Did you know that by catching problems early on through regular roof repair, most roof leaks can be prevented? A roof, if designed correctly, is meant to defend structures from inclement weather and the elements, and should be able to withstand a myriad of hazards and obstacles. As time passes, roofs, like anything else, experience wear and tear, so it’s essential to keep on top of your roof’s condition and perform any maintenance to protect it from further damage due to the elements.
Additionally, roofs can incur extensive damage when hail storms and high winds rip through, and while a newer roof is typically able to handle severe weather, a roof that’s five or more years old should be inspected to ensure it doesn’t have any weak areas.
If you live in an area that frequently gets hit with hail, consider investing in hail-resistant roofing made of metal rather than asphalt shingle; if your roof boasts a skylight, you may want to consider installing a shutter system that can be activated before a storm hits.
Two different parts of your roof are susceptible to hail damage: the shingles or tiles on the top layer, and the protective membrane or felt layer beneath. Contrary to popular belief, it’s rare that hail knocks traditional asphalt shingles to pieces, though it is possible for small cracks and punctures to develop and go unnoticed until months later when you discover water has been slowly seeping into the shingle material, destroying them from the inside out.
Heavy hail can also strike the shingles hard enough to begin poking into the roof membrane beneath the shingles, and this can result in small cracks or holes which eventually shorten the life of your roof (and which can also go unnoticed for long periods of time). We’ve seen storm damage that is merely cosmetic as well as more serious; it’s the severity of the storm and the months following that represent the vital factors in these situations.
Here’s the bottom line: If you live in an area where hailstorms are common, contacting a roofing professional like Custom Onside regarding the best materials to use for roof protection is a good idea. A tough cover board with extra insulation and great rigidity can go a long way towards resisting hail damage, but this needs to be installed when the roof is in the building stage. Tougher membranes or additional layers may also help in subsequent projects.
If you home has been damaged by hail or severe storms, reach out to Custom Onside, your trusted Colorado roofing company, today by calling 720-513-4994.