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.

WINTER IS COMING: GET YOUR ROOFING READY

Winter is just around the corner here in Colorado and around the country, and that means colder temperatures, snowfall, ice, and more cold. Love it or hate it, every homeowner or commercial property owner should take the time now to prepare their roof systems for the coming weather changes. A little bit of extra preparation now could save you from some unpleasant roof repairs in the dead of winter. Here are three ways to keep your home and roofing safe all season long.

  1. Clean Your Gutters
    Buildup and debris on your roof and in your gutters could cause ice damming once cold temperatures hit. If snow repeatedly melts and freezes on top of your roof without a way to drain, it will become stuck and weigh heavily on your roofing. Be sure to clear off leaves, branches, and any other kind of debris from your roof during late fall, or hire roofing contractors to do it for you.
  2. Get Inspected
    While cleaning your roof or gutters, keep an eye out for any sign of loose, missing, or damaged tiles. Have an annual inspection scheduled for before the first snowfall to make sure that there aren’t any leaks or weak spots where your roof may be vulnerable to damage. Even flat roofs should be inspected for hail damage or holes that might need repair before the winter weather sets in.
  3. Check the Attic
    Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic space can make a huge difference to your home heating costs during the winter months. As much as 40% of indoor heat loss occurs through the attic, but you can prevent unnecessary losses by ensuring that your insulation is up to par. Additionally, proper ventilation is key for preventing mold or residue buildup on the interior structure of your home.

Don’t let Old Man Winter get the best of you this year. Protect your commercial and residential roofs alike by taking the time to properly winterize your home before the season starts. For the best advice on how to keep your property safe, call in our local experts at Advanced Roofing Systems, who have been dealing with Denver winters for more than 35 years.

RENOVATING YOUR HOME? KEEP THESE 3 HELPFUL TIPS IN MIND

Major renovations and remodeling projects can be great for homeowners — once they’re completed. Afterward, you’ll finally be living in the home that you’ve always wanted, and the ROI of that remodel will pay dividends in the long run, if you decide to sell your home. But embarking on a renovation can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process.

 

HAVE A PLAN

Simply thinking to yourself, “we should get a new roof!” isn’t really a plan; it’s more like an idea — which is fine as a starting point, but you need to go a bit further. Start thinking about budgeting for this project, and bear in mind that a new roof isn’t a quick fix. You’ll need to prepare for some mess and fuss while the work is being done. Perhaps the most important step in the process, however, is to evaluate the different types of roof systems available to you. The best roofing materials for your home will depend on the type of house, the climate that you live in, the aesthetic effect you’d like, and of course your budget. Begin planning this renovation project by setting that budget, setting aside some time for the project, and researching the different types of impact resistant roofs.

 

WORK WITH THE PROS

Working with professional roofers, rather than doing it yourself, will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Unless you’re confident that you know how to safely install a roof, can prevent rain, snow, and hail damage, and can purchase the materials at a good price… you should probably contact residential roofers who know what they’re doing.

 

HAVE A PLACE TO STAY

Whether you’re having roofers install an average sized roof, which takes three to four days, or having serious interior remodeling done, you may want to stay at a friend’s place, family member’s house, or a hotel so you’re not interfering with the project and so your family doesn’t feel too cramped. Roof repairs and installation are messy, noisy endeavors, and it’s best to stay out of the way.

If you’re looking or roofing company in Denver, contact Advanced Roofing Systems today!

ROOFERS REVEAL 5 TIPS FOR HOLIDAY ROOFTOP DECORATIONS

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to deck the halls — and the roofs. Festive decorations on the roof are a great way to add holiday cheer to your home, especially since up to 40% of your house’s exterior typically shows as roofing. But before you get started, be sure to read our roofing technicians’ top five safety tips to keep you and your roof safe this holiday season.

    1. Inspect and test all lights before you hang them
      Check every strand of lights for any broken bulbs, frayed wires, or other damage that may cause problems. Also make sure to plug them in inside and see if they still work before you go through all of the efforts of hanging them up!

 

    1. Make sure your roof is clean and safe
      If your decorations require you to climb on top of the roof, use extreme safety precautions and watch your every step. Make sure that all electrical lights are well away from power lines and that your gutters are clean to minimize the risk of accidents. Check for moss and other materials that could cause you to slip and fall right off the roof.

 

    1. Use plastic clips that won’t damage your shingles
      It’s every roofing technicians‘ worst nightmare to see homeowners using staple guns or metal nails on their shingles or tiles, which can leave them permanently damaged and require roof repairs come spring. Opt for removable plastic clips instead to hang the lights without worry.

 

    1. Opt for LEDs
      If you’re in the market for new lights this year, consider going with LED lights, which are more energy-efficient and durable than traditional lights. They usually cost a little bit more up front, but will end up saving you money in the long run.

 

  1. Set a timer
    There’s no reason to leave your lights on all night long. Set them to a programmable timer to minimize your energy use and reduce the risks of malfunctions that might happen while you’re asleep.

Decorating your home is a great way to ring in the holidays, but be sure to to do so in a way that keeps you, your family, and your roof itself safe. That way, you can count the roof over your heads as one more thing to be grateful for this year.

Need roofers in Denver? Contact Advanced Roofing Systems Inc.

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.