Here in Colorado, we experience a good deal of rainstorms, snowstorms, hailstorms, and hot summer days. This harsh weather results in roofs only last around 30 years, while the same roof in an area with less dynamic weather patterns can last an additional decade or two more. In order for residential roofing systems to last several years, even past their original lifespan, it is imperative to have your roof inspected and maintained every year, or after severe inclement weather at the very least. If you ignore this duty, then you run the risk of your roof being compromised by a number of common roof issues.
Here are some of the most common roofing problems that we see here at Divine Roofing along with our recommendations.
#1: Roof Leaks
The problem: This is probably the number one roofing concern and the reason behind most of the phone calls we receive, because it’s very hard to ignore a roof that is leaking. Roof leaks have a number of causes, including but not limited to heavy storm damage, missing shingles, ice dam buildup, clogged gutters, improperly installed skylights, and more.
Our recommendation: Barring weather circumstances outside of our control, roof neglect is one of the top reasons for leaking roofs. To avoid a leak, we recommend that you schedule regular roof inspections that will allow you to find and fix any potential vulnerabilities in your roof before they have a chance to turn into a major problem. A little roof maintenance can go a long way in preventing a catastrophe!
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#2: Missing or Damaged Shingles
The problem: Your shingles protect your home from bad weather. If they blister under the hot sun, crack or shed their corner tips, blow away in a major storm, or completely go missing, then they can’t do their job. One of the earliest signs of roofing shingle deterioration to watch out for is granule shedding. The granules which coat the shingle surface lose their bond naturally due to time and the elements.
Our recommendation: Damaged or missing shingles need to be dealt with as soon as possible. Have a local, licensed roofer perform a complete diagnosis of your shingles and recommend the best solution. In some instances, you may only need to have a few shingles replaced. If the damage is extensive and/or your shingles have reached (or are soon reaching) the end of their lifespan, it may be more cost effective to consider roof replacement.
#3: Hail Damage
The problem: The Colorado Springs area is no stranger to hailstorms, and most of us are familiar with the amount of damage they can cause to our rooftops. Hailstones can crack wood shakes and ding asphalt shingles, and dent roof flashing. When hailstones get large enough, they can even puncture a roof.
Our recommendation: After a hailstorm, it’s a good idea to call a roofer for an inspection to survey the extent of the damage to your roof. If the damage is enough to warrant repairs or even a roof replacement, you may have a viable insurance claim. As insurance claim specialists, we can guide you through the claims process and work with your insurance company on your behalf.
#4: Rotting Fascia
The problem: The fascia is a lower part of the roof, covering the eaves, while the rain gutters are located right below it. This part of the roof is vulnerable to moisture damage; debris that piles up above the gutter will contribute to a rotten fascia due to the area constantly staying wet. A fascia that leaks needs to be tended to immediately since it causes moisture to penetrate the eaves.
Our recommendation: Fascia deterioration can spread, so it should be looked at by a professional roofer. At Divine Roofing, we fix this type of problem by removing the old fascia and replacing it with a durable and high-quality product.
#5: Clogged Downspouts and Gutters
The problem: Your gutters are an important part of your roofing system, protecting your home from water damage by redirecting rain away from your property. If leaves and debris clog your gutters, your roof can sustain water damage. If overflows happen, water can also penetrate your siding. Furthermore, when debris is mixed with water, a sludge can develop in your gutters, reducing their lifespan due to the overbearing weight and corrosion.
Our recommendation: Contact a qualified professional to clean and inspect your gutters regularly. If your property is surrounded by a lot of trees, we recommend having your gutters cleaned at least twice per year, but depending on the amount and type of foliage surrounding your property, it may be a good idea to increase that to once a quarter.
#6: Damaged Soffit
The problem: The soffit is the exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of your roof eave. Damage to this area is often the result of prolonged exposure to the elements, but it can also be caused by damaged or neglected gutters that cause the area to rot away. The damaged area then becomes vulnerable to intrusion by small animals like bats, birds, and rodents, which can lead to a pest problem in your attic.
Our recommendation: If your soffit has cracks, holes, or signs of wood rot, a roofer will need to replace it. Since soffit and fascia damage can sometimes indicate larger problems with your roof structure as a whole, don’t wait to call a licensed roofer like Divine Roofing to schedule a roof inspection.
#7: Missing or Damaged Flashing
The problem: Flashing protects your roof’s valleys and joints, which are prime areas for water infiltration. If your flashing is not in good condition, then your roof is vulnerable to water damage and eventual roof leaks.
Our recommendation: Take a look at your home and try to locate initial signs of damaged flashing, including water damage on siding, staining or mold on fascia boards, darkening or bending shingles, or dented, bent, or cracked metal. If any of these signs are present, you’ll need to have a roofer reinforce these vulnerable areas ASAP to protect your roof.
#8: Deteriorated Pipe Boots
The problem: A vent pipe boot is a type of roof flashing, which is comprised of a metal or plastic base with a rubber, dome-looking boot that fits over a plastic vent pipe. The flashing often fails when the boot cracks or peels away from the pipe, which allows rainwater to penetrate the roof.
Our recommendation: Pipe boots don’t last forever, but they should last at least a decade or more depending on factors like weather and quality of materials. If you have noticed evidence of a roof leak or water damage on your ceiling, call for a roof inspection. If the inspection confirms that a worn-out pipe boot is the culprit, your roofer can get to work removing it, replacing it, and remedying any surrounding roof damage caused by the leak.
The Roofing Company Colorado Springs Trusts
These are just a small variety of roofing problems you may encounter. Other roofing types, like metal, wood, slate, and tile, encounter their own set of challenges. Fortunately, we are the roofing specialist who can fix practically any kind of roof and roof material.
Divine Roofing Inc. has decades of experience helping homeowners in the Colorado Springs area. With extensive industry expertise and a factory-trained crew, we can restore your roof no matter what issue you may be facing. When you see any of the common roofing problems listed above, give us a call. We can identify, isolate, and fix any issue with your residential or commercial roof.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, top-rated roofer in the Colorado Springs area, call Divine Roofing today at (719) 497-1005 to request your free roof inspection!