The hail damaged roofs in Colorado are an expensive issue for homeowners and contractors. It can be the cause of thousands of dollars in replacement costs for existing roofs, or preventative costs for the future, depending on the severity of the damage. These roofs are susceptible to hail damage because they are part of an overall roof system.
The hail damaged roofs are typically identified as looking very similar to asphalt shingles. They are cracked, chipped, or broken, and they are uneven, light, and likely to have holes. The type of roof that is damaged depends on a variety of factors, including:
Hailstorm Prevention – Hail can easily damage roofs by causing them to crack, especially on flat roofs. Additionally, hail can cause water penetration under the roof shingles. On roofs that experience rainwater penetration, additional problems can occur that require the use of additional protection, such as expanding the roof sheathing, using “green” roofing materials, or applying special waterproofing products to the roof surface. If this occurs, the owner should contact a roofing contractor.
Snow Accumulation – After winter has come and gone, snow and ice will begin to accumulate on roofs. Snow accumulation can be very hazardous to roofs that are exposed to it, including causing piers and joists to fracture. The damage can be reduced by removing snow and ice before starting to repair the roof.
Repairs – Because roofs are exposed to sunlight during the day, they are susceptible to fading, discoloration, and cracking due to exposure to the sun. Roof repairs require the expertise of a professional roofing contractor, who will be able to provide you with a customized estimate based on the condition of your roof and your budget. Roof repairs are typically expensive but can provide a much-needed relief from some of the more extreme impacts associated with severe hail.
Contractors will use a variety of techniques in order to restore the roof, including repair and replacement of damaged materials, reinforcing existing damaged sections, and general cleaning and inspection of the roof surface. In addition, most contractors specialize in upgrading hail-resistant roofing material to meet today’s roofing regulations, which can reduce the total cost of a roof repair.
Repairing – Most roofing contractors will recommend the use of rubber or foam rubber coated with carbon nanotubes in order to effectively absorb water. Other methods include the use of rubber, wool, fiberglass, resin, and other materials to seal the edges of the damaged areas and prevent water from penetrating into the damaged areas. If the damage to the roof is extensive, it is important to contact a professional to make sure that there is a complete restoration to the roof, including installing new shingles and shingle caps that prevent future damage.
If the damage is large enough, it may be necessary to hire a roofing contractor to replace damaged materials and completely reconstruct the roof. Usually, roofing contractors will perform these services at a discount or as a one-time project to avoid additional expenses. Other than replacing damaged materials, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce damage, such as: Sometimes, a hail storm is not the main cause of damage. Other issues could be the result of general roofing maintenance that has not been followed through properly.
This could be the result of having a shingle sheathing that is made of shingles that are six feet or longer, which have been installed for a long period of time and are no longer able to support their own weight. In this case, the damage is only cosmetic, as the roof can be repaired and re-installed without the need for replacement. It is important to inspect the roof for these types of structural problems, as if they are left unattended, they can result in serious damage to the roof.
Severe Weather Damage – Rain, wind, and hail can all cause damage to roofs. In fact, severe weather can often lead to major structural damage, and even complete roof failure, if the roof is not inspected and repaired properly. For those who experience hail damage, it is important to consult a professional to determine the best course of action.