Roof damage is a common issue in Longmont, Colorado, due to the large hailstorms that frequently occur in the area. The Colorado Front Range is called “Hail Alley”. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 roof damage issues in Longmont and how to prevent or repair them.
Hail damage: Hailstones can range in size from pea-sized to tennis ball-sized, and they can cause significant damage to a roof. Hailstones can dent or crack shingles, causing them to become less effective at protecting your home from water damage. If you suspect that your roof has been damaged by hail, it is important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. To prevent hail damage, consider installing a “Class-4 Impact Resistant” shingle when it’s time to replace your next roof. A little extra cost goes a LONG way in protecting your roof and it can get you a significant discount on your homeowner insurance with your Insurance carrier.
Wind damage: High winds can cause shingles to become loose, fold over, or can be completely torn off of a roof. This can lead to water infiltration and damage to the interior of your home. To prevent wind damage, make sure that your roof is properly secured and that your shingles are in good condition. If you notice any loose or missing shingles, have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Taking care of the outside of your roof will go a long way in protecting the inside of your house. The newer shingles that have been developed over the last 10 to 15 years withstand MUCH higher wind velocities than older 3-Tab or T-lock shingles. T-lock shingles are no longer manufactured. So, if you have them on your roof and have any damage whatsoever Insurance will most likely have to replace your roof. The newer shingles also require 5 to 6 nails on each shingle rather than 4 like the older shingles for the updated wind ratings too.
Water damage: Water infiltration can occur when a roof is not properly sealed or when it is damaged. Water damage can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health and the structure of your home. You might not think of mold and mildew on the Front Range because of how dry it tends to be but once the moisture gets into your attic, it can grow over time. To prevent water damage, make sure that your roof is properly sealed with a regular roof inspection and maintenance every 3 to 5 years. That way, any damage can get repaired as soon as it is discovered.
Ice dams: Ice dams occur when snow on the roof melts and then refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can create a dam that prevents water from properly draining off of the roof and gutters. This has been a very common occurrence this Winter. The snow will freeze and get up under the shingle and push back up under the shingle and work its way past the underlayment. This can lead to water infiltration and damage to the interior of your home. To prevent ice dams, make sure that your roof is properly insulated and that your gutters are clear of debris before wintertime comes around. Get a long “snow rake” to pull snow off the lower areas of the house where ice build-up happens if you have a one-story home. If you know that Ice Dams are a regular issue, you can also install “heat tape” along the eve of the roof and in your gutters to help it from showing up.
Animal damage: Animals such as squirrels, birds, and raccoons can cause damage to a roof by digging or scratching at the shingles. We see this type of damage all the time during inspections. The animals are trying to get out of the extreme weather. They burrow into any area that is not properly sealed. Even the smallest of open areas on your roof can invite a “critter” to make a nest. This can create openings that allow water to infiltrate the roof and damage the interior of your home. It can also lead to having animals in your attic and up in the roofing structure which can become a major issue. To prevent animal damage, consider installing protective wire barriers on vulnerable areas of your roof, under solar panels, and trimming back any branches that are near the roof. You can also have our roofer secure certain areas of penetration and add extra caulk to points that might seem inviting for animals to enter. Below is a picture of a home where we did some repairs on the soffit and fascia. The metal plates were the homeowner’s attempt at covering the holes in the siding that a woodpecker kept coming back to over and over again. You can see at the top of the picture where the birds got into the soffits by pulling them back to have just enough of a hole to sneak in and get out of the extreme weather.
In conclusion, the top 5 roof damage issues in Longmont, Colorado are hail damage, wind damage, water damage, ice dams, and animal damage. To prevent or repair these issues, it is important to have a professional inspect your roof regularly and address any damage as soon as it is discovered. By taking these precautions, you can protect your home and ensure that it stays in good condition for years to come.
