HOW TO DEAL WITH ROOF HAIL DAMAGE ROOF AFTER A STORM

Did you know that Colorado’s Front Range is located right in the heart of “Hail Alley”? This region experiences more frequent large hail storms than any other part of North America — possibly even the world.

While peak hail season may be over in Denver, the hail damages left over from this summer’s storms are still apparent on many local cars and residential roofs. If you’ve noticed any leaks or missing tiles from your roof, chances are that you’re going to need some hail damage repairs before winter sets in. Here’s what you should know about the process and how to get the job done right.

  1. Beware of “Storm Chasers.”
    Lo and behold, right after a significant storm hits your neighborhood, a roofing company appears at your door. They say they’re doing work in the area and ask if you’d like them to take care of any hail damage while they’re around. Be careful: these may be less-than-reputable roofers who will perform shoddy work and then skip town, leaving you with a roof that might be in worse shape than it was to begin with. Never allow anyone to work on your home without offering proper credentials and insurance information and researching the company.
  2. Don’t Go Up Alone.
    You may be tempted to assess your roof’s hail damage by climbing up there yourself. This is a very dangerous idea, since storm damage may leave behind loose tiles or soft areas that could collapse with one false step. Tile roofs may have passed the test of time — being used in practically every region and climate throughout the world since 10,000 B.C. in Neolithic China — but they’re still prone to give way after a bad hailstorm. Leave the roof climbing to the professionals.
  3. Get an Insurance Inspection.
    It’s important to get a roof inspection and a detailed assessment from both your preferred roofing contractors andyour insurance company before you move ahead with any roof repairs. If you have insurance for hail damage, your insurance company will let you know exactly what and how much they’re willing to pay for. Make sure that amount corresponds with the work being done by the roofing company.

Hail damage might be a pain to deal with, but it’s simply a fact of life when living in and around Denver. Before the next storm hits, make sure your home is prepared for whatever nature may throw your way next.

THE HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO IMPACT RESISTANT ROOFING PRODUCTS

Everyone who’s ever purchased a home here knows just how important it is to have an impact resistant roof in Denver. Besides the usual rain, sleet, snow, and occasional tornado warnings, hail damage is also a serious threat to Colorado homeowners. While you may understand that you need impact resistant roofing products for your home, what you may not realize is that you have options. Here’s your guide to choosing between two of the most common materials for impact resistant roofs: concrete tile and stone coated steel.

Concrete Tile
Concrete is one of the most durable roofing materials around. Today’s concrete tiles can be manufactured to imitate the look and appearance of other materials like wood, clay, or slate, while still providing the durability and strength of impact resistant roofing products. With a wide variety of colors to choose from and a proven track record, concrete tile is a suitable choice for the variable climate and weather conditions of this area of the country. Concrete tiles often last 50 years or more, but because of their weight, your home structure may require additional support to have concrete tiles installed.

Stone Coated Steel Tiles
Another resilient choice for impact resistant roofing is stone coated steel. Like concrete tiles, the stone coating can be painted to make these metal tiles look just like other materials and match the aesthetic of the rest of your home. Additionally, are often more affordable and lightweight than concrete. They’re also a popular pick for the eco-conscious consumer, as they are often made with recyclable materials, can help deflect sunlight to reduce cooling costs in the summer, and are 100% recyclable after their long, useful lives.

Ultimately, the type of material you choose may depend on the scope of your house itself. Talk with your insurance company about any possible discounts or assistance you may be able to receive by upgrading your current roof to one with impact resistant roofing products. Then, call us at Advanced Roofing Systems to learn more about your choices and help improve the safety and longevity of your home and your roof.

PROS AND CONS TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF IMPACT RESISTANT ROOFS

Sure, an “impact resistant roof” sounds desirable — but is it really worth the investment cost? If you live in a place like Denver, the answer is 100% yes!

In general, your roofing needs depend on your climate and weather conditions. Here in Colorado, you experience not only hot summers and cold winters but frequent hailstorms and maybe even an occasional tornado warning, too. In short, you have to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

All types of impact resistant roofs will work well in Denver when it comes to protecting your home from hail damage. So how do you choose between the different materials available for roofing systems? Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of several types of impact resistant roofs.

Metal

    • Pros: strong, durable, and energy-efficient. Metal roofs are popular for helping control indoor temperatures, deflecting excess sun rays in the summer and absorbing welcome warmth during the winter.

 

  • Cons: As a less traditional type of roofing material, not all homeowners like the look of metal. However, a painted metal roof can often blend right in, maintaining 95% of its initial emittance and reflectance over time.

Tile

    • Pros: Tiles made of concrete are virtually impenetrable when it comes to hail. They also look more natural and come in a wide variety of colors.

 

  • Cons: As you might guess, a roof made out of concrete tiles is going to be heavy. Your home may require additional supports or precautions to support the tiles, which might make the process cost-prohibitive for some older homes.

No matter which types of impact resistant roofs you choose, one of the biggest advantages for homeowners is the insurance discount you can get for having them installed. Despite the initial investment costs, this break can pay for itself over time. Of course, there’s also the benefit of knowing that your home will be able to withstand rough hailstorms that come with the territory of living in the beautiful Denver area. If you’re ready to get impact-resistant, call us at Advanced Roofing today for more information.