Hailstorms are becoming more intense and are affecting many parts of the country. It’s even more true in Colorado. (You’ll understand why in a moment.) While scientists debate about why these storms happen, no one can deny that they cause massive property damage and, in some cases, death. Hail damage can range from a few broken shingles to total building destruction, resulting in fatalities.
The main reason Colorado is prone to hail is its altitude. Its elevation is higher than most regions, bringing it closer to the freezing level in the atmosphere. Consequently, strong updrafts can quickly reach the cloud’s hail-producing site.
Another reason for hail occurrences is the cloud and the processes that are taking place in it. Summer in Colorado, for instance, is characterized by cold, mixed-phase clouds rather than the warm, all-liquid clouds seen in the other tropics and subtropics of the Earth.
While hailstorms are unavoidable, you can take precautions to protect yourself and your property through roof inspection. Hail damage can be heartbreaking. It does not only expose your home to future harm, but it can also cost you a lot of money in roof repairs or replacement. Large hailstones, you see, can penetrate surfaces, wreaking havoc on properties (homes, commercial buildings, and vehicles alike). Early inspection of your roof can detect structural flaws and recommend repairs, protecting you from future disasters.
Hail can fall at any elevation in Colorado, but it is most prevalent in June. These frozen water bombs, however, can fall as early as March and as late as October.
A powerful storm recently pelted Colorado with large hailstones. Previously, another storm dumped golf ball-sized hail in Denver and Aurora. These incidents occur every year. And with climate change, you can expect it to get worse. Thus, as your first line of defense, your roofs must remain in excellent condition to keep you safe during the storm.
Hail can cause significant damage. Even if your roof is highly durable, exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays, as well as changing weather conditions, will wear it down. As a result, it becomes vulnerable to hail damage.
Some tell-tale signs of a hail-damaged roof include the following:
There could be signs of damage that are not visible to the untrained eye. If you don’t see any of the symptoms mentioned above but still suspect wreckage, it’s time to call in the roofing experts.
Most homeowners would schedule a thorough roof inspection after a hailstorm. That, however, should not be the case.
Perhaps the best time of year to have your roof inspected is in the fall or just before the onset of winter. Freezing temperatures can jeopardize the quality of new roof installations and shingle replacements. Consequently, new shingles cannot correctly adhere to the surface when the weather is too cold. Besides, working on icy roofs can be dangerous. Furthermore, roof problems discovered too late in the season may have to wait until spring, which may put you at risk.
The fall season is also the best time to treat moss and lichen infestations. The solutions used to combat these invaders can take a long time to work, sometimes up to 180 days. So, if you begin the treatment during the fall, you have ample time to remove it before the cold weather arrives. The treatment can then continue to work during the long winter months. Dead lichens, on the other hand, will be swept or rinsed away in the spring.
Roof inspectors cover many tasks, including checking for leaks, unusual wear and tear, windblown debris damage, and other problems that may have emerged during shingle installation or subsequent repairs. The scope of work varies according to the roof’s structure, materials, interiors, and quality.
Let’s take a look at how roofers inspect these roof components.
The inspector will first check the structure for uneven roof planes and signs of sagging. Then, he will check the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutter system. Additionally, roofers will inspect the chimney (if you have it) for cracks, crumbling grout, and chimney caps damage.
Furthermore, the inspector will examine the attic venting. Improper ventilation can cause heat and moisture buildup, reducing roof life and increasing the risk of ice dams forming at the roof’s edge.
The inspector will look for stains, moss, and rust on the roofing materials. He will also investigate if there are loose, curling, or missing shingles as well as missing flashing or fasteners.
Shingle aggregates accumulated in roof valleys, on the ground, or at the bottom of gutter downspouts indicate that the roof is near the end of its useful life. In addition, the inspector will check for gaps or deterioration in the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes.
Leaks can do a lot of damage to your house. They don’t, however, always leave a trace. Roof inspectors, on the other hand, are well-trained in this area. They can detect water seepage in attics, ceilings, and walls even when there are no visible water stains, mold, or rot.
Craftsmanship flaws may increase the likelihood of future leaks or other roof damage. While professionals may have installed them, certain factors can cause the shingles to warp over time. Inadequate flashing around vent pipes, skylights, and chimneys warning signs that something needs immediate attention.
After the inspection, you will receive a comprehensive report on the condition of your roof. It usually comes out within the week. Aside from the assessment, the results will include advice on proper roof maintenance and recommendations on what to do next. You should arrange for the repairs before the snowfall to ensure your safety and security throughout the season.
Some roof problems, such as missing or flapping shingles, can be easily identified even without climbing the roof. Some damages, however, are not as evident to the untrained eye. Thus, it is critical to seek professional assistance at least ONCE A YEAR for a thorough inspection.
While a hailstorm is a great reminder to schedule a roof inspection, you don’t have to wait for it. You can plan it even before the monsoon or winter season arrives. Remember the adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
While some roofing contractors may offer free hail damage roof inspections, they may not always be as thorough as they should be.
Your roof is your best line of defense against all types of weather, especially harsh ones. Therefore, you should not hesitate or cut corners when it comes to your roof. Better get yourself ready for a full assessment and the cost that comes with it. A thorough inspection will protect you from further damages and provide you with peace of mind throughout the year. On top of that, roofing experts can help you with the documentation required to file insurance claims.
Roof inspection costs vary depending on the size of your home, the slope of your roof, and the type of material used. The level of expertise is also a significant consideration, as roofing materials have different issues. For example, wooden shingles rot, while metal shingles corrode over time. That’s why it’s essential to understand the different types of roofing shingles before deciding.
The weather in your area will also have an impact on the inspection. Humid climates would likely require a focus on moisture damage, whereas areas prone to hailstorms like Aurora and Denver will necessitate inspections for cracks or punctures. Hence, hiring an experienced roofing inspector in your specific location is critical to obtaining accurate results.
Whether for hail damage or otherwise, roof inspection fees in Aurora and Denver typically range between $280 and $ 440. Even so, in some cases, the price can exceed more than $600.
You may be wondering why fees can soar. Well, aside from different requirements, there are various approaches to roof inspection. Understanding these methods is critical to estimating costs.
This standard procedure entails inspecting the house from the outside to determine its condition. To put it another way, a certified roofing professional will climb a ladder to check the roofing materials and their overall condition. Typically, physical inspection ranges from $75 to $200. However, if the expert examines the underside of your roof from the attic, the total cost may exceed the average range.
If the area is difficult to access, your contractor may use a drone for $150 to $400 to get close-up footage of all surface areas. Consider hiring a professional who has a crewless aerial vehicle (UAV) certification and experience in analyzing aerial video.
Like the drone inspection, the infrared roof inspection procedure is ideal for difficult-to-access roofs. However, this method is more advanced; thus, it is more expensive than the others.
This procedure also uses a drone but with infrared rays to capture thermal imagery of the roof. This advanced layer of sophistication can estimate the surface and the amount of insulation needed. Aside from that, it can help you locate leaks and enhance your home’s heating system, which is especially useful in colder climates.
In addition, an infrared inspection can reveal areas that are losing more heat than others. It can point out areas of the house that need improvement. That is why you can expect to pay between $400 and $600 for a thermal inspection of your roof.
Due to the size of commercial buildings, roof inspection fees tend to be more expensive than those for residential properties. It can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, but it’s more likely to cost $1,000 or more.
As a result, many commercial contractors charge per square foot rather than per project. As a result, many commercial contractors charge per square foot rather than per project. They can charge anywhere between $ 0.05 and $ 0.10 per square foot. On the other hand, commercial projects are subject to additional regulations, another reason for the price increase.
Roof inspections typically take 45 minutes to complete, more so if the roof is in excellent condition. However, depending on the circumstances, it may last as long as four hours. The following factors will affect the procedure’s duration.
Although hail damage can be challenging to detect at times, taking preventive measures will help you minimize damage and repair costs. Here’s a quick rundown of what to do after a hailstorm.
It is not advisable to climb onto your roof after a hailstorm. Instead, walk around the perimeters of your house and take photos of any visible damage. Dented, discolored, worn, curled, or missing shingles are apparent signs of damage. If you live in a two-story home, the second-floor windows may provide a good vantage point for estimating the extent of hail damage. It will give you an excellent view of the flashing and gutters, best seen from above rather than below.
Roof damage can be deceiving. It may or may not have visible cracks or injuries. However, keep in mind that wind and hail can cause massive leakage inside. If your roof appears to be in good condition from the outside, don’t take it for granted. Instead, look for water stains in your ceilings and light fixtures. Scrutinize your attic with a flashlight to detect any hidden damage.
Even if your roof shingles appear to be in good condition, you should still inspect your gutters and downspouts for dents. Dents in other areas of your roof, such as gutters and roof vents, may also indicate hidden and severe marring. Check your windows for cracks, loose weatherstripping, and torn screens as well.
While some injuries, such as fallen tree limbs or broken fences, may be visible, others may be hidden. Assess the lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, and all items around your house for damage. In addition, look for signs of hail damage on all flat surfaces, such as patios and decks. Dents or hail splatters indicate hail damage.
Organize your notes after thoroughly inspecting your home. These will be required if you file a claim with your insurance company. The same is true if you plan a more thorough inspection. Remember to save a copy of each photo or document. They will come in handy should there be a problem with the claim later on. (We’re here to help with that, as well.)
If you live in a hail-prone area, such as Aurora or Denver, you should inspect your roof before and after a storm. Hail damage isn’t as minor as you might think. You should be aware that hail can cause cracks in the roof membrane, allowing water to seep into the interior of your home. Remember to plan and schedule a thorough roof inspection. It will not only save you money, but it will also save your life.
This year’s historic hail storm left many Colorado residents in need of roof inspections. Remember that hailstorms happen every year. That is, you will have to schedule roof inspections every year, as well. And if you need professional roofing assistance, All-Starr Roofing is the way to go for both new and old roofs.
When it comes to roofing, our certified, licensed, and insured roofers are subject matter experts. We have extensive experience inspecting roofs for damage, leaks, and water penetration. Aside from that, we can help you with your insurance claims and provide you with an estimate for the services you need.
All Starr Roofing is a premier, family-owned roofing contractor with over 16 years of experience. We have built a reputation for integrity, industry expertise, and superior craftsmanship, making us one of Colorado’s most trusted roofing contractors.
Aside from inspection, our skilled roofers can also install new roofs. We are proud to say that we only use high-quality roofing materials like Owen Cornings that will last for many years. Whatever it is that you need, whether a roof inspection, repair, or replacement, All Starr Roofing has the skills and experience to get the job done correctly and quickly.
Furthermore, we are dedicated to exceeding our clients’ expectations with professionalism and timely completion of all projects.
For additional information on roofs and our roofing services, please visit our blogs page. You can also request free estimates or schedule an appointment through our contact form. Alternatively, you can reach us at 720-854-9433.
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