If you’ve been in Colorado for more than five minutes, you’ve likely noticed that the weather is unpredictable, to say the least. Depending on the month of the year, you may find yourself experiencing all four seasons in the span of a day.
What does this mean for roofs in Colorado?
They put up with a lot. Stay tuned for common roofing damages, some caused by the weather, and some due to normal wear and tear!
Ventilation Problems
When your roof’s ventilation is installed incorrectly, it can become a problem for the integrity of the roof as a whole. Moisture can easily get trapped inside, leading to further damage and even deterioration.
Improper ventilation affects the entire roofing structure, from the decking and supports to the underlayment and even the shingles. In the winter, ventilation problems can manifest as ice dams, and in other wet seasons, rust threatens the structural integrity. A lack of ventilation in especially hot climates can result in attic temperatures hot enough to damage shingles and/or manifest as mold and mildew.
Tree Damage
If you’re lucky enough to have a yard filled with large trees, you may also need to ensure those trees aren’t causing damage to your roof. Some things for homeowners to look for in the placement and effects from their trees are as follows: hanging or falling branches, moss growth, and clogged gutters.
Hanging branches can damage your roof, no matter the weight. As tree branches scrape against the roof during windy days, they begin to lessen the strength of shingle adhesion to the roof, or scrape off layers of asphalt. Additionally, if the tree is diseased, it is likely that a branch will fall off during a storm and cause even worse damage to your roof.
Moss and algae growth can quickly become a rampant issue on your home’s roof if left unchecked. Trees are to blame for this growth, as their moisture and shade creates an ideal environment.
If trees are situated close to your home, it is probable that, when it comes time for the leaves to change and eventually fall, they will accumulate in your roof’s gutter system. This will quickly become a problem after rain or snow fall, because the drainage system will no longer be at peak functionality. Compromised gutter drainage leads to a plethora of moisture problems, both externally and internally. This water damage can manifest as foundation deterioration and interior water leaking/flooding.
Improperly Installed Roof Flashing
Flashing is a system of added materials on your roof to redirect water in order to mitigate leaking. Roof flashing is most often made of sheet metal, but can also be made of aluminum, copper, or plastic. It is installed at any location where two parts of the roof meet, or around a roof feature such as a chimney or skylight.
If roof flashing is installed improperly, it can result in irreparable damage due to leaks. Flashing is a lesser known component for the overall structural integrity of a home’s roof, but is an absolute necessity.
Hail Damage
Damage incurred by storms can be unsightly and costly. However, many homeowners are unaware that their roof has suffered hail damage until it is too late.
Hail damage manifests itself in a handful of ways. If you’re unsure that your roof has sustained this kind of detriment, keep reading for a few things to be aware of.
The first sign to look for is in the form of dents: on gutters, gutter screens, and downspouts. Then, check for damage to the siding and window sills or window casings. If other extensions of your home (A/C units, decks/patios) show signs of hail damage, it is likely that your roof is at risk as well.
Ice Dams
Anyone who lives in the mountains knows: snow-fall and ice accumulation are no laughing matters. An ice dam poses great risk to your roof and home structural integrity and should be on every Colorado homeowners’ radar when winter hits.
An ice dam usually forms when temperatures fluctuate between below freezing to warm and sunny (which Colorado natives know to be a regular occurrence in our great state). Ice dams are built-up snow and ice that latch onto the eaves or edge of the roof. This results in improper water drainage and, in severe cases, the weight of ice dams can damage or break other components or accessories of the roof.
Ponded Water
Especially on flat roofs, water can accumulate and remain in a pond-like formation for days at a time. It may be the result of rain, snow, or other runoff. If left to its own devices, ponded water on a roof can result in extensive damage to the structure of the building.
Consequences of ponded water include, but are not limited to: deformation, ice damage, biological growth (such as aforementioned moss and algae), and interior leaking.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can develop for a myriad of reasons: storm or wind damage (which Colorado is famous for!), improper installation, or normal wear and tear without adequate maintenance.
If left unmitigated, roof leaks can lead to not only structural problems, but worse safety and even health issues. Roof leaks can manifest as attic and ceiling damage, structural integrity problems, falling hazards, higher utility bills, and the growth of mold and mildew, which pose serious health risk to all persons inside the home.
Cracked Shingles
The technical term for cracked shingles is “thermal splitting,” which is usually caused by harsh sun (another gift and burden of living in Colorado). The result of ample sun exposure to roof shingles over time is visible cracking and fissures, making further damage possible due to susceptibility to leakage.
Water damage that occurs as a result of cracked shingles can be slow-moving and seemingly “out of the blue,” which is why keeping a close eye on the condition of your roof shingles and watching for thermal splitting in the intensity of Colorado sun is a must.
Consider Hiring Colorado Roof Repair Experts
970 Services is well-acquainted with everything Colorado might try to throw your roof’s way. We’ve seen and repaired it all! If you’re concerned about the integrity or safety of your roof, don’t delay. Talk to the professionals. Call (970) 888-0970!
When you need expert roofing services to repair damage caused by hail, wind, water, and mold in Northern Colorado, count on 970 Services to do the job right. Reach out today for a free estimate!