Roof Warranty Maintenance in Colorado
Key Takeaways
- Schedule a roof inspection before winter arrives. Have a roofer check your roof and its drainage in the fall while there is still time for repairs.
- Roof warranties often include upkeep conditions. Read through your paperwork to see what inspections, records, or cleaning it requires.
- Both commercial and home warranties benefit from regular care. The Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) recommends spring and fall roof inspections for Colorado properties.
- Work with a qualified CRA member roofer. Use the CRA Member Directory to find a contractor who can inspect your roof and walk through your warranty terms.
When heavy rainstorms hit parts of Colorado, they show how hard water tests a roof and its drainage system. Even if your neighborhood stayed dry, changing seasons are a good reminder to look at how your roof is protected before winter.
Whether you have a commercial roof warranty on a building or a shingle warranty on a home, your coverage may come with routine upkeep conditions to look into this fall.
Why does fall roof maintenance matter in Colorado?
Fall gives you time to have a roofer check your roof and its drainage before winter arrives. Colorado weather changes fast, and a snowstorm can melt off the next day. All of that water has to leave the roof, which is why roofers pay close attention to drains and gutters. A fall roof maintenance visit also leaves room to fix small issues before the coldest weather hits.
On a commercial roof, a pre-winter visit usually covers a few key areas:
- Drains and gutters. They are clear and working so water can leave the roof.
- Roof membrane. It is checked for wear, damage, and weak seams.
- Flashings. The metal around vents, pipes, equipment, and roof edges is checked for gaps.
A roofer can also help you plan ahead for heavy snow based on your roof's design.
What does a commercial roof warranty ask of building owners?
Many commercial roof warranties come with upkeep conditions, such as regular inspections, written records, and keeping the roof clear of debris, and the details differ from one warranty to the next. It works a lot like oil changes for a car, since skipping routine care can affect your coverage even when a problem seems unrelated.
CRA recommends professional inspections at least twice a year, in fall and spring, so small issues are caught early. Some commercial roofs carry a No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty, also called a total system warranty, which covers both the manufacturer's materials and the installer's labor. Warranty paperwork can also change over time, so it is worth rereading yours and any updates you have received from the manufacturer.
Does roof warranty maintenance apply to homes too?
Roof warranty maintenance does apply to homes. Homeowners benefit from regular roof inspections and from knowing what their shingle warranty requires. Even without a major storm, a roof can look fine from the curb while normal wear or minor wind damage builds up out of sight.
CRA recommends scheduling inspections in spring and fall, even on a newer roof. CRA's Colorado roof maintenance checklist shows what seasonal care involves. For help reading your paperwork, see the guide to common warranty terms.
If you think a storm has affected your roof, homeowners can start with CRA's guide on whether insurance pays for a new roof in Colorado.
Who can help me check my roof warranty?
A CRA member contractor can inspect your roof and help you make sense of your warranty paperwork. It is best to call before a problem shows up, since water that appears inside usually means the problem started earlier. Here are a few questions a roofer can help you answer.
| Question | Why it's worth asking |
|---|---|
| Which inspections does my warranty call for? | Timing and who performs them can vary from one warranty to the next. |
| What records are worth keeping? | Written notes and photos can help show the roof has been cared for. |
| Who handles debris and drainage upkeep? | Clearing drains and gutters is a regular part of roof care. |
Your roof warranty and your insurance policy are separate, so a roofer can walk through your warranty and your insurance agent can explain your policy.
Wondering what your roof warranty asks of you before winter? Find a trusted Colorado roofer near you.