Seasonal Roof Care Guide for Colorado’s Extreme Weather

If you’ve lived in Colorado long enough, you know how extreme the weather can get, no matter the season. With snowy winters and sun-streaked summers, Colorado is not a place you want to slack when it comes to regular seasonal roof maintenance.

As Colorado contractors working in the state for over 75 years, we have the experience and expertise to deliver roof-saving advice to homeowners and property owners across the Rocky Mountain region. You are looking to extend the life of your roof, right?

Understanding Colorado’s seasonal roof challenges is the first step. Read on to learn more about preparing your roof for each of the four seasons Colorado experiences, as well as set up a professional commercial roof inspection schedule to follow that will keep your roof working for you well into the future.

How often should you inspect your roof?

Douglass Colony Group recommends that you inspect your roof at least once per season.

Remember:

• Regularly assess your roof’s condition throughout the year, especially for climatic challenges specific to Colorado.
• Get ahead of the weather by preparing your roof for heavy snow and ice.
• Inspect your roof each season to stay on top of repairs before they become worse.
• Remember that winter isn’t the only deadly season for your roof.

Understanding Colorado Seasons

Contrary to popular belief, Colorado experiences each season throughout the year. And each season challenges the integrity of our roofs very differently. But at the core is durability — can your roof withstand what Colorado has to offer? Protect your investment and stay on top of the game. Heavy snow and ice in the winter add weight to your roof, potentially damaging its structure. Summer months expose your roof to intense UV rays because of our closer proximity to the sun, which can degrade materials over time. Spring and fall bring storms and fluctuating temperatures that can cause cracks and leaks.

Key Colorado Roofing Threats:

• Hail
• Heavy snow
• Water damage from rain
• Wind
• Debris build-up

You must understand how these seasonal challenges will target your roof. Let’s dig in.

Winter Watch (December – February/March)

Winter is the obvious thought when it comes to seasonal roof maintenance. Winter is synonymous with snow and ice, and unpredictable weather. Before December even comes around (sometimes as early as September), it’s important to begin roof preparations. Start by identifying any vulnerabilities in your roof and ensuring your gutters are completely clean. Check your insulation and ventilation and keep up with roof maintenance during the fall season.

Continuous monitoring and maintenance are key to keeping the integrity of your roof during the winter months. Temperatures dropping can mean problems for your roof, so keep an eye on it so small things don’t become big problems.

• Remove excessive snow loads
• Check attic ventilation
• Watch for ice dams and ice build-up
• Keep gutters clear

Spring Clean (March-May)

Spring is a critical time for property owners to address any damage caused by winter, especially before the rainy season begins. This is a great time to call in a professional inspection to spot any issues, such as cracks or shingle displacement.

In winter, with heavy winds, strong snow and unpredictable ice, debris is often left in gutters and on top of roofs when the season is over. Ensure your gutters are clean and free from obstructions, as they’ll be needed once the rain begins.

• Clear gutters of debris
• Check for loose shingles
• Remove branches and debris from roofs
• Look for signs of water damage or cracks in roofs

Summer Shield (June-August)

Summer means sun in Colorado! Being closer to the intensity of UV radiation is important to protect your roof from accelerated aging. Reflective materials can help reduce heat absorption and reduce cooling costs. Roof inspections are also key in Summer months to look for things like thermal expansion damage.

Expect hail around this time of year as well. Ensuring your roof is ready to take on the hit of a million tiny bits of ice is important for sustaining the longevity of your roof.

• Inspect for hail damage
• Check for sun damage and curling shingles
• Clean gutters
• Trim trees
• Do routine inspections

Fall Prep (September-November)

Fall may seem the most tame of all the seasons, but windy and rainy conditions still persist, and sometimes snow can fall as early as September. Fall is a crucial time to prepare for winter and strengthen your roof for the changing weather. Douglass Colony recommends trimming any large branches that may be inching over your roof — this will help prevent damage from falling limbs during storms. Secure your hinges, ensure gutters are clear, and manage water flow off your roof for when the snow melts.

Schedule a fall roof inspection with Douglass Colony group today.

• Remove debris from gutters
• Check vents and shingles
• Insulate your attic
• Fix any cracks or gaps
• Do all repairs before winter comes

Recommended Inspection Schedule

Spring: Winter damage assessment and full maintenance run-through
Summer: Storm damage repairs
Fall: Beginning of winterization through thorough inspection and maintenance practices
Winter: Monitor snow load and work with a partner to ensure ice damage is minimized

Get. Your. Roof. Inspected. Every. Season.

We cannot stress this enough. Colorado’s climate is unpredictable and unique, posing various challenges to homeowners and commercial properties across the state. You must understand the dynamics of weather here and prepare properly. Working with a partner who knows their stuff is a sure bet for a long-lasting, well-fortified roof.

Book an inspection with us and we can help come up with an appropriate time schedule for regular inspections and maintenance throughout the year!