Our mile-high elevation and unpredictable weather create the perfect conditions for some truly unexpected roofing issues. From encounters with wildlife to extreme weather events, homeowners may find themselves dealing with roof damage in ways they never imagined. While some roofing problems are common—like hail damage or wear and tear over time—others can be downright bizarre. Here are some of the more unusual reasons for roof repairs in Denver.
Unexpected Guests Mean Roof Repairs in Denver
Colorado is home to a wealth of wildlife, and these species sometimes make their way onto (or into) rooftops. Squirrels, raccoons, and birds like to build nests in attics, vents, and even chimneys. Some animals, such as woodpeckers, may damage siding and roofing materials. In other circumstances, homeowners may find that a raccoon has pulled off tiles or that a bat colony has nestled into a concealed crevice in the roof. Even smaller creatures like mice may nibble through insulation and wiring, necessitating more repairs beyond the roof.
Addressing these issues can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. Regular inspections may help discover weak places before animals exploit them.
Lightning Strikes
Though not the most in the nation, Colorado still experiences around 500,000 lightning strikes a year, posing a significant threat. While most houses are designed to survive storms, a direct lightning strike can still inflict extensive damage to a roof. Shingles may be scorched or blown off, chimneys may fracture, and electrical wiring running through the attic may even be compromised. If a hit causes minor apparent damage, a professional assessment is recommended to verify no structural or fire dangers.
Tornadoes
While the state of Colorado sees an average of 53 tornadoes yearly, mainly in the eastern plains, there still have been tornadoes in the front range (like the tornado in Highlands Ranch that uprooted 16,000 trees in 2023). Tornado-force winds may tear shingles off, displace roofing components, and blow debris away. Large items, such as patio furniture or trampolines, may be lifted into the air and dropped on a roof, inflicting extensive damage. However, impact-resistant shingles and strengthened roofing materials may give further protection against wind damage. After a big windstorm, look for missing shingles, loose flashing, and other damage indicators.
Fireworks
A common feature of summer festivities, fireworks are also known to damage roofs. A wayward firecracker that lands on a house may burn shingles or spark a dangerous fire in dry weather. Wooden or older roofs may be more susceptible, particularly if debris such as dried leaves has accumulated in gutters. Homeowners may lessen danger by adopting fire-resistant roofing materials and keeping combustible debris off their roofs and gutters. If a firework lands on a roof, thoroughly check the area to verify that no embers remain.
Insurance Fraud Attempts
Following a severe storm, roofing frauds are not unusual. "Storm chasers" are contractors who go door-to-door, providing free roof inspections, sometimes exaggerating or fabricating damage to capitalize on false insurance claims. Homeowners have even reported contractors purposefully breaking shingles to make it seem like hail damage or pressing them to undertake unneeded repairs. To prevent fraud, homeowners should work with licensed roofing companies that truly know Colorado weather, like the experts at Ethos Roofing & Restoration.
One-of-a-Kind Service for Damage of All
From unexpected animal invasions to unusual weather occurrences, it's critical to be ready for whatever nature—or circumstance—throws at your roof. If you call for a repair from our Denver roofers, it's likely something common like hail damage or age, but knowing for sure is made easy with a FREE roofing inspection.
Click here and schedule yours with Ethos Roofing & Restoration Today!
