Multifamily Roofing: 5 Things Property Managers Should Know About Hail Season

by J&K Roofing | Jul 20, 2022 | Roof Maintenance, Storm Season

Our Blog

Multifamily Roofing: 5 Things Property Managers Should Know About Hail Season

Homeowners in Colorado know how damaging hail storms can be to property: they can pull up shingles, damage siding, cause leaks, and more. But multifamily buildings have unique needs when it comes to roofing.

In Colorado, multifamily buildings can be apartment complexes, condominiums, or triplexes. Multiple maintenance challenges come with owning and managing a multifamily complex. Due to the size and scale of problems that can occur, property managers cannot approach multifamily maintenance or storm damage in the same way you would approach maintaining single family homes. Issues with the roof in one area can quickly cause issues for multiple owners or renters.

Here are five things property managers should know about hail season.

1. Maintaining Gutters Is a Must

Effective multi-family roofing systems can direct water away from the property to help prevent it from pooling and creating water damage beneath the surface. Property managers should look out for damaged gutters and downspouts and be aware of low spots where water tends to collect.

Hail storms can damage and break gutter systems, and as such, making sure they remain intact is an essential piece of multifamily roof maintenance.

2. Watch for Surface Warping

It’s not uncommon for multifamily housing roofs to have shingles and flashing that appear in good condition, only for the subroof material to be damaged and in need of repair. Often, this damage shows itself as warping, raising, material separation, or bubbling on the surface. The speed and size of falling hail can create this type of damage, and it’s not always apparent to an untrained eye.

3. Routine Maintenance and Inspections Can Save You on Repairs

Because hail damage can be hard to spot for those without roofing experience, multifamily property managers should ensure routine roofing inspections are factored into their yearly schedule to reduce long-term roofing costs across each property. We recommend two professional inspections by a trusted, experienced and detail-oriented multifamily roofing contractor each year. Doing so will help you save on repair costs and provide added peace of mind for those living in your building.

4. Multifamily Roofing Inspections Are Necessary After Storms

Routine inspections aren’t the only type of inspection you should prioritize for effective multifamily roof maintenance. Multifamily roofs should also be inspected after heavy storms, including hail storms. A professional roofing contractor can look at your roof and often quickly identify what kind of damage—if any—has occurred.

There are a lot of benefits to having your roof inspected after a hail storm, including knowing whether you should reach out to your insurance company to file a claim for repair. If necessary, having routine inspection reports for all multi-family roofing projects can help you with the insurance claim process.

5. Minimize Disruption to Residents

Perhaps the most important thing to know about hail damage to multi-family buildings is that any time you need an inspection performed or work done to repair or replace your roof, you run the risk of disrupting daily life for residents. But a routine inspection schedule and having an inspection performed after hail storms can offer your residents peace of mind that they’re in good hands. Scheduling routine inspections also allows you to notify residents of inspections as needed, so they’re not surprised to see contractors on the property or roof.

Schedule Your Multifamily Roof Inspection Today

If you’re a multi-family property manager or owner, contact J&K Roofing today to schedule a free roof inspection and ensure your building’s roof is in tip-top shape with customized solutions for your community. Our team of professionals is experienced and knowledgeable in multifamily properties and will address any concerns you may have about hail damage to your roof. Click here to get in touch, or call us at 303-425-7531.

Share this Post

Request A Free Inspection

← Previous Post Next Post →

6 Reasons You Should Get a Roof Inspection After a Hail Storm

by J&K Roofing | Apr 7, 2022 | Roof Maintenance, Storm Damage

Our Blog

6 Reasons You Should Get a Roof Inspection After a Hail Storm

Storm season is quickly approaching in Colorado, which means hail is on the way. It doesn’t matter how new or well-maintained your roof is—the weather patterns we experience throughout Denver and along the Front Range are unpredictable and wild enough to cause all kinds of damage.

So what can residents do to prepare and care for their property during storm season?

Having a professional inspect your roof for storm damage at least twice a year (spring and fall) is a good best practice, but it’s also a good idea to have an inspection performed after any hail storm.

Here are six reasons why you should get an inspection after a hail storm.

1. You can’t always see the damage on your roof

It’s never a good idea to get on top of your roof—it’s a very dangerous place to be!

However, a professional roofing contractor knows how to navigate your roof safely, and they may even use a drone to spot hail damage from above.

With that said, you can get at least some sense of whether your roof has sustained damage by walking around your property and looking for other damage. Pay particular attention to your gutters, downspouts and vents—if you see any dents in the material or chips in the paint, you might have roof hail damage. Similarly, if you notice granules from your asphalt shingles in your downspouts or on the ground, your shingles may be damaged.

2. Most people don’t know what to look for

No matter how long you’ve had your home, you may not be able to recognize the damage caused by any Colorado storm. Missing or damaged shingles can be easy to spot from an upstairs window, but you won’t be able to identify any additional damage without the proper education and experience.

A professional roofing inspection will assess your roof for damage you cannot or don’t know how to spot. An inspector will look for hidden leaks, structural issues, and other signs of material damage resulting from storms and general aging. Click here for a better idea of what to expect from a roofing inspection.

3. Roofing materials wear down over time

Multiple storms throughout the year can wear your roof materials down. You don’t want to get caught between storms without knowing your roof can handle what’s ahead. Asphalt shingles typically only last around 20 years, and a big part of what drives the need to replace them is aging or wear and tear following storms.

In addition, a minor roof repair is far more affordable—and faster—to fix than an extensive roof replacement project down the road. An inspection after a hail storm will help keep your total roofing costs down and prevent more costly issues down the road.

4. Damage to your roof can extend to other parts of your home

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. It keeps you safe and warm during those spring and summer storms that pop up without warning.

If your roof sustains hail damage, you’re not just putting your roof at risk—you’re putting your entire home at risk. That includes the structure of your home, your electrical and ventilation systems, and the property surrounding your home. A roof inspection can catch existing issues before they become serious problems, saving you money and extending the life of your roof and home.

5. You have a limited window to file an insurance claim

It’s always a good idea to schedule a roof inspection after a storm to prevent additional damage from occurring. However, it’s also essential if you want your homeowner’s insurance to cover the cost of roof repair or replacement.

You typically have one year following the date of damage to file a homeowner’s insurance claim. You must take photos and note where and when the damage occurred if you have any hope of insurance paying for repairs.

A routine inspection following a storm will help you identify and document any such damage, and it’s best to have it taken care of sooner than later. Here’s more information on how to file a homeowner’s insurance claim to have your roof repaired or replaced.

6. You’ll rest easier knowing your roof is in good shape

There’s nothing worse than lying awake at night during a storm and thinking about what kind of damage your home might incur due to howling winds and heavy rains or hail. Having your roof regularly inspected—including after a hail storm—will give you peace of mind that your home is secure and your family is safe.

Don’t delay an inspection if you suspect there may be damage; bring in a professional and let them offer recommendations on what needs attention.

We’re Here for You

J&K Roofing offers free inspections and will come out to your home or property to assess the status of your roof. Our experienced roofing team knows what to look for and will help you navigate the often confusing process of having a roof repaired or replaced.

Give us a call (303-425-7531) or click here to get in touch for your free inspection today!

Share this Post

Request A Free Inspection

← Previous Post Next Post →

Roof Tech Review: Is Tesla’s “Solar Roof” Worth It?

by J&K Roofing | Jun 2, 2021 | Roof Maintenance, Solar

Our Blog

Roof Tech Review: Is Tesla’s “Solar Roof” Worth It?

In 2016, Elon Musk unveiled the Solar Roof: Tesla’s take on the solar panel. In typical Hollywood fashion, he repurposed the set of Desperate Housewives to showcase the new product, re-roofing four houses on Wisteria Lane with the prototype panels. At the time, Musk was a chairman of SolarCity, which manufactured solar panels. The goal, he stated, was to “make solar look good,” replacing the traditional, oversized panels with high-end roof tiles.

Despite Musk’s optimism and a declaration that 2019 would be “the year of the Solar Roof,” the company had only installed about one dozen solar roofs by 2018. Now, three years later, the project is still struggling to fully take off. According to a recent article, Musk admitted that the prototype needed work and that Tesla significantly underestimated the costs associated with installing the panels on more complex roof structures.

Many customers have already had deposits refunded due to unexpected cost increases. However, he stated that he still intends to expand product installations this year.

A home featuring the Tesla Solar Roof, which uses an interlocking grid of panels to appear more like a shingled roof. Photo courtesy of www.tesla.com

What Makes Tesla Solar Different?

Tesla uses an interlocking system of active and inactive panels to mimic the appearance of traditional tiles. Tesla claims the Solar Roof tiles are not only more aesthetically pleasing than traditional solar panels, they are also three times more durable than standard roof tiles and will “pay for themselves over time.”

In addition to these attractive features, Tesla has also added its famous technological spin to appeal to potential buyers. The Solar Roof is integrated with Tesla’s Solar Inverter system, which uses the typical DC/AC conversion method to generate electricity from light energy. The system also includes several tech-savvy attributes:

It is compatible with traditional solar systems, not just Tesla’s Solar Roof.
It comes with the Tesla App, a sleek and user-friendly software that enables users to control energy use and monitor the home’s energy consumption and availability.
The system is bundled with, a rechargeable home battery system. While this is another expense unique to Tesla, the system does have its benefits. For example, it allows homeowners to store energy for future use and gain precise insights into home energy usage with live updates.

Is It Worth It?

Tesla Solar Roof is still significantly more expensive than traditional solar panels. The only appreciable difference at this point lies in the design, which does have a more stylish appearance than the traditional panels.

Tesla has also had low ratings overall in its Energy programs. Unforeseen costs combined with significant delays have resulted in cancellations and price hikes for many customers who made deposits on the tiles years ago.

Generally speaking, however, solar panels are an eco-friendly option that can even generate income over time. Colorado offers great incentives for homeowners to install solar panels, including rebates, state and federal tax credits, and net metering programs. Combine these incentives with our state’s ample sunshine, and solar panels can actually be an excellent investment.

The Take-Away

Tesla may have a good product with all the tech bells and whistles we have come to expect from it, but it seems Solar Roof needs more time to reach its full potential. However, the sleek design and technological advantages may be enough to offset the increase in cost for some buyers.

Whether you choose Tesla or a more traditional route, you will want to find a local roofer and receive a thorough inspection before undertaking a solar installation. Solar panels are an investment and can be expensive to remove if they are placed over areas in need of repair. J&K Roofing services the Northern Colorado, Denver Metro, Front Range, and Colorado Springs areas.

We work with all solar manufacturers and are certified in each material we use. Our roofers have the knowledge and skill to help you with your solar project. Contact us today for your free inspection and to discuss your solar installation project.

Share this Post

Request A Free Inspection

← Previous Post Next Post →

6 Steps to Maintain Your Roof in Winter

by J&K Roofing | Mar 2, 2021 | Roof Maintenance, Seasonal

Our Blog

6 Steps to Maintain Your Roof in Winter

We are in full-blown winter here in snowy Colorado. There is nothing more beautiful than a fresh blanket of snow against the picturesque backdrop of the Rockies.

Unfortunately, all that ice and snow can wreak havoc on your roof. It is important to address common issues caused by winter conditions as soon as possible to avoid more expensive repairs later on.

The following are simple steps to take to keep your roof in good shape during the winter months:

1. Remove Snow As Soon As Possible*

● Snow is HEAVY. It will stress any areas of your roof that are even slightly compromised.

● When the snow melts and refreezes at night, it can create an ice dam. This will block additional runoff and backed up water can loosen shingles or even leak into the home.

*We are not suggesting you remove the snow yourself! By all means, hire a professional who is trained to deal with slippery rooftops!

2. Check Your Gutters

Your gutters are designed to collect and re-route precipitation, so that is where it will accumulate first! Ice in the gutters needs to be removed. The weight can stress the gutters to the point where they actually start pulling away from the house!

Helpful hint: if you see icicles hanging from your gutters, there is probably a precipitation build-up. Get it outta there!

3. Check Your Attic Ventilation/Insulation

If your attic is poorly ventilated it can make your roof more vulnerable to wintertime issues, including those ice dams.

4. Clear Away Debris

If a winter storm is on its way, make sure flashing, gutters, and downspouts are free of leaves, pine needles, and other debris that can collect there. This will ensure precipitation has a clear path away from the home; moisture that collects on the organic matter can also rot and lead to further damage.

5. Mitigate Wind Damage

In addition to snow and ice, winter winds in Colorado can be a nasty customer! Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles after a windstorm. These need to be replaced to avoid leaks and potential bacterial growth.

6. Get a Professional Inspection

● While you may be able to take care of some of the steps necessary to protect your roof in the winter, it is best to hire a professional to do the heavy lifting.

● If you are in the Denver area, J&K Roofing has fully certified professionals to make sure your roof is in tip-top shape for the winter.

● Your safety is our top priority. For information on our COVID safety procedures, click here.

Share this Post

Request A Free Inspection

← Previous Post Next Post →