As we roll into autumn, the clear skies of summer are waning and thunderstorms and snow will be making their way to Colorado. Roof maintenance is often neglected during this time of year, but seemingly small problems can turn into costly repairs down the line. Taking the time to inspect your roof now will save you some cash and a headache in the future. Here are our top 10 roof maintenance tips for fall. 

1. Look out for leaks 

If you see signs of leaking, mold, or dampness in your attic, call a professional ASAP. Catching a leak early will only cost you a few bucks to fix, but the worse it gets, the more expensive it will be to repair. 

2. Get rid of debris

Excess debris can damage shingles, allow algae to grow and clog your gutters. To prevent this, make sure to sweep off sticks and leaves from your roof whenever you’re cleaning your gutters. 

3. Don’t let the snow pile up 

Colorado has been known to see it’s first snow as early as October. When the first snowstorm hits, take a shovel or rake and gently pull snow off the roof to avoid it from collapsing. 

4. Manage the moss

Routinely checking for signs of fungus and algae. Fungus and algae create moss, which can retain moisture and freeze, causing damage to your shingles. If you do happen to find moss, invest in some zinc or lead control strips to get rid of it. 

5. Trim the trees

Long branches can scratch or even remove roofing materials. Removing branches that are getting close to your roof can save you a ton in the long-run. 

6. Inspect your shingles 

After hailstorms, make sure to check for curling or loose shingles and for damaged flashing. These things can get worse over time, so catching them early will help your roof last as long as possible 

7. Never power wash

When you see fungus or debris on the roof, you may get the urge to power wash it all off. Don’t do that. Power washing can push water under your shingles and weaken the roof’s structure. Carefully removing debris and fungus with a broom or rake is the best way to go. 

8. Clean your gutters 

Fall is one of the worst times of the year for your gutters. The leaves will fall from your trees and accumulate in your gutters, leading to clogs. Cleaning these leaves out will prevent damage by allowing rain to drain properly off your roof. 

9. Watch for pests 

Termites, rats, squirrels, and other pests can cause serious damage to your roof. If you see signs of small animals or pests try to remove them immediately. 

10. Install insulation 

Insulation not only keeps your house warm during the cold months of fall, but it can also prevent your roof from warping. It prevents snow from refreezing and causing water damage to your roof. If you don’t already have attic insulation, invest in some as soon as possible. 

Consider these maintenance tips to save time and money on your roof this fall. Give us a call with any questions you have!

When it comes to choosing roofing materials, the answer is a bit less simple than you may be hoping: For better or for worse, the “best” roof type depends on your personal budget and goals.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the traditional choice, and for good reason. They’re often the most inexpensive option and can be durable enough to last for 20-30 years in ideal conditions. However, traditional asphalt shingles may be prone to damage from the elements. A single hail storm can permanently damage the asphalt, while other environmental factors like heavy rain can cause the shingles to curl and deteriorate. Additionally, asphalt shingles may be harmed by heat from below if your attic is not properly ventilated. 

When combined in a “perfect storm,” harsh weather conditions can rapidly age asphalt shingles. Because of this, shingles’ lifespans are largely dependent on weather conditions. However, with their lower price and relative durability, asphalt shingles remain a fantastic choice for most homes.

Sheet Metal
Metal roofs are far more durable than almost any other option, withstanding much of Colorado’s extreme weather. These roofs have been known to last 50-60 years (and sometimes even longer) without any issues. That durability costs homeowners up front: In most cases, metal roofing can cost two to four times as much as traditional shingles per square foot, though that number can be much higher if you opt for high-end copper or zinc roofing.

Choosing between shingles or a metal roof ultimately comes down to how much you’re willing to invest and how long you plan on staying in your home. If you plan to stick around for a while, a metal roof is well worth your investment, but if you have plans to sell in the short-term future, going with asphalt singles is a safe and wise decision that remains popular for good reason.

Still torn between roofing options? B&M Roofing has more than 70 years of roofing experience and is here to help. Call 303.443.5843 for all your roofing needs.

When it comes to protecting your investment in your home, your roof is the single most important part of your house. Like most homeowners, you may have concerns about your roof following a storm or just as part of maintenance. While you can assess major damage on your own, a professional roof inspector provides insight and expertise that most homeowners can’t muster.

Following a major storm, start with a quick survey of your roof’s health from the ground. Use binoculars if you have them, and look for the obvious signs of distress: missing shingles, ripped shingles, major damage cased by falling branches. If you spot nothing, but still have concerns, it’s time to call a professional inspector. You’ll benefit from his professional insight:

• Surface assessment: Hail damage may be hard to spot, and experts know how to evaluate the remaining lifespan of shingles, grain levels and locate hail-strike damage.
• Ventilation: Keeping air moving through your attic is important, and experts can quickly assess if vents are working to the capacity your home requires.
• Insurance Claims: If your roof is damaged, you’ll need a professional to itemize and properly describe the damage.
• Structural survey: It’s even more difficult to see the damage under shingles than spot superficial damage. If your roof is losing structural integrity, it can lead to larger problems down the line. Identifying these issues and addressing them is critical.
• Safety First: If you’re not comfortable climbing ladders and walking on a sloped roof, don’t risk your health self-inspecting.

B&M Roofing of Colorado provides free, no-obligation inspections to homeowners in Denver and Boulder. Request a visit from our inspection team with our online form, or by calling 303.443.5843.

Let’s get the worst news out of the way first: If from the ground you can see warped shingles, it’s likely a sign that you’ll need a new roof. Often damage is only visible after climbing up and inspecting a roof.

Asphalt shingles are durable, but are prone to the elements, particularly after the granules on their surface start deteriorating and getting washed away in rainstorms. Once the protective layer is removed, shingles are exposed to ultraviolet light, which makes them brittle or otherwise fragile. Warped edges can be a sign that shingles have reached the end of their natural lifespan.

If your shingles aren’t shedding granules and are cupping – curling at both corners to be concave – it can be a signal that your attic isn’t properly vented. Rooftops soak up a lot of sun and heat, and transmit it to the home below it. A properly vented attic allows some of the heat to escape. Without venting, heat collects in your attic, and can expose the underside of shingles to extreme heat beyond their normal temperature tolerances, which can cause them to warp.

If you’re unsure of your roof’s condition or aren’t comfortable climbing on your roof to investigate, B&M Roofing is there to lend a hand. Call us at 303.443.5843 to request a free inspection and estimate.

Replacing a roof on any home is a large job, which is why we dedicate teams to it. We understand that you want life around your home to be back to normal as quickly as possible. While it should only take a few days to complete your project, depending upon its size and the weather, you’ll want to prepare your home for the job.

Secure Loose Items
Our teams will be on your roof, hammering, moving piles of materials and generally working quickly. This is likely to cause vibrations in your home. The extent of these disturbances varies by how your home is constructed, and they are often barely noticeable. However, preserve breakables such as hung pictures, mirrors and fragile items on shelves by removing them to a place where vibrations won’t knock them over.

Clear Your Driveway
Typically, our teams park their vehicle in your driveway during the project. That gives us the fastest and most effective place to load shingles and, if you need old roofing removed, to collect discarded materials. Having a driveway free of cars and other clutter helps us get your project done quickly.

Prepare Your Yard
Our teams take great care to prevent any damage to landscaping or other property during our roofing projects. Items such as nails and old roofing inevitably fall during construction. Remove any items such as barbecues, boats, patio furniture and statuary that may be damaged by falling material.

Mind Children and Pets
Your home will be an active construction site as our teams work to put your new roof on. It’s no place for children or pets to be around. Protect your loved ones by keeping them inside during the project.

When it’s time to get a new roof, many homeowners wonder which roofing type is ideal for their home. Many consumers explore many roofing types rather than merely replacing their existing roofing system. While many considerations weigh into the decision, including covenants and personal esthetic preferences, each type of roofing has its own advantages.

Asphalt Roofing

By far the most popular choice for roofing material, asphalt shingles are available in many colors to suit many homeowners’ tastes. While asphalt shingles are more susceptible to Colorado’s severe weather than other materials, they’re typically the most affordable option. Expect a lifespan of 20-30 years, barring weather damage, from most asphalt shingles.

Metal Roofing

A more durable solution than traditional shingles, metal roofing systems also offer more leeway for architects’ designs to flourish, making it a favorite among high-end builders, though are typically much more expensive than other options. Lightweight and virtually fireproof, metal roofs withstand extreme weather well. Homeowners can reasonably expect to get 50-60 years of service life from a metal roof, though that means you may be investing in a roofing system that will be around a lot longer than you’re in the house.

Wood Roofing

Many homeowners prefer the more natural look of cedar shakes and shingles for their roof. While more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, you can expect them to last 30-40 years if maintained well. Cedar shakes and shingles are more resistant to extreme weather and more energy-efficient than asphalt options, but are also more costly.

Tile and Slate

Homeowners who demand high style often choose tile or slate roofing systems. Concrete or clay tiles are available in numerous styles, from classic Tuscan tiling to fire-resistant concrete replicas of shake roofing. While many tile and slate roofing systems are engineered to last up to 50 years, and are highly resistant to Colorado weather, the roofing underlayment may need to be replaced every 20 years, requiring maintenance many homeowners don’t foresee. Also, because of the weight of these roofing systems, many homes must be structurally reinforced to accommodate them.

Are you looking to purchase your first home? Moving to a new house? Protect your investment by knowing about your roof to keep your property in great condition. Here are 3 things you need to know:

• Get a professional inspection…or two — It’s never a bad thing to have more than one person inspect your roof so you can learn what will be best for your home. Do not overlook your inspection report! Dismissing roofing red flags can come back to haunt you. If the inspection mentions issues with the roof, make sure you take that into account when breaking down budgets for future repairs.

Through RoofSave, our roof asset management program, we will inspect your roof and identify any conditions that need repair.

• Know your warranty & insurance — many properties will come with transferable roofing warranties. With this, you may not have to worry about repair and replacement costs. If your property is without insurance, think about getting a plan to give you extra peace of mind.
• Get a roofer to take a look — Home inspectors are great at what they do, but they’re not roofers. If your inspection report looks good, after purchase, consider asking a professional roofer to come look at your home. This way, you can catch any small problems that may lead to larger problems in the future.

Request a free estimate today from our experienced roofing specialists.

Not sure what to look for in your inspection report? Are you worried your roof may be damaged? If you are a first-time homeowner or have recently purchased a home and have questions about your roof contact B&M Roofing at 303.443.5843 for all your roofing needs.

As we approach the middle of winter and as we get closer to prime hail season (March/April) you’re probably wondering what the weather will do to your roof. If you live in Colorado, chances are you’ll see some sizable hail this year, which is where B&M Roofing comes in. If you know your roof really can’t take another hail beating, take a look at our damage checklist that walks you through what you need to know and do to ensure your roof replacement goes smoothly.

 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, torn, curled or missing shingles.

 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 for any hidden damage.

 Check your gutters and windows: Again, roof damage can be deceiving. While your shingles may look fully intact, dents in gutters and roof vents may point to hidden and serious damage. 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.

 Call your insurance company: Refer to your notes, report a claim with your insurance company and arrange for a more detailed inspection.

Remember, after a storm there will likely be a number of contractors competing for your attention. To REALLY be prepared for hail damage, be sure to get to know contractors around town before hail season rolls in. Finding a contractor you trust is a crucial aspect of a smooth 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.

Roof damage is not a hail storm or spring season-exclusive occurrence. There are many things that could potentially go wrong with your roof over winter and it is important to be prepared and ready for anything that might happen!

Before the first snowstorm comes, it is a good idea to inspect your roof and analyze if there is any existing damage. If you can catch a problem and address it early on, you are more likely to prevent a bigger issue from happening which could ultimately save you a lot of money.

If your roof appears to be in tip-top condition, you still want to keep an eye out for the following issues to arrive over the course of the winter season:

Ice dams

Ice dams are layers of ice that form at the edge of the roof which prevents melting snow from being able to properly drain off of the roof. The excessive buildup of melted snow then has nowhere to go and could end up in a home’s interior causing lots of damage, as well as damage to the roof.

Ice dams usually occur from inadequate ventilation or insulation in a home’s attic. If you discover your roof has ice dams, you will want to call a professional to come out and help you remove them. After the ice dams are removed and the issue is solved, it is important to constantly check your roof for signs of weathering to prevent further damage

Condensation in Attic

A warm attic with a cold roof over it is the perfect place for condensation to occur which can lead to mildew, mold, roof failure and structural damage to your home. Poor ventilation is usually the main culprit to attic condensation, which is a complex issue that requires professional attention. If you notice that your attic has condensation, you will want to contact a professional who can help remedy the situation and ensure it does not happen again.

Flashing Leaks

Flashing is a section of sheet metal that protects the joints in a roof in order to prevent water damage. The locations of flashing vary depending on the type of roof, however flashing is most commonly used around a chimney, skylight or dormer windows where leaking is likely to happen.

If you notice leaking around these areas, it means that the flashing could be damaged or weathered and it is time to call a professional roofing inspector. We recommend having a roofing inspector examine the roof flashing biannually to prevent larger issues from happening.

Flashing is much more affordable to fix when you catch it early on. Once water has leaked through and caused damage, there are greater and more expensive issues that can arise.

Don’t forget that we offer free estimates and emergency roof repair! Stay ahead of the game this winter and make sure your roof is ready to take on another Colorado winter.

Colorado’s crazy seasons can take a toll on your roof’s lifespan, so finding the best time to replace your roof can be tricky. After the heat, rain and hail of summertime and before the icy winter months, schedule a time for roof maintenance.

Here are some reasons why the fall is the best time to take care of those shingles:

1. You should inspect your roof for breakage or any other damage after summer weather. Hail and heat can both cause harm, so fall is the best time to determine if it needs to be replaced before colder weather hits. Call us to schedule an inspection for your roof now to determine if you need a replacement.
2. The temperatures aren’t too hot nor too cold. On a clear day between 45 and 50 degrees, asphalt shingles will melt and adhere properly to these conditions when replaced (a process called thermal sealing). Your roofers won’t have to work in excessive heat or cold, which makes it easier for them to put more time into the job.
3. Your shingles need to be sealed before frigid cold temperatures hit. Shingles become more brittle as the air grows more chilly. Sealant protects them properly from the snow and ice and ensure they won’t blow away with the winds before wintertime.
4. You’ll save money on your winter bills. If your HVAC system is located in your house’s attic, replacing your roof will help it operate at its best. This way, you and your guests will stay warm all winter long without increased heating bills.
5. It’s the prime time to patch up holes and other issues that can worsen in cooler temperatures. Take care of basic maintenance now before it gets out of hand. You’ll want to avoid paying for bigger roofing problems in the future by taking care of them now.

Consider these tips to save time and money on your roof in the long run. Give us a call with any questions you have!