Aurora, Colorado, is known for its beautiful vistas on the plains just east of Denver – and for the intense weather that rolls through. If you live in Aurora, you’ve likely experienced the pounding of spring hailstorms or the whistling of autumn windstorms. These weather events can leave behind a trail of damage on your roof. Knowing how to handle hail and wind damage is crucial for Aurora homeowners. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for after a storm and how to get your roof repaired quickly, so your home stays protected year-round.
Aurora’s Challenging Weather and Your Roof
The climate in Aurora can be tough on roofs. Hail is a common occurrence in our area, especially during late spring and early summer thunderstorms. Aurora often sits in the path of “Hail Alley,” meaning hailstones the size of peas, marbles, or even golf balls can bombard neighborhoods with little warning. Come fall and winter, strong Chinook winds or gusty cold fronts can sweep through, sometimes reaching speeds over 60 mph. This one-two punch of hail and wind makes it essential to keep a close eye on your roof’s condition. Even a relatively new roof can sustain damage from a single severe storm.
Hail Damage 101: What Aurora Homeowners Should Look For
After a hailstorm, once it’s safe, take a walk around your property and visually inspect your roof (binoculars can help). Here’s what to look for on an asphalt shingle roof:
- Dented or Bruised Shingles: Hail can leave impact marks that look like dark spots or bruises on shingles where granules have been knocked off. You might see patches that appear black or exposed – that’s the asphalt layer revealed by hail hits.
- Cracked Shingles: Larger hailstones or those propelled by wind may actually crack shingles. Look for any split or torn shingles, especially on roof ridges and edges, which take hail hits directly.
- Dents in Metal Components: Check metal flashings, vents, or skylight frames. Hail often leaves visible dents in these. Dented gutters or downspouts are also a clue that hail was sizable and might have harmed the roof surface.
- Granules in Gutters: Take a peek inside your gutters or at the bottom of downspouts. If you notice an abundance of roofing granules (those sand-like particles), it’s a sign hail has knocked them loose from your shingles.
If you spot any of these signs, your roof likely has hail damage. Keep in mind, hail damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. It can take a trained eye to identify more subtle bruising. That’s why many homeowners in Aurora schedule a professional roof inspection after a major hail event.
High Wind Damage: Shingles and More
Windstorms in Aurora can be just as damaging as hail. After a particularly windy day, check for:
- Missing Shingles: High winds can lift shingles right off the roof. You might notice gaps in your shingles or find pieces of shingles scattered in your yard.
- Lifted or Curled Shingles: Even if shingles aren’t blown off, strong gusts might have lifted them. Shingles that appear bent, curled, or no longer lie flat are likely compromised. Once lifted, they won’t effectively keep water out.
- Loose Flashing or Gutters: Winds often tug at the metal flashing around chimneys or roof edges. If you see any metal sections that have come loose or dangling gutters, those need fixing to prevent leaks.
- Debris Damage: Winds can break tree limbs or fling debris onto your roof. Check for any new scrapes, punctures, or damaged areas where something might have struck the roof surface.
Remember, what looks like minor wind damage can lead to major problems if rainwater finds its way under a loose shingle. It’s wise to address wind issues promptly.
Steps to Take After a Storm in Aurora
1. Document the Damage: Take photos of any hailstones (some homeowners place a ruler next to them to show size) and any visible roof damage. This will be useful for insurance claims if you decide to file one. Aurora storms are typically covered by homeowners insurance, especially hail, which is a named peril in most policies.
2. Schedule a Professional Inspection: Contact a local roofing contractor to assess your roof. A professional Aurora roofer will safely climb up and check every slope, noting all hail impacts or wind damage. They can provide a written report and photos, which again help with insurance and planning repairs.
3. Avoid Quick Temporary Fixes: It might be tempting to climb up and replace a shingle yourself or patch something immediately. However, unless you’re experienced, you might miss underlying damage. It’s better to have a pro handle even temporary tarping or patching if needed. Colorado Preferred Roofing offers emergency tarp service for situations where your roof is exposed.
4. Contact Your Insurance (if necessary): For significant damage (for example, widespread hail hits on one side of the roof or many missing shingles), you may consider filing a claim. Many Aurora homeowners have been through this after big storms – insurance may cover repair or even full replacement if the damage is severe enough. Your roofing contractor can often meet with your adjuster to point out damage.
Choosing a Trusted Aurora Roofing Contractor
Storm season often brings out-of-town “storm chasers” – companies that flock to hail-hit areas. While some are legitimate, many disappear as quickly as they came. For your roof repairs, it’s best to use a local, reputable company that will be around after the storm. Colorado Preferred Roofing is proud to serve the Aurora area and has built a reputation for quality and honesty. We know the specific challenges of Aurora weather and the best solutions for durable repairs.
When selecting a roofer, look for proper licensing and insurance, positive local reviews, and experience with hail damage. An established Aurora roofing contractor will also be familiar with city permitting and inspection requirements for roof work. Our team, for instance, ensures all repairs meet local building codes and we always install high-quality materials that can stand up to Colorado’s climate.
Get Your Roof Fixed Up, Aurora!
Dealing with roof damage can be stressful, but with the right approach, you can get your home back to normal quickly. Whether it’s dented shingles from a hailstorm or missing shingles after a windstorm, timely repair is key to preventing water damage. If you’re in Aurora and suspect your roof has storm damage, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts.
We’re Here to Help: Colorado Preferred Roofing has you covered for Aurora roofing services, from emergency patching to full roof replacements. Our knowledgeable crew will assess your roof’s condition and recommend the most cost-effective solution. We’ll even help guide you through insurance claims if applicable. Your home is your biggest investment – let us help you protect it. Contact us today for a roof inspection or repair in Aurora, and rest easy knowing your roof is in trusted hands.
