Archive for the ‘Roofing’ Category
Mitigate for Hail Damage by Summer Storms
The structural stability of your roof and the aesthetic appeal of your property are greatly affected by hail damage by summer storms in Colorado. Hail is created when raindrops are lifted by updrafts in thunderstorms into freezing temperatures, resulting in various sizes of hailstones ranging from tiny pebbles to large, destructive spheres. Although hail damage is a concern regardless of the weather, it is especially detrimental when it happens during scorching summer days.
Why is Hail Damage by Summer Storms So Destructive?
On a hot day, the hailstones that fall during a storm have a higher chance of causing severe damage to a roof. The reason for this lies in the difference in temperature between the hailstones and the hot surface of the roof. When hailstones make contact with a roof, the extreme temperature contrast can cause the shingles or roofing material to expand and contract rapidly. This leads to cracks or even complete breakage.
Also, the hot summer weather can cause the roof material to be more vulnerable to hail impact due to its softened state. The extreme heat causes asphalt shingles, for example, to become more pliable, making them more prone to denting and puncturing. This softening increases the likelihood of hailstones penetrating the protective layers of the roof and can cause damage to the underlying structure.
In addition to the immediate physical damage caused by hailstones, there can be long-term consequences for the roof’s longevity. Even seemingly minor hail damage, such as dented or cracked shingles, can compromise the roof’s ability to provide adequate protection against water seeping in. This can lead to outright leaks, rot, and further degradation of the roof. It could potentially result in expensive repairs or even the need for a full roof replacement.
To mitigate the effects of hail damage by summer storms, homeowners can take some preventive measures. Here are some recommendations:
- Install impact-resistant roofing materials: Consider upgrading to materials that are designed to withstand hail damage. Materials such as impact-resistant shingles or metal roofs have a higher resistance to hail and will provide better protection for your roof.
- Trim trees nearby: Trim back any branches that are close to or hanging over your roof to minimize the chances of them breaking or causing additional damage during a hailstorm.
- Reinforce vulnerable areas: Identify places on your roof, such as valleys, flashing, or areas around vents and chimneys that may require a little reinforcement. Ensure that they are properly sealed and protected to reduce the likelihood of water infiltration and damage caused by hail impact.
- Install protective barriers: Consider installing hail guards or screens over vulnerable areas of your roof. These barriers can help absorb the impact of hailstones and prevent them from directly hitting the roof surface which reduces potential damage.
- Regularly inspect the roof: Schedule regular roof inspections by a professional to identify any existing vulnerabilities or signs of damage. A professional roofer can assess the condition of your roof, spot potential weak points, and recommend appropriate repairs or maintenance to strengthen your roof against hail damage by summer storms.
- Monitor weather forecasts: Stay informed about weather conditions in your area, especially during the summer months when hailstorms are more common. If a severe storm is predicted, take precautions such as moving vehicles and outdoor furniture under cover to minimize potential damage from hail.
While these preventive measures can help reduce the risk of hail damage by summer storms, it’s important to have adequate insurance coverage for your home. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it provides coverage for hail damage, especially here in Colorado.
Remember, you can’t protect your roof completely from what mother nature dishes out but, there are some precautions and preparations you can make. The best defense is always a good offense so keep up with visual inspections and tackle potential issues before they become huge problems. If you need a professional for a free, honest, no obligation visual inspection, contact HRTI today.
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Spring Cleanup Checklist
Spring Cleanup Doesn’t Have To Be Daunting
Spring cleanup always seems like a daunting task at the end of the winter. It seems to take forever and it isn’t the fun job. It is very beneficial though, it can make your home look picture perfect and ready to show off all summer long. It also can save homeowners money, depending on how much the homeowner checks the siding and windows for cracking or leaking they can either spend a lot of money or very little on repairs after a winter.
- Checking regularly on the siding for splitting or rotting can help save a homeowner money because replacing siding can be pricey.
- Check the bricks on your home and make sure nothing is loose that can cause injury or damage to the home.
- Cleaning gutters and checking on their repair before the rainy season is a must. Proper draining can help prevent things like leaky homes and rotting siding.
- Washing and treating the driveway helps prevent cracking and plants growing in it that can eventually decrease the integrity of the driveway
- Clean the deck and make sure all of the boards are in good repair, stain and seal if it is needed.
- Pull out all the furniture and make sure they are clean and in good repair. Make sure all of the decor is also in good repair
- Weed the yard and treat it with fertilizer and treatments to make it grow healthy and strong all summer.
- Ensure the sprinklers are working and reaching the entire yard. Sprinkler pipes are the easiest to crack during the winter so making sure they are in good repair is important.
- Once you are sure the cold freezes are over plant the garden and trim the trees and shrubs for a healthy growing season over the summer.
- Cleaning the front porch of cobwebs and dead bugs makes a big first impression to visitors.
- Clean the garage door and remove the cobwebs to have a clean exterior
Spring cleanup can be daunting, but there are so many rewards to getting it done. Having a clean home is always a satisfying feeling and giving your home a face lift after a harsh winter is a great reward.
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Does my insurance company give discounts for impact resistant roofing?
Discounts For Impact Resistant Roofing
In the state of Colorado, most insurance companies have rates and discounts based on the type of roofing you are looking to buy. Companies such as State Farm offer premium rates for both impact resistant roofing and standard roofing. Many other insurance companies lean towards discounts for impact resistant roofing because they aren’t replaced as often, and in turn saving the insurance company money in the long run. States with high weather fluctuation and large storms are commonly covered by their homeowners insurance for impact resistant roofing.
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30 year roofing vs 30 year impact resistant roofing
Thirty years is the general life expectancy of a shingle, however the “30 year” name does not guarantee that they will last thirty years. 30 years is the life expectancy in ideal climates and conditions. Climates with high temperature shifts or a lot of sun have a lower life expectancy than climates with steady temperatures and a bit more shade. Generally the life of a 30 year shingle is around 15-20 years, for no climate is exactly what is needed to get the full 30 years. 30 year shingles often have warranties attached to them and depending on the company the warranties vary from 5 years to 20 years. 30 year impact resistant shingles vary in strength from class 1 to class 4. The type of class determines the material and the resistance of the shingle. Generally class 4 is the highest level of protection making the shingle less susceptible to hail damage or damage from other storms or weather debris. 30 year impact resistant shingles are beneficial in climates that receive a lot of storms such as hail. However the price difference between standard 30 year roofing and impact resistant 30 year roofing is substantial. On roof shingles, there are small rocks that can be knocked out of place in the case of a storm. If the stones are knocked out of place, the shingle becomes more susceptible to damage regardless if they are impact resistant or not. So the question being 30 year impact resistant roofing vs 30 year standard roofing roofing, which is worth it? The answer depends on the climate you live in, depending on the amount of hail or wind you get spending the extra money on a shingle that may get shredded or ripped off within a couple of years may not be worth it. In some climates where the weather is fairly mild with occasional storms impact resistant roofing may be a viable option for your home.
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There was a major storm but my roof looks fine… Do I still need someone to look at it?
What To Do After There Was a Major Storm
It is always smart to have someone take a look at your home after there was a major storm, there may be more damage than you can see with the naked eye. Hail, snow, wind, and rain can all harm a roof in varying ways. Depending on the severity of the storm, it could do anything from remove shingles to knock some pieces loose or do nothing at all. Giving the wide range of potential damages, it is beneficial to have someone look at your home even if you can’t see any damages. Poor roofing can lead to cracks and leaks which is an expensive fix for a homeowner.
Storms especially hail can cause damage to the sealing strips. Homeowners can save money by having a professional look at their home after a storm because it is much easier to replace bits and pieces throughout the lifespan of the home than have to replace the whole thing because of some damages. Generally a roof lasts a certain amount of time based on the geographic area where the house is located. That lifespan ranging anywhere from 10-30+ years depending on the type of roofing you have. Being prompt with the roof repairs can make that life expectancy increase and the value of the home remain sound.
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Wood Shake Roof
Wood Shake Roof
No one can deny the beauty and appeal of a wood shake roof. On any home, it adds a warmth that is hard to replicate. I love the texture, color, and dimension that wood roofs add to a home of any style. Unfortunately, wood roofs also come with a heavy price tag and maintenance issues that can cause serious headaches. In fact, many insurance companies are requiring homeowners to replace their wood roofs with manufactured alternatives.
What to do if you have a wood shake roof?
First, climb up on your roof to check its condition – proper maintenance and care is key to prolonging the longevity of your wood shake roof. Keeping your wood roof in good condition can add many years and save you thousands of dollars. If your roof is too hard to climb on yourself, call a roofer that you trust to come and complete the inspection for you. Most roofers will do this for no charge and can help with any repairs that might be necessary.
When our roof inspectors climb on homeowners roofs to inspect for damage and wear we look for shingles that are no longer offering protection to the underlayment. This underlayment is the main, waterproof layer that protects your home from the outside elements. The shingles are installed on top of the underlayment and offer it protection.
Once the underlayment is exposed to the sun and elements, the life of your roof is near an end. We look for solar burns through shingles as well as curling shingles and shingles that have hit marks and cracks from hail. If shingles have worn in this way, they are at risk for coming off during high winds and severe weather and exposing the underlayment. We also look for thin and brittle shingles, telling us that the life of the shingles is near an end.
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If you see damage to your wood roof….
Call a trusted roofer. Get recommendations from neighbors and sites such as Houzz, Home Advisor or Thumbtack. Your roofer will come out and perform their own inspection on your wood shake roof and recommend repair or replacement options. In many cases, insurance companies will not allow you to replace your wood roof with the same material, so make sure you check with your insurance agent before making any decisions.
Taking care of your roof is critical in prolonging it’s life and protecting your home. Following steps and performing general maintenance can save you thousands of dollars and big headaches along the way. As always, contact us with any questions or for a free roof inspection.
