Hailstorms can be one of the most destructive natural phenomena. Especially when it comes to the different materials that your roof can be constructed with. Hail can cause significant damage to homes, buildings, and vehicles, and your roofing system is usually the first line of defense.

Therefore, if you live or work on the Front Range of Colorado, it’s crucial to choose a roofing material that can withstand hail damage and the high winds we have been having recently.

Three popular roofing materials are known for their durability against hail damage:

Architectural shingles, Concrete tile, and Metal roofing systems.

In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of each material to determine which one is better at resisting hail damage.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are composed of asphalt and fiberglass layers. These shingles are thicker and more durable than traditional three-tab shingles, making them better at resisting hail damage. There is a shingle known as a Class 4 IR (impact resistant) shingle that is replacing most homes for shingle roofs these days. The technology of some of the shingle manufacturers is getting better and better all the time.

• Cost Perspective: Architectural shingles are the most affordable option of the three roofing materials. The cost per square foot is relatively low, making it an attractive option for homeowners on a budget.
• Effect on Home Resale Value: Although not the most high-end option, architectural shingles have a broad appeal, making them a good choice for resale value. Additionally, they come in a variety of colors and textures, allowing homeowners to customize their roof to match their home’s aesthetic.
• Longevity: Architectural shingles typically have a lifespan of 20-30 years. However, their longevity can be affected by the severity of weather conditions in the area. In areas with frequent hailstorms, homeowners may need to replace their shingles more frequently. The average lifespan if not damaged by a storm is around 15 to 25 years here on the Front Range.

Pros:

• Most affordable option among the three
• Wide variety of colors and textures to choose from
• Relatively easy to install
• Can be a good option for homes with a steep roof pitch

Cons:

• Lifespan of 15-25 years is shorter than concrete tile or metal roofing systems
• Not as durable as concrete tile or metal roofing systems
• Not as energy efficient as metal roofing systems

NOTE: Ask your Roofing Contractor for a Class 4 IR Shingle the next time you are replacing your shingled roof.

Concrete or Clay Tile

Concrete/Clay tile roofing systems are made of a mixture of sand, cement, and water. The tiles come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking for a unique and stylish roof.

• Cost Perspective: Tiles are more expensive than architectural shingles, making them a less attractive option for homeowners on a budget. However, they can last significantly longer than shingles, potentially making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.
• Effect on Home Resale Value: Tile roofs have a high-end look and can add value to a home. They have a unique aesthetic that can be a selling point for potential buyers.
• Longevity: Tile roofs can last up to 50 years or more, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials. They are also more resistant to hail damage than architectural shingles, making them an excellent option for homeowners in areas prone to severe weather.

Pros:

• Highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, including hailstorms
• Long lifespan of 50 years or more
• Variety of colors and shapes available to create a unique and stylish look
• Fire-resistant and energy-efficient

Cons:

• More expensive than architectural shingles
• Heavy, so the roof structure may need to be reinforced
• Requires professional installation, which can be costly
• More difficult to repair than other roofing materials

Note on Tile Roofing systems: Tiles can and do crack which can cause issues with water damage. Tile manufacturing company will discontinue them over time which will make it hard to get replacement tiles in the future. Make sure that once your roof is finished, you have about 20-25 regular tiles and 15-20 ridge tiles in storage. If you don’t, your long-lasting roof might just become obsolete because there are no tiles to match it.

Metal Roofing Systems

Metal roofing systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to their durability and energy efficiency. They come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, and copper.

• Cost Perspective: Metal roofing systems are the most expensive option of the three materials. However, they are incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance, potentially making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
• Effect on Home Resale Value: Metal roofs have a modern and sleek look that can add value to a home. They are also an eco-friendly option, which is becoming increasingly important to potential buyers. There are different levels of metal roofing systems. A copper roof looks wonderful and is extremely expensive. Standing Seam is a wonderful architectural choice too.
• Longevity: Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more, making them an excellent long-term investment. They are also highly resistant to hail damage, making them an attractive option for homeowners in areas prone to severe weather. NOTE: They do dent in a large hail storm. Make sure you have the proper replacement coverage on your roof if there is big hail.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and can last up to 50 years or more
• Highly resistant to hail damage and other extreme weather conditions
• Energy-efficient and can help reduce heating and cooling costs
• Low maintenance and easy to clean

Cons:

• Most expensive option among the three
• Can be noisy during heavy rain or hail
• Requires professional installation, which can be costly
• Limited color options compared to other roofing materials

Conclusion

Overall, each roofing material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Homeowners should consider their budget, aesthetic preferences, and the climate of their area before making a solid informed decision.

• Architectural shingles are the most affordable option, but may not be as durable as concrete tile or metal roofing systems.
• Concrete tile is highly durable and long-lasting, but can be more expensive and require professional installation.
• Metal roofing systems are extremely durable and energy-efficient, but are the most expensive option and have limited color options.

It’s your choice and in the end… whatever you choose will look beautiful on your home.

Because of all the wind storms and hail storms that we have here locally, shingle roofs can take a beating. Here are some tips that will help you get more years out of the shingles up on your roof.

Asphalt architectural shingles are the most popular and affordable roofing option for homeowners in Colorado. They offer an attractive and durable roofing solution that can withstand the harsh weather conditions that are common in the Front Range. However, many homeowners wonder just how long an architectural shingle roof will last on the Front Range, given the frequent wind and hail storms.

The lifespan of an architectural shingle roof depends on a variety of factors, including the quality and brand of the shingles, the installation expertise, and the overall climate over the years the shingles are up on the roof. On average, an architectural shingle roof can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, but this lifespan can vary depending on the specific conditions of the Front Range.

One of the primary concerns for homeowners in Colorado is the frequent wind and hail storms.

Wind can cause damage to shingles by ripping them or lifting them up and breaking the seal that holds them in place. Hail, on the other hand, can cause dents and cracks in shingles, which can lead to leaks and other types of damage as your roof ages.

To combat these issues, many manufacturers have developed shingles specifically designed to withstand high winds and hail. These shingles are often referred to as Class 3 and Class 4 IR (impact-resistant) shingles and are rated by their ability to withstand impact from hailstones of various sizes and hardness. Homeowners in the Front Range may want to consider using these types of shingles to help protect their roof from damage. Unless a client requests a shingle other than a Class 4 or Class 3 shingle, we always recommend putting them on when a roof is being redone.

In addition to using impact-resistant shingles, homeowners can also take other steps to protect their roofs from wind and hail damage.

One important step is to ensure that the shingles are installed properly.

Shingles that are not properly installed or even were installed when it was too cold or in extreme weather conditions can be more susceptible to damage from wind and hail. Homeowners should work with a reputable roofing contractor who has experience installing architectural shingles up and down the Front Range.

Another important factor to consider is the climate on the Front Range.

Colorado has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. This can cause significant temperature fluctuations, which can lead to the expansion and contraction of shingles. Over time, this can cause the shingles to crack and deteriorate. Especially if they have any previous damage. The slightest bit of damage can turn into an issue as they age and go through their expansion and contraction cycles.

To combat this issue, homeowners should choose shingles that are designed to withstand extreme temperatures. Many manufacturers offer shingles that are specifically designed for use in hot and cold climates. These shingles are often made from materials that can expand and contract without cracking or deteriorating. This is a newer shingle technology. Speak to your local Roofing expert for a recommendation.

Finally, it’s important for homeowners to maintain their roofs properly to ensure they last as long as possible.

Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address issues before they become more serious. Homeowners should also ensure that their gutters are clean and free from debris, as clogged gutters can cause water to back up under the shingles, leading to leaks and other types of damage.

Ensuring the longevity of your architectural shingle roof on the Front Range of Colorado requires some effort and attention.

Here are the 7 best things that homeowners can do to ensure that their roof has as long a lifespan as possible:

1. Regular Inspections: Regular inspections every few years can be crucial to detect any damage, leaks or other issues. A professional inspection every 3 to 5 years is highly recommended to identify any issues before they become bigger and more expensive to fix. A good Roofing Contractor can spot a potential issue before it becomes a major issue.
2. Clean Gutters: Clean gutters are very important for the health of your roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, which can lead to leaks and ice damming and other types of damage if they are not maintained regularly. It is recommended to clean the gutters at least twice a year, especially in the fall after the leaves have fallen.
3. Trim Trees: Overhanging branches can damage your roof, especially during high winds and storms. Trim any trees that are too close to your roof to avoid the risk of damage.
4. Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important to maintain the integrity of the shingle. Poor ventilation can cause unseen moisture buildup, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. We think of Colorado as having low humidity, but mold can still happen. Improper ventilation can also cause shingles to curl, harden and deteriorate faster. Make sure that your attic has proper ventilation to avoid these issues.
5. Use High-Quality Materials: The quality of the shingles and other materials used during installation can greatly impact the lifespan of your roof. Always choose high-quality materials to ensure durability and longevity. We here at Denny’s Roofing NEVER skimp when it comes to the quality of the materials that we use when installing a new roof. It is just not worth the savings of a few bucks when the integrity of your Roof is at stake. The risk as your roof ages is just not worth it.
6. Repair Storm Damage Promptly: If any damage is detected during inspection, it is important to repair it as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to bigger and more expensive issues in the future. It’s also important to check on the areas of possible penetration on a roof when inspecting too. Reapplying caulking to seams and exposed nail heads can help ensure the integrity of your roof.
7. Hire a Professional Contractor: A reputable roofing contractor with experience in installing and maintaining architectural shingle roofs in the Front Range can ensure that your roof is installed correctly and maintained properly. Work with a professional contractor like Denny’s Roofing to ensure that your roof is in good hands.

In summary, regular inspections, clean gutters, trimmed trees, proper ventilation, use of high-quality materials, prompt repairs, and working with a professional roofing contractor are some of the best things that homeowners can do to ensure that their architectural shingle roof lasts 15 to 25 years. With the proper care and attention, your roof can withstand the harsh weather conditions of the Front Range of Colorado and provide you with peace of mind for years to come.

When a well-designed and well-maintained gutter system is installed on a home or business, it should last for decades if they are not damaged in a storm, ice damming or in high winds. That said, there will come a time when even the best maintained gutters will need to be replaced because they have “aged-out” and have reached their life expectancy.

This article will give you a heads up on what to look for when an “out of the norm” situation occurs to your gutters so that you can take care of it as soon as you notice it – so that additional damage does not happen. One of the joys of being a “homeowner.”

Here are 13 reasons you might need to fix or replace your gutter system.

1) CLOGGED/BLOCKED GUTTERS – When gutters are catching the rain and snow as it comes off your roof, that means it is also catching EVERYTHING else that has fallen up on the roof. And it will ALL end-up in the gutters. Organic matter such as leaves, pine needles, twigs, branches, aggregate and dirt coming off your roof, or even blowing trash can build up over time or even just a season if you don’t keep them clear and clean. And rotting organic material can form a thick sludge that will clog gutters and have them overflowing quickly if there is no maintenance performed on them. You can put on a “gutter guard” that will keep most of the leaves and twigs from ending up in the gutters. And honestly, you have to be careful with “gutter guards” because when winter rolls around, gutter guards can possibly lead to ice damming and icicles forming and falling off the gutters, which can be a hazard. So, if you have gutter guards put on, be careful and be aware.

2) GUTTER/DOWNSPOUT LEAKS – When gutters are installed, the installer may have missed sealing a joint or a downspout hole with what we call “gutter cement.” It’s meant to seal the gutters so that you don’t have any leaks. Leaking can get behind the fascia and soffits and cause additional damage if not corrected.

3) BACK-FLOWS – Clogged gutters can also lead to overflowing or “back-flowing” gutters which can pour over the edge and defeat the purpose of having gutters. And in the winter months, those leaks can also lead to ice on the pavement which can be a huge hazard. Full gutters from clogs or having them hung improperly can also lead to ice forming in the gutters when it’s cold. That ice can expand and cause issues like pushing the gutters away from the fascia. Ice damming can form up under the shingles and cause damaging leaks. Also, convergence points of where corners meet and the system gets complicated can also be a point of issues. Have a professional look at them.

4) POORLY SLOPED GUTTERS – When gutters are installed correctly, they should have a slight slope towards the downspout drains so that when it rains, they drain properly and don’t have standing water in them after a precipitation event. If they are not sloped correctly, water will pool and when mixed with leaves, dirt and normal granule loss from your shingles, it can eventually create a blocked gutter. Not to mention that during a storm, they will not be draining properly. And standing water can pool and damage gutters over time. I’m not sure that most people realize that their gutters have a slight slope. I’ve had clients tell me that their gutters are crooked. If you are not aware of how they are hung, If you go to the front of your home, and look at them you should be able to see it. If they are not sloped, or sloped properly it will become a problem over time.

5) SAGGING GUTTERS – Gutters have traditionally been attached to your fascia and trussing beams by long and large nails that were hammered into the end of the trussing beams. Now gutters are attached with “hangers” that are placed along the gutter and screwed into the fascia to hold the weight of the gutter and the contents during a weather event. When its wintertime, and a tremendous amount of snow and water that fills your gutters, maybe there is an abundance of organic material and granule clogged in the gutters or they were not installed with enough hangers, the extra weight can cause them to sag and they can even buckle. The weight just overwhelms the existing hangers and they can fail.

6) DAMAGED GUTTERS – Gutters can be damaged for a number of reasons. They can be dented, become cracked, bent out of their original shape, they can be sagging, clogged or blocked and most likely have the seams fail and leak. Even seamless gutters have a few seams. They are limited, but they are there. All of these can cause water to pool or organic material to clog and create extra weight in the gutters. Eventually, when a ladder gets placed against them to get up on that section of your roof, they can come off their hangers and even collapse. Hopefully you as the homeowner or a professional is doing the necessary maintenance so that this does not occur. Gutters falling off your home can bring a whole slew of additional issues that you just don’t need.

7) IMPROPERLY BUILT DOWNSPOUTS – If your downspouts are built correctly, everything should be fine. There should be enough drainage around the house from the gutters and drainage should not be an issue. Sometimes downspouts need to be placed in areas where the water should be aimed at a drain when emptying on concrete or should be channeled away from the foundation of a house with an extension or “kick-out.” Downspouts can also be missing the sealant or “gutter cement” that seals around the opening at the gutter. If you are having issues with them leaking or getting clogged, have a professional look at them.

8) ICE DAMMING – When there is too much snow on top of your roof, and warm and cold days and nights, your gutters can be overwhelmed with ice damming. The snow will thaw and freeze and thaw and freeze. It will start to create hanging ice cycles and freezing up on the roof, especially at the gutter line. This can be an issue if not addressed. The ice/snow can form and push up under shingles even pulling nails up and working moisture up under the underlayment on the roof, which can cause an internal leak. Most of the time, “heat cable” placed in the gutters or zig-zagged near the eve of the roof can prevent this kind of build-up of ice. But not always. Sometimes it requires manual effort to pull the snow off the edge of the roof with a snow rake to lessen the snow load. This can be dangerous, so if you are not comfortable on a ladder, get a professional to help.

9) INCORRECT SIZED GUTTERS or DOWNSPOUTS – 5” seamless gutters and 2” by 3” downspouts are the norm when it comes to the standard size. Depending on the size of the roof and the amount of water coming off each slope, you may need to upgrade to 6” gutters and 3” by 4” downspouts. Larger roofs with multiple combining of slopes can create too much water trying to drain out of too little drainage and cause problems.

10) TOO LITTLE DRAINAGE FROM DOWNSPOUTS – Gutters are installed on the eves of the home. (The edge of the roof at the end of a slope.) Where downspouts are placed can be a challenge in certain situations because of needing to drain away from walkways, basement window wells, home foundations and more. Sometimes gutter systems are designed with too little drainage to handle the amount of rain. Here on the Front Range, we seldom see that kind of precipitation, and it can, and does occur. So, most systems are designed and built for the norm. The lack of adequate drainage can cause water to get behind the gutters and cause issues with leaks inside the home along with long term issues with fascia and soffits if they are not addressed. Call out a professional to help come up with the proper solution to inadequate drainage.

11) OLD GUTTERS – Here on the Front Range, with regular hail storms, gutters are most likely replaced from time to time but sometimes they can just age and outlast their lifespan and need to be replaced before they cause a bigger issue. We do see gutters just needing to be replaced for the reasons listed in this article above.

12) ROTTING FASCIA or SOFFITS MEANS… – When you see a rotting section of your Fascia or Soffit or you see the paint peeling on sections of them, you have water that is leaking or overflowing out of your gutters. This is a sign to deal with the issue immediately before it worsens.

13) CHANNELING WATER FLOW ON THE ROOF – Sometimes a piece of special “flashing” is needed to properly channel waterflow in and on certain sections of your roof. The roofers attempt to take care of this during the roof installation. And certain flashing is code. And depending on the design of the roof, more might be needed. This usually can only be recognized during a storm and extreme situation to show need. If you see water pouring out of your gutters at a corner or over the edge of the gutter, take video during the event and show it to a professional.

With ANY leak or overflow situation, take pictures and preferably video to show your local Roofing/Gutter professional the actual situation that you are calling them about. It would be very helpful at pinpointing the proper solution and speed up the repair process.

Let us know if we can be of any help in supporting you in fixing your situation.