It is important to do roof repairs in the correct conditions. So, when is the best time to do roof repairs in Colorado? Well, there isn’t an easy answer for this question, especially in Colorado.

In short, there is potential to do roof repairs year-round in Denver and the surrounding metro areas. That is not the case when considering the higher elevations in our state, but for the bulk of people concerned, I will speak to the general guidlines for timing roof repairs on the front range (Denver, Boulder, Westminster, Thornton, Lakewood, Aurora, Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Golden, Arvada, Littleton, and even Fort Collins). The weather here is incredible, that’s why we live here. Although there is a potential for snowfall during the majority of the year, there is also the potential for t-shirt weather in January.

The important thing to keep in mind is that any roof repairs that you are attempting to tackle are best completed in moderate temperatures, and while your roof is dry. That means there is potential for completing these repairs year round, but timing your project in the winter is much trickier. In the late spring, summer, and early fall, determining a day to complete those tasks is as easy as waking up, taking a look outside, and if the weather looks like it is going to be dry, get to work! I would suggest getting to work as early in the day as possible as the weather can change without much warning (trusting television weather people is not alwasy the wisest decision).

Doing any type of roof work, as I stated earlier, is much trickier in the winter, but it is not impossible. Because the repairs must be completed in moderate temperatures, and while your roof is dry, much more care must be taken when timing the project in the winter. That means, the snow must be off your roof, the temperature must be warm enough (typically over 45 degrees F), and the wheather outlook must be clear (I know, I just said trusting the weather people is not the wisest choice, but here is an exception).

After all of this is considered, planning your roof repairs in the late spring, summer, or early fall is best practice. Keep this in mind, when you are planning your next roof repair. When that time comes around, and you take out your ladder, get your tool belt on, secure a safety rope (so that your legacy does not get you a darwin award), get on top of your roof, realize that you forgot a tool, cannot find it, run to the hardware store, climb back up your ladder (assuming a common gust of wind has not come through and knocked it onto your car, neighbors house, or through a window), and maybe get it finished before the afternoon thunderstorm comes through…please be careful. Or, just give us a call, and we can do it correctly-the first time, and much more efficiently.

Every spring, in our beautiful state, the wind comes barreling down from the mountains and whips through the front range. If your roof is not ready for such an assault, a lot of unneeded damage can occur.

Shingles are typically not designed to resist the hurricane force winds that the spring can sometimes bring. Shingles come with integral locking tabs or factory-applied adhesives that, on occasion, do not adhere adequately to the shingle beneath because of cold weather installation, uneven surfaces, or any number of other reasons. For increased wind resistance and durability. there are a few steps that you can take to safeguard your home against these damages.

Check the shingles to make sure they are properly adhered the underlying shingle. MAKE SURE TO USE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT WHILE CLIMBING ON AND AROUND YOUR ROOF!

If you locate a shingle that is not firmly stuck the shingle below it, place two spots of quick-setting asphalt cement (commonly called roofing-tar) about the size of a nickel under each tab with a putty knife or caulking gun.

Press the loose shingle firmly onto the adhesive. Be sure to cement all the tabs throughout the roof, and be careful not to bend them farther than necessary when applying the adhesive as to avoid cracking, or shearing of the shingle. If you damage any shingles, replace them immediately.

The edges of roofs are most susceptible to wind damage. If the materials on the edges of your roof are not properly secured, wind is able get beneath it and begin lifting it. It times, you can hear this if you have unsecured shingles on your roof. It sounds like clapping in a windstorm. With continued exposure to wind, these materials are separated from the rest of the roof leaving the rest of your home below vulnerable to the damaging effects of leaks.

If this sounds too extensive, no worries! Give us a call, and have a qualified person inspect your roof. PLEASE BE CAREFUL if you decide to take this chore on yourself.

There are many different reasons why people have problems with their roofs in the winter. I have explained a couple in depth, so that you can prepare and look out for these problems. Enjoy!

1. Roof Leak

• For sloped roofs, improper installation or high winds and rain can loosen the flashing and cause it to pull away. Flashing Inspections can be conducted before the winter’s first storm to make sure that it is ready for what the weather has to offer. If it is not ready, flashing is inexpensive to fix, so getting it replaced before the storms is very worth it.
• If your home has a flat roof, you may see leaks at locations where there are drains. This is normally because the drains outside have not been maintained. When the drain becomes clogged, drainage is slowed.

2. Ice Damming

• During the winter, drains can fill up with ice and when this happens, it stops the flow of normal drainage. As the water backs up behind the ice, the drainage can get under your roof and leak into your home. To avoid this, remove the snow from your roof.

3. Snow shovels

• Some people make the mistake of using a normal snow shovel for the roof. This is extremely dangerous and can cause major damage and leakage to the roof. Sometimes to avoid this, people may use rakes, but that still may cause a little bit of a problem.

4. Christmas Lights

• The one mistake that homeowners make during the Christmas season is fastening their lights directly onto the roof. This can cause the roof to have a reduced life and cause leaking.  One thing you could do here is to hire a professional to put the lights on your home. Sometimes is expensive, but if you can afford it, it is extremely worth it.

5. Debris Removal

• During the fall, many trees and other debris tend to fall onto the roofs of house. These need to be cleared up before winter happens. This is because fallen debris can roll around and cause leakage and other severe roofing problems.

I really hope this post has helped you. I really want others to know what to watch out for so they do not have to replace or fix a roof in the middle of the winter! If you need help with any roofing needs, please visit Integrity Roofing and Painting’s Website and book you appointment today!

Every once in a while, you might be feeling for a change of color in your home. This is normal and can be a fun experience! If you do decide to move ahead in painting, there are a few do’s and don’ts you should be aware of.

Do’s

• Choose a color that you can stick to for a long time.
• Trust your instincts. If something tells you no, move away.
• Be sure the color is what you really want. If you’re unsure, buy a small quart and paint a little on the wall.
• Get different opinions on your colors.
• Find colors that contrast each other but still compliment one another.
• Know that bright colors make rooms look bigger while dark colors make rooms look smaller.
• Know that it may take several coats to finish painting your walls.

Don’ts

• Don’t choose a color you’re not proud of.
• Don’t talk yourself into a color you don’t like.
• Don’t use gloss on large walls.
• Don’t use water base over oil.
• Don’t make walls shiner than the trim.
• Don’t delay removing paint from any surfaces.

Help?

If you struggle a little with painting, that’s okay. That’s why here at Integrity Roofing and Painting we’re committed to helping you achieve the perfect paint job. If you or someone you know is interested in having paint work done for them, contact us here today at Integrity Roofing and Painting for an estimate on your dream paint job!