Preparing Your Roof for Hail Season in Colorado Springs

Why Is Hail So Destructive?

When it comes to roof damage, hail is one of the most destructive culprits. Colorado Springs sees above-average hailstorms from April to September, with the season peaking in June and July. Hail is not only dangerous, but it also causes thousands of dollars in damage every year.

Your roof is particularly susceptible to hail. In addition to ripping holes in flashing and gutters, hailstones also do significant damage to roofing shingles, such as punctures, cracks, and even ripping shingles right off your house. Hail also compromises your roof’s waterproofing features, leading to leaks, structural damage, and even mold growth.

Review our blog to learn more about hail damage.

Are You Ready for Hail Season?

While we cannot control the weather, we can take measures to prepare and protect our roofs from hail damage. The best time to start preparing for hail season is in March and April. Though we still experience freezing temperatures and snow in early spring, we also begin to see warmer weather, and the snow is starting to melt. This means we can access your roof for a thorough inspection, and you still have time to make any necessary repairs before hail season really gets going.

Keep reading for four helpful tips on preparing your home for hail season.

Tip #1: Schedule a Roof Inspection & Annual Maintenance

The first step in preparing for hail season is to get an accurate sense of your roof’s condition. You may already know that roof maintenance should be performed annually, but you may not know when the best time to schedule is. We recommend that you schedule a roof inspection and maintenance with a local professional roofer, like ours at Divine Roofing, Inc., before the start of hail season.

It is important to work with an experienced, local roofer who understands local weather patterns and who will know what you are up against. Our roofers have been living and working in the Colorado Springs area for decades. We can use our knowledge and experience to help you get ready for hail season.

During a roof inspection, we look for:

• Cracked, loose, or missing shingles
• Rusted or loose seams
• Loose or damaged flashing
• Granule loss from shingles
• Signs of water damage or leaks
• Loose or leaking gutters
• Mold growth

You may also want to schedule a roof inspection after a bad storm. Hailstones can be as big as golf balls, and after a serious storm, it is worth having your roof inspected for damage. You should also perform your own visual inspection of your roof throughout hail season. If you notice any damage or other problems, reach out to our roofers for guidance.

Tip #2: Make Repairs

Your best protection against hail is a roof that is in good condition. Making repairs promptly after a hailstorm is important, especially if you want your roof to hold up during hail season. Even small problems can create weak points. Issues like cracked tiles or loose shingles can weaken the overall integrity of your roof. When hail hits, your roof won’t be able to protect your home as it should, leading to more significant damage. We will note any problem areas during your roof inspection and provide you with all your repair options.

If your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, you should talk to our roof maintenance specialists about planning for a replacement. We will do our best to provide you with viable repair options so that you can get the most out of your current roof. We can also give you an idea of when you will need to replace your roof so that you can be prepared when the time comes.

Tip #3: Clear Your Roof and Clean Your Gutters

Your gutters are responsible for carrying water away from your home. As water drains off your roof, it moves into your gutter system and down through your drainpipes. If your roof is covered with leaves and other debris, your gutters can become clogged. Clogged gutters cannot do their job. This can cause water to back up on your roof. When this happens, the water will look for a way to escape and often gets pushed up into your roofing materials, creating leaks. This is especially a problem in the middle of a hailstorm when water and hailstones are pummeling your roof.

Tip #4: Review Your Insurance Coverage

Many home insurance policies cover hail damage. Before hail season, review your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with the procedure for filing a claim. Some insurance providers have strict rules regarding how long you can wait to report roof damage. This way, if your roof is damaged by hail, you can act quickly.

Divine Roofing, Inc. has extensive experience working with insurance companies. In addition to providing detailed documentation of your roof’s damage (including photographs and a written summary), we can also be on hand when the insurance adjuster comes to inspect the damage for the insurance company. We also provide free inspections and repair estimates.