When Colorado’s spring hail, summer cloudbursts, and freeze–thaw winters hit, your gutters work overtime. If they’re failing, water can back up into your roof system, damage siding, or saturate soil around your foundation. Here’s how to spot trouble early—and how AC INC. Roofing can help keep your property storm‑ready.
AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) is a licensed and insured contractor based at 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216. We serve the Denver metro area, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY, delivering residential and commercial roofing, storm damage restoration, and siding and gutter installation. Our HAAG‑certified inspectors provide free roof inspections and thorough storm‑damage documentation to support insurance claims.
Why Colorado storms are tough on gutters
- Hail impacts dent aluminum, loosen fasteners, and split seams.
- Intense, short‑burst downpours overwhelm undersized or clogged systems.
- Snow loads and ice dams add weight, pry gutters from fascia, and force meltwater under shingles.
- High‑altitude UV and daily freeze–thaw cycles accelerate sealant failure and corrosion.
- Wind‑driven debris (pine needles, cottonwood fluff) clogs outlets and downspouts.
Clear signs your gutters are failing
- Waterfalls over the gutter edge during rain. Often caused by clogs, poor pitch, or undersized gutters.
- Pooling water, mulch displacement, or soil erosion at the dripline. Indicates overflow or separated downspout elbows.
- Sagging gutters or sections pulling away from fascia. Look for loose spikes, hangers, or rotted fascia boards.
- Leaks at seams, end caps, or miters. Drip lines on the underside or rust/oxidation streaks are red flags.
- Peeling exterior paint, stained siding, or soft fascia/soffit. Chronic overflow soaks trim and sheathing.
- Large icicles or persistent ice bands at the eaves. Sign of heat loss/ice dams and restricted drainage.
- Excessive shingle granules in gutters or at downspout terminations. Points to roof wear from hail or aging shingles.
- Hail dents, creases, or chipped factory finish on gutters and downspouts. May compromise performance and appearance.
- Downspouts that gurgle, backflow at joints, or blow apart in storms. Often due to blockages or inadequate fastening.
- Interior cues: ceiling stains near exterior walls, musty attic odors, or damp insulation at eaves after storms.
- Commercial/flat roofs: scuppers and box drains that overflow, or visible ponding at parapet edges.
Quick checks to do after a storm (safely)
- Walk the perimeter and photograph any overflow marks, dents, or areas where water gathered near the foundation.
- During rain, observe: Are downspouts discharging steadily? Is water overtopping in specific spots?
- Verify that downspout extensions carry water 4–6 feet away from the foundation.
- Look up (from the ground) for sags, separations, or missing fasteners. Do not climb ladders in wind, on ice, or on multi‑story homes—call a professional.
Common causes—and practical fixes
- Debris buildup: Schedule routine cleanings, especially after cottonwood season and fall leaf drop. Screens or maintenance plans can reduce clogging.
- Improper pitch: Gutters should generally slope about 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward outlets; rehanging may be required.
- Undersized systems: Some Front Range roofs benefit from 6-inch K‑style gutters or additional downspouts to handle cloudbursts.
- Sealant and seam failure: Reseal joints or replace damaged sections where freeze–thaw has opened gaps.
- Fascia damage: Replace rotted fascia and upgrade hangers to handle snow and ice loads.
- Hail or wind damage: Dented or creased runs and crushed elbows often warrant replacement to restore flow and appearance.
AC INC. Roofing installs siding and gutters and can coordinate roof and gutter work together so your entire water‑management system performs as designed.
When to call AC INC. Roofing
- You see any of the signs above, especially repeated overflow or separations after a storm.
- Hailstone size reached 1 inch or larger, or you observe dents/finish loss on gutters or downspouts.
- Your property is more than one story, or conditions are unsafe for ladder work.
- You need documentation for an insurance claim.
What sets us apart:
– Free roof inspections by Master HAAG‑certified inspectors (Colorado’s first company to reach Master level)
– Storm damage restoration with detailed documentation and insurance claims support
– Atlas Pro+ Platinum and GAF Certified contractor status for roofing systems, plus Directorii‑certified (backed by up to $20,000 customer guarantee)
– Fortified Roofing Solutions certified, reflecting our commitment to resilient, storm‑ready construction practices
– 5.0‑star Google rating and a reputation for integrity, reliability, and exceptional service
Pro maintenance calendar for the Front Range
- Early spring: Post‑snow inspection and cleaning before hail/rain season ramps up.
- Mid‑summer: Check for hail dents, joint leaks, and cottonwood/pine needle buildup.
- Late fall: Clean after leaf drop; confirm secure hangers before freeze–thaw cycles intensify.
Protect your roof, siding, and foundation by keeping your gutters storm‑ready. If you suspect damage or want a professional assessment, our team is ready to help.