Beautiful Colorado is a state that experiences extreme weather conditions. If you live in Denver or other communities in the Front Range, you need a complete insurance policy to cover your home or condominium. You should have the same type of insurance if you live in rural or Rocky Mountain resort regions. Most banks and mortgage companies have a homeowner insurance requirement before a home loan is approved.
Your insurance policy should give you adequate coverage for:
- Flooding and water damage
- Hail, wind, and snow damage
- Fire
- Theft and vandalism
You want to take good care of your home. It is likely your largest investment, and you want it to grow over time. You may expect to live in your home for only a few years, or you may want to spend most of your life in the comfort of your home. Insurance is always necessary for your protection.
Flood and Water Damage
The spring months bring rain and snowmelt that can lead to floods in lakes, rivers, and ponds. Check with your insurance agent to see if you are in an area subject to flooding. Flood insurance is often underwritten by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Private insurance companies can also cover flood damage.
Approximately 90% of natural disasters include flooding. While people think of flooding as damage to basements and ground-level floors, damage can start at the roof. Heavy rains and snowmelt that cause roof leaks can flood attics and upper floors. The water can seep into cracks in the walls and lead to mold growth.
Roof leaks and attic flooding from heavy rains can also encourage wood rot in the beams that support the roof. The wood rot can extend into other areas of the building inside the walls if it is not contained immediately. This includes the wood supporting the walls.
It is important for homeowners to inspect attic space after heavy rain. Any sign of dampness can indicate a roof leak that must be fixed immediately to avoid further damage. Homeowners are not advised to climb on a roof to check for damage. This is a job for professionals with safety equipment.
Hail, Wind, and Snow Damage
Hailstones an inch in diameter can cause extensive damage to roofs, doors, and windows. This type of “major hail event” is common in Colorado. This state is second in the number of insurance claims filed for damages from hail. This includes roof damage, broken windows, ruined drainage systems, and other exterior damages. Insurance adjusters are busy inspecting claims after Colorado hail storms!
Even small hailstones can loosen roof shingles. Larger hailstones can actually destroy shingles and the material under the shingles. Hail can damage flashings and rain gutters. The entire roof system should be checked after a major storm that brings substantial hail.
Heavy winds that often precede a thunderstorm that brings rain and hail can also damage a roof. Colorado has rare cyclonic wind and hail storms that can actually rip off parts of a roof. Your insurance policy should cover damage from these natural disasters.
Snow will melt quickly during a warmer rainstorm and excess moisture may seep into your home if there is a leak in the roof. Heavy snow and ice may damage a roof before it melts. Broken shingles and rain gutters may slide off the roof along with the melting snow. This is not uncommon in Denver and Front Range areas after a heavy winter.
Fire Insurance
Unfortunately, Colorado has experienced a series of wildfires in the past few years. Homes have been completely destroyed. This includes the devastating fire in Boulder County in 2021 that destroyed hundreds of homes.
Wildfires are not the only cause of fire damage to homes. Stray cinders from a dirty chimney can ignite a fire on the roof. Creosote is the buildup of a sticky, tar-like substance that adheres to the inside of a chimney. This mess is combustible if the flue temperature builds up inside the chimney.
Roofs should have flame retardant, however, it does not always work if sparks hit the roof in cold, dry weather. This type of fire can happen easily during the cold, crisp autumn months when the temperature falls, but it has not rained. People build fires in the fireplace or wood stove for warmth. They neglect to have the chimney cleaned prior to fall and winter.
Open fireplaces should always have screens to prevent cinders from starting fires in the home. Glass doors are popular to contain cinders and spread the heat around a room.
Theft and Vandalism
There are now many ways to prevent theft with electronic locks, security cameras, lights, and sound warnings when a break-in is underway. Burglars have little chance for success. Theft does happen occasionally when a stranger is in your home as an invited guest or repair person. The clever burglar can scout your security system and find ways to disable it.
You can also experience damages to your property from people trying to climb over a fence. Spray paint may be used by someone to damage your walkways or walls.
Preventative Roof Care.
Good home care starts from the top down. The “roof over your head” needs to be in good condition. Insurance companies that cover home damages expect your roof to be in sound condition before it is insured. A careful roof inspection may be a requirement when you purchase a new home. A roof inspection includes a thorough check for leaks.
Shingles and other materials are carefully inspected to assure they are in good condition and attached securely. Recommendations may be made to replace damaged shingles. An insurance adjuster will often ask for that information if you file for roof damage after a heavy storm.
A complete insurance policy will cover roof replacement if it becomes necessary. Your policy will probably cover a complete replacement from weather damage based on the age and condition of the roof.
Contact us at Red Hawk Roofing in Denver for inspections, replacement, and repairs. We offer complete service in the Denver area. This includes coating your roof to extend its life. We work with solar arrays to make sure they are attached correctly without damage to shingles and other materials.
Red Hawk Roofing and Roof Restoration will work with your insurance company to replace any damaged areas. We use quality materials, and you will be assured of a quick response in emergencies. We have people on call 24/7. We also offer a warranty to cover our workmanship.
