call now - CO ,TX
call now - CO ,TX
Living in Denver, CO, means that your home is in the direct path of severe storms. Heavy rains and hail can easily damage your roof if you don't prepare. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to protect your house. Here is how we recommend you do so.
How Does Rain Hurt Your Roof?
When heavy rains come through, they can cause water to pool on your roof, which increases the risk of leaks. If the water seeps into your attic or insulation, it can be incredibly expensive to fix. When ignored, it can even lead to mold and mildew growth. This issue does much more than harm your health. It also weakens the roof's structural integrity and reduces heating and cooling efficiency.
Over time, moisture exposure may even cause wood rot. Rain can also damage flashing around chimneys and vents, creating additional entry points for water. You might notice sagging in the roof, stains on ceilings, or peeling paint. All of these problems need immediate attention so they don’t worsen over time.
How Does Hail Hurt Your Roof?
After a hailstorm, it's very important to check the roof for damage. If the hail caused any punctures, you'll need to have them fixed quickly. Water and debris can find their way through the punctures and cause leaks, mold growth, and structural deterioration. Shingles aren't the only roofing material that can sustain damage from hail. Metal roofing, as tough as it is, can dent and lose its protective coating.
Tile roofs can crack and shatter. Hail can also damage roof flashing, skylights, and vents. Inspecting the roof after a hailstorm ensures that small issues don’t turn into costly repairs.
Protection Methods Against Rain
The best way to prevent rain from damaging your roof is to ensure it is properly installed and maintained regularly. Preventing roof leaks and keeping your roof in excellent condition require prompt attention to minor problems.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
One of the best ways to protect a roof from rain damage is to keep the gutters clean. To do this, you should check them at least once a month and after every storm. With the gutters cleared of leaves, twigs, and other debris, it becomes easier for them to effectively drain water away from the roof. If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your gutters, you can always have a professional roofer do it for you. You should also call for gutter replacement if you find sections are damaged, as these gutters won't be able to do their job protecting their home when you need them.
Check for Roof Leaks
Regular inspection of the roof is a great way to check for signs of leaks, such as water stains and mold. If you notice any, you need to contact a professional roofer right away.
Install a Waterproof Membrane
A waterproof membrane adds an extra layer of protection against moisture infiltration. This barrier not only helps prevent leaks but also extends the roof’s lifespan. There are multiple types of waterproof membranes to choose from, including those made from bitumen, rubber, or synthetic polymers. Membranes made from bitumen tend to provide the best protection against water damage. A professional roofer can help you select the right type for your roof.
Ensure Proper Attic Insulation
If the attic has a sufficient amount of insulation, it will help reduce moisture buildup on the roof. This is crucial for avoiding problems such as mold and rot. Just make sure to double-check that the attic has proper ventilation. If it doesn't, this can trap excess heat and moisture, leading to condensation and faster roof deterioration.
Trim Overhanging Branches
You don't want any tree branches scraping against the roof. When this happens, it wears down the roofing material and removes protective granules. It also causes unsightly damage and reduces the roof's lifespan. Trimming the branches back every few months will prevent scraping and debris buildup.
Fix Loose or Damaged Shingles
When a roof has loose or damaged shingles, it allows water to seep into the underlayment and decking. Replacing missing or loose shingles strengthens the roof, preventing leaks and structural damage.
Improve Roof Drainage
Your roof has downspouts that direct rainwater away from the foundation to prevent water pooling. You should check these downspouts periodically to ensure they properly drain the water.
Install a Drip Edge
A drip edge is a useful tool for diverting roof runoff into gutters, preventing water from penetrating the roof and causing structural damage. There are several types of drip edges to choose from: aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and non-metallic.
Aluminum drip edges are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. They come in a wide range of colors, making it simple to match the aesthetic of your roof. Galvanized steel drip edges are extremely sturdy against strong winds and have excellent rust resistance. Copper drip edges offer a unique appearance but tend to be more expensive. Non-metallic drip edges are available in several styles, including plastic, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Protection Methods Against Hail
There are many steps you can take to protect your roof from hail damage. This will not only help the roof appear better but also function better.
Install Impact-Resistant Shingles
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles can withstand hail impacts without developing cracks. Using these shingles may reduce the severity of storm damage to your roof.
Reinforce Roof Decking
Adding stronger decking is another way to enhance your roof's protection against hail damage. Some of the best decking materials include plywood, OSB (oriented strand board), impact-resistant composite panels, or reinforced metal sheets.
Use Metal Roofing
Metal roofing tends to withstand hail better than traditional shingles because metal is more resistant to cracking.
Install a Hail Guard on Skylights
If your roof has skylights, you need to add hail guards to prevent shattering during hail storms. These guards are key to mitigating interior water damage and prolonging the lifespan of both the skylights and the roof.
Trim Trees Near the Roof
Just like rainstorms, hailstorms can break branches off trees, causing them to fall on rooftops. Trimming the trees regularly will minimize the risk of impact damage.
Upgrade to a Steeper Roof Pitch
A higher roof slope can help reduce the impact force of hailstones. Therefore, you might want to consider making your roof steeper.
Regularly Inspect for Weak Spots
Weak spots on your roof can cause catastrophic consequences during and after hailstorms. If there is a pre-existing crack, the hail may worsen the damage and create an entry point for water. This can result in severe leaks and structural weakening, which can be expensive to fix. It can also leave your attic vulnerable to moisture damage.
To prevent this from happening, it's important to check the roof regularly for weak spots. Signs include missing or damaged shingles, sagging roof sections, visible cracks, and granule loss on asphalt shingles. If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional local roofer immediately.
Here at Rise Renovation in Denver, we help people every day fix roof damage caused by storms. We also offer gutter installations and maintenance. With our expert services, you can make your roof much more resistant to storm damage. Contact Rise Renovation today to learn more about how to protect your roof from spring rain and hail.