As a homeowner, one of your main responsibilities is to take steps to prevent roof leaks. Without regular maintenance and preventative measures, your roof can start leaking as it ages, and that can lead to costly repairs or even replacement. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to prevent roof leaks from occurring in the first place!

Understanding Roof Leaks

Before we dive into preventative measures, it’s important to understand how roof leaks happen.

Typically, roof leaks occur when water seeps in through damaged shingles or flashing – the metal strips that prevent water from entering at the edges of a roof and around vents, chimneys, and other protrusions. When these protective barriers fail, water can penetrate the roof and cause extensive damage.

In some cases, damaged shingles or flashing may be the result of extreme weather events, such as windstorms, hail storms, ice and even tornados. These can put enormous strain on a roof’s structure and can cause holes or ruptures that allow water to get in.

Sometimes preventative steps – such as regular maintenance and inspection – can prevent roof leaks from happening in the first place. Making sure that your roof is free of debris, that shingles and flashing are intact, and that your attic has proper ventilation can all go a long way towards keeping your roof in good condition.

It’s also important to be aware of age and wear-and-tear. Over time, a roof’s materials may break down and need to be replaced in order to prevent water damage. If you’re unsure of the age or condition of your roof, it’s best to contact a professional roofing contractor for advice and professional opinion.

Signs That Your Roof May Be Leaking

One of the best ways to prevent roof leaks is to be on the lookout for signs that your roof may be leaking. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Discoloration or staining on interior walls or ceilings
• Mold, mildew, and odor in the attic
• Blistering paint on the exterior wall
• Peeling wallpaper
• Water spots or water trails inside the home
• Puddling or dripping during of after a storm

If you notice any of these signs or suspected roof damage, contact a professional roofer to inspect your roof and take the necessary steps to prevent further damage.

Essential Steps for Preventing Roof Leaks

Taking preventative steps to protect your roof is a must, and here are a few of the best ways you can prevent leaks on your own:

Make sure all shingles are in good condition and that no loose or cracked shingles are present.

As a homeowner, checking the condition of your roof shingles is essential to ensuring the safety and structural integrity of your home. Although you may not want to climb up on your own roof, checking for loose or cracked shingles regularly is an important part of maintaining your roof’s health.

Here are some steps you can take to inspect your roof shingles and identify any that may need to be replaced:

1. Examine the area near the chimney, vents, and edges of your roof for any cracked or missing shingles. These areas are especially exposed to the elements, so checking them often is important.
2. Look at the valleys of your roof, checking for any cracked or loose shingles. Valleys are the intersections where two roof surfaces meet, and if they’re compromised your home may be at risk of water or ice damage.
3. Examine the nails used to secure each shingle in place. Look for any that have pulled away from their original position, as this could be an indication that the shingle has been damaged. High winds can and do pull up loose shingles. They can also cause what are called “nail-pops” where the head of the nail protrudes up under the shingle and it pokes through the shingle causing a hole and possible water intrusion point.
4. Take a look at your roof from the ground using binoculars or a telescope. This is an easy way to spot any missing or cracked shingles without actually getting on the roof.

These steps should help you identify any potential problems with your roof shingles. If you have any concerns about the condition of your roof, it’s always best to contact a professional for an inspection. They can help you make sure that your home is safe and secure.

Inspect for any missing nails or metal flashing.

Inspect the nails used to secure shingles and inspect for exposed nail heads or any missing nails. Look for any signs of rust on the metal flashing, which could indicate corrosion. Check that all nails are properly sealed with silicone, mastic or a proper sealant to prevent water from entering the roof decking through the nail holes. Inspect your roof’s joints and seams for any gaps or separations. Pay special attention to the areas around vents and exhausts, as these are common spots for water intrusion.

To inspect for missing nails or metal flashing:

1. Start at the edge of your roof and work your way up in a zig-zag pattern.
2. As you inspect, look for any loose shingles or gaps between shingles that could indicate missing nails.
3. Check for any visible nail heads and inspect the metal flashing to look for any signs of rust, corrosion or damage.
4. Look in the corners of where the different roof slopes meet. There can be specialized flashing at these points that can come loose and cause issues if it pulls away from its original location.

If you notice any issues, such as missing nails or metal flashing, contact a roofing professional to inspect the roof and make any necessary repairs. This will help ensure your roof remains in optimal condition and can help prevent costly water damage.

Regularly clear the roof and gutters of debris and leaves, which can cause water pooling.

Clearing your roof of debris, such as leaves and twigs, and even bird droppings is important to keeping it in top condition. In addition to being an eyesore, debris collecting on your roof can lead to water pooling which can cause problems for your home’s structure over time.

Water pooling occurs when the rain or melting snow has nowhere to go because of the debris on your roof. This can create long-term water damage as the water collects and pools, potentially leading to issues such as rot, mold, and other structural damage. Bird droppings are acidic and can eat into the shingle if left over time.

Fortunately, clearing your roof of debris is relatively simple if done correctly.

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your roof is free from any debris and water pooling:

1. Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of debris accumulation. This should be done at least once or twice a year, but more frequently if you live in an area with frequent storms or your home is surrounded by trees.
2. Remove any visible debris by using a leaf blower, rake or broom to clear it away. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves and a dust mask, if needed.
3. A lot of people Install gutter guards or leaf-catching systems on your gutters. These can help prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your gutters and causing water pooling on your roof. And they are also prone to ice damming in the winter and can cause large icicles to form on the gutters also with ice dams that can damage the roof. To be honest, we don’t recommend them.
4. Have a professional regularly inspect your roof for any signs of water pooling or other damage.

By taking these steps, you can help keep your roof clear of debris and protect it from water pooling. If you ever spot any signs of water pooling or damaged shingles on your roof, contact a professional immediately to address the issue before it worsens. Taking care of your roof now can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Replace any damaged gutters and downspouts that prevent water from entering your home.

Replacing damaged gutters and downspouts is a necessary step for homeowners to take in order to prevent water from entering their home through the roof. It’s important for homeowners to understand the process of replacing damaged gutters and downspouts, as well as the steps needed to complete this task.

The industry norm for gutters is “seamless gutters” which are rolled out and created on site so that there are no seams to leak other than the corner joints. This is done by a professional. The gutters that you would pick up at a home improvement store are not sufficient to use on any property that you value. They just don’t hold up very well.

Here are the steps that we go through for new gutters:

1. First, we measure the length of your gutter or downspout and purchase the appropriate materials needed to replace the damaged area. There are choices of the thickness of the metal and also the actual size of the gutters. The common size is a 5” gutter. They also have 6” gutters if the roof is large and needs more flow to handle a lot of water coming off your roof.
2. The gutters are then mounted properly with “gutter hangers” to the fascia of the home.
3. We also make sure that the gutters are angled properly so that they will drain appropriately. You may see them slightly sloping toward the downspout to ensure proper drainage.
4. We also put an adhesive sealant to ensure that the joints and end caps will be securely fastened in place and be without leaks.
5. We then use snips and drills to put the holes in them for the downspouts so that they are accurately placed.
6. Finally, we make sure all of your connections from the gutters to the downspouts are sealed and fastened properly in order to prevent water leakage.

Replacing damaged gutters and downspouts may seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and materials, it is an easy process that can save homeowners from costly repairs in the future.

Check for signs of discoloration or staining on the exterior of your roof.

One of the key steps a homeowner should take to ensure their roof is in good condition and preventing roof leaks is to look for signs of discoloration or staining on the exterior. Knowing what to look out for can help you identify any potential problems before they become too serious.

The process of checking for signs of discoloration or staining is fairly straightforward:

1. The first step is to determine where you should check. You should focus on areas around the roof that are exposed to direct sunlight and places where water could collect, such as the valleys between shingles or the area near the eaves and gutters.
2. After determining the locations of your inspection, then you can begin to look for signs of discoloration or staining. These signs can appear as dark spots, streaks, patches, and/or fading on the roof’s exterior surface.
3. If your roof has any of these signs, then you should contact a professional roofer to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

At the end of the day, checking for signs of discoloration or staining on your roof is an essential part of keeping it in good condition. By following these steps and inspecting your roof regularly, you can ensure that any problems are identified quickly and taken care of promptly before they become too serious. This will help keep your home safe, secure, and properly protected from outside elements.

When it comes to preventing and repairing roof leaks, hiring a professional roofing company is always the best choice.

With their expertise and experience, they can identify any potential problems before they become bigger issues. Furthermore, they have the right tools and materials to ensure that the repair is done properly and within safety regulations. This ensures that your home remains protected from the elements and keeps your roof functioning optimally.

Another benefit of hiring a professional roofing company is that they can help you save money in the long run. By preventing or repairing minor roof leaks, you can avoid costly repairs down the line. This not only saves you money but also prevents future damage to your home and property.

Additionally, a professional roofing company can provide advice on preventing future problems and help you maintain your current roof in top shape.

Your roof is an integral part of your home, so it’s essential to take preventative measures to prevent roof leaks from occurring. By following the steps above and being vigilant about regular maintenance, you can prevent roof leaks and protect your home from costly repairs in the future.

If you do find signs of a leak, contact a professional roofer as soon as possible to prevent further damage. And remember, prevention is key – so make sure you take the steps outlined above to prevent roof leaks for good!

When ice and excessive snow accumulates on your roof during a cold snap it can cause a variety of problems beyond Santa’s reindeer slipping and sliding around! And with cold fronts and winter storms rolling into Colorado, it’s important for every homeowner to know how to de-ice their roof should the need arise.

While many types of storm issues can occur up on a roof, ice dams are the most common type of ice-related damage to a roof. These occur when ice accumulates along the eaves (the area where your gutters are for those not familiar with roofing terminology) and prevents melted snow from draining off the roof. This can lead to water pooling up along the roof edge and seeping back under the shingles and potentially into the home’s interior spaces. In addition, ice buildup can also cause shingles to crack or break, nails to be pushed up, which increases the roofs susceptibility to possible leaks and further ice damage in future years.

As a homeowner, you should be aware of what’s happening with your roof during winter months so that you can take appropriate steps to reduce any potential ice dam formation or ice buildup!

Start by inspecting your roof regularly, especially after a storm, removing any ice or snow that has accumulated, and checking for signs of ice damage. If you notice ice dams forming or ice buildup on your roof, contact a professional immediately to discuss potential solutions. Taking these precautions now can help you avoid costly ice-related damage in the future!

De-icing Your Roof During Winter Months

During the colder winter months, de-icing your roof is an important part of keeping it safe and secure. Ice on your roof can be incredibly damaging if left unchecked, so it’s best to take steps to de-ice your roof before that happens.

Here are some tips for how to de-ice your roof during winter:

1. Identify the signs of ice damage: If you start to notice any areas where ice has started to accumulate or water is dripping from the eaves of your home, then this could be a sign that ice is damaging your roof. Be sure to check these spots regularly in order to catch any potential problems early on.

2. Prepare ahead of time: Before a snow or ice storm, it’s a good idea to do some winter roof maintenance. Check for any weak spots in your roof that may be vulnerable to ice and make sure you have de-icing materials on hand.

3. De-ice your roof: Once the winter weather hits, it’s important to de-ice your roof as soon as possible. Let’s look at some ways you can de-ice your roof when needed…

• Use de-icing chemicals: De-icing chemicals can be a very effective way to de-ice your roof quickly and easily. They’re available at most hardware stores and come in liquid, powder, or granular form. You should apply the de-icing chemical directly to the affected areas of your roof using a broom or a spray bottle, depending on the specific product you’re using. Make sure you don’t put too much de-icer on the roof, as this can cause more damage than good!
• Use de-icers with heat sources: If your de-icing chemicals aren’t working fast enough to remove all of the ice from your roof, you can use a heat source such as hot water or electric heating pads to help speed up the process. However, it’s important that you take care not to damage your roof with the heat source, so be sure to use an evenly distributed amount of de-icer and follow all manufacturer instructions.
• Use a de-icing rake: If you have ice build up on your roof in large sections or layers, a de-icing rake may help you remove it faster and more effectively. Make sure that you only use the de-icing rake when your roof is completely dry, as wet roofs can cause damage to both the de-icer and your roof.

4. After de-icing your roof, take some time to inspect it closely: You want to look for any signs of underlying damage or issues. Ice build ups can be caused by water leakage, poor insulation, cracks in the sealant, or other roof issues. If you notice any problems, be sure to contact a roofing professional right away in order to fix them before they become worse.

5. Monitor progress: After de-icing your roof, be sure to keep an eye on it to check for any further signs of ice damage. If the de-icing material isn’t effective, be sure to call a professional roofer to help with the de-icing process.

6. Ice and Water Shield Installation: If you have had your roof replaced in the last several years, you might have a product installed on the eaves of your roof called Ice & Water Shield. It’s a precautionary rubberized material that is installed up from the eves around 3 feet and protects against interior damage from this specific issues. Some local townships have it as part of their roofing code. If you have an older roof, chances are that its not installed. When you have your next roof installed, ask your Roofer about it. As a company we routinely install it because it’s the right thing to do.

7. Icicles forming off your gutters: It’s not uncommon to see large icicles forming off of gutters after a snow or ice storm as the normal melting and refreezing cycles happens days after the storm. If those icicles are forming over walkways they can be dangerous. They can fall and hit you or can fall and refreeze on the ground and cause slip and falls. A big cause of this can be when leaf gutter guards are installed. People really like them, for the obvious reason of not needing to do regular cleaning of your gutters, and they can and do cause ice damming to happen when they are not draining correctly. We do not recommend them. They can be quite expensive and we can’t tell you how many customers are dissatisfied with them just for this reason, and ask us to remove them after having them for a year or two.

8. Install Heat Tape: If you find that your eves are constantly having ice dams, you can add “heat tape” to the shingles. It gets plugged in and is then laid down in a zig-zag pattern in the areas where the ice build up happens and gives just a little heat, enough to melt the problem areas. You can also run them in your gutters and up the “ valleys” (areas where roof lines meet) where snow and ice accumulates. It can be very effective if used correctly.

By de-icing your roof during winter months, you can help protect it from potentially serious interior water damage, saving yourself money, headaches and hassle down the line.

However, if de-icing is too difficult or dangerous for you to do on your own, consider hiring a professional to assist with the process. With regular winter maintenance and de-icing of your roof, you can keep it safe and secure throughout the colder season and beyond!

*This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. If you have any questions about ice damage to your roof or what steps you should take to de-ice it, please contact us directly for further assistance.

During strong wind and snow storms, trees or tree limbs falling can cause serious roof damage, and tree removal is essential in these cases.

If a tree falls on your roof, the first thing to do is assess the situation.

Try to identify if there are any broken branches or tree limbs that could be causing additional damage as they remain in contact with the roof surface or nearby structures. When a tree falls against a roof, the force of the impact can easily cause limbs and branches to puncture a roof. It’s important not to attempt tree removal yourself and contact a professional tree service that can safely remove the tree or tree limbs, preventing further roof damage. It could be there the tree limb that has punctured your roof is holding it up from falling. Be careful if you are doing your own roof inspection.

Contact a reputable roofing company like Denny’s Roofing immediately to get them to come out and do a temporary emergency repair so that there is no additional storm damage with water or snow penetration. Your roofer should have a good tree service professional that they have worked with before that comes out and removes the tree or large branches.

You should also check in with your insurance company right away. Your homeowner’s policy will have coverage of some or all of the costs associated with tree removal, as well as any roof repairs that may be needed. Your roofer should be able to give you a rough idea of whether or not it makes sense to call in an Insurance Claim based on your deductible.

Again, call your local roofer, and they will have you navigate you through the Insurance process as you get the tree removed and your roof, fascia, soffits, and possibly gutters repaired.

How can you tell if a fallen tree has damaged your roof to the degree that requires professional roof repair?

If a tree falls on your roof, it’s essential to assess the damage immediately and determine if professional roof repair services are needed.

Homeowners should be on the lookout for these signs of tree-related roof damage:

1. Broken or missing shingles: If you notice that some of your shingles have been broken or gone missing, it could indicate that tree debris has caused damage to your roof.
2. Dents and punctures: Check for dents in the roof or holes from tree branches, sticks, or other debris that may have penetrated through the roofing materials.
3. Debris buildup: Look for tree debris that may have accumulated on top of or around the roof. This debris can be tree branches, leaves, nuts, or other tree-related objects that have been left behind.
4. Visible tree damage: If you can see tree damage on the tree itself, such as broken branches, misshapen trunks, or exposed roots, this could be a sign that tree debris has impacted your roof.
5. Sagging or drooping roof sections: If you notice any sagging or drooping sections of your roof, this could indicate that tree debris has caused structural damage to the underlying support beams and needs to be addressed immediately by professionals.
6. Interior Water Damage: Look at the ceiling above where the impact happened and see if there are water stains. You can also get your head up into the attic to see if you can see any daylight leaking through. You also might see a tree limb or branch literally sticking through the roof and an area of the eave that has been penetrated or crushed. That is an immediate sign of a hole in the roof and will need a temporary emergency repair.

By assessing these signs, homeowners can determine whether tree-related roof damage requires professional roof repair services. If you are unsure or have any questions, it is always best to consult a licensed roofing contractor to ensure the issue is properly and safely addressed. Contact us today for a free roof inspection!

Help protect your roof from tree damage in the future:

Keep tree branches trimmed and away from the roof line with regular tree pruning.

Tree pruning involves trimming away any tree branches that have grown too close to the roof line. This will help prevent tree branches from falling and damaging your roof, as well as helping to maintain the tree’s health and overall shape.

Pruning also helps keep tree branches away from power or telephone lines, which is vital for safety. It can also increase airflow around the tree and allow better sunlight access to all sides of the tree.

Tree pruning should ideally be done at least once every two years, and more often if you have a tree that grows quickly or is particularly large. When tree pruning, make sure to remove dead branches first, then reduce the size of side shoots and thin out any dense growth.

Make sure any trees near the home are healthy, with no signs of disease or decay.

This is important to do regularly so tree branches don’t suddenly break off and damage the roof or other property. Inspecting trees for signs of decay can help avoid costly tree falls on roofs and further property damage.

Check for any dead-looking branches or leaves that appear to be wilting or discolored compared to the rest of the tree. Also, look for any tree branches that are angled in an unusual way which could be caused by decay or disease. Another sign of tree decay is tree trunk wounds. If tree bark is cracked or there are visible tree wounds where the tree is exposed, it needs to be examined and possibly treated by a tree specialist. These tree trunk wounds can eventually cause tree branches to break off and create hazardous situations. Finally, check for any signs of rot on tree roots, as these can weaken the tree and cause tree falls or tree damage. A tree specialist may be required to identify tree root rot and suggest options for tree treatment.

Regularly inspecting trees near the home can avoid dangerous tree falls that could cause roof damage. Tree decay is a slow process, so paying attention to any unusual signs that the tree may be deteriorating is important. Taking action at the first sign of tree disease or tree decay is essential to protect property and maintain tree health near the home.

By taking these steps, homeowners can help protect their roofs from tree fall damage and save themselves time and money in the long run.

Remember, if a tree falls on your roof, make sure to contact your roofer and your insurance company immediately to ensure the tree is removed safely, and any damages are covered. Your roofer will help identify a good tree removal company.

Not sure if you have roof damage from trees or tree limbs?

Contact Denny’s Roofing today for a free roof inspection!

A lot of homes these days are opting to use solar panels. Solar is certainly a technology that soon will be even more widespread than it is now.

If you’re thinking about replacing or repairing your damaged roof, you might be concerned about your solar panels and how they’ll be affected.

Here’s everything you need to know about solar panels and roof repairs and replacements.

If your roof needs to be replaced and your solar panels are already installed, the old roof will need to be removed and replaced as part of the process of the existing solar panels on your roof.

Depending on the repairs and your goals, we may need to raise or lower certain parts of the roof to ensure that the panels get optimal sunlight exposure.

This kind of work can take some time, but don’t fret! We often don’t need to make these kinds of changes to the roof structure during repairs or replacements. Solar panels are a great way to save on energy costs, so it’s vital to ensure that they’re installed in the best possible location. A roofing company may not seem like a solar panel resource, but we can help you ensure that your solar panels are in the right place and getting the most sunlight possible.

If your roof only needs to be repaired, but the solar panels are already in place, we will do everything we can to work around them and we might need to remove the panels to make the necessary repairs.

We have a ton of experience with roofing and solar panel repairs, so you can rest assured that your roof will be in good hands. We understand that many homeowners are hesitant to remove their solar panels, but we reinstall them as soon as the roof repair is complete so that you don’t miss out on hardly any solar energy savings at all with our proven process.

Removing solar panels can be a complicated process, so choosing a roofing company with experience with roofing and solar panel is crucial. Our team is well-equipped to handle both tasks, so you can be sure that your roof and solar panels will be in good hands throughout the entire process—including how we store your panels for safekeeping and protection.

If you’re considering a roof replacement, it’s a good idea to factor in the cost of removing and reinstalling your solar panels. Our team can help you estimate the cost of the roof repair and solar panel installation so that you can make an informed decision. If this is happening as part of the Insurance process of roof replacement, make sure that your solar panels are covered on your policy. We want to make sure that your roof is in good condition, both inside and out, so you can enjoy years of reliable service.

We’ll ensure you have new mounting hardware when your solar panels are reinstalled.

After your roof is repaired, we’ll reinstall your solar panels. We always use new mounting hardware to ensure that they are mounted securely and optimally. This is especially important after a roof replacement, as the roof may be different in size or shape than your original roof. We want to make sure that your solar panels are working at their best, so we take the time to mount them properly.

If you have any questions about roofing repair and solar panels, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Your roof is one of the most essential features of your home. It protects your family and your belongings from the elements, but it also helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. That’s why it’s so important to keep your roof in good condition by hiring a roofing company to repair any damage, especially after a storm.

If your roof needs to be replaced, consider installing solar panels simultaneously. A roofing company can help you determine if installing solar panels is a good idea as part of your roof replacement project. If you have an OLD roof, it will be a lot more cost effective to replace the roof BEFORE adding Solar.

Solar panels can add value to your home and may even help you qualify for a tax credit.

If you need a roof repair or roof replacement, contact us today for a free inspection and estimate!