Colorado’s Front Range is famous for fast‑moving hail, high wind gusts, intense sun, and heavy snow. A little preparation now can prevent leaks, shingle loss, and costly downtime later. Use this practical guide from AC INC. Roofing—Denver’s highly credentialed, 5‑star rated, licensed and insured contractor—to ready your home or building before the storms roll in.
Why storm prep matters here
- Hail impacts can bruise shingles, compromise granules, and lead to premature failure.
- Strong upslope winds stress edges, flashing, and ridge/hip caps, causing uplift.
- Freeze–thaw cycles open up weak sealants around penetrations and flashing.
- Heavy, wet spring snow can overload weak decking and create ice dams at eaves.
10-step pre-season roof checklist
- Document your baseline
- Walk the property perimeter and photograph the roof, gutters, downspouts, and soft metals (vents, flashing, AC fins). Save time‑stamped images for insurance comparisons later.
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Remove debris, check for sagging or loose hangers, and confirm water flows freely. Extend downspouts 4–6 feet from the foundation to prevent backups that can force water under shingles.
- Scan shingles, tile, or metal
- Look for lifted tabs, creased shingles, missing ridge caps, cracked tiles, exposed fasteners, and rust or loose seams on metal. Granules piled at downspouts signal wear.
- Inspect flashing and sealants
- Check step, counter, and valley flashing; skylight curbs; chimney caps; and pipe boots. Look for gaps, corrosion, or brittle caulking—common leak sources during wind-driven rain and hail.
- Check attic and ventilation
- From inside, look for daylight at penetrations, damp insulation, or a musty smell. Ensure intake and exhaust vents are clear; balanced ventilation reduces condensation and ice-dam risk.
- Trim trees and secure yard items
- Cut back branches at least 6–10 feet from the roof. Store or tie down furniture, grills, and play sets that can become wind‑borne debris.
- Tighten accessories and hardware
- Verify that satellite dishes, snow guards, and roof ladders are secure. Replace missing vent caps and storm collars; confirm fasteners are snug and properly sealed.
- Flat/low-slope tune‑up
- Clear drains and scuppers, check seams and terminations on TPO/EPDM/Modified Bitumen, and note any ponding areas or blisters that need professional attention.
- Assemble a storm kit
- Heavy‑duty tarps, duct tape, a flashlight, work gloves, and the phone number of your roofer. Never climb on a roof during or right after a storm—safety first.
- Schedule a professional inspection
- AC INC. Roofing provides free roof inspections by HAAG‑certified inspectors and detailed photo reports so you can address small issues before they become claims.
Smart upgrades that pay off in storm season
- Impact‑resistant roofing
- Ask about Atlas shingle systems and other Class 4 impact‑resistant options that help roofs stand up to Colorado hail.
- Improve wind resistance
- High‑wind starter strips, properly installed hip/ridge, ring‑shank nails, and sealed edges reduce uplift during spring gusts.
- Ice‑dam defenses
- Install ice‑and‑water barrier at eaves, valleys, and penetrations; ensure balanced attic ventilation and adequate insulation to limit melt‑refreeze cycles.
- Low‑slope protection
- For TPO, EPDM, and Modified Bitumen, reinforce seams, inspect edge metal, and consider fluid‑applied coatings to extend service life and improve weatherability.
- Gutter capacity
- Consider 6″ gutters and larger downspouts in tree‑heavy areas to shed hail and spring runoff faster.
AC INC. Roofing is Fortified Roofing Solutions certified; our systems are designed to withstand high winds and severe hail events common on the Front Range.
Be insurance‑ready before storms
- Keep receipts and records of maintenance, repairs, and roof age.
- Save your pre‑season photos and any post‑storm images in a single folder.
- Know your warranties. As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor, AC INC. Roofing can provide robust system warranty options on qualifying installations.
- If damage occurs, our team specializes in storm damage restoration and insurance claims support, with thorough documentation to help streamline the process.
When severe weather is forecast
- 24–48 hours before: Clear gutters and drains, secure outdoor items, park vehicles in a garage or away from trees, and close attic hatches to reduce dust movement.
- Day of the storm: Stay indoors; avoid windows and never access the roof. After hail, check for dents in gutters and vent caps from the ground—these can indicate shingle damage.
After the storm: quick action plan
- Prioritize safety—watch for downed lines and slippery surfaces.
- Photograph visible damage from the ground.
- Look for interior water spots on ceilings and in the attic.
- Mitigate leaks with buckets and tarps if safe to do so.
- Call AC INC. Roofing for a HAAG‑certified inspection, documentation, and, if needed, temporary dry‑in.
Why homeowners and property managers choose AC INC. Roofing
- Licensed and insured; 5.0‑star Google rating with excellent reviews
- Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first company to reach Master level)
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified; GAF Certified contractor
- Directorii‑certified (backed by up to $20,000 customer guarantee)
- Roofing and Solar Reform Alliance (RSRA) member—invitation only; plus CRA, NRCA, and APA memberships
- Residential and commercial: inspections, repairs, replacements, storm restoration, roof rejuvenation, siding and gutters, concrete & asphalt sealing
- Premium systems: asphalt and impact‑resistant shingles; metal and tile; TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen; fluid‑applied coatings
Local, responsive, and ready to help
- Headquarters: 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216
- Service area: Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, Wyoming
Prepare now and go into storm season with confidence. Our HAAG‑certified inspectors provide objective assessments and clear, photo‑rich reports so you can decide the best next steps—repair, rejuvenate, coat, or replace.