Denver sees its fair share of severe weather, and with the summer heat can also come heavy hailstorms. Hail is one of those weather elements that can create a great deal of damage in a short period of time when it is bad enough.
When it comes to your home, severe storms, especially hail storms, can cause damage to your exterior, especially your roof, which takes the brunt of any harsh weather.
But before storms hit, you can discover how to get your home prepared for the storms as well as what to do in the event a major storm strikes and your home receives roof damage. As a certified roofing contractor, here is our guide to your roof and severe weather.
What Type of Roof Is Best?
If you live in an area that is prone to severe storms, your roof deserves a home that can handle that weather. For Denver homeowners, hail is a special form of weather to be aware of when selecting a roof. So when selecting a roof for severe weather, you need something that can withstand wind and impacts.
Impact resistant shingles are the best choice for severe weather. They are designed to handle greater impacts and can withstand heavier winds than normal shingles.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Severe Weather
If you know storm season is upon you or you know a single, major storm is possible, it’s important to prepare your home for the severe weather. Here are some steps that can help protect your roof.
Perform Yard Maintenance
Trees, plants, and yard debris can cause problems with your roof if not properly maintained. Before a storm, make sure to trim any brush or tree branches that hang over your roof.
Clear your yard of leaves, twigs, and debris. Trim dead bushes and plants, and remove any materials from your roof to keep twigs from scratching your shingles.
Have Gutters Cleaned and Repaired
Gutters are instrumental to proper roof drainage. Without proper water flow, severe weather can cause damage to your roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, creating leaks. Cold winters and backlogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause major roof issues.
Have your gutters completely cleaned and repaired or replaced before storm season hits, to ensure your roof has the proper drainage.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Contact your insurance company before storm season. Review your policy with them to ensure your roof is extensively covered in the event of damage. Not every policy will cover the full cost of a roof replacement in the event one is needed, so be sure you have the coverage you are comfortable with.
Have a Roof Inspection Performed
Contact a professional for a roof inspection. One of the best preparations for your home is making sure it is in top shape. A roof inspector will be able to thoroughly assess your roof and provide recommendations for necessary repairs. Have all necessary repairs made in order to give your home the best shot come severe weather.
Seal Around Vents, Skylights, and Chimneys
Don’t forget the portions of your roof that are not shingles. Your roof can have vents, skylights, and a chimney protruding from its surface, and those areas present opportunities for water intrusion without proper sealing. Remove all old and rundown sealing from around these structures and have them resealed.
Checking for Signs of Damage
Once the storm has inevitably passed, you will want to promptly assess your roof for any damage that may have been done. Assess your roof from the ground with a pair of binoculars, but if climbing onto the roof becomes necessary, make sure you utilize all the proper safety equipment and only do so on a clear, sunny day when the roof is dry.
But better than climbing onto the roof yourself, contact a professional roofing contractor for an inspection. They can better and more safely assess your roof.
Here are some signs your roof has damage.
Lifted or Curled Shingles
Heavy storm winds can cause your shingles to lift or curl, which can allow water penetration into your home. If you notice these issues occurring on your shingles, you’ll want to contact a professional.
Cracked, Dented, Broken Shingles
Hail, debris, and strong winds can cause your shingles to break. Even if you don’t notice cracks on the top of the shingles, dents can mean the backing has broken, which can allow water intrusion, indicating roof damage.
Missing Shingles
Walk your home’s perimeter. If you notice fallen shingles around your home or you can see missing patches of shingles on the roof, you need to take immediate action. Without proper protection, your roof cannot do its job in protecting your home.
Interior Leaks
Climb into your attic after a major storm to see if you spot any issues from your interior. If you notice any leaks or areas where light is making its way into your home, contact a professional.
Ceiling stains (which can take longer to notice) can also be a clear indication that unwanted water has made its way into your home through your roof.
Contact a Professional and Make a Claim
If your roof has experienced damage due to a storm, it’s important to make a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Document all damage you notice through pictures. And contact a professional for an assessment.
With your documented information, contact your insurance company. We know dealing with insurance can be a headache. Our Refined Exteriors team is happy to work directly with your insurance to give you the smoothest storm repair process possible.
Protect Your Roof Against Severe Weather
It’s important to think ahead when it comes to home protection, especially when you live in an area prone to severe weather. If you are looking to have your Denver roof repaired or replaced to prepare it for any upcoming storms or if your roof has experienced storm damage, our team can help!
Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our team.
