How Colorado Weather Affects Roofs

Colorado weather is tough on roofs. Between the large temperature fluctuations throughout the year, damaging storms, and the mile-high sun, Colorado weather affects roofs in several ways. These can significantly shorten their lifespans.

The lifespan of Colorado roofs is shortened by weather conditions like sub-zero temperatures, blistering heat, hail, heavy snows, torrential rains, and high winds. 

Colorado Weather and Roofs

Colorado isn’t known for extreme weather, but our mix of blistering summer days and sub-zero stretches in the winter expose homes to extremes. Over time, that can take its toll on roofing materials. So watch for extreme weather events to damage your roof, and inspect it if you fear it suffered weather damage.

Ultraviolet Radiation:

• Colorado’s most extreme weather condition is present every day of the year. Just like it’s easier to get sunburned in Colorado, it’s easier for the sun to damage your roof. With fewer ultraviolet rays filtered by the atmosphere, your roof soaks up more of the UV rays that degrade it. Expect your roof to deteriorate faster than similar conditions at sea level.

Humidity:

• Humidity, or the lack thereof, can also affect your roof. When coupled with the sun’s harsh glare, our dry air can accelerate the decay of asphalt and shake shingles.

Summer Storms:

• The Front Range and Eastern Plains are both known for sudden blasts of extreme weather. These storms frequently generate 60-mph winds and hail. Storm damage isn’t always immediately visible, so call a qualified inspector or estimator to look closely at your roof after a storm.

Ice:

• Our warm winter days are great for melting driveways. Still, the resulting overnight freeze can damage roofs when they don’t feature adequate drainage. Poorly draining rooftops – including roofs with gutters clogged with debris – lead to ice dams, which can damage roofing.

Snow:

• More of an issue in the high country than along the Front Range; the weight of snow can damage your roof or the home underneath it. Correctly pitched roofs will usually shed most snow. However, removing snow from your roof may be necessary when accumulation is particularly heavy or wet.

Colorado weather affects roofs all year long. If you fear your roof is succumbing to the climate, call B&M Roofing of Colorado today at 303.443.5843 or use our Free Estimate request.

Range of Roof Life in Colorado

Many things factor into your roof’s lifespan. At B&M Roofing, we estimate a Colorado roof will last between fifteen and thirty years. Manufacturer’s warranties may be anywhere from thirty to fifty years. However, these estimates depend on things like temperature extremes, weather conditions, and maintenance.

The type of roofing material is also a factor. Asphalt shingles, for example, do better in colder climates than in tropical heat.

Clay or concrete tile roofing is very durable and resilient. However, because they are so heavy, they must be installed on very sturdy roof structures. Clay or concrete roofs will last fifty to a hundred years.

The most durable roofing material is slate. It is expected to last a century or more.

Wood shingles have a lifespan of between twenty-five and thirty years if they are properly maintained. However, the roof must be kept free of moss and twigs so moisture is not trapped on the shingles. Fire is also a danger with this type of roof.

Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles. This means they are a good choice for Colorado’s intense heat and harsh cold winter weather. Wood shakes must be maintained to give them a lifespan of thirty-five to forty years.

Metal roofing is very resilient. Most metal roofing is steel or aluminum with a lifespan of fifty years. Copper or zinc roofing will last a century or more.

Why Get a Roof Inspection?

A new roof can prove pretty costly. But, with regular roof inspections, you can expect your roof to last longer. So, savings are significant.

Roof inspectors look for wear and tear on your roof. They can accurately estimate the life of your roof. They will make recommendations regarding necessary repairs. Certified roof inspectors can identify unsafe areas and poor-condition roofing. Roof inspectors will look at your roof’s internal and external components.

B&M Roofing Colorado: Colorado Extreme Weather

In Colorado, hail and snow storms are prevalent. They can cause a lot of damage to your roof. 

At B&M Roofing, we inspect your roofs for the Colorado wheater and offer you durable materials to be used on your roofs. We will also provide you with preventive measures in the spring before the hail season.

Call us today at 303.938.9642 to schedule a visit from our emergency repair team, or visit our leak repair request page to submit your information and have one of our team members contact you.

Our 24/7 support line is here to help immediately with emergency roof repair. Calling sooner means less of a wait and more opportunities to repair before extensive damage is done. We offer work throughout Colorado, including:

• Denver
• Colorado Springs
• Fort Collins
• Boulder
• Greeley
• Rocky Mountain areas
• Surrounding states, including Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Nebraska