6 Parts of a Home Frequently Damaged by Hail

by J&K Roofing | Mar 16, 2022 | Storm Damage

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6 Parts of a Home Frequently Damaged by Hail

In the U.S., hail sizes can vary greatly, with the average size falling somewhere between 1 and 2 inches in diameter. Hailstones of such size can fall at 25 to 40 mph, which can cause some significant property damage.

When people think of hail damage to their home, they usually only think of damage to their roof. But the truth is that if you’ve been hit with a hail storm, you likely have damage to other parts of your home, too.

To prevent that damage from getting worse over time, you need to know where to look for hail damage so you can get it fixed as soon as possible. Here are six parts of a home that frequently sustain hail damage.

1. Roof

Colorado is no stranger to hailstorms. In fact, it’s one of the parts of the country that experiences the most hail throughout the year.

Obvious signs of hail damage to your roof include dented or broken shingles, but you should look at other parts of your roof, too. Hail can dent and damage the metal fixtures on your roof, as well as your gutters (more on that below).

If you see any of these signs of hail damage, you need to take action to protect your home and prevent the damage from getting worse.

2. Siding

Never underestimate the power of the wind. That’s especially true during a hailstorm when wind-driven hail can cause serious damage to the sides of your house. With strong enough winds, hail can fall at steep angles—even sideways—and create tears and punctures in your vinyl siding. Left unattended, this sort of damage can lead to leaks in your walls, possibly damaging the structure of your home.

3. Windows

If hail can create cracks and chips in your siding, imagine what it can do to your windows. Hail can cause your windows’ glass to shatter or break. It can break, dent, and tear screens as well as dent the flashing above the window frame.

Stay away from windows during a hailstorm to prevent injury from happening. If your windows experience hail damage, you should replace them right away. Contact a professional for home window repair and home window replacement.

4. Paint

Think of hail like you’d think of a sandblaster that removes paint from cars: hailstones of all sizes flying at a high velocity will chip and break down the paint on the side of your house, your trim, and anything else in the path of destruction.

Fortunately, hail damage to your home’s paint is easy to spot, and it’s not usually as severe as hail damage to your roof, siding, or windows. However, it’s best to examine your home’s exterior, note any chipped paint that has exposed the underlying surface, and take care of it before water has a chance to seep in and add to your problems.

5. Gutters

Gutters serve an essential role in keeping your home in good working order, but they’re sometimes overlooked when it comes to critical repairs and maintenance. We’re talking about the kind of attention that goes beyond your seasonal gutter cleaning.

Hail can cause heavy damage to your gutters and downspouts, cracking and denting them—especially at the seams where two gutter pieces meet. The good news is that you often don’t need to get on a ladder to inspect for hail damage to your gutters. You should be able to see dents and cracks in the paint and the protective coating of the gutters and downspouts from the ground.

6. Solar Panels

If you have solar panels installed on your roof and hail is forecasted in your area, you can cover the panels with a protective sheet. If you have an adjustable mount for the solar panels, you may be able to tilt the angle. Luckily, solar panels are generally quite durable. So, in the event that your solar panels are damaged due to hail, they will most likely require minor repairs rather than a full replacement.

You may be able to identify solar panel damage from the ground, but your best bet is to have a professional perform an inspection and recommend any solar panel maintenance.

We’re Here for You

After a hail storm, J&K Roofing works to repair and improve the exterior of your home, including any damage to your roof, windows, siding, paint, gutters, and solar.

If your home has sustained hail damage, or if you’re in an area that has had hail, get in touch with us today for a free inspection.

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High Winds Can Damage Your Roof Here’s How to Prepare

by J&K Roofing | Feb 24, 2022 | Storm Damage

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High Winds Can Damage Your Roof Here’s How to Prepare

Colorado may be famous for its snow, but some people aren’t aware of how common strong winds are along the Front Range. The two most common explanations for our high winds are high winds that pick up power along the mountains and the differences in air pressure during colder months. As a result, it’s not uncommon for wind to hit speeds around 100 miles per hour from Colorado Springs all the way up through Fort Collins.

These frequent windstorms can be dangerous for a number of reasons, and they can be just as damaging to your roof as a hail storm. If you’re not familiar with the windy side of Colorado living, this video can give you a better idea of what it’s like and why wind can be so dangerous.

Wind is a natural part of living in the Front Range, but that doesn’t mean it always leads to property and roof damage. Here’s what you need to know about wind in Colorado and how to be ready for the next windstorm.

When to Be Prepared for Strong Winds

While storms can create strong wind events throughout the year, the most common time is during winter when there’s such an extreme difference in temperature from the north to the south. This means a strong windstorm could arise anytime from November through March. Meteorologists can usually predict when winds will intensify to help you prepare.

Denver weather can shift quickly, so it’s a good idea to know a little about what causes a windstorm so you can anticipate when high winds can strike. Changes in temperature cause wind to kick up and move air from a low to a high-pressure system. When one area begins to heat up, it causes cooler air to move and cycle the cool and warm air in that area. The sun’s angles and how and where it touches the earth can also significantly impact the air in a given area because the earth has many topical peaks and valleys. These are the two most significant factors we see in Colorado. When the eastern planes warm-up, the heat draws the cool air from the mountains down onto the Front Range. With temperature swings that can be a 60% drop in a single day, wind events can be devastating.

So if you keep an eye out for the temperature changes out east, you can begin to gauge the trajectory of a significant wind event. There are also a few resources to help you track a windstorm:

The National Weather Service in Boulder will issue a High Wind Warning for two reasons:

Sustained winds of 50 mph or greater, or gusts of at least 75 mph in the mountains
Sustained winds of 40 mph or more, or gusts of at least 58 mph at lower elevations

The Marshall Fire that devastated communities north of Denver on December 30, 2021 was fueled largely by severe strong winds. With gusts over 90 miles per hour, the fire tore through the community, burning houses almost faster than people could evacuate. Previously that month, on Dec 15, another high-wind event with wind gusts over 100 mph in speed. This windstorm blocked roads with downed trees, knocked out the power for over 60,000 residents, and canceled almost 500 flights from Denver International Airport.

How Strong Winds Can Damage Your Roof

The most obvious way strong winds can cause roof damage is by pulling shingles off your roof deck, which can lead to leaks and other serious damage.

Alternatively, wind can also move across the roof and loosen shingles. Loose shingles can get caught in strong winds and crack or break from flapping in the wind. Look for extra shingle granules in your gutters and cracked shingles to know if you have roof damage.

Your roof might sustain damage from the wind itself, but damage can also result from flying debris and falling tree limbs. It’s a good practice to take care of any trees/limbs that appear at risk of breaking and falling onto your roof or other property.

This resource has some additional information on how to spot roof damage as the result of high winds.

What You Should Do When Strong Winds Pick Up

When you know high wind is coming your way, you should make sure you and your home are ready for it. Take a walk around your property and look for potential problem areas in case a storm rolls in.

In particular, you should do the following:

Take shelter, and bring your pets inside to keep them safe
Secure outdoor furniture and possessions
Be ready for a power outage
Make sure your car is parked in a covered area or somewhere safe where debris can’t fall on it and damage it
If you’re driving during a windstorm, slow down and take your time. Visibility can be impacted with high winds thanks to all the dust that gets stirred up.

We Are Here to Help

Hopefully you won’t have to deal with roof damage as the result of high winds in Colorado, but if you do, we’re here to help.

Our experienced team at J&K Roofing services the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins areas. Get in touch with us today for your free roof inspection if you’ve had high winds in your area!

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Were You Hit With Hail This Season?

by J&K Roofing | Nov 17, 2021 | Storm Damage

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Were You Hit With Hail This Season?

The Colorado storm season is one of the most active in North America, bringing strong winds and hailstones that can range from pebble to softball size. These storms can wreak havoc on your property, and your roof bears the brunt of the damage from high winds, heavy rains, hail, snow, and debris. This year’s storm season brought golf ball-sized hail to the Denver area, which could very easily have damaged your roof without your knowledge.

If your roof has been damaged by hail, your home may be vulnerable to roof leaks or more rapid deterioration of shingles or roofing materials.

If you have any suspicion your roof might need some attention following the season’s hailstorms, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know about spotting hail damage and your next steps toward fixing the damage.

1. What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Hail damage to your roof can be very obvious or very difficult to uncover, but there are some key things you can look for without ever getting on a ladder. You might be able to look at your gutters and see if there are shingle granules inside them—that can be an indication of deteriorating shingles that might be damaged by hail storms.

You can also look at the metal fixtures on your roof like the metal cap on your chimney or wind turbines. If they have dents all over them, you might have a hail damaged roof. There are other signs of hail damage to your roof, including the appearance of spots on your shingles in no apparent pattern.

Your roof is not the only way to spot hail damage, you can also look for other areas of your home that have damage. Some examples are dented gutters, damaged siding or windows, uncovered outdoor air conditioners, and fencing, decks and other wood surfaces.

Scheduling an inspection by a professional roofing inspector is a smart idea, as they will know how to spot hail damage and help you to evaluate what your next move should be.

2. What To Do If You Have Hail Damage

If you are a homeowner and think you may have hail damage, the first thing you should do is call a professional roofing company to schedule an inspection. If your inspection shows damage that qualifies for an insurance claim, your next stop would be to file an insurance claim with your homeowner’s insurance company.

In Colorado, this process is very common, and a professional roof inspection will provide necessary documentation to begin a conversation with your insurance company if you are planning to file a claim. It’s important to have a roof inspection completed prior to contacting your insurance company. Your insurance company is looking for reasons not to replace your roof. A roofing professional can help you negotiate a fair deal with your adjuster based on the level of damage.

Bear in mind that many insurance policies require that you file a roof insurance claim within a year of the reported damage. And with the amount of snow and the temperature fluctuations that we can experience in this part of the country, you don’t want to delay necessary roofing repairs.

Trust J&K Roofing to Repair Your Hail Damage

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, which is why you want to have confidence that your local roofing company has the skills and experience to get the job done. J&K Roofing has been servicing the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins areas for nearly 40 years, and there’s no job we can’t handle. Get in touch with us today for your free roof inspection to make sure your roof is free of hail damage and ready for winter!

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Storm Season is coming: Are You Ready?

by J&K Roofing | Mar 17, 2021 | Storm Damage

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Storm Season is coming: Are You Ready?

Colorado’s storm season is upon us! From mid-April to mid-September, it is essential that we prepare our homes for the possibility of damaging hailstorms.

Why Is Hail So Damaging?

The ability of hail to cause significant damage is directly related to the size of the hailstones. The larger the hailstone’s diameter, the higher its impact energy, which results in more damage. Even stones the size of a penny can have a velocity of up to 25 mph and cause damage to composition shingles and aluminum vents and siding. As the stones increase to the size of, say, a half dollar (1.5 in diameter), damage can occur on a vast scale to many structures, including metal roofing, awnings, and vehicles.

Table courtesy of www.hailalerts.com

It is important to keep in mind that hailstorms with stones large enough to cause significant damage are rare, but not impossible. On May 8, 2017, for example, Colorado experienced a record-breaking hailstorm with golf-ball sized stones in some places. The resulting damage cost insurance companies $2.3 billion in claims!

How to Prepare Your Roof for Hail Season

As well as making general preparations for when hail is predicted, you can take measures to mitigate damage to your roof and other structures.

Get to Know Your Roof

● Take a close look at your roof and gutters. Document any visible wear-and-tear, such as curled or cracked shingles, bald patches, granules in the gutter, or any other signs of an aging roof. Repairing any existing damage ahead of time will help you to avoid more extensive repairs following a storm.

● In addition to your own observations about your roof, it is wise to have your roof professionally inspected prior to storm season. A local, licensed roofer can tell you if your roof needs minor repairs to be ready for hail, or if it needs more significant repairs and possible replacement. In the event of a storm, many insurance policies will only offer partial coverage if the roof is old or has not been maintained properly.

Get to Know Your Insurance

● You will want to have a good understanding of what your homeowner’s insurance covers and what your deductible is. Most homeowners insurance covers at least some, if not all, of the cost to repair hail damage to your roof and windows. In some cases, you can opt for a specific hail damage policy that includes even more coverage.

● You will also want to be sure that your policy includes a Replacement Cost Value (RCV). This will pay you the entire amount should you need to replace the roof. You should qualify for this as long as your roof is newer and in good condition.

● Ask your insurance agent if your policy includes a code endorsement, which pays for any code standards required in your area. If it does not, ask to upgrade-it is typically inexpensive and can save you thousands of dollars in the event that you need to replace your roof.

Research a Local Roofer

When hail storms hit, the “Storm Chasers” come out. Storm Chasers are typically out-of-state companies that send out high-pressure salesmen to a region immediately following a big storm. Nobody looks forward to those awkward knocks on the door! That is why it is important to research and have a relationship with a local roofer before storm season hits.

Local roofers have several advantages over chains:
1. They are well-versed in your area’s specific needs. They will know what materials and specifications are best-suited to your home.

2. They are accountable and responsible for their work. A physical residence in your state means your local roofer will be available to you to answer questions and make repairs in the future, and not “disappear” once work is complete.

3. They will not cut corners. Local roofers have a reputation to uphold! They will not cut corners or rush a job to move on the next. Earning your trust through quality workmanship is our top priority.

Hail storms can be stressful, but J&K Roofing is here to provide Calm after the Storm℠. We will be here to guide you through the repairs and insurance process. In the meantime, we offer free roof inspections in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins areas. Call us today to make sure your roof is ready!

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Colorado Storm Season: The Science of Hail and How To Prepare

by J&K Roofing | Mar 9, 2021 | Storm Damage

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Colorado Storm Season: The Science of Hail and How To Prepare

Colorado is known for its snowy winters and hot, sunny summers. But many may not know that it also has a significant hail-storm season. In fact, the downwind side of the Rockies experiences more hail events than any other region in North America. Locals will tell you to expect afternoon thunderstorms almost daily in the summer, and with thunderstorms often comes hail.

Hail has been known to cause significant damage to rooftops, cars, trees, crops, and other property. In 2017, Colorado saw 2.4 billion dollars in hail claims. The largest hailstone ever recorded in Colorado fell in Bethune in 2019. It measured 4.83 inches in diameter and weighed nearly half a pound-approximately the size of a softball!

But what, exactly, is hail? And why does it occur? In preparation for Colorado’s upcoming storm season, it may be interesting to understand how and why these damaging ice storms form, and what you can do to mitigate potential damage from them.

When Is Storm Season?

Storm season in Colorado generally starts in mid-April and ends in mid-September. Historically, the most damaging storms have occurred in June. However, certain parts of the state tend to see worse storms in August.

What Causes Hail?

Hail is a weather phenomenon that begins during a thunderstorm. Significant updrafts, or upward air currents, propel water droplets high enough into the air so that they freeze and form what is known as a hail embryo. The embryo gains mass as cooled water in the upper layers of the storm begins to stick to the tiny crystal embryo. The more time spent in the upper layers of the storm, the larger the hailstones will become.

What Can You Do To Prepare?

● Watch the weather:

○ Any thunderstorm has the potential to escalate into a hailstorm. Keep an eye on weather forecasts with the possibility of hail.

● Protect your property:

○ Have your roof inspected prior to storm season to ensure it can hold up to the coming hail? Repair and/or replace damaged shingles, gutters, and siding.

○ If a storm is on the horizon, keep your car in the garage or under an overhang. If this is not possible, a cardboard box placed over the windshield can be used to prevent average-sized hail from causing cracks.

What Should You Do When It Hails?

● If you are outside, find shelter immediately.

● Bring all pets inside.

● If you are in your car, park it near a building, under a gas station canopy, or in a garage. Do not park your car under an overpass.

● Following the storm, assess any damage to your home, documenting and photographing as you go for insurance purposes.

○ For your convenience, you may wish to download our free Storm Checklist here.

We Are Here to Help

J&K Roofing is here to help you prepare for and recover from Colorado’s storm season. We service the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins areas. Call us today for your free roof inspection to make sure you are ready for hail season!

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