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Most hailstorms that hit the Colorado Springs area are pea-sized and aren’t severe enough to cause damage. In general, hailstones that are nickel-size and larger will cause damage to a typical roof. A telltale sign of a severe hailstorm is an accumulation of bitumen granules, or the small rock-like material that covers a shingle, at each gutter downspout.

If a hailstorm hits your neighborhood and you see signs of large hailstones, dents in your gutters, etc., call Cricket Roofing for a courtesy inspection BEFORE calling your insurance agent. The reason for this is that your insurance company prefers that you call a local, licensed, roofing contractor to confirm hail damage before requesting a claims adjuster visit.

Sending out a claim adjuster costs the insurer money and is recorded in their records. Too many claims in a two- or three-year period may result in higher insurance premiums OR your policy is canceled by the insurance company.

Cricket Roofing will inspect your roof and take photos of storm damage, if any and will provide you with a report stating the extent of the damage. Afterwards, Cricket Roofing will work with your insurance company to ensure that their estimate covers all damage to your home and is enough to return it to its pre-storm condition. Upon the completion of the work, Cricket Roofing will submit invoices to your insurer for the release of remaining funds, otherwise known as recoverable depreciation, and will keep you apprised of all communication with them. Think of Cricket Roofing as your personal project manager!

The main characteristics of hail damage to asphalt shingles to look out for are:

• Random damage with no obvious pattern
• Hailstone hits that are black in color
• Loss of granules which may expose the shingle’s felt layer
• Asphalt and/or fiberglass mat that appears shiny
• Hail hits that appear to be soft

Hit with hail recently? Have questions about what else to look for? Don’t hesitate to reach out via the contact form on our site, or on FB, Instagram, or by phone.

When you think of eco-friendly roofing, your first thought is probably solar panels right? However, there are a plethora of alternate roofing materials and even roofing types/sizes that are conducive to sustainable lifestyles. Let’s explore!

Roofing materials, grass and garden roofs, solar panels, tiny homes, water collecting roofs, etc.

When it comes to roofing materials, there’s a large market available now for the eco-conscious consumer. Reclaimed roofing materials that are comprised of recycled content is a great option but be sure to confirm that the material can be recycled again at the end of your roof’s lifetime.

Wood shakes and shingles not treated with synthetic additives or preservatives are naturally biodegradable and when available from FSC certified sources or local producers, can be a very sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

Living roofs or green roofs that are partially or completely covered by vegetation offer several benefits in addition to being a sustainable option. How sustainable this option is comes down to several factors: the types of vegetation you use on the roof should be native to your area or you can opt for grass in lieu of small plants, a heavy duty rubber membrane is needed to ensure the roof is waterproof but once the greens are established this type of roof will insulate your home (cutting costs for heating/cooling) and will absorb rainwater and prevent runoff.

A flat roof option: EPDM which stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is synthetic rubber very similar to PVC and TPO. It is durable, has a long-life span (30-50 years), with low cost and is made from recycled materials giving rubber a second life where it usually only has one. What also makes it sustainable are it’s reflective properties allowing UV rays back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing them which significantly increases heat for a building. This can mean a cooler home in the winter but owners typically see a net gain from energy savings in the summer (depending on where you live, this option could be beneficial or unsuitable).

Solar Panels have come a long way from when they were first introduced to the roofing market. While cost is still a major factor to consider, it has fallen by 80% over the last 8 years and the energy savings are proving to be a worthy investment. Affordable panels on the market today are more than 20% efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, making them an eco-friendly and sustainable option.

You could tackle three main movements by downsizing to a shipping container that had solar panels AND a living roof! Checkout Off Grid World’s open source concept https://offgridworld.com/12-steps-how-to-build-a-cozy-1720sqft-solar-powered-shipping-container-cabin-with-living-roof/

Blue roofing is a storm water management system largely used in metropolitan cities and is great at collecting and releasing water. The collected water can be re-purposed for a variety of uses and the releasing of water can be used to clean out gutters or streets.

Know of any other sustainable roofing options? Send us a message on Facebook or Instagram! Interested in installing a more eco-friendly roof? Give us a call or reach out via our Contact page to get started.

When looking at buying a home there are many factors to consider like the location, potential equity to be gained, overall budget, how long you plan to live there, how amazing the kitchen is etc. but let’s focus on what’s known as the ‘homebuying checklist’. This checklist is also helpful for a homeowner looking to sell a home as it provides insight into the home buyer’s mindset.

For most homebuyers, the checklist includes factors listed above such as location of the home, overall budget for mortgage payments, HOA fees, and home maintenance or fix-ups. Additionally, home buyers are concerned with the age of the property and the age, style and condition of the home’s features and appliances. The main concerns are understandably the ones with the highest costs associated such as, age of the roof, water heater, furnace, air conditioning, carpet or flooring etc.

For those selling a home, just put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. When considering a home with the original roof vs a home with a roof that has either been newly replaced or recently repaired, which would you choose? One of the most expensive features of a home is the roof but studies have shown there are significant returns on investment from either repairs or replacements. In a study done by Remodelers Magazine, sellers can expect a 53.4% return on investment from roof replacement and 61.7% from repairs (RM, 2019).

Want to know the condition of your home (owned or perspective)? Feel free to give us a call or checkout our contact page to schedule a complimentary consultation!

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Whether you are looking to build a home, are currently in the process of looking for one, or are a current homeowner (even renter!), it’s good to know what kind of roof style you have. In this post we’ll cover pros, cons and insights into the most common roof styles along with some unique styles.

Starting with the most common roof style, the Gable:

This style is inexpensive, easily built, and popularly used for homes and churches. It sheds water and snow easily, allows for more ventilation than other styles, and provides much more available space to be used for an attic or vaulted ceilings compared to others. A con to this style is that it’s more prone to wind damage due to it’s steep pitch and should not be used on homes in tornado prone areas.

Next up, the Hip roof:

Easily built and efficient at shedding water, this style eliminates large expanses of wall on the exterior which can reduce the amount of exterior siding making it cost efficient in that regard (though typically more expensive than a Gable Roof). This style is predominately chosen for it’s low to the ground, natural looking, horizontal appearance but it should be noted that it’s very sturdy and durable. Cons to this style would be the overall cost as construction is fairly difficult and this style requires specific structural supports.

Shed style roof: This style is very simple, affordable, and because of it’s steep slope, sheds water and snow very effectively. The shed style is contemporary, allows for lots of natural light, and provides ample space for a skylight or for solar panels. Downsides of a shed style are the limitations on ceiling height, attic space, and this style is susceptible to high winds.

Gambrel style roof:

This popular Dutch and barn style roof has multiple slopes and provides ample attic space. It’s easy to build and provides good drainage but is not advised for those in high wind areas or with heavy snowfall as snow can gather on the lower slope portion putting a strain on the overall roof. Gussets are advised for this style of roof to alleviate the concerns of heavy snowfall.

Butterfly roof:

This unique style is shaped as the name would imply and gives the appearance of two shed roofs meeting over the center of the home. Often used on contemporary style homes, this style allows for larger windows, and is designed to collect water in the center (typically in a specially designed holding tank) that can be used for watering plants, showers, etc. If not collecting water, this style does provide good drainage but it is not ideal for areas with heavy snowfall and if constructed poorly (as with any roof) leaves potential for leaks. This style is also quite costly and does require frequent maintenance.

Low Slope style:

This style is often referred to as the flat roof but there is a slight slope to ensure drainage. Heating and cooling is also improved with this style as there is less attic space for air to gather in need of circulation. Accentuating the exterior walls of the home, this style is preferred when trying to achieve a clean or Euclidian type of architecture. This style is cost efficient as it doesn’t require a lot of materials, but this also means no shingles, rolled sheet roofing is predominately used for a low slope.

Mansard roof:

The last roof in this series is the Mansard Roof. This style is more like a wall than a roof given it’s vertical sloping sides on all faces of the home. This style maximizes interior space providing an extra living space rather than the typical, limited attic space and is ideal in rural or urban areas for the same reason, it allows for growth upward rather than outwardly. Developed in France and popularized in America in the 19th century, this style brings an air of sophistication to any home. Another advantage is all the natural light from this style’s dormer windows and the extra space allows for good air and heat distribution. This style can be costly and time consuming given the extra materials/labor compared to a standard roof and it’s not ideal for heavy rain or snowfall due to the flatter upper slope of the roof.

We hope this article has been helpful and insightful for you. If you’d like to learn more or want a comprehensive inspection of your home’s roof, please give us a call or visit our contact page to schedule. We are your trusted, local source for helpful information, resources, and a thorough inspection keeping you and your loved one’s in great hands from beginning to end.

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How do you really know if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced? We’ve got 7 helpful tips on knowing the difference between common roofing concerns.

Tip #1: Monitor the age of your roof

An asphalt shingle roof should last between 20 and 30 years but this of course varies from home to home. How old is your roof? Have you noticed any leaking in the attic? Even if the roof appears to be in good shape, it never hurts to get a roof inspection to have peace of mind and we offer complimentary and comprehensive inspections (complete with photos!)

Tip #2: Granules in the gutter or around the home aren’t always bad

If you’ve just had a new asphalt shingle roof installed, some granule loss is to be expected (don’t worry!), but if your roof is around 10-15 years old, shingle loss is definitely a concern. Granules protect the asphalt from damage so when you lose granules, deterioration of the roof is soon to follow.

Tip #3: Moss or algae on your shingles doesn’t necessarily mean replacement

This is really an aesthetic preference in terms of repair or replacement as these growths won’t affect the integrity of your roof. If you’d like to ‘repair’ the issue, try a gentle wash solution of one part bleach and one part water but avoid any power washing as this will endanger the granules on your shingles. If you can’t stand the appearance and don’t want to try the wash solution, replacement is the next option and just make sure you choose algae resistant shingles as the issue is likely to re-occur based on where your home is.

Tip #4: Missing shingles for a long time are no bueno

Missing shingles are never a good thing as they represent the protection for your roof but if you catch the problem early on, repairs are very simple. The frustration of entire shingle replacement is solely that matching your existing colors is difficult. After your existing shingles have aged and changed from sun exposure and wear, you’ll probably wind up with a mismatched ‘patch-looking’ roof which is fine for integrity but not so much for appearance; which is why some owners opt for a replacement after years of shingle replacements.

Tip #5: Cracked shingles can mean repair or replacement depending on where they are

Cracked shingles commonly occur from wind damage and can take place in a grouped area which means -> easy repair with shingle replacements or in different areas all across the roof which can mean-> replacement in about 3-5 years depending on severity.

Tip #6: Curled shingles are problematic and costly

Curled shingles are signs of weathering and can curl in two ways: clawing when the edges stay flat and the middle starts to come up, or cupping when the edges of the shingles turn upward. This problem can lead to leaks and should be addressed as soon as possible. Based on the extent of the damage you could be in need of a whole roof replacement in as soon as 1 year to as long as 5 years.

Tip #7: A sagging roof means trouble

When you see any part of your roof sagging, you’re seeing a structural issue. Sagging can be caused by a decking issue in the attic or a foundational problem (much worse!). This problem requires immediate attention so please call an expert a.s.a.p.

Having quality gutters installed on your home can do a multitude of things that are beneficial for your home.

Good gutters, installed correctly can:

• Prevent foundational problems like flooding under the house or into the basement
• Prevent erosion to landscaping or turf
• Protect against water damage to the side of your home
• Prevent water leaking into your home

Maintenance of your gutters is also extremely important in preventing water damming, leaks into the home, and even fire hazards such as excess leaf build up. At Cricket Roofing we offer several gutter and guard options to keep your home and property safe, debris-free, and protected from weather damage.

Have any questions or concerns about your gutters? Give us a call or visit our contact page to schedule a complimentary consultation today.