Age

It’s a simple, universal fact: Roofs don’t last forever. Unfortunately, at one point or another, every roof will require replacement. So, even if you don’t notice one of the issues listed above, if your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, it needs to be replaced. This is because the roof can only protect your home for so long before it starts to break down. After that point, the rest of your home’s structure will be at risk of damage. 

The lifespan of a roof depends on its materials. Different roofing materials last longer than others. Here are the expected lifespans of popular roofing materials so that you can estimate the number of remaining years before your roof will likely require replacement:

  • Asphalt shingles: 15 to 25 years
  • Metal roofing: 40 to 70 years
  • Wood shingles: 20 to 25 years
  • Slate shingles: 100 years or more

Roof Replacement in Englewood

Homeowners in need of a residential roof replacement in Englewood, Colorado can trust Rocky Mountain Enterprises to get the job done. With extensive experience in roofing replacement, we’ll ensure that your new roof is built for the long haul. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Summer Roofing Damage

This summer, you deserve to enjoy all that the warmest months of the year have to offer. However, while you’re out basking in the sunshine, your roof will be exposed to various risks, potentially leading to damage. While many of these risks can’t be avoided, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of summer roof damage. 

This article will discuss the most common types of Colorado roofing damage to occur during the summer, as well as tips for keeping your roof in top condition. 

Roof Water Damage

Rain and thunderstorms during the summer here in Colorado can not only curb your poolside plans, but also lead to lasting roof damage. Any weaknesses in your roof, whether it be a cracked shingle, damaged flashing, or deteriorating sealant, create the opportunity for water to infiltrate your roof. When water seeps into your roof, it may lead to a host of issues including mold, rotting wood, and a roof leak.

Water damage can seriously cut down your roof’s lifespan. Plus, a roof leak could lead to water damage within your home, making the repair costs even higher. So, your best option is to schedule a roof inspection with your Colorado roofing team. During this inspection, the roofing experts can identify any weak points and existing damage, giving your the chance to get it repaired before the summer rainstorms kick off. 

UV Ray and Infrared Damage

UV (ultraviolet) rays and infrared radiation from the sun will unavoidably reach the surface of your roof. UV rays can have a drying effect on roofing materials, eventually oxidizing the oils in asphalt shingles. This makes the asphalt shingles more likely to crack and break. Infrared radiation, on the other hand, can seriously heat up the surface of your roof up to temperatures over 150ºF during the day. When the sun sets, however, the temperature of your roof will drop dramatically. This process leads to the expansion and contraction of your roof within a short period, making it more prone to cracking. 

It goes without saying that you can’t stop the sun from shining onto your roof and heating it up. You can, however, protect your roof against damage from UV rays and infrared radiation. Roof coatings can be added to the surface of your roof. These coatings are designed to reflect sunlight, preventing it from drying out your roof or making it expand significantly. A good roof coating will increase your Colorado roofing system’s resistance to heat damage. 

Tree Damage

You may not realize it, but the trees of your property in Colorado can pose a big risk to your roof. Here are the main ways in which trees can damage your roof:

  • Overhanging branches

Tree branches that hang over the surface of your roof may increase wear and tear to your roof over time. These branches bend and sway in the wind, potentially scratching your roof’s surface. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, this can cause the asphalt granules to be worn away, leaving the layers underneath more susceptible to damage. So, any branches that are hanging over your roof should be trimmed back before the summer season, which brings about many windy, stormy days here in Colorado, to prevent damage to your roof’s surface. 

  • Fallen branches

Branches hanging over your roof can do more damage if they snap and fall. In high winds and storms, branches are at risk of breaking. If these branches fall onto your roof, they may scratch, dent, or even puncture it. A puncture in the surface of your roof creates a space through which water can leak, creating the potential for roof water damage as discussed above. There are typically many storms during the summer here in Colorado, so make sure that any branches that could fall onto your roof are taken care of.  

  • Debris

When trees hang over your roof, it’s inevitable for leaves, pine needles, and similar tree debris to fall onto its surface. When it rains, this debris will trap moisture and keep it on the surface of your roof. This can lead to deterioration, rotting, and even mold development. So, again, make sure that your trees are maintained this summer to prevent tree-related roof damage. 

For expert Colorado roofing services, contact RME today. 

Dealing With Storm Damage To Your Colorado Roof

Here in Colorado, especially with the spring season in full swing, storm damage to your roof is a distinct possibility. It’s wise to take care of storm damage to your roof as soon as possible to avoid more severe issues. Roofing damage gets worse over time as it’s exposed to various weather conditions, so Colorado roof repairs are important for the longevity of your roof. 

If your roof becomes damaged in a storm, you may be left wondering what to do. Here, we’ve outlined how to deal with storm damage to your Colorado roof, as well as the main types of roof storm damage to look out for. By taking care of the damage ASAP after it occurs, you can work to protect the condition of your roofing system. 

Types of Storm Damage

There are multiple types of storm damage that can happen here in Colorado. These include:

Water Damage

With any type of precipitation, your roof is at risk of water damage. When it’s pouring rain, the rain may cause the protective granules on the surface of asphalt shingles to fall off. The granules protect your roof against the sun’s UV rays, helping to manage the temperature of your home during the summer months. Additionally, when the outer granules have worn away, your roof shingles are more susceptible to further damage. 

If your roof is damaged or on the older side, moisture may seep into its weak points. As the water reaches the deeper layers of the roof, it can speed up the process of deterioration and may cause the wood elements to rot. If the water seeps all the way through your roof, you’ll likely have a leak on your hands. Roof leaks can occur after severe storms, especially if your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. A leak may cause water damage not only to your roof, but also to the rooms in your home, which makes it important to schedule prompt Colorado roof repairs. 

Hail Damage

Hailstorms are common here in Colorado. We experience more severe hailstorms in this state than most other regions in the U.S. Hailstones, especially when they’re large and/or traveling at high speeds, can dent, crack, or puncture your roof. Hailstones also tend to damage the protective granules on asphalt shingle roofing systems. This is why homeowners often notice asphalt granules in the gutter downspouts after a storm. 

Roof hail repairs are crucial after a severe hailstorm if significant damage has occurred. Leaving hail damage alone will diminish the strength of your roofing system, making it more likely for damage to strike in the future. 

Wind Damage

Many severe storms here in Colorado are accompanied by high winds. High winds can get under the edges of roof shingles and lift them up. This may break the shingles and/or rip them off of your roof. 

Wind during a storm can also lead to broken branches or twigs on nearby trees. When the branches break, they may fall onto your roof and cause damage. To avoid this problem, make sure to keep the trees on your property trimmed back from the surface of the roof. 

Wind damage is more likely to affect your roof if there’s existing damage, such as weak sealant. You can largely avoid this issue by scheduling regular roof inspections. The inspector will be able to identify any loose shingles and advise you on repair solutions. 

How To Deal With Roof Storm Damage

After a big storm in Colorado, there are a few steps that you can take to address damage and reduce your risk of future roofing problems:

  1. Schedule an inspection with your Colorado roofing company. During this inspection, a roof inspector will let you know whether any storm damage has occurred. 
  2. Take note of any damage that you can identify safely before the storm, such as broken shingles around your yard or asphalt granules in the downspouts. 
  3. Schedule the needed Colorado roof repairs to restore the condition of your roof. 
  4. Contact your homeowners insurance company to file a claim for any covered damage.

Contact RME today to schedule your roof inspection or Colorado roof repairs after a storm.

Is Your Roof Ready For Hail Season?

Spring is finally here! In Colorado, that means that hail season is also upon us. Unfortunately, while hail can provide much-needed precipitation here in the midwest, major hailstorms can also be bad news for your Englewood roofing system. The impact of hailstones upon your roof can cause multiple types of damage, potentially requiring extensive repairs. 

While there will always be a risk of roof hail damage, there are multiple steps that you can take to reduce it. By preparing your roofing system for the hail season to come, you can protect it against serious damage so that your home remains in good condition. 

Preparing Your Home For a Hailstorm

There are multiple steps that you can take to reduce roof hail damage this spring. These steps include:

  • Schedule a roof inspection

If your roof has existing damage, it’s more susceptible to serious hail damage. So, contact your Englewood roofing company for a professional inspection. During the inspection, your inspector will thoroughly check the exterior and interior of your home for signs of roof damage. Damage won’t always be visible from your usual vantage point, so the inspection may reveal roofing problems that you didn’t know existed. Roofing professionals can also identify weak points that could soon lead to damage, In either case, the inspector can recommend solutions to ensure that your roof has the durability to withstand the Colorado hail season. 

  • Maintain your landscaping

If you have trees that hang over your roof, there’s no better time to trim them back than before hail season. Overhanging branches can snap and fall onto your roof, potentially leading to dented or missing shingles, scratches on the surface of your roof, or even a roof puncture. Tree damage is usually simple to avoid by keeping the trees on your property pruned. Additionally, if there’s a tree on your property that’s near the end of its lifespan, you should start to think about removing it. A dead tree poses a risk of falling onto your home and causing serious roof damage. 

  • Clean your gutters

If your gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, pine needles, and other types of debris, they’re likely to overflow and leak during storms this spring. Leaky gutters present a large risk of water damage to your home, from trapping excess moisture in your roofing system to creating water stains in your siding. Water damage to your home’s foundation could even result from a severely leaky gutter. So, before hail season is in full swing, get your gutters thoroughly cleaned and repaired, if needed. This straightforward maintenance task will protect your home against water damage caused by a gutter leak. 

  • Ensure that you have adequate homeowner’s insurance

Especially here in Colorado, where hailstorms are common and often severe, it’s wise to have a homeowner’s insurance policy that covers damage caused by hail. Most homeowner’s insurance policies offer at least some coverage for hail damage to your home’s decks and windows. However, coverage for roof hail damage isn’t always a given. A higher deductible is often required for plans with coverage for hail and wind damage to your roof. This is one option, as is an insurance plan that offers more extensive coverage for your roof in particular. 

During and After a Hailstorm in Englewood

During a hailstorm, while there’s not much you can do to get your roof out of harm’s way, you can ensure that your family and pets are safe, as well as your vehicle. If a hailstorm is in the forecast, make sure to park your car in a garage or other form of covered parking. Any breakable items outside, such as potent plants and patio furniture, should be brought inside. 

When a storm strikes, first ensure that your family members and pets are safely inside, away from windows, skylights, and other areas with glass that could break under the impact of a hailstone. 

After the hailstorm has run its course, have your Englewood roofing company come check out your roof immediately. If you suspect that damage is present, you should also contact your insurance company ASAP. This will get the ball rolling on the claims process early, helping to secure the approval of your claim. 

For help with roof hail repairs or roof maintenance, contact RME today.

How To Prevent Water Damage to Your Roof

Water damage to your roofing system can lead to major problems, including a full-blown roof leak. In some circumstances, severe water damage can even be the demise of a roofing system, forcing the homeowner to invest in a replacement before the roof’s expected expiration date. While water damage to your Englewood roofing system can be a headache, there are steps that you can take to prevent it. 

We get many storms here in Colorado, especially in the spring and early summer, making the probability of roof water damage even higher. Here, we’ll provide our top prevention tips for water damage to Englewood roofing. 

Clean Debris Off Of Your Roof

 If you have trees on your property, debris such as leaves and pine needles are likely to fall onto the surface of your Englewood roofing system. While this may not initially seem like a big deal, if it rains or hails, this debris can absorb and hold onto water, effectively exposing your roofing materials to excess moisture. This can lead to multiple types of water damage, including mold, rot, and in severe cases, a leak. 

To prevent trapping moisture against the surface of your roof, make sure to clean debris off of its surface regularly. You can also enlist the help of your local roofing experts for this task, as walking on your roof may not be safe. 

Avoid Ice Dams

With the harsh winters that we get here in Colorado, ice dams are a common problem among homeowners. Ice dams form when snow at the center of a roof melts, flows to the edges of the roof, then refreezes, forming a ridge. More melted snow can get backed up behind the ice dam, leading to water sitting on the surface of your roof. Water damage is likely when your roofing materials are exposed to water for prolonged periods. 

Ice dams are caused by uneven roof surface temperatures. So, you can most effectively avoid them by ensuring that your roof and attic are properly insulated and ventilated. This will keep heat from your home from raising the surface temperature in the center of your roof, allowing for a more uniform surface temperature overall. 

Keep Your Flashing in Good Condition

Your roof’s flashing refers to the metal that’s installed around parts of your roof that are particularly likely to incur water damage. These include the vents, skylights, chimneys, and pipes. At these points, there are openings and joints that could lead to leakage without the extra protection that flashing provides. 

Since flashing is instrumental to the durability of your roof, damaged flashing can put your Englewood roofing system at risk of water damage – especially leaks. Over time, the flashing may begin to rust and break down, potentially allowing water to seep into your roof. Additionally, flashing can get damaged in hailstorms and cause roof leakage. 

Having your roofing system inspected regularly by an experienced roofer can ensure that any damage to your roof’s flashing is taken care of promptly. After the inspection, the roofer will let you know if any of the flashing is damaged. If so, replacing it will be recommended to restore the strength of your roof. 

Keep The Gutters Clean

You need clean gutters that are in good condition for your home’s drainage system to work properly. Whenever it rains, snows, or hails, the resulting water is drained away from your home through the gutters to prevent water damage. But, if the gutters are clogged with debris, the water will leak out of the gutters, potentially causing water damage to your roof, as well as other parts of your home. 

Debris, including dirt, leaves, and pine needles, can accumulate in your gutters over time. This debris blocks your gutters, preventing water from flowing through it. To ensure that this problem doesn’t occur, make sure to keep your gutter system clean. Additionally, you can have gutter guards installed to stop debris from accumulating in the first place. 

Contact RME For Reliable Roofing Services

For all of your Englewood roofing needs, trust the team at RME. We provide trusted roofing services with attention to detail and exceptional customer service, ensuring that your Colorado roof has the durability to withstand the elements. 

Why Your Gutters Are Important To Your Roof

How often do you think about your home’s gutters? The answer is probably not often. While your gutters may not seem like a major part of your home, they’re required for proper water drainage. As far as your roof goes, malfunctioning or damaged gutters could lead to lasting water damage. 

Let’s learn more about the role that gutters play in your Colorado roofing system. 

The Importance of Gutters To Your Roof

Your roofing system needs gutters for water drainage. Whenever it rains, hails, or snows, the precipitation needs to drain off of your roof. Water that pools on your roof can lead to water damage and potentially a full roof leak. But, the water can’t just drain straight off of the edge of your roof. This could lead to standing water over your home’s foundation, which could put the entire structure of your home at risk. Poor drainage off of your roof could also cause water damage to your home’s siding. 

Your gutter system also helps keep your Colorado roofing system free of leaves, pine needles, and other debris. If your gutters aren’t functioning properly, it could cause debris to build up on your roof and collect moisture, potentially causing roof water damage. 

Types of Gutter Damage

There are multiple types of gutter damage that can impact the condition of your roof and home. The most common forms of gutter damage include:

Gutter Clogs

When dirt and debris from overhanging trees fall into your gutter system, it can lead to a gutter clog. As the debris accumulates over time, the space in the gutters for water to flow through narrows. Eventually, so much debris may build up in the gutters that water can no longer flow through it. When this, a full gutter clog, occurs, water may spill out the sides of the gutters whenever it rains. When the water gushes out of your gutters, it may cause water damage to your home’s siding, as well as your Colorado roofing system. 

Dents and Punctures

Here in Colorado, hailstorms are common, especially in the spring. Unfortunately, just as hailstones may damage the surface of your roof, they may leave a mark on your gutter system. Hailstorms can lead to dents and even punctures in your gutter system. Water may leak out of the punctures the next time it rains, again posing a risk of water damage to your home. Dented gutters are unsightly, but also diminish the longevity of your gutters. 

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to stop a hailstorm from coming. But, you can check your gutters for damage after a hailstorm. If your gutters have been seriously dented or punctured, contact your local gutter professionals to check out the damage. 

Changes in Slope

Your gutters are installed in line with your roof. The angle of the gutters is important to their functionality, given that water must be directed downward to drain properly. But, if the land that your home sits on starts to shift, the alignment of your gutter system may change, too. This could keep the water from being able to drain properly.

If water remains stagnant in your gutters, it could lead to rust and deterioration. So, if you notice that the alignment of your gutters seems to have shifted, it’s worth it to have them realigned by a professional. This will prevent further damage to your gutters.  

Gutter Maintenance Tips

  • Clean your gutters regularly. 

Cleaning is the most important gutter maintenance task. When you clean the debris that has accumulated out of your gutters, you’ll prevent clogs that could lead to roof water damage. Ideally, you should clean your gutters once per year. 

  • Invest in gutter guards.

Gutter guards can reduce the amount of debris that gets into your gutter system. Investing in them may reduce the amount of gutter cleaning that you have to do.

  • Reinforce your gutters.

When ice builds up in your gutter system in the winter, it can alter the alignment of your gutters. To prevent this problem, you can have your gutters reinforced. This is a smart choice for Colorado homeowners looking to protect their gutter systems against damage. 

For Colorado roof repairs, contact RME today.

All About Asphalt Roofing

Did you know that asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most popular roof material options used today? Preferred by many for its affordability and convenience, asphalt roofing is often the most practical material in residential roofing projects. 

If you’re planning a Colorado roof replacement, asphalt shingles are a material option that’s worth your consideration. Here, we’ll provide you with an overview of asphalt shingles for your Colorado roof installation. Keep in mind that Rocky Mountain Enterprises is here to help you select the best roofing material for your needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions.  

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Fundamentals

Firstly, let’s cover what asphalt shingles are made out of. There are two main options here: organic asphalt shingles or inorganic asphalt shingles. Organic asphalt shingles are usually made out of cellulose fibers, while inorganic asphalt shingles are usually made out of glass fibers. No matter which option you go with, the fibers will create the base mat for the shingles, acting as a supportive foundation. 

If you opt for cellulose fiber asphalt shingles, the base may be saturated in asphalt first. Then, the shingles can be coated in asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. Glass fibers are inherently stronger than cellulose fibers and therefore don’t require saturation in asphalt. The glass fiber base mat will only be coated in asphalt, then covered in mineral granules. 

Types of Asphalt Shingles

There are three main types of asphalt shingles for your Colorado roof replacement: strip, dimensional, and luxury. These shingle types suit different budgets and aesthetic preferences, so consider each before making your final decision. 

  • Strip shingles

Strip shingles are the most affordable, but also least durable, asphalt shingle type. Just one layer of asphalt is used in strip shingles. So, this type of shingle will lay completely flat on the roof. 

  • Dimensional shingles

Dimensional asphalt shingles provide another level of depth and layering when compared to strip shingles. You’ll achieve a higher-end look with this type of asphalt shingle while still getting great value for money. 

  • Luxury shingles

Luxury asphalt shingles are a premium option for homeowners with the budget to spend a bit more on an asphalt roof. While luxury asphalt shingles are still much more affordable than other roofing materials, they’re pricier than both strip and dimensional asphalt shingles. However, in exchange for the higher price, luxury shingles provide greater durability, a more comprehensive range of color options, and an overall higher-end look. 

The Perks of Asphalt Shingles

Easy Installation

Asphalt shingles are far more lightweight than other roofing materials, especially natural stone options like slate. This, in combination with the adhesive strips included in the manufacturing of asphalt shingles, allows for a quick and simple installation process. With asphalt shingles, the process of completing your Colorado roof installation will be fast and convenient, ensuring that your home isn’t a construction site for long. 

Cost

Asphalt shingles cost much less than other roofing materials. Having a new roof installed for your home is expensive, but asphalt shingles can help you complete the project on a budget. Plus, considering the low cost of asphalt roofing, it provides excellent value for money. So, you can feel confident that your affordable roof will withstand the elements and last for many years to come. 

Dependability

Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material option in the United States. With so many homeowners counting on asphalt shingles to protect their homes against the elements, you can feel good about selecting asphalt shingles for your own abode. The quality and reliability of this roofing material have been time-tested by roofing experts and homeowners alike. 

Fire Protection

Asphalt shingles are manufactured with fire resistance in mind. Fiberglass asphalt shingles, in particular, will protect your Colorado home against fire in the case of a wildfire or an accident within your home. 

Style Options

Asphalt shingles – especially luxury asphalt shingles – can improve your home’s curb appeal. You can find asphalt shingles in a wide range of colors and styles to fit the aesthetic of your home. Asphalt shingles can even be made to mimic the look of other roofing material options, like wood and even slate. 

Contact RME today to learn more about asphalt shingles for your Colorado roof installation.

Spring Roof Maintenance

The spring season has almost arrived! Along with the rain showers, budding flowers, and warmer weather, home maintenance typically comes in the springtime. In addition to spring cleaning for the interior of your home, make sure to take care of your home’s exterior – especially the roof!

Spring is an excellent time to perform basic roof maintenance. The winter season may have taken a toll on your roofing system, making it important to take care of any issues now, before the dead of summer. Plus, springtime notoriously comes along with rain and hailstorms here in Colorado. Making sure that your roof has the strength to withstand the coming season will extend its lifespan while protecting your home from damage.  

Below, you’ll find our tops tips for maintaining your Englewood roofing system this spring. 

Schedule An Inspection.

Scheduling a professional roof inspection with your Englewood roofing company will ensure that any problems are found and addressed before the peak of hail season. Winter storms can often cause roof damage, but it’s difficult to identify them when your roof is covered in ice and snow. Now that the weather’s warming up, your roofing team can perform a thorough inspection and suggest roof repairs as needed. 

During your spring roof inspection, the inspector will check the surface of your roof and the interior of your home, given that some roofing issues (like leaks) will be apparent in the attic. On the surface of your roof, the inspector will check the following areas for damage:

  • The roof planes
  • The shingles, tiles, or panels, depending on your roofing material
  • The chimney
  • The soffit and fascia

Maintain Trees.

Spring is an optimal time to complete tree maintenance. After winter and the many storms that it can bring, tree maintenance will remove damaged branches and other defects that could damage your roof. 

Types of Tree Damage To Roofing

Roof damage can result if tree branches reach far enough to touch your roof. Overhanging branches may scratch, dent, or even puncture your roof. If a branch snaps and falls onto your roof, it can rip off shingles and expose the inner layers of your roof, creating the risk of leakage. 

Trees that are poorly maintained may also drop debris onto the surface of your roof. Accumulated leaves and pine needles can become wet, exposing your roof to moisture for extended periods of time. This can cause mold and mildew development, as well as a potential leak. 

Spring Tree Maintenance

So, during the spring season, complete tree maintenance to avoid roof damage. Have overhanging branches trimmed back and away from the surface of your roof. Clean accumulated leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your roof. Additionally, if any of the trees on your property are old or dying, make sure to have them professionally removed. A fallen catastrophe can mean catastrophe for your home in Englewood. 

Clean The Gutters.

Your gutters are essential to your home’s drainage system. Without well-functioning gutters, a spring storm could quickly cause water damage to the exterior of your home. Since spring is likely to bring about rain and hailstorms, it’s a fantastic time to maintain your gutters. 

Cleaning

Cleaning your gutters is a key maintenance task for homeowners. Over time, leaves, pine needles, dirt, and other debris can build up in your gutters, inhibiting their ability to properly drain water away from your home. So, this spring, clean out the debris from your gutters, leaving them clear to drain precipitation when the next storm strikes. 

Gutter Guards

Gutter guards can help prevent debris from building up in your gutters. Most gutter guards are made out of mesh, forming a screen over the gutter opening. This stops most large debris from entering the gutters, ensuring that water can still drain through them. Having gutter guards installed may prevent the amount of gutter maintenance that you’ll have to perform throughout the year. 

Gutter Damage

Damage can impact your gutter system over time. If your gutters are dented, sagging, leaking, or pulling away from your roof, your home’s drainage system won’t function properly. Your Englewood roofers will inspect your gutter system during your routine roof inspection and recommend repairs if they’re necessary. 

For Englewood roof repairs and maintenance, contact RME today.

Which Roofing Material is Right For My Home?

Any roof construction project, whether it be a brand-new roof or a replacement roof, requires many decisions on the part of the homeowner. One such decision is the roofing material to use for the project. There’s a broad selection of materials available for residential roofing projects, each one differing in durability, style, price point, and more. 

If you’re planning an Englewood roof replacement, plenty of roofing materials are available for you to consider. Here, we’ll describe each option and the benefits that it may provide for your Colorado home. 

Asphalt

Asphalt roofing is the most popular residential roofing material in the U.S. Made with a base of fiberglass or cellulose fibers covered in asphalt and mineral granules, asphalt shingles offer protection against UV rays, fire, and moisture. Additionally, given that asphalt shingles are distributed in sheets with sealant strips. This makes them one of the fastest roofing materials to install. 

There are three main types of asphalt shingles: three-tab, architectural, and premium. Three-tab shingles are the least expensive and the thinnest. This is the only type of asphalt shingle that can be placed over a layer of existing shingles, if desired. Architectural asphalt shingles are a step above three-tab shingles, with greater layering and depth. Premium asphalt shingles are the priciest option, with a high-end look that can mimic other roofing materials. 

The Benefits of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

  • Superior affordability when compared to all other roofing materials
  • An attractive option for virtually any style of home
  • Fiberglass asphalt shingles offer excellent fire resistance
  • Many different color and style options are available for asphalt shingles
  • Lightweight design, meaning that no extra support is required for an asphalt shingle roof
  • Fast, convenient installation
  • Simple to repair

Metal

While it trails behind asphalt shingle roofing in popularity as a residential roofing material, metal roofing is commonly installed on U.S. homes. With many different types of metal available, including aluminum, steel, copper, and alloy strips, homeowners have the flexibility to select the metal that provides the features that they’re looking for. Metal also has a sleek look and can be found in many different color options for your roof. 

While metal can be loud in rainstorms, it provides good weather resistance and is highly environmentally-friendly. Homeowners should note that installing a metal roof is a completely different process than installing an asphalt roof. So, enlisting the help of expert Englewood roofers like the team at RME, who are experts in metal roof installation, is a smart choice. 

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

  • Lifespan of between 50 and 100 years, with warranties typically ranging from 30 to 50 years
  • The ability to reflect the sun’s rays, preventing the transfer of heat into your home that could lead to higher cooling costs
  • Recyclability – many metal roofing options are made with recycled materials, and all metal roofs are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan
  • Greater resistance to the formation of ice dams than other roofing materials
  • Style options that replicate the look of tile, slate, shingles, shakes, and more
  • Many different color options
  • Some metal roofing has a Class A fire rating

Slate

Slate is a metamorphic rock that’s one of the most long-lasting and durable materials available for residential roofing projects. It’s been used to construct roofing systems for many centuries, making it a time-tested option for various roofing systems. While slate also is of the most expensive roofing materials available, it also provides exceptional longevity. It’s likely that you won’t ever need an Englewood roof replacement if you select slate as your material of choice. 

The Benefits of Slate Roofing

  • Exceptional longevity, given that slate roofing can last for over a century
  • A unique, natural, and high-end look
  • High weather-resistance – water can’t seep through slate, and mold doesn’t grow on slate
  • Fully fireproof
  • Environmentally-friendly, given that slate can be entirely repurposed once it reaches the end of its lifespan
  • A range of natural color options

If you’re interested in an Englewood roof replacement, contact RME today. Our team of experienced roofers will help you determine the best roofing material to suit your home’s needs.

Signs That You Need a Roof Replacement

Roof replacements are an inevitable (and necessary) home improvement project that many Coloradans complete each year. Over time, as wear and tear accumulate, all roofs eventually need to be replaced for adequate home protection. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t seriously consider the decision of whether or not to replace your roof. The timing of your roof replacement can make a big difference in the overall cost, as well as the potential for damage to other areas of your home. 

To help you decide whether or not the time has come for a Denver roof replacement, we’ve compiled the main indicators that your roof needs to be replaced.  

The Lifespan of The Roof Has Passed. 

All roofing systems have an approximate lifespan. At the end of this approximate time period, the roofing materials will likely have degraded to a degree that merits a roof replacement. So, a key indicator that you should replace your roof is the expected lifespan. After this lifespan has passed, it’s likely in your best interest to have the roof replaced. 

If you’re not sure of your roof’s lifespan, you can consult the home improvement documents. These records should tell you when your current roof was installed, as well as the roofing material used. You can use these insights to determine the expected lifespan of your roof and at what point in that lifespan you’re currently at. 

If you’re having trouble locating the records that you need to find out if your roof has reached the end of its lifespan, you can instead schedule an inspection with a Denver roofing company. Roofing specialists have the experience to determine the right time for a roof replacement.  

The Flashing is Compromised. 

Roof flashing isn’t likely to be something that crosses your mind often. However, it’s an essential component of your roofing system. The flashing is constructed of metal and serves to shield your roof against water damage. It’s positioned in areas that are generally the most susceptible to water damage, including the vents, chimneys, and skylights. 

Flashing can become damaged, both due to wear and tear and storm damage. For example, hailstorms in Denver can dent your flashing, making it misshapen and less effective at providing water damage protection. While flashing can be replaced without having to replace your entire roof, flashing damage is often a sign that other parts of your roofing system have deteriorated, too. 

The Shingles Are Damaged.

The shingles of a shingle roof are crucial to protect the inner roofing materials. Shingles offer protection against all weather conditions, whether it be wind, rain, snow, or hail. Additionally, shingles offer protection against the sun’s UV rays, which can gradually break down a roof and lead to various roofing issues. 

If you notice that your roof’s shingles are in poor condition, it could be time for a new roof. While, similarly to flashing, shingles can be replaced individually, shingle damage in and of itself is a sign that your roof is at the end of its days. 

Homeowners with asphalt shingle roofing need to keep an eye out for missing shingle granules. Once many of the outer protective granules are missing from the surface of a roof, the roof will have weakened significantly. This increases the risk for serious roofing issues, like a leak. 

The Roof Has a Leak. 

Speaking of roof leaks: If your roof is leaking, the damage may be comprehensive enough to require repairs. Leaks can be detrimental to your roof and even cause serious damage within your home. So, a roof leak isn’t to be taken lightly. If you notice water damage to the ceilings, walls, and/or flooring of your home, have a Denver roofing company perform an inspection to check for a leak. As a solution, they may recommend a Denver roof replacement. 

The Roof is Moldy. 

Mold within your roofing system is a sign that water has seeped in and started to break down your roofing materials. Mold grows in damp, dark environments and can even spread from your roof to your home. To stop the mold problem and get rid of all of the moldy roofing materials, your entire roofing system could need to be replaced. 

Contact Rocky Mountain Enterprises today to schedule a Denver roof replacement.