How to Stop a Roof Leak Temporarily

At B&M Roofing of Colorado, we understand that figuring out how to stop a roof leak can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Watching water seep through your roof and cause damage to your home can be incredibly stressful, especially while waiting for emergency roof repairs. That’s why we offer prompt emergency roof service requests to address your needs quickly.

In the meantime, we want to help you minimize further structural damage while you await our crew’s arrival. Here are some temporary measures you can take to manage a roof leak until we can perform more permanent repairs. Your home’s safety and protection are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you through this challenging situation.

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Common Signs of a Leaky Roof

Identifying a leaky roof can be crucial to maintaining the integrity of your home. There are several telltale signs that your roof may need repairs.

First, check for water stains on the ceilings or walls inside your home. These yellowish-brown spots often suggest that water is seeping through the roof and can indicate a developing issue that needs immediate attention. Another sign to look out for is missing, cracked, or curled exterior shingles. A damaged roof can allow moisture to penetrate, leading to leaks. Walk around your house or use binoculars from a safe distance to inspect the shingles closely.

Pay attention to any unusual drafts or increased energy bills. If your roof is not effectively insulating your home, it can lead to higher heating and cooling costs. Additionally, notice any signs of mold or mildew, particularly in the attic or near the roofline. These fungal growths thrive in damp conditions and can clearly indicate water intrusion. Finally, after heavy rain or snow, check your gutters and downspouts. If water is overflowing or pooling around the foundation, it could mean your roof drainage system is compromised, possibly due to leaks.

By being on the lookout for these signs, you can proactively address any potential roofing issues before they escalate into more significant problems. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to prolonging the life of your roof and protecting your home. Identifying a leaky roof can be crucial to maintaining the integrity of your home. There are several telltale signs that your roof may need repairs.

These are just some of the most common areas to look for roof leaks, but there are more tell-tale signs of missing shingles, mold or mildew, rotted wood, and discoloring on the ceiling side of your home.

 

Temporary Leaking Roof Repair

At B&M Roofing, we understand that water naturally flows downhill, and often, the lowest point for drainage can be located above your ceiling. To effectively manage drainage and reduce the risk of water damage in your attic, it’s crucial to identify the wettest area of your roof, which may appear as a bulge if the leak has been neglected for some time.

By carefully puncturing this bulge with a finish nail or a similar small tool, you create a pathway for the trapped water to escape into a bucket below. This proactive step can significantly alleviate water damage and is much more manageable than the extensive repairs required for a severely water-damaged ceiling—Trust B&M Roofing to provide effective solutions for your roofing needs and prevent further damage to your home.

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Locating the Roof Leak

At B&M Roofing of Colorado, we know that the most challenging part of addressing a leaky roof is pinpointing the source of the leak. Once you’ve identified the leak, finding a temporary fix becomes much simpler.

If you’re comfortable, we recommend inspecting your attic to check the roof deck, which is the underside of your roof. Leaks often originate from joints between plywood. It’s important to note that the leak may not be located directly above or below where you observe the water damage.

If the leak isn’t immediately visible, we have an effective method to help you locate it, though caution is key. Water can travel along your roof before it starts to show in your ceiling, so it’s crucial to find the source of the leak before it leads to extensive damage. The best time to search for a leak is when there’s water running on your roof.

Don’t wait for a heavy rainstorm to cause significant water damage. Instead, control the water flow using a garden hose on the roof. A small amount of water in targeted areas can help you locate leaks. Ideally, have someone else in the attic with a flashlight to spot any moisture – the water will reflect the light, making the leak easier to see.

If you don’t have access to an attic, you can look for clues by pouring water on areas like flashing, ridge caps, roof valleys, and gutters or downspouts. If possible, set up a bucket in your attic to catch dripping water and prevent further damage to your home.

Remember that patching a leak from the underside of the roof deck using tar, shingles, or plywood is only a temporary solution. It’s crucial to address water intrusion promptly to prevent additional property damage.

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Get Started With Expert Roofing Services Today!

At B&M Roofing of Colorado, we understand that knowing how to fix a leaking roof temporarily can cause significant stress and more extensive damage if not addressed promptly. That’s why we prioritize immediate response for our customers. Our dedicated emergency response teams are always on standby, equipped, and ready to tackle leaking roofs whenever and wherever you need us.

If you’re facing a roofing emergency, you can rely on our expertise to provide swift and practical solutions. Don’t let a slight leak become a significant issue—reach out to us without hesitation. Contact us today or conveniently fill out our emergency service request form on our website. Our experienced team is here to ensure your home is protected and safe—Trust B&M Roofing to be your dependable partner in preserving the integrity of your roof.

B&M Hail Damage Inspection Checklist

As we approach the end of winter and as we get closer to prime hail season (March through June), you’re probably wondering what the spring and summer weather will do to your roof. Spring and summer in Colorado bring beautiful colors and temperatures, but with them come severe thunderstorms that are capable of causing significant damage to your home and roof.  

Colorado Hail Damage

When we get hail in Colorado, it hits hard and fast, leaving its mark on your roof that can be difficult to see. The type of hail that will fall differs from region to region, affecting our service areas. Depending on the size, shape, and hardness of the hail, damage can come in the form of small indents or actual tears in your roof. If you live in Colorado, chances are you’ll see some sizable hail this spring, which is where it comes in handy to know how to spot damage, so proper roof repairs may be done.

If you know your roof really can’t take another storm season, take a look at our hail damage inspection checklist that walks you through what you need to know and do to ensure your roof replacement goes smoothly. No matter the amount of damage, B&M Roofing can help give estimates on repairs and/or even roof replacement.

Usually, you can’t spot hail damage from the ground because of the small indents it creates on shingles.  After the storm, you may see obvious damage to things such as your car or home siding so it is safe to assume the storm also affected your roof.  Because the damage from hail is often invisible from the ground, it’s important to have an experienced, professional inspector and insurance claim specialist check your roof as soon as possible.

Roofer pointing out hail damage on roof

Until then, here is a quick guide on what to do when a hailstorm hits:

Hail Damage Inspection Checklist

Hail damage can sometimes be hard to spot. However, even hail damage that may seem insignificant can prove to be costly. Staying proactive by properly inspecting your roof will help you minimize damage and repair costs.

 Assess your roof for storm damage

We do NOT advise climbing up on your roof to do this. Instead, walk around the perimeter of your home and photograph any visible damage. Fairly obvious signs of damage may include dented, discolored, torn, curled, or missing shingles. Given you have 2nd-floor windows that overlook the lower part of the roof, this may be a good vantage point to estimate the amount of hail damage, as you can see flashing and gutters from above instead of below.

 Look for leaks & water spots in your attic and ceilings

Roof damage can be deceiving. Even if your roof looks undamaged from the outside, wind and hail may have caused significant leaks internally. Be sure to check your ceilings and light fixtures for signs of water damage. Inspect your attic closely with a flashlight to really get a sense of any hidden damage.

 Check your gutters and windows

While your roof shingles may look fully intact, look for dented gutters and downspouts. Dents in other areas, like gutters and roof vents, may point to hidden and serious damage on your rooftop, as well. Do not forget to inspect windows for cracks, loose weatherstripping, and torn screens.

 Inspect the area around your home

While some things may be obvious, like fallen tree limbs or broken fences, total damage may be hidden. Assess any damage to lawn furniture and exterior decorations. Check all flat surfaces such as patios and decks for additional signs of hail damage. Another good sign that you may have hail damage on your roof is by checking for damage on other things around the perimeter of your home, like umbrellas, tables, and even your air conditioner. Any dents or hail splatter can mean your roof may also have damage.

 Call your insurance company

Refer to your notes, report a claim with your insurance company, and arrange for a more detailed inspection. Remember to save a copy of each picture you take for reference or in case you ever have a problem with the claim (we can help with that, too).

missing roof shingles

Remember, after a storm, there will likely be a number of roofing contractors and storm chasers competing for your attention. To REALLY be prepared for hail damage, get to know roofers around town and which roofers your neighbors are using. Finding a contractor you trust is a crucial aspect of a smooth roof repair or replacement.

If you need an expert to come and further inspect your roof for hail damage, call B&M Roofing and we’ll inspect your roof. No matter the amount of damage, B&M Roofing can help give estimates on repairs and/or even roof replacement. At B&M Roofing, we come equipped with extensive knowledge and comprehensive industry experience. With more than 60 years of experience, we’re not here to scam you; we’re here to make sure your roof is safe and sturdy.

For more information on B&M Roofing or to simply get to know us before hail season hits, give us a call at 303-443-5843.

Do I Need to Replace Roof after Hail?

Hail storms, unfortunately, have become all too frequent in the Colorado region. In fact, Colorado has seen some of the most costly damages resulting directly from extreme hail storms. In August 2019, Colorado had the second-highest number of hail claims in the United States. So what should you know about hail in this region?

First, hail season in the Centennial state is considered to be from mid-April through mid-September. Your home is susceptible to damage during hail season and it’s important to know and understand repairs and replacements for roofs. The first question many homeowners should ask the experienced Colorado roofers at B&M Roofing is, do I need to replace roof after hail? The answer varies depending on the severity of the damage, but here are some key points to remember.

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Dangers of Hail

Hail develops when the updraft from a wind carries rain into higher layers of the atmosphere, freezing the rain to create hailstones. Hailstorms negatively impact a number of local areas. It is catastrophic for a number of reasons, but mainly:

  • – Hailstorms and the powerful winds that most often accompany them can also destroy crops. During hailstorms, farmers suffer losses that can wipe out their entire crop.
  • – Hailstorms pose a high risk for airplanes. Aircraft can be seriously jeopardized if they are caught in the middle of a hailstorm. Planes can also be damaged when they are trying to land or take off in a hailstorm. In 2018 a Mexican airplane crashed when attempting to take off.
  • – Hail can be catastrophic for land driving too. Hail can shatter windshields. Reduced visibility can cause roads to become hard to navigate. Hailstones make roads slippery and dangerous to drive on.
  • – Hail can be dangerous. Larger hailstones—some as large as golf balls—destroy homes, especially since roofs are unprotected and bear the brunt of the impact.
  • – Enormous hailstones can cause fatal head injuries and life-threatening concussions.

In 2014, America experienced the largest insured loss event when hailstorms hammered an area from Colorado to Pennsylvania in mid-May. The result was insured losses of almost three billion dollars. Homeowners were quick to file insurance claims and request inspections for hail damage. Unfortunately, there were long wait times given the influx of homeowner needs. For this reason, it’s important to know – do I need to replace roof after hail?

Hail Storms in Colorado

As we mentioned, Colorado’s hail season extends from mid-April to mid-September. The peak season is May, June and July.

Much of the area northeast of Boulder is open farms and ranches. Cumulonimbus clouds gather over the Rocky Mountains. They bring with them the potential for destruction: lightning, rain, tornados, and hail.

Colorado is especially prone to hail destruction. The state’s position is directly in what weather forecasters call Hail Alley. The state is also a mile closer to those dangerous slate-grey clouds than states like Florida.

Nationally, the annual hail damage is over $10 billion. Not surprising, Colorado is the number two state for hail insurance claims just behind Texas. Hail damages paid out by insurance companies continues to grow.

hail damage in colorado

How Hail Impacts the Health of Your Home

Hailstorms are one of the most destructive forces in nature. They fall from great heights, traveling at high speeds.

Severe hailstorms can lead to huge losses to homes and vehicles. Hailstones easily penetrate glass roofs and skylights. Metal roofs are less likely to be compromised by hailstones. However, dents to roofs and automobile surfaces often require repair or replacement.

Hail, water, snow, and ice can all cause major damage to homes and commercial buildings. Due to the intensity of these storms, roofs can leak. This can lead to flooded basements, moldy attics, and collapsing ceilings. High winds that accompany hailstorms can shatter windows, blowing debris around to crash into windows and siding. Metal roof pieces can be ripped off.

Do I need to replace my roof after hail storm

The Process of Inspecting Buildings for Hail Damage

The damage from hailstorms needs to be assessed by an experienced Colorado roofing company. This specialist will look at several aspects of hail damage to your home’s roof.

Roof storm damage is all too common during a hail storm. During the initial inspection, a Colorado roofer at B&M Roofing will look for cracks, splinters, dents, dings, etc. On the more extreme side, they may evaluate holes/punctures, rips, and overall lasting impact on your home. On your roof, they look for things that are present or potential problem leaks down the road. It is crucial that the roof of your home be in good shape. After all, your roof protects the interior of your home.

Hail damage must be assessed or inspected before your insurance company will cover the damage. Before repairs are approved, you will need to get an assessment and an estimate from a Colorado roofing company that specializes in hail damage. They will be able to answer, do I need to replace roof after hail?

Before you contact a roofing specialist, here are some areas to look at:

Metal Roof Damage

Metal roofs are structurally the toughest material to protect your home or business against hail storms. However, metal roofs are not immune to issues caused by sizable hail. Denting on metal roofs may force their replacement if there’s a concern for cracking either immediately or with time. Cracking will eventually lead to leaks and, consequently, more damage to your home. During a check of your metal roof, be sure to inspect the vents, flashing, and metal valleys for dents or ensure that your hired professional metal roofer is paying strict attention to these details. Also, pay special attention to areas constructed of soft metal. Look for evidence of hail damage.

Asphalt and Composition Shingles Hail Damage

Climb to the top of the roof or have a damage specialist do this. Look at the ridge cap for signs of hail damage. For asphalt and composition shingles, hail damage will almost always be evident. Be sure to identify any of the below:

  • – Random damage with no discernable pattern.
  • – Hail hits that are black in color.
  • – Loss of granules, which may expose the roof felt.
  • – Asphalt and/or mat that appears shiny.
  • – Hail hits that are soft to the touch, like the bruise on an apple.

Other Types of Roofs

There are a variety of roofs and all of them are susceptible to some degree of damage, some more than others. A trust roofing company like B&M Roofing can help you understand how hail damage has impacted your home both short-term and long-term. Contact us for a free inspection or estimate if your home has been damaged by a common occurring hail storm.

Types of Hail Damage

  • – Hail causes three types of roof damage: bruising, cracking, and missing granules on the surface of asphalt shingles.
  • – Large hailstones can cause cracks on the shingles.
  • – Missing pieces on asphalt shingles can be the result of hail damage.
  • – Bruising of shingles is harder to see. Finding bruising requires that you feel for small dents. The areas of these small dents will eventually break down.

Other Hail Damage Areas

Inspect other areas including gutters, downspouts, HVAC units, and decks.

Gutters that are dented, dinged, or cracked may need to be replaced. Otherwise, blockages may cause water to seep into the foundation.

Siding and windows can also be damaged by hail. Look for dents and dings. Check for damage to soffits and flashing.

hail damage on roofs

Do I Need to Replace Roof after Hail?

If they are not replaced or repaired, roofs, soffits, gutters, and roof caps can result in severe damage to the interior of your home from water damage, mold growth, and broken windows. If not addressed immediately the damage can spread rapidly. Never ignore potential damage from hail. If a hailstorm has passed through your area, always assume it has done damage to your home until a storm damage specialist has assessed the damage.

When it comes to restoring properties from storm damage, make sure you choose a professional who specializes in roof repair and roof restoration. Look for a roof repair or restoration specialist who has both experience and excellent references. The roof of your house is its first defense against internal damage. It never pays to ignore hail damage or assume there was none simply because your untrained eye did not note any. Whether your structure needs a few repairs or major reconstruction, a knowledgeable, experienced roof repair and restoration specialist can bring your roof back to top condition.

If you are unsure about the condition of your home after a hailstorm, it is wise to contact an experienced Colorado roofing company for a Denver roof inspection. B & M Roofing will provide a free inspection and estimate to replace your roof.

When the Weather Gets In: Emergency Roof Repair

There’s almost nothing like the moment of sheer panic when you first hear the sound of dripping water coming from the ceiling, or golf ball-sized hail bouncing off of your roof. When disaster strikes, B&M Roofing of Colorado offers Emergency Roof Repair services to minimize the time your roof and home are left exposed to further damage.emergency roof repair

Roof damage comes in all shapes and sizes, but in some cases it constitutes a true emergency. In particular, leaks can cause costly and potentially dangerous issues in your home if left unchecked.

Attics and ceilings may become moldy, which can pose health risks to you and your family. Residual moisture can pose a fire threat in the event of shorted wires in your attic or ceiling. In the long run, unaddressed damage can even severely impact the structural integrity of your home. Additionally, in the most serious cases, wind or hail damage can also lead to permanent damage.

Any and all of these complications that can arise from unchecked roof damage will put your family in danger and lead to expensive, painstaking repairs in the future. It is extremely important that you act as quickly and decisively as possible after noticing an issue with your roof in order to protect your home and loved ones.

You can’t put off repairing roof damage until it works for a roofing company’s schedule. Emergency response estimators and teams are here when your roof needs immediate attention. They’re highly trained to assist you with the following issues:
Leak identification
Roof damage analysis
Emergency repairs

Next time your roof can’t wait, trust B&M’s fast and affordable Emergency Roof Repair services. Call today at 303.443.5843 to schedule a visit from our emergency repair team, or visit our Leak Repair Request Page to schedule a timely visit from a team member.