Summer in Colorado Springs brings beautiful weather, but it also presents challenges for homeowners, particularly regarding their roofs. At Integrity Roofing and Painting, we understand the importance of maintaining your roof to protect your home. Here, we discuss the most common summer roof problems in Colorado Springs and how to address them effectively.

Heat Damage

Problem:
The intense summer heat in Colorado Springs can damage roofing materials, especially asphalt shingles. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause shingles to warp, crack, and lose their protective granules, leading to premature aging and reduced effectiveness.

Solution:
Regular roof inspections and maintenance are crucial during the summer months. Consider applying a reflective roof coating to help mitigate heat absorption and prolong the life of your shingles. Proper attic ventilation can also reduce heat buildup and prevent damage from excessive temperatures.

UV Radiation

Problem:
Colorado Springs experiences high levels of UV radiation, which can deteriorate roofing materials over time. UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in shingles, leading to fading, brittleness, and overall weakening of the roof structure.

Solution:
Choose roofing materials designed to withstand UV radiation. Modern shingles often come with UV-resistant features that enhance durability. Regularly inspect your roof for signs of UV damage and replace any compromised materials promptly to maintain its integrity.

Thermal Expansion and Contraction

Problem:
Significant temperature fluctuations between day and night cause roofing materials to expand and contract. This constant movement can lead to gaps, cracks, and other structural issues in your roof.

Solution:
Ensure your roof is installed with high-quality, flexible materials that can accommodate thermal movement. Regular inspections will help identify and address any developing issues before they become serious problems. Proper installation techniques, such as using expansion joints, can also help mitigate the effects of thermal expansion and contraction.

Hail Damage

Problem:
Summer storms in Colorado Springs often bring hail, which can cause severe damage to roofs. Hailstones can dent metal roofs, crack shingles, and create punctures that lead to leaks and water damage.

Solution:
Invest in impact-resistant roofing materials that are better equipped to handle hailstorms. After any significant storm, thoroughly inspect your roof or hire a professional to assess the damage. Prompt hail damage repairs can prevent minor issues from developing into major problems.

Wind Damage

Problem:
Strong winds accompanying summer storms can lift and tear off shingles, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks and other types of damage. Wind-driven debris can also impact the roof, causing further harm.

Solution:
Make sure your shingles are securely fastened and in good condition. Trim overhanging branches to minimize the risk of debris falling onto your roof. Regular maintenance and inspections will help ensure that your roof remains in optimal condition to withstand summer storms.

Algae and Moss Growth

Problem:
Warm and humid summer conditions can promote the growth of algae and moss on your roof. These organisms can cause staining, degrade roofing materials, and retain moisture, leading to further damage.

Solution:
Keep your roof clean and free from debris to prevent algae and moss growth. Install zinc or copper strips along the roof ridge, as these metals inhibit the growth of these organisms. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your roof in top condition.

Water Damage

Problem:
Summer thunderstorms can bring heavy rains, leading to water pooling on roofs if drainage systems are not functioning properly. This can cause leaks, mold growth, and structural damage.

Solution:
Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and free from blockages. Properly functioning drainage systems are essential for directing water away from your roof and home. Regular inspections and timely roof repairs will help prevent water damage and extend the life of your roof.

At Integrity Roofing and Painting, we are committed to helping homeowners in Colorado Springs protect their roofs from common summer problems. Regular maintenance, timely inspections, and using high-quality materials are key to ensuring your roof withstands the challenges of the summer season. If you need professional roofing services or have any concerns about your roof, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert advice and assistance. We are here to keep your home safe and secure, no matter the season.

Aging Roof

Most roofs and roofing products last for 20-30 years, although it depends on various factors such as the quality of the existing roof, how it was installed if it was properly ventilated during the installation, and what type of roofing material was used. A roof inspection at the top of the season from Colorado Rockies roofing contractors gives you the best information and advice about the condition of your roof to help better care for it as the year rolls on.

Excessive UV Exposure

Sunshine and summertime can take a toll on residential roofing. The more the sun shines down on your roof’s surface, the faster your roofing materials deteriorate. UV rays from the sun make roof shingles brittle, causing them to curl and crack under unbearable heat. Things like rain, debris, and pests also contribute to faster degradation.

Frequent Hail Storms

The Colorado Rockies get their fair share of hail storms, and they happen most frequently during spring and summer. Hail causes severe damage to residential roofs since it leaves cracks in traditional roof shingles. This is why some homeowners take proactive measures and invest in Class 4 Impact Resistant (IR) shingles. Class 4 shingles are lab-tested and proven to withstand hail and minimize roof damage. However, homes with regular shingles are susceptible to the damage of a Colorado hailstorm.

Heavy Snow And Ice

As mentioned before, winters are harsh in the Colorado Rockies. Although it may not get freezing cold, winters are harsh, and still get a lot of snow. Snow damage to roofs occurs after it snows for hours at a time, and several inches accumulate on top of your building. The heavy weight of snow puts stress on your roofing system. Additionally, when temperatures are low and the snow hasn’t melted, it creates an ice dam on your roof, which is also detrimental to underlying materials. Plus, ice dams lead to other issues, such as malfunctioning gutters.

Strong Winds

High winds often accompany rain, hail, and thunder. Therefore, wind damage to roofs in the Colorado Rockies is another common issue residents face. Strong winds can rip materials loose or tear them from the roof entirely. When your roofing membrane is exposed due to patches of missing shingles, it invites several other problems, like leaks, pest invasion, and energy inefficiencies. If you ever need of storm damage repair in Colorado Springs just contact us!

Schedule an Inspection Today

At Integrity Roofing and Painting, our experienced team can help you with everything from minor residential roofing like repairs to full roof replacements and we’ll do our best to get your roof back in shape as quickly as possible. Keeping your roof in good shape is as simple as getting it inspected at least twice a year. If you haven’t taken the time to schedule a springtime roof inspection, don’t wait. Call or contact us online to schedule a free estimate today, and let’s spring into the season with pride!

When’s the Best Time for Roof Repairs in Colorado?

In short, there is potential to do roof repairs year-round in Denver and the surrounding metro areas. That is not the case when considering the higher elevations in our state, but for the bulk of people concerned, I will speak to the general guidlines for timing roof repairs on the front range (Denver, Boulder, Westminster, Thornton, Lakewood, Aurora, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Golden, Arvada, Littleton, and even Fort Collins). The weather here is incredible, that’s why we live here. Although there is a potential for snowfall during the majority of the year, there is also the potential for t-shirt weather in January.

The important thing to keep in mind is that any roof repairs that you are attempting to tackle are best completed in moderate temperatures, and while your roof is dry. That means there is potential for completing these repairs year round, but timing your project in the winter is much trickier. In the late spring, summer, and early fall, determining a day to complete those tasks is as easy as waking up, taking a look outside, and if the weather looks like it is going to be dry, get to work! I would suggest getting to work as early in the day as possible as the weather can change without much warning (trusting television weather people is not alwasy the wisest decision). Keep an eye to the sky and you may predict the weather better than the guy on TV.

What about Repairing the Roof in the Winter?

Doing any type of roof work, as I stated earlier, is much trickier in the winter, but it is not impossible. Because the repairs must be completed in moderate temperatures, and while your roof is dry, much more care must be taken when timing the project in the winter. That means, the snow must be off your roof, the temperature must be warm enough (typically over 45 degrees F), and the weather outlook must be clear (I know, I just said trusting the weather people is not the wisest choice, but here is an exception). Make sure the roof is safe to walk on. A safety harness properly secured is a best practice that you would do well to implement. Be sure to wear your gloves.

Now consider this fact coming from a Denver roofer focused on providing service to the greater Denver metro area; the weather will be entirely different here than in ski country. Depending on the complexity and necessity of the repair many repairs could be performed in Denver year round while in Summit county it would be unlikely to perform a roof repair in the dead of winter. For those in the mountains if the repair can wait until better conditions, that would be your best choice. Now for those to the East of the front range it will be a different story. One will have to consider the nature of the repair and if it is an emergency. Only you and/or your Denver roofer would know whether or not the repair should be done in the winter or if it should wait.

If you’re in high country and the roof isn’t caving in from a snow load it would be advisable to wait until things begin to thaw. if the repair has to be done in the winter you should wear all of the proper safety gear. There are too many roofers that fall off of roofs, why should a homeowner put themselves at risk. Leave this work for the roofing professionals that are willing to take the risk in the winter. I for one avoid getting on roofs with ice and snow.

During the winter I’ll occasionally see someone on their roof with a pick axe going at the ice dam with all of the strength that they can muster. I also have witnessed the same roof once the ice was removed. Let me tell you a pick axe was never designed for ice removal on roofs and nor should anyone perform an emergency ice dam removal with one. I don’t know a Denver roofer that wants to get on a roof after a snow storm to remove ice dams. This is a dangerous job and it must be done with every possible safety piece of equipment. Ice dam removal is simply dangerous and most roofers stay far away from removing ice in the winter. If the interior damage is minimal it may be best to wait for the thaw. However, if the ice and even the snow have to be removed than be extremely careful. Better yet find a competent Denver roofer that has a significant amount of experience with ice and snow removal.

Emergency Repair

Obviously, if a hail storm barreled through your neighborhood and your skylight was pummeled and gaping holes exist where the lens once covered, now would be a very good time to perform the roof repair. Of course, we must assume that if you’re performing the roof repair yourself you must possess a certain level of agility and confidence while walking on high places. If your afraid of heights this roof repair needs to be performed by someone else. If you are agile than you may chose to get on a roof that’s safe to walk on. Grab that tarp, duct tape and/or some 1×2 strips and get on that roof to perform an “emergency repair“. If it’s not an emergency my solid advise is to leave the roof walking for professional roofers or tight rope walkers. If you’re a mountain climber and you have the right gear, go for it.

After all of this is considered, planning your roof repairs in the late spring, summer, or early fall is best practice. Keep this in mind, when you are planning your next roof repair. When that time comes around, and you take out your ladder, get your tool belt on, secure a safety rope (so that your legacy does not get you a darwin award), get on top of your roof, realize that you forgot a tool, cannot find it, run to the hardware store, climb back up your ladder (assuming a common gust of wind has not come through and knocked it onto your car, neighbors house, or through a window), and maybe get it finished before the afternoon thunderstorm comes through…please be careful. Or, just give us a call, and we can do it correctly-the first time, and much more efficiently. Contact your Denver roofer today if you need any roofing services. If your roof is covered with snow we may have to pass for safety reasons. Nevertheless, contact us for free consultation.

Common Roof Problems in the Winter

I will explain a couple in depth, so that you can prepare and look out for these problems. Enjoy!

1. Roof Leak

• For sloped roofs, improper installation or high winds and rain can loosen the flashing and cause it to pull away. Flashing Inspections can be conducted before the winter’s first storm to make sure that it is ready for what the weather has to offer. If it is not ready, flashing is inexpensive to fix, so getting it replaced before the storms is very worth it.
• If your home has a flat roof, you may see leaks at locations where there are drains. This is normally because the drains outside have not been maintained. When the drain becomes clogged, drainage is slowed.

2. Ice Damming

• During the winter, drains can fill up with ice and when this happens, it stops the flow of normal drainage. As the water backs up behind the ice, the drainage can get under your roof and leak into your home. To avoid this, remove the snow from your roof.

3. Snow shovels

• Some people make the mistake of using a normal snow shovel for the roof. This is extremely dangerous and can cause major damage and leakage to the roof. Sometimes to avoid this, people may use rakes, but that still may cause a little bit of a problem.

4. Christmas Lights

• The one mistake that homeowners make during the Christmas season is fastening their lights directly onto the roof. This can cause the roof to have a reduced life and cause leaking.  One thing you could do here is to hire a professional to put the lights on your home. Sometimes is expensive, but if you can afford it, it is extremely worth it.

5. Debris Removal

• During the fall, many trees and other debris tend to fall onto the roofs of house. These need to be cleared up before winter happens. This is because fallen debris can roll around and cause leakage and other severe roofing problems.

Contact a Denver Roofer to Fix Your Roof Problems

I really hope this post has helped you. I really want others to know what to watch out for so they do not have to replace or fix a roof in the middle of the winter! If you need help with any roofing needs, please contact Integrity Roofing and Painting and book you appointment today!

Why it pays to act early when it comes to repairing your Colorado roof

November is here which means fall is about to give way to winter, and roofers in Colorado know that this is the time to make repairs to your Colorado roof. Winter brings with it many challenges and hazards to your home, many of which being directed at your home’s first line of defense; your roof. If you are thinking that your roof could use some reinforcement, it’ll prove prudent to make those reinforcements before winter hits and your roof begins its defense against the ice, snow, and general Colorado blistering cold winter weather. In this post we’ll look at why roofers in Colorado reccomend that roof repairs be made before winter comes into full effect.

Working in the cold is no fun

If you’re planning to do your own roof repairs, it is particularly important to get going before winter hits, as working on your roof in the cold can be a miserable and difficult undertaking. Cold temperatures make working on you roof a more dangerous endeavor as the cold causes your natural reactions to slow, and increases the likelihood for ice on your roof which could cause you to loose your footing and injure yourself. If you are not planning on doing your own roof repairs, going with a roofer in Colorado instead, it still pays to act early. The last thing you want is a crew of workers rushing through the job in order to get out of the cold weather.

Asphalt shingles are more easily damaged in cold temperatures

Most residential roofs utilize asphalt shingles as their outer roof layer and first line of defense against the elements. Asphalt shingles tend to become brittle when exposed to extremely cold temperatures, which spells trouble during replacement, as it becomes far more likely that they will crack or even break completely during installation. This causes even further trouble down the road, as water will seep into the cracks, freeze, and cause the shingle to expand and the crack to become bigger and more problematic. Repair your roof during the mild Colorado fall, and avoid all of this mess.

At Integrity Roofing and Painting we are confident in our ability to effectively repair or replace your home’s roof during any of the Colorado seasons. However, we are roofers in Colorado who do recommend that if your roof needs repairs to not wait until the middle of winter to act, as this only makes the job more difficult and possible less effective.

In previous posts we have looked at how much a roof costs to replace or repair, with all factors involved, but yet to be answered is the question how much does roofing cost? What we mean here is, how much do the specific materials that make up your roof cost? First, we’ll look at all of the components that are required to compose a full roof. We’ll also have a look at the price ranges of those materials from some of the leading manufacturers so that we can attempt to answer the question, how much does roofing cost?

Primary components of a roof and the standard cost

• Underlayment: This is the black paper sheet that is laid over the plywood sheeting in order to protect the roof from damaging outside elements such as rain, snow, and ice. The use of a membrane is typically required. A waterproof membrane known as a sweat sheet or vapor barrier, with the underlayment paper serving a triple function. The price of these materials ranges anywhere from $0.14 to 0.58 per square meter of sheeting.
• Flashing: Roof flashing are the metal pieces that are used to facilitate the flow of water from areas of your roof where collection of the water is likely, such as hips and valleys. Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, which can affect the price. These types include galvanized flashing, a galvanized alloy, copper, lead coated copper or stainless steel. The average polyvinyl chloride flashing cost anywhere from $0.17 to 0.21 per square foot, where as stainless steel flashing can cost as much as four dollars per square foot.
• Shingles or Tiles:  These are the components that make up the outermost portion of the roof. These sit on top of the underlayment and are the first line of defense against the elements. Shingles and tiles have been in use for literally thousands of years. There are actually still tiles in-tact today from as long as 5,000 years ago! The cost of the average asphalt roofing shingle is anywhere from $0.80 to 1.20 per square foot.  This is compared to clay or concrete tiles that can cost as much as $9.00 per square foot.

We recently addressed the question of the cost to replace roof, and the factors involved with formulating that total. Today I wanted to look at a broad comparison of cost to replace roof versus the cost to repair a roof, as well as the different factors that go into each estimation. While we probably wont be able to nail down an exact price for your cost questions, we can certainly establish the relevant factors to consider in each, as well as things that may help determine whether your roof needs a few simple repairs, or, an all out replacement.

Cost to replace roof

Explaining the cost to replace roof comes down to the specifics of your roof such as square footage, pitch of the roof, accessibility, required roofing material, labor force, removal of the old roof (if deemed necessary), and roofing permit and city license. Once you have nailed down all of these variables, you can research specific pricing and formulate a fairly accurate inspection for your roof. The average roof replacement costs anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000, which isn’t helpful at all! It all depends of the specifications and requirements of your particular roof.

Cost to repair roof

When you need to repair some shingles due to either damage cause by severe weather, or just the natural aging of your roof, it’s important to have a good idea of how much work and materials will be involved in order to choose the right solution to pursue. To repair a 10 foot by 10 foot square of asphalt shingles ( which is considered one square of roofing) typically costs about $100-$350 when contracting a roofing company. Repairing just a few missing or broken asphalt shingles using a handyman service typically costs about $95-$127. Additional repair costs may include flashing, which is the metal stripping used as a barrier between roofing material and chimneys or skylights on the roof, and vally roof flashing which is used anywhere on a roof where slopes create a valley where water drains off. When the former need replacing your looking at about $300 to $500 in costs. The latter runs about $15 to $20 per linear foot.

How do I know whether my roof only needs repairing or if it needs a full replacement?

The best advise we can give here is to contact Integrity Roofing and Painting for a free inspection of your roof’s damage. Unless you have a solid background and knowledge of roofing, you’ll want to leave this evaluation up to the pros.

A dripping roof is extremely annoying specially on rainy days when you should be relaxing and just having non stop DVD marathon with your family. It is not only disturbing, it is a major concern of most homeowners in Denver, Colorado. For one thing, you can’t just ignore it and leave it unfixed. Sooner or later, the chilly months of winter will arrive and the small damage will get worse. The next thing you’ll know is that you’ll be paying more for a roofing repair Denver company than you should.

If you want to maintain a strong roofing system for your home, there are two basic things that you need to ensure. First you have to hire the best roofing repair Denver company for every minor and major damage in the roofs. Doing so is like having a reliable warranty that the roof will last for a very long time. In case you don’t know, poor craftsmanship is the primary reason why roofs easily collapse due to blizzards and hurricanes.

Next, you have to understand the various causes of broken shingles and roof-tiles and what kind of repair work is needed for every damage. The better understanding you have about these damages, the easier it will be for you to find a competent roofer to do the job. However, it must be taken note that climbing up on the top of your house is a dangerous task. Accidents and injuries are inevitable, not to mention that doing it yourself may result to inaccurate analysis. Hence, it is recommended to contact a roofing repair Denver company that can perform the inspection for you.

Below is the list of possible reasons why your roofs need immediate repair:

• Lack of professional care – Being in Colorado means living in a place where magnificent views abound. However, it is also a place where tornadoes, blizzards, droughts, etc., are a common phenomenon. As a homeowner, it is therefore your responsibility to have your roofs inspected by licensed roofing companies at least twice a year. Don’t let your laziness get in the way. A simple preventive maintenance can lengthen your roofs’ life cycle of up to five more years.
• Mother nature – As mentioned above, extreme climate and adverse weather conditions can weaken roofing systems. It can make the roof-materials brittle or susceptible to micro-organisms such as fungus and moss.
• Age – Obviously, as the roofs age, the shingles will begin to deform and the tiles will start to break.  This is quite normal but you may slow it down by proper maintenance and occasional repairs.
• Poor installation – if your roofs are made of shingles or any kind of material that is complicated to install, it is crucial to hire an expert roofer who can repair the roof without damaging the surrounding areas. Call a trusted roofing repair Denver company to have a guaranty that flashing and metal sheets are properly installed.

To wrap it up, those things which have been discussed earlier are the foundation of a strong roof. Aside from hiring the best roofers in Denver City, understanding the general causes of roof damage is also helpful.