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How to Prepare Your Roof for Summer Hailstorms

by | Apr 25, 2023 | Storm Season

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How to Prepare Your Roof for Summer Hailstorms

How to Prepare Your Roof for Summer Hailstorms

Summer storm season is fast approaching, and that means hail is on its way. In Colorado, we’re no strangers to hail, but that doesn’t mean we can afford to forget about it all together. Hail season tends to last from mid-April through mid-September, with June usually seeing the most damage due to strong storms and hail.

There’s a lot that property owners should know about summer hail storms and what needs to be done for roof hail storm protection. Here’s a quick guide on preparing for hailstorms and damage prevention tips.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Summer Hailstorms

You never know when or where a strong summer storm might strike, but taking the right precautions now can be the difference between facing minor roof repairs or total roof replacement following a heavy storm.

1.    Have Your Roof Inspected

A professional roof inspection is your best starting point for making sure your roof is ready for storm season. In addition to getting roofing contractor expertise on preparing your roof for summer, you can also ask your contractor for suggestions on hail-resistant roofing options and weather-resistant roofing solutions that might better prepare you for upcoming storms. Click here to schedule a complimentary inspection that includes a current assessment of the condition of your roof.

2.    Take Care of Roofing Preventative Maintenance and Repairs

Following a professional inspection, you may have some roofing maintenance and repairs that need attention. Your contractor will point out what needs to be done, including any leak issues and replacing broken or missing shingles, siding, or windows. Problems that seem minor right now, like a warped shingle, can make your roof vulnerable to other issues during a hail storm.

3.    Trim Trees

Hail isn’t the only falling item that can cause serious damage to your roof and other property. Be sure you inspect the trees around your home and trim any that might have loose or damaged limbs. Large limbs and debris can do more damage than you might think.

4.    Clean Your Gutters

Gutters play a critical role in keeping your home protected during a heavy summer storm, as they direct water away from your home and foundation. Keeping them free of any debris is good seasonal roofing maintenance. Follow appropriate roofing safety measures and safely clean out your gutters before storm season.

5.    Check Your Home Insurance Coverage

It’s a good idea to be familiar with your home insurance policy and how to file a claim. Having this information on hand will help you save time so you can get any roofing repairs taken care of before they turn into bigger problems.

It’s important to understand your home insurance policy, as some companies are changing their policies from Replacement Cost Value (RCV) to Actual Cash Value (ACV). It is important to know how your policy will pay any replacement cost. The replacement cost is the amount paid to replace property or personal belongings without any deduction for depreciation. The actual cash value is the replacement cost value minus depreciation, and is also called Depreciated Cash Value.

6.    Make a Plan for Your Property

When a storm is quickly approaching, you only have so much time to act before it hits. Put a plan in place for making sure your loose items outside are secured and won’t blow away during a storm. Bring your pets inside, and make sure your vehicle is protected in a garage or under a shelter.

Get In Touch With Us

No matter what kind of shape your roof is in, it’s best to take the right precautions now before storm season gets in full swing. Contact J&K Roofing for all of your summer storm preparation.

We offer routine roofing, siding, window and solar service and maintenance, as well as emergency roofing services, if needed. Our team is highly qualified and experienced with all roofing materials and projects, and we’re ready to help you keep your property in good shape and your family protected. Click here to contact us, or call 303-425-7531.

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8 Must-Know Roofing Tips for Hailstorm Damage Prevention

by | Aug 3, 2022 | Storm Season

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8 Must-Know Roofing Tips for Hailstorm Damage Prevention

8 Must-Know Roofing Tips for Hailstorm Damage Prevention

Believe it or not, Colorado is one of the most heavily hit states for hail damage. Year after year, hail storms pass through all parts of the state and cause severe property damage. Between 2018 and 2020, there were more than 310,000 hail damage insurance claims in Colorado, making it the second highest state for hail claims.

So with that said, are you prepared for Colorado hail storm season? This article will help you get must-know information for hail storm damage prevention.

1.   Different Areas Can Be Hit With Different Storms, but Prevention Is the Same

Colorado is a big state with different geography from one side to the other, meaning weather rolls through differently across the state. A hail storm in Denver is likely different from a hail storm in Telluride, but the preventative measures you take to keep your property in good condition are similar. Click here to learn more about how to prepare for a hail storm.

2.   The Age & Style of Your Roof Matters

This probably goes without saying, but if you have an old roof (10+ years), you’re at a higher risk of sustaining hail damage. The best thing you can do is to know the condition of your roof. The type of roof you have is vital in how it will respond to severe hail storm damage. For example, a pitched roof is better for water drainage than a flat roof, which can incur pooling water during and after a heavy hail storm. Combine that with impact damage from hail stones and you have a recipe for dangerous leaks!

3.   Don’t Overlook Necessary Repairs

The benefit of having your roof regularly inspected (or at least after a serious hail storm) is that you’ll know if you need to take care of any hail storm damage to your roof. Even minor repairs—like replacing the metal flashing around your chimney—are essential to take care of as soon as possible. Overlooking necessary repairs creates a snowball effect that makes hail storm restoration and exterior repairs even harder in the future. If it’s time to replace the roof, make an informed decision and select a local roofer that has a range of services and good reviews.

4.   Not All Shingles Are the Same Quality

There are a lot of material options out there for your roof, but knowing which looks the best and is the most durable or appropriate for your home is critical. Asphalt shingles are far and away the most popular type of shingle, and that’s partial because they’re affordable and reliable. They also come in various colors and patterns to match your desired look.

You can also consider other options like metal, clay, or wood shake—but they will each have a different durability rating.

5.   Roofing Materials Have Greatly Improved

If your roof is older, you’re likely not benefiting from the improved quality of newer roofing materials. For one thing, newer shingles are more durable and come with different hail class ratings that can help with what your homeowners insurance will cover in case you need your roof replaced.

Newer shingles are more durable and hold up better against the elements like strong winds, rain, and falling hail. Likewise, underlayment materials have improved (they’ve gotten thicker and are made of more durable synthetic fibers), as have nails and fasteners, partly due to improved building codes. New shingles are also easier on the eye and come in a range of different profiles and colors.

6.   Look Into Impact-Resistant Shingles

While asphalt shingles are the standard in Colorado, not all shingles and roofing materials are created equal. Some shingles have a higher impact-resistance rating than others. Your shingles should have an impact-resistant rating of Class 4, also known as “IR” roofing shingles. Some manufacturers include Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, IKP, Malarkey, and more. We recommend looking into IR shingles if you want to take an extra step toward protecting your roof. There is no such thing as a hail proof roof, but impact resistant shingles offer the best protection against future storm damage.

7.   Check With Your Homeowner’s Insurance About IR Shingles

Before investing in impact-resistant shingles, you should consider how your homeowner’s insurance may contribute. It’s a good practice to review your policy and look for incentives to upgrade your roof whenever necessary. Some companies offer incentives, sometimes up to as much as a 25% discount on your premium, to help offset the cost of upgrading to IR shingles.

8.   A Roof Inspection Can Save Your Home From Hail Damage

The most important takeaway for preparing your roof for hail storms in Colorado is to know your roof’s condition. Having a regular roof inspection in the spring (following winter) and fall (following summer) is a good practice to catch any leaks or other roofing issues.

We recommend scheduling a roof inspection (ours are free!) after high winds or hail storms to catch any needed storm damage repairs. If you need a roof replacement, we’ll work with you on the insurance process and also offer roof financing.

We’ve Got You Covered

Contact us today to get a professional opinion on your roofing needs. We manage every detail of your roof repair or replacement and treat your home like our own.  With almost four decades of experience working on residential and commercial roofs in Colorado, we have the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to complete any job.

Give us a call at 303-425-7531!

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Roof Inspections for Hail Damage: 6 Things You Should Expect from the Process

by | Jul 27, 2022 | Storm Season

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Roof Inspections for Hail Damage: 6 Things You Should Expect from the Process

Roof Inspections for Hail Damage 6 Things You Should Expect from the Process

Are you prepared for hail storm season in Colorado? If you live in or around the Denver area, the odds are good that you’ll be hit with a Denver hail storm at some point throughout the year.

Hail in Colorado falls hard and fast, and it can be difficult for the average homeowner to spot damage. The size of each hail stone and how fast it’s falling, combined with other factors like wind and storm duration, can spell trouble for aging roofs.

If you’re not sure how well your roof will stand up to the next intense hail storm, you should have a professional roof inspection performed. Here are six things you should expect from a roof inspection for hail damage.

1.   Your Inspection Starts With You

After a storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, walk around your house and take note of any damage. Doing so will help you get a general idea of the extent of any damage, although you’ll still need a professional inspection to know exactly how much damage your roof has sustained.

From the ground, you can take a look at your homes’:

  • Siding
  • Windows
  • Gutters
  • Downspouts (don’t forget to check for shingle granules—this can indicate damage to your asphalt shingles that’s commonly caused by falling hail)

2.   Your Roofing Contractor Will Look at Your Roof

First and foremost, please don’t get on your roof! Roofing is one of the most dangerous careers out there, and you should have adequate safety training before getting on your roof, especially if it has a steep pitch or slope.

Bear in mind that your roofing contractor may opt to also use a drone for your roof inspection.

3.   They Will Look at Everything That Hail Can Damage

Your roofing contractor doesn’t just look at your shingles during a roof inspection. They also inspect your:

  • Gutters
  • Flashing
  • Soffit and fascia
  • Siding
  • Windows
  • Subroofing material and your roof’s decking
  • Chimney and Outdoor appliances (AC units or swamp coolers)
  • And any hidden damage like water leaks in your attic

Your roofing contractor will also check to make sure that your roof is properly ventilated, and check the number of layers on your roof.

4.   A Roof Inspection Also Checks for Wind Damage

Roof inspectors also check for wind damage, which is common throughout the changing seasons in Colorado. Strong winds can cause as much damage as hail, and the most severe storms combine strong winds with hail.

5.   Your Roofing Contractor Will Provide an Estimate & Recommendations

Once the inspection is complete, your roofing contractor will provide a detailed estimate for exterior storm restoration or a total roof replacement cost. This is your chance to ask questions about the damage they’ve identified and what they recommend for repairing it.

6.   Contact Your Homeowner’s Insurance After Your Inspection

After your inspection is complete and you know whether your hail damage merits roof repair or a total roof replacement, it’s time to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to get the estimate and work authorized. They typically send out an insurance claim adjuster to perform an inspection to verify the estimate. It’s a good idea to also have your roofing contractor meet with the insurance adjuster to explain and discuss any damage. Once your insurance approves your claim, work can begin on repairing your hail-damaged roof.

Go With the Best Local Roofing Company

Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are the same. In fact, there are plenty of roofing scams you should be aware of and avoid to ensure your home has the best protection for years to come.

J&K Roofing has been around for nearly 40 years and is experienced in identifying and solving storm damage to roofs and exteriors throughout the Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Front Range areas. We’re ready to tackle your roofing project and help protect your home and family.

Click here to schedule your free roof inspection, or give us a call at 303-425-7531.

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

by | Jul 20, 2022 | Roof Maintenance, Storm Season

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

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.

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Roof Damage: Should I Call a Roofer or My Insurance Company First?

by | Jul 13, 2022 | Home Insurance, Storm Season

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Roof Damage: Should I Call a Roofer or My Insurance Company First?

Roof Damage Should I Call a Roofer or My Insurance Company First

If you’ve sustained damage to your roof from a hail storm or any other severe weather event in Colorado, you want to take care of it as soon as possible. However, knowing where to start to get your roof damage taken care of can be difficult.

For example, should you contact your roofer or your insurance company first? What kind of information does each need to be able to take care of your storm damage? What can you do to speed up the process?

While you should take time to familiarize yourself with what your insurance covers since every homeowner’s insurance policy is different —there are some general best practices you can follow to ensure your roof gets back in good shape.

Don’t Delay Your Roofing Project

You typically have one year from the date of damage to file a homeowner’s insurance claim to take care of the hail storm damage to your roof. If you fail to act in time, your claim will most likely be denied, and you’ll have to cover the repair costs yourself.

But more than that: waiting too long to repair storm damage can lead to other serious damage like leaks, mold, rotting wood, and damage to your home’s roof system.

Verify Damage and Document Damage

After a storm, do a thorough walk-around of your home and property and see if you notice any issues. As soon as you’re aware of any damage, document it with photos and notes on any issues that you are seeing. Take note of when the storm occurred as this is required if you plan on filing an insurance claim.

Remember, there’s no need to get on top of your roof to get this damage! Roofing is a notoriously dangerous job, and getting on your roof introduces an added risk. Any photos or videos you can take from the ground or in your attic (if it’s safe to get in your attic) will be sufficient.

Contact a local roofing company to schedule a professional roof inspection. This is the best way to verify the type of damage and determine if there is damage and the extent of the damage. Your roofing company will provide an estimate and discuss solutions based on your situation.

Contact Your Roofing Company

You can reach out to your insurance company before contacting a trusted, local roofer, but in most cases, it’s best to get in touch with a roofing company first.

This is for a few reasons:

  1. Roofing companies get very busy after storms, and you need your repairs taken care of ASAP.
  2. Your roofer will perform a thorough inspection to confirm any damage and provide a detailed estimate. You never know what kind of damage is hidden from plain sight!
  3. You’ll want to select the roofer that you want to work with to schedule a professional inspection and provide an estimate. This will provide an accurate scope of work that can be provided to your insurance company. Most insurance companies require an estimate before they’ll review a claim and send out an adjuster, so reaching out to your roofer will save time.

File Your Homeowner’s Insurance Claim

After you’ve had a roofing professional perform an inspection and list the necessary repairs, it’s time to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance company. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to complete the claim online. Your roofing professional can help you navigate the insurance claim process to make sure that you have all of the information you need to file your claim.

Your roofing contractor is your partner in getting your home back in good shape. Your insurance company will most likely send out an adjuster to verify the damage. Have your roofing contractor meet with your adjuster. Adjusters aren’t roofers, and they usually don’t have the experience necessary to identify all damage and provide an accurate claim estimate. Once your claim is submitted and approved, work can begin and you’ll have a new roof in no time (hopefully)!

We’re Ready to Take on Your Roofing Project

No matter where you are in the Denver Metro, Front Range, Colorado Springs, or Northern Colorado area, we can help make your roofing insurance claim painless and efficient. J&K Roofing is a full-service roofing company and we work with insurance companies on insurance claims every day. We understand how to navigate this process and are always available to answer any questions.

Call us today at 303-425-7531 to schedule your free inspection and get your project started.

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What You Need to Know About Storm Damage

by | Jun 22, 2022 | Storm Season

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What You Need to Know About Storm Damage

What You Need to Know About Storm Damage

When most people think about Colorado weather, they usually picture beautiful snowfall in the mountains. But in reality, we get some of the nation’s wildest weather, with everything from flash flooding to tornadoes.

If you’re not as familiar with the kind of weather we experience in the Centennial State, this article is for you. We’re taking a look at three of the most common types of storm damage and what you can do to take care of it.

Hail Damage

The most common type of storm damage in Colorado is from hail, which can fall at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Depending on the size of the hail stone, the resulting damage can be substantial.

How to Identify Hail Damage

A hail storm most commonly damages shingles and other components of your roofing system, but it can also impact your gutters, siding, windows, and more. After a significant storm ends, take a walk around your house and look for signs of hail damage:

  • Damaged or missing shingles
  • Damaged metal roofing, stone coated-steel, slate, rubber slate, clay or concrete tiles, or solar tiles
  • Chipped paint
  • Broken or cracked windows
  • Damaged gutters
  • Granules from asphalt shingles in your downspouts

The above list isn’t exhaustive, and it’s worth mentioning that you don’t need to get out a ladder or climb on your roof to assess your home for hail damage. In fact, doing so isn’t advised, as only experienced professionals have the proper safety training necessary to prevent roofing injuries. Instead, you can set up an inspection with a professional roofing contractor—they will be able to quickly identify and explain to you the kind of damage you’ve sustained, along with suggested next steps.

Fortunately, because hail storms are so common in Colorado, your homeowner’s insurance company should be familiar with the damage and know how to quickly process your claim. Your roofing contractor will work with you and your insurance company to ensure your project gets underway as soon as possible.

Because hail storms are so common in Colorado, your local roofing contractor is familiar with the different types of damage caused by hail and knows how to document any damage for your homeowners insurance company. Your roofing contractor will work with you and your insurance company to quickly process your claim and ensure your project gets underway as soon as possible.

Wind Damage

Spring storms in Colorado bring plenty of wind, which can cause just as much—if not more—damage to your home than hail. These storms often result from dramatic temperature shifts, which create a high-pressure storm system.

How to Identify Wind Damage

Wind damage is usually not too difficult to spot, even from the ground. Most often, wind damage leads to:

  • Curling, peeling or missing shingles
  • Damaged gutters and downspouts
  • Fallen tree limbs

Take the same approach outlined above for hail damage and walk around your house after a strong wind storm. Look for lifted or missing shingles, snapped or falling tree limbs, and don’t forget to check out your fascia and soffit—high winds can cause cracks, loose or bent areas or blow off loose fascia entirely causing serious damage.

And as the saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast. That way, you can prepare your home for incoming storms and prevent unnecessary damage from high winds.

Rain/Flooding Damage

Colorado has a relatively dry climate, but heavy rainfall is common with hail and wind storms. This influx of moisture can lead to water pooling on your roof, seeping into vulnerable areas of your roof and siding, and leaking into your home.

How to Identify Water Damage

Discoloration on your ceiling can be an obvious sign of water damage after or during a strong storm. It could be caused by missing or broken shingles, ice dams, clogged gutters, damaged or missing flashing around your chimney, or something else.

However, there’s one tricky part about water leaks: you may not be able to see them. This is one reason why it’s so important to have a professional inspect your home—they know what to look for and have special tools and resources to help identify the origin of hidden leaks and unknown water damage. For example, you can’t see the insulation behind your walls, but an experienced professional knows how to spot wet insulation that can lead to mildew and other serious trouble.

We’ve Got You Covered.

No matter how big or small your storm damage may be, our experienced team at J&K Roofing is ready to help. We have the tools, resources, and expertise necessary to get your home back in good shape.

Reach out to us today to schedule your free inspection and make sure your home is ready for the next storm!

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