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Prepare For Roof Damage This Fall

It may still be summer, but fall is right around the corner. This fall season can pose numerous risks to your Colorado roofing system. So, this year, why not take a proactive approach to roof maintenance and prep your roof for the autumn conditions to come? By protecting your roof against common types of fall roof damage, you can reduce your risk of incurring severe roof damage and avoid high roof repair expenses. 

Here, we’ll cover our top tips for preparing your Colorado roof for the fall season, helping you to steer clear of roof damage before the winter season. 

Take Care of The Trees On Your Property.

During the fall season, roof damage often occurs due to a lack of maintenance on nearby trees. There are several types of roof damage that can result from the trees on your property, including:

  • Damage from overhanging branches

Branches that hang over your roof can cause multiple types of damage. For one, if the branches are long enough to touch the surface of your roof, wind may cause the branches to scratch or dent the roofing materials. In the case of an asphalt shingle roof, the branches may scratch away some of the asphalt granules. This weakens the shingles and makes them more prone to cracking and breaking. Overhanging branches may also break, whether due to high winds or a storm, and dent the surface of the roof. 

  • Leaves, pine needles, and other debris

When there are trees near your roof, leaves, pine needles, and other debris may fall onto its surface. If this debris accumulates, it may trap and hold moisture from rain, hail, or snow. While a bare roof can dry out quickly in the sun after a storm, the debris can keep moisture against the surface of your roof. This can cause mold to form and increase the risk that wooden roof components will rot. 

  • Fallen trees

If there are older trees on your property, it’s important to keep an eye on them. This is because dead trees can fall, and if a tree falls onto your property, it will likely destroy your roof. This would require a full Colorado roof replacement.

Having your trees trimmed by an arborist and cleaning debris off of the surface of your roof regularly will help prevent roof damage this fall.  

Clean The Gutters. 

When storms strike this fall, it’s important for your roof to drain properly. This will help prevent water damage, including roof leaks. The gutters are a crucial part of the roof’s drainage system, as they direct water away from your roof and the rest of your home. During the fall, it’s common for the gutters to become clogged with leaves, pine needles, and other outdoor debris. If this debris accumulates, it can cause the gutters to clog completely. 

To prevent clogged gutters this fall, make sure to clean them regularly or have them professionally cleaned. You can also get a gutter guard to stop leaves and debris from getting caught in the gutters to begin with. 

Check The Ventilation and Insulation. 

While you’re prepping your Colorado roofing system for fall, it’s a good time to check your attic’s insulation and ventilation. Temperatures will soon be dropping, and having ample attic insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. Otherwise, cold air can seep in through the roof, forcing your heater to work harder to keep your home warm. Insulation can become damaged over time, and you may not have enough insulation in your attic to begin with. Your Colorado roofing team can check the insulation and recommend repairs as needed. 

Ventilation protects your roof against damage from excess moisture. It also ensures that air circulates throughout your roof so that heat doesn’t get trapped in the attic. A professional roof inspection can reveal whether your roofing system has ample ventilation or requires changes for proper air circulation. 

To schedule a roof inspection, Colorado roof repairs, or any other roofing services that you need, contact RME today.

Managing a Metal Roof Leak

For homeowners, a roof leak is never a welcome sight. But, all types of roofing materials can become damaged and lead to leakage. This goes for metal roofing, too. While metal roofing is sturdy and holds up well against water damage, certain issues can lead to a metal roof leak. 

Here in Colorado, the team at RME has seen its fair share of metal roof leaks. By understanding the potential causes of a leak and when you should schedule a Denver roof replacement to resolve it, you can better protect the condition of your roof.  

Potential Causes of a Metal Roof Leak

There are several possible causes of a metal roof leak, including:

Sealant Damage

Metal roofing systems require sealant to fill in gaps surrounding the roof transitions and under roof trims. Unfortunately, the sealant typically doesn’t withstand the full lifespan of the roof itself. When the sealant breaks down over time, it will leave the gaps vulnerable to leakage.

For a metal roof, regular maintenance should involve replacing the sealant as it wears down. It’s important to use a sealant that’s made especially for metal roofing, given that silicone caulking generally won’t stick to the metal panels. Additionally, metal roofing expands and contracts every single day, making it crucial for sealants to stretch along with the metal.

Insufficient Flashing

Flashing is installed around vulnerable areas of a roof, including chimneys, roof valleys, and walls, to prevent water damage. If water reaches these areas of a roof without flashing, it could seep in and cause problems. If there isn’t enough flashing installed on a metal roof, it could result in a full-blown leak. The end walls, side walls, and roof valleys tend to be the starting point for roof leakage, so be sure to have them checked out if you suspect a metal roof leak. 

Fastener Damage

The panels on a metal roofing system are held together with either clips or screws with a rubber washer positioned at the screw head’s base. This washer essentially creates a gasket between the screw and the roof panel, which can effectively keep water from seeping into your roofing system. 

The roofing screws can have several problems that may cause leakage. While skilled Colorado metal roofers, like the team at RME, have the expertise to install the roofing screws properly, others may run into problems while installing roofing screws for metal roofing. The screws may be misaligned, under-driven, or over-driven. All of these problems can cause gaps in the metal seam laps, providing a space for water to leak into the roofing system. 

Insufficient Slope

For any type of roofing system, sufficient slope is needed to prevent ponding water. Ponding water occurs when water accumulates and sits on the surface of the roof, rather than draining properly. Metal roofing requires enough of a slope to drain water off of its surface (generally a slope of 4/12). Without enough of a slope, your metal roof may be accumulating water, which creates the risk of a leak. 

Poor Installation

There are several components that must be installed properly to protect the condition of a metal roof and prevent water damage. These include vent flashings, downspouts, foam closures, edge metal, and gutters. If any of these components are poorly installed, they may either not function properly or be susceptible to damage and eventually break. 

To ensure that your Colorado metal roof has the strength to withstand the elements and keep out water, you need a professional roofing team at your side. RME has long been a leading metal roofing company, creating durable, long-lasting metal roofing systems for Colorado homeowners. Installed correctly, metal roofing can withstand water damage, avoid leakage, and last for over 50 years. 

If you think that your metal roof may be leaking, contact the team at RME. Our team will assess the damage and recommend the best roofing solutions for your needs, whether it be repairs, maintenance, or a full Denver roof replacement. 

Filing An Insurance Claim For Roof Damage

A properly maintained roof should last for many years. However, there are several factors leading to roof damage that you can’t control, namely including Mother Nature. If your roof becomes damaged, you may be able to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company to receive compensation for the roof repair or replacement costs. 

Unfortunately, filing an insurance claim is often a more complex process than it needs to be. Here, we’ll help you navigate the process of filing an insurance claim for Denver roof damage so that you can quickly restore your roof’s condition. 

What’s Covered Under Homeowner’s Insurance?

As far as roof damage goes, there are limits on what most homeowner’s insurance policies will cover. That said, there are several types of roof damage that homeowner’s policies do cover. These typically include:

  • Fire 
  • Lightning strikes
  • Falling objects, like a tree in a storm
  • Vandalism
  • Natural disasters and other “acts of God”

What About Wind And Hail?

Especially in states like Colorado, where severe hailstorms are relatively common, home insurance companies have put limits on coverage for wind and hail roof damage. Many companies require homeowners to purchase a more extensive policy in order to receive wind and hail damage protection.

Options may include roof replacement cost coverage, which will cover the full cost of a roof replacement if you need one, or actual cash value coverage. Actual cash value coverage can be purchased for wind and hail damage for roofs that aren’t new enough to qualify for replacement cost coverage. With actual cash value coverage, your insurance compensation will be determined according to the depreciated value of your roof when the damage occurs. 

Other Exclusions

Beyond wind and hail roof damage, there are other limits on the compensation that you can receive from your homeowner’s insurance company. For one, if your roof if poorly maintained and the lack of maintenance arguably contributed to the damage, you probably won’t be able to receive compensation for repairs or a replacement. Or, if the roof is at the end of its lifespan, your insurance company won’t cover the cost of getting a new roof installed. 

Flood and earthquake damage to your home, including the roof, isn’t covered under homeowner’s insurance policies. For protection in these cases, you should look at purchasing earthquake or flood insurance. 

Step By Step: Filing a Claim For Roof Damage

If you find yourself with Denver roof damage that should be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, the next step will be to file a claim. An experienced roofing company like RME can help you through the filing process to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible. 

The steps of filing an insurance claim for roof damage include:

  1. Documentation

As soon as possible after the damage occurs, document it with photos and written notes. Photograph the damage as well as whatever caused it, if possible. For example, if a tree branch fell during a storm and punctured your roof, snap a picture of the branch as well as the puncture in the roof. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to keep receipts from any roof repairs during the claim process.

  1. Call your insurance agent

Next up, call your insurance agent promptly to tell them about the damage. Time is of the essence, given that any time you wait to report the damage could be used to argue against your claim. At this time, you should confirm with the agent that the type of damage is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. The agent can also give you a timeframe in which you need to submit the claim. 

  1. Complete the paperwork

Submitting the required paperwork to your insurance company will start the claim process. 

  1. Adjuster visit

An insurance adjuster will likely be sent to your home to examine the damage. They’ll likely consult with both the insurance company and your Denver roof repair company to determine the cost of restoring your roof’s condition so that you can receive compensation. 

If your roof in Denver has sustained damage, contact RME today to get started on the repair process. We’ll help you file a claim and get your roof back to its previous condition. 

 

Popular Residential Roof Designs

The design of your residential roof impacts its look and function, as well as the overall aesthetic of your home’s exterior. That said, most people aren’t well-versed in all of the roof designs available. By learning more about the residential roof designs that could work well for your Colorado home, you can select the perfect choice for your property. 

Residential Roof Designs

Hip Roof

Hip roofs are among the most popular designs for homes today. With four sloped sides that connect at the top to form a ridge, hip roofs are an excellent choice for regions that experience a lot of snow and ice. Since precipitation can easily drain from a hip roof, the risk of ponding and ice dam formation is significantly lower than it is with other roof designs. 

Each side of a hip roof has an eave that hangs over the roof edge. This provides more shade than the average Colorado roof, helping to keep your home cool and making it possible to have a large, shady porch. Plus, since each side of this roof design has an inward pitch, which is considered to provide better stability than basic gabled roofing systems. 

Gable Roof

The gable roof design is the simplest, most commonly-used design in residential roofing. It has two sides that are sloped and meet at the top, creating a ridge. The sides of the roof that don’t have a slope are constructed as two flat walls that run from the base of the home to the peak of the roof ridge. These flat walls are technically called gables, which explains the name of this roof design. 

The simplistic design of a gable roof makes it more affordable and faster to construct than most other root types. Plus, with only two sloped sides, gable roofs allow for a more expansive attic than is afforded by a hip roof. Unfortunately, gable roofs are significantly more vulnerable to high wind damage than hip roofs. Given that many areas of Colorado experience high winds throughout the year, this should be a consideration for homeowners considering a gable roof replacement.

Bonnet Roof

The bonnet roof is a variation of the hip roof. It features four sloped sides that form a ridge at the top, generally with a sharper slope at the top than at the base. What makes bonnet roofs stand apart from other types of roofs is the fact that the roof edge extends past the walls of the home. This provides additional covered outdoor space than is provided by the average porch. With this covered outdoor area, homeowners can enjoy larger porches and patios. The overhang provided by bonnet roofs also gives the design greater wind-resistance.

Clerestory Roof

Clerestory roofs have two sloped sides with a vertical wall positioned in between the two. This vertical wall may contain a long rectangular window or a row of several small windows. This wall with windows is called a clerestory, giving the roof design its name. A clerestory is defined as a high wall, typically far above eye level, that has a row of windows. Clerestories, and clerestory roofs, to specific, were commonly used in Ancient Egyptian architecture for buildings such as temples, palaces, churches, and bathhouses. The windows afford greater natural light and air circulation to the interior of a building without making the interior visible to passerby. These benefits remain in modern applications of the clerestory roof, making the design an option for homeowners looking to go beyond the basic gable or hip roof. 

Butterfly Roof 

Butterfly roofs may not be the most common residential roof design, but they certainly have a place in modern architecture. This roof design turns the gable roof on its head, with two sides that slope downward from the roof edge. This creates a valley around the center of the roof. This design may also be referred to as an inverted pitch roof, and in addition to its striking aesthetic, it creates a single channel through which precipitation can drain. 

If you’re interested in updating the design of your Colorado roof, contact RME today.

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.