Roofing is closely related the local climate, therefore there are certain roofing problems specific to Colorado.
The climate in the centennial state is not homogenous, but a mixture of continental, mid-latitude and high elevation. The annual temperature and precipitation level are lower than the national average, but the inches of snow and the number of sunny days are higher.
The climate of the plains in Eastern Colorado is quite uniform, with low humidity, lots of sunshine, and low frequency of rain fall. However, tornados represent common occurrences in spring and summer, even if they are most often small. In the mountain areas, there are significant differences in climate, even over short distances. Temperatures, wind and precipitation patterns are mostly controlled by elevation and mountain ranges. In Western Colorado, weather is less extreme and also less variable than in the mountains and even in the east.
Severe weather that may occur in Colorado varies from extreme heat, to high winds, flash flooding, forest fire, blizzards and storms.
In this context, there are different problems that roofs in Colorado confront with, on a regular basis.
Winter damage
Like we said before, snowfalls can be significant here, especially in the mountain area. If the structure of the roof is under dimensioned and there are no snow guards or de-icing systems installed to prevent snow accumulations, snow can create major problems and significant damage. The weight of the aerated snow is 100-120 kg/ mc. This means that a layer of 20 cm of snow on an average roof will add approximately 22 kg /sqm.
An incorrect dimensioning of the roof structure and its incorrect execution may cause deformation and the appearance of cracks in its structure. The only viable long-term solution to address these problems is to allow specialists to determine whether you have a strong roof structure or it needs to be reinforced. Degradation of the structure can lead to roof collapse, which will cause serious damage to the entire building.
Sun damage
In Colorado, there are, on average, 245 sunny days per year. UV radiation is one of the main causes of roof deterioration, especially in the case of roofs made from common or traditional materials: wood shingles and shakes, asphalt shingles, ceramic tiles. It causes these roofing materials to dry out and become brittle, restricting the roof`s ability to expand and contract naturally, causing cracks and leaving the roof exposed to the elements, which will soon lessen its integrity and compromise its efficiency.
Tree damage
If your property is situated in an area with trees and vegetation, your roof may be exposed to a particular type of damage caused by branches hanging too close to the roof. It is not just that they will rub against the surface of the roof, but they may also be broken by winds and fall on the roof.
To avoid these common problems, you must schedule periodic roof inspections and maintenance operations performed by Highlands Ranch roofing specialists. This way, you can receive the best advice on how to address properly the vulnerabilities of your roof before they turn into significant damage that will destroy your comfort and reduce its overall lifespan.