Euroshield® is the top choice for hail-proof roofing in Colorado.

Why Euroshield® is the Top Choice for Hail-Proof Roofing in Colorado

When it comes to roofing in Colorado, where hail damage is a frequent issue, Euroshield® installed by Excel Roofing stands out. This cutting-edge roofing material is designed to withstand severe weather conditions while providing exceptional durability and longevity.

The Science Behind Euroshield®

Euroshield® roofing is a game-changer in the industry thanks to its innovative composition and performance. Unlike traditional roofs that typically last 12 to 15 years, Euroshield® shingles, made from recycled tire rubber, can last up to 50 years—even in extreme weather. The shingles are composed of about 70% tire rubber combined with a unique mix of other materials, resulting in a final product with 95% recycled content. This not only highlights Euroshield®’s commitment to sustainability but also its superior durability.

Built to Withstand Extreme Conditions

Rubber tires are known for their durability, and this strength is seamlessly translated into Euroshield® roofing products. Designed to handle extreme weather, Euroshield® shingles come with a comprehensive hail warranty, offering protection against unexpected weather events. This warranty underscores the roofing material’s ability to handle the challenging conditions often seen in Colorado.

Hail-Proof Superior Performance

One of Euroshield® roofing’s most notable features is its structural design. Each panel is equipped with small cubical chambers on the underside. These chambers not only bolster the roofing material’s structural integrity but also create an insulating air barrier. This design helps reduce energy consumption in warmer climates by providing effective insulation. Additionally, the panels offer sound-deadening properties, making your home quieter and more comfortable.

Lifetime Warranty

Euroshield® roofing doesn’t just offer high performance; it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your roof is built to last. You can easily register for this warranty through our simple online forms, ensuring you’re covered for the long term.

Conclusion

Conclusion

For homeowners in Colorado facing the risk of hail damage, Euroshield® installed by Excel Roofing provides an unbeatable solution. Its advanced design, high recycled content, and exceptional durability make it the ideal choice for a long-lasting and reliable roofing system. Choose Euroshield® to protect your home and enjoy the assurance of one of the most durable roofing options available.

Roofs 101

Roofs keep out the noise, fire safety, and the durability from so much maintenance. These are the fundamentals of roofs. To flush out the steps of the 101 of roofing, we need to explain everything.

Roofs can come in m any different types of materials, shingles. Shingles come in different types of materials, asphalt, slate tiles, metal, and even flat roofs. Each of these types is different in durability and appeal. Metal roofs for example are more durable than asphalt roofs, they last much longer because they are more hail resistant and easier to take care of. Slate tiles are also more reliable than asphalt because they are also hail resistant, but they also last much longer on your roof than other roofs do.

For the installation of the roof are preparing for the roof to be installed on top of your home you will first need an underlayment. Underlayment is what lies between the shingles on the roof. It can be either plywood or OSB (Oriented Stand Board, is also stated by the work permit.). It is installed directly installed on the roof deck and provides a secondary layer of protection for weather elements, including snow, rain, and wind.

Another part of installation is who is going to install the shingles for you on the roof? It can anyone you choose that you believe is trustworthy. At Excel Roofing we can give you a free inspection and after that, we can put in the best bid for you, and we will install your roof until everything is done satisfactorily. It will get done right the first time.

After your roof is installed, you will need to check it for maintenance throughout your time living at your home. Make your own checklist and start to check for loose objects or heavy objects that are not supposed to be there. Those steps can be anything and, in any order, but here at Excel Roofing, we stress to always keep up with your gutter cleaning. Clean gutters will help get the debris clear, so the water can run smoothly through, and junk won’t get stuck. Trim overhanging branches that are too close to your house. You also want to expect the roof after harsh storms. Like loose tree branches, after time it can cause weight stress that you don’t need on your roof. Stop small issues that are in control as a homeowner, before those issues become bigger problems.

Overall, maintaining good behaviors to keep your house in good shape can be easy. A see able checklist if that is helpful for you to maintain a good roof. You can easily put this in your schedule to keep things in order. And if you like living at home, wouldn’t you like to take pride in something you earned or paid for? The first and easiest step is to take care of your house, and after that things will easily get done. Share your horror stories of bad gutters or success stories with us on social media! We would love to talk about them.

Which of the Roofing Warranties are for you?

Which of the Roofing Warranties are for you?

Malarkey Roofing

Standard Shingle Warranty

 It protects you against all the manufacturer defects that affect the performance of the shingle. It just covers the accessories and shingles what you decided to get for your home. It does not include the workmanship warranty. With this warranty it can last between 25-50 years on a single-family home. (Also classified as their Shingle and Accessory Warranty)

Emerald Pro Warranty

Malarkey Shingles can last up to 50 years under the warranty. Most of their shingles are Wind and algae warranty covered. (It depends which malarkey shingle you are buying, each has its own coverage and lifetime on it.)  Each of the shingles has Dura-Seal warranties that last up to 30 years.

High rated contractors with experience are only allowed to sell this type of plan to consumers. All Malarkey roofing accessories used on your house are only eligible for this warrant. It only covers manufacturers defects in the Malarkey shingles. Depending on the shingles and the accessories you get will depend on the years of coverage Malarkey offers.

Emerald Premium Warranty is their high rated coverage they offer. The best protection and its only recommended from a premium contractor, which has a history of installation experience with their materials.

Their warranty covers up to 20-50 years on a single-family home. It covers workmanship. As well as the others, more coverage is guaranteed depending on which shingle you get installed on your house from Malarkey.

PABCO Roofing Warranties

PABCO Warranty

PABCO only has one roofing warranty to choose from. It is called their PABCO Limited Shingle Warranty, that consists of covering a single-family residential house. The warranty can cover up to 30-50 years of coverage, depending on the type of shingle you buy under their brand. Their shingle warranty also features Algae Defender, to protect your shingles from unsightly black streaks caused by algae. It will protect you for up to 20 years.

This warranty depends on the shingles you buy through PABCO, it comes with wind resistance coverage that can last up to 20 years. Considering some of these warranties all of them are transferrable for up to 50 years. PABCO doesn’t have Workmanship Warranties or Material Warranties to choose from.

CertainTeed

The CertainTeed Warranties are for all single-family homes. Let’s start with their first plan.

The 3-start plan which is the typical The Limited Warranty covers material, tear off, and labor and it lasts up to 10 years. It its fully transferable if you decide to move in the future.

The second warranty they offer is the CertainTeed Warranty, 4- Star Warranty. Also known as their SureStart PLUS Protection. This coverage fully covers what was stated above, but it lasts much longer, up to 50 years. It includes everything in the Limited Warranty Plan.

CertainTeed Warranty best plan is the 5- star plan. The Warranty covers materials, labor, tear off, disposal, and workmanship. Workmanship is covered up for 25 years. It covers everything, so if something goes wrong you are 100 percent covered. On everything including the work, any defects, and materials.

Owens Corning

Owen’s Corning has 3 different types of warranties to look at.

The first one is to invest in your investment. If you want a healthy roof it consists of many parts. Starting with the Ownes Platinum Protection Limited Warranty, every Owen’s Corning component- including installation- of your Total Protection Roofing System is covered by an extended limited warranty. This includes a Limited Lifetime warranty on workmanship coverage of your single-family home for as long as you own your home.

They have another warranty called the new laminate shingle warranty upgrade. It’s an upgrade to their algae resistance limited warranty on the Class 4 duration storm and flex shingles from 10 to 25 years. When it is installed the use of Owens Corning Hip and Ridge Shingle products. This change was effective starting January 1, 2023.

Material Warranty

Peace of mind comes with material and Workmanship warranties. The Material Warranties are covered under the Platinum Protection Limited Warranty for single-family homes that is up to a 50 year “non-prorated” period for material defects. During this period, coverage includes the labor to repair or replace your shingles, includes tear off and disposal. Additionally, every Owen’s Corning roofing component installed as part of the system, expect VentSure off-ridge exhausts vents, receives the same extended coverage as the shingles. After this period some coverage for the materials will remain for the life of the roof.

Workmanship

In addition to it, you will receive a lifetime of workmanship protection for your single-family home. This means if your roof is found to have an application error, that causes leaks of materially affects the performance of your roof. Owen’s Corning Roofing will arrange to have it repaired with labor, materials, the-off, and disposal costs at no additional costs to you.

One Time Transfer-

Whether you’re staying in your home for years, or planning to sell the home, the Platinum Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty is transferable, making it an excellent investment. Also adding more Value to your home.

Conclusion

If you do see something that is wrong, quickly try to fill out your claim in 30 days or your warranty has expired. But be vigilant and look for yourself under the terms and conditions of their warranties.

Check out each one for which one is helpful for you! There are resources on the bottom of the page to look more in depth if your confused. Do your research on which one is worth it most and offers the most to your needs, and the climate you are living in. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.

https://www.gaf.com/en-us/resources/warranties/residential

https://pabcoroofing.com/project/limited-shingle-warranty/

https://www.herbertroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/certainteed-warranty.pdf

https://www.malarkeyroofing.com/app/uploads/2021/05/emerald-pro-warranty-sample-malarkey.pdf

https://www.malarkeyroofing.com/app/uploads/2021/05/emerald-premium-warranty-sample-malarkey.pdf

Independent Roof Inspectors Could Be Your Hero!

Independent Roof Inspectors Could be Your Hero!

Many times, our clients’ roofs have been damaged, and they get them done by different contractors. The homeowner notices that the roof is being installed incorrectly. They brought us in to see what was done incorrectly. After we have inspected the job, all we can do then is recommend a roof consultation.

As a homeowner have you ever watched a bad roofing project in progress, and you’re not sure of what to do?

Follow these steps to help contact and find a way to get an Independent Roof Inspector.

Benefits of Independent Roof Inspectors

Roof Inspectors are experts who can provide a homeowner with peace of mind that the roof condition is okay. They can do this by checking the roof after a storm or serious damage to the house.

Independent Roof Inspectors go to the site and reevaluate what the contactors have done on the site. The Inspectors will check thoroughly what is being done correctly or not.

What to Do When You Hire an Independent Inspector

Here are some things to Follow while you make your decision.

An Independent Roof Inspector will have an unbiased report of what has been done to the roof.

Keep the report and go over it carefully. This report can be used in court. You can also use the report to come back to any roofing company or be referred to one, and get it done correctly.

Do exactly what is specified in the report. Figure out any additional cost for the new roof or deduct in money for the failed project that could be used for the new project to do it right.

Google and do your research for good Roof Inspectors. You want to get the job done right and hopefully the first time.

Many roofing companies say they have their own roofing inspectors. You DON’T want to use those people. Those are more biased companies that would rather have their company do the work, maybe even take cut shortcuts. Picking separate ones will benefit you, and making sure it’s inspected right.

If you have any questions, call us at Excel Roofing. We are happy to help you with any roof inspection questions or guide you through where to go next. Or if your Roof Inspection leads you here, contact us to replace it the correct way!


Watch our Video for more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_8ATG9Mebg&t=68s

Heavy, Wet Snow on Roofs: What You Need to Know

Installed Snow Guards

Heavy, Wet Snow on Roofs: What You Need To Know

Winter is here and Spring is around the corner and with its arrival comes greater chances of heavy, wet snow. While a blanket of snow may look picturesque, it can cause serious damage to your home or bodily harm.

Why is heavy, wet snow dangerous for roofs?

The weight of heavy, wet snow is the biggest concern for roofs. As the snow accumulates on your roof, the weight can build up quickly. In the Spring when the snow is wet and heavy, it can put a lot of stress on your roof structure. This can cause the roof line to sag or even collapse. which is a serious safety hazard and will cause costly repairs.

In addition, heavy, wet snow can cause damage to your gutters, shingles, and other roofing materials. When snow melts, it can seep into cracks and crevices, causing water damage to your roof and even making its way into your home. This is what we refer to in roofing as ice dams. Ice damming occurs when snow on the roof melts and refreezes at the edge of the roof. This can cause water to back up and seep into the home through the roof or soffits, leading to water damage. For more about preventing ice dams check out our Ice Dams blog: https://www.excelroofing.com/ice-dams-how-to-prevent-ice-dams-protect-your-roof/

Safety

Heavy, wet snow is not only dangerous for your homes’ health, but also your personal health. Every year people die or are severely injured from snow falling off roofs. Metal roofs are particularly dangerous. Heavy, wet snow easily slides off metal roofs due to no friction between the roof and the snow. Snow guards are highly recommended by Excel Roofing for metal roofs in areas that receive a lot of snow.

What can you do to prevent heavy, wet snow damage to your roof?

  1. Clearing snow off your roof can help reduce the risk of damage. You can use a snow rake to remove snow from your roof or hire Excel Roofing to do the job for you. Excel Roofing does not recommend getting on your roof with snow or ice present.
  2. Snow guards are most common for tile, metal, and composite roofs but can be installed on steep asphalt roofs. The guards are installed to create friction and keep the snow on your roof until is safely melts. Heat cable is installed on all roof types. The heat cable will melt the snow and ice where it builds up which reduces strain on the roof structure.

  1. Regular roof maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and checking for damage, can prevent ice dams from forming and mitigate future damage. This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. Keep an eye out for any signs of sagging or cracking and act immediately if you notice any problems. Click HERE for a free roof inspection.

By taking these steps, you can help keep your roof in top condition and protect your home from heavy, wet snow damage. Call Excel Roofing for any roofing questions and concerns. 303.761.6400

Ice Dams: How to Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

Ice Dam

Ice Dams: How To Prevent Ice Dams & Protect Your Roof

Every year when snow begins to fall and we experience sub-freezing temps in Denver, we start to get calls from concerned customers about ice dams. It happens like clockwork, and we are there to answer the call and help.

Ice dam on home's roofing

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are formed by snow when the temperatures fluctuate between the days and nights during winter. The snow on the roofs will melt during the day and start to drip off the roof and into the gutters. Once the sun goes down the melted snow will freeze and turn to ice overnight creating a barrier and/or icicle on the edge of the roof. North facing parts of roofs in Colorado are more likely to have ice dams because this side of the house receives the least amount of sunlight throughout the day.

How an ice dam forms illustration
Ice dams can be dangerous and damage your roof

Poorly insulated attic space can also lead to the formation of ice dams. The lack of attic insulation will cause the snow to melt faster off the top portion of the roof where the radiant heat escaping from the home collects. The snow then melts slower once it reaches the lower edge of the roof where the radiant heat from the living space is less. Once the snow builds up enough in this areas the snow and water refreeze over and over. The water freezes under the shingles and when it starts to melt again it drips into the soffit and even directly into the home. If a home has bad ice dams, they usually also experience icicles that can cause damage to the facia, soffit, and siding.

Another example of ice dam damage to the roof

Homes with multiple levels and dimensions can be more prone to ice dams. We often find ice dams in valleys of roofs where two faces meet and water drains off. Because of this these areas can be the most problematic. The melted water moves down the roof valley to the gutters (most of the time this drainage point is an inside corner) if the drainage is not adequate large ice build ups form. In extreme cases fascia and soffit can be completely separated and must be repaired or replaced.

Icicles forming from an ice dam

What not to do

Excel Roofing has seen many DIY fixes to ice dams, and they do not solve your issue. We’ve heard stories of customers using hot water, ice melt, and torches. While doing this helps speed up the melting process, it will not melt the entire ice dam and will not solve the issue going forward. Ice dams will continue to form if a permanent solution is not installed. There is no quick fix to getting rid of ice dams other than climbing on the roof and chipping the ice away. However, that is extremely dangerous. Let’s leave it to the pros: Excel Roofing.

Ways to protect your roof with ice dams

Ice and water shield is required by building codes in most cities, counties and jurisdictions in Colorado and Wyoming. With proper installation, ice and water shield can help protect your roof from leaks caused by ice dams. When installing the ice and water shield code demands that it be installed 24 inches beyond the heated wall. Ice dams can melt overtime and cause water to get underneath the shingles and into the home. This is your best line of defense from preventing damage. Excel recommends every house have Ice and Water Shield installed on the eaves even if it is not required by the code and as a rule, we do install it in every roof valley on all projects.

Roofer installing heat cable on a roof

Excel also recommends making sure your house is properly insulated and ventilated. This adds many benefits to your home not just helping with ice dams. Proper insulation and ventilation is integral to the roof system as a whole and will help with maintaining the proper ambient temperature during all seasons. Please see our blog post here for more info: https://www.excelroofing.com/attic-ventilation/

Heat Cable

Heat cable is Excel Roofing’s best solution to ice dams. Heat cable is installed directly on the roof close to the eaves. It is installed in a zigzag pattern approximately two feet up the roof, and through the gutters and downspouts to help prevent ice from freezing there as well. If you are having ice damning issues on your home please call us. We would be more than happy to give you a free estimate to install the ice melting system that is right for your property.

YouTube Link:
Check out our YouTube channel for a video about ice dams and heat cable from the owner J Bretz. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIgGxW8MMkY

Holiday Lights Safety

Putting Lights Up

Holiday Lights Safety

It’s that time of year when we all do our best Christmas Vacation impersonation. Excel Roofing cares about your safety when you are hanging holiday lights on your roof and gutters. So here are our 5 safety tips to ensure nothing goes wrong and you make it down in one piece.

Tip #1: Propper ladder safety is very important while installing and removing holiday lights.

Climbing ladder with help

Every year around 164,000 people go to the emergency room and 300 people die in the U.S. from falling off ladders, according to the World Health Organization. Make sure to prop your ladder on a flat surface both on the ground and against your house. You can use either an extension ladder or and A frame to install. When using an extension ladder use bungee cords to attach the ladder to the gutters for more stability. The A frame is better because you aren’t having to lean the ladder against the surface you are installing the lights on. It’s always a good idea to have someone holding the ladder below to ensure maximum stability.

Tip #2: Make sure that you are using the correct materials.

Putting Lights Up

You will need the correct lights, clips, ladders, and extensions cords. When picking out your electrical equipment make sure you choose outdoor lights and extension cords. This is essential in climates that get wet and snowy weather conditions. When installing the outdoor lights, use plastic clips if you are placing the lights on your roofline and gutters. The clips are the best option to avoid damaging the paint and finish on the gutters and avoid putting unnecessary penetrations in your roof. The clips for hanging the lights can be found at any hardware store near where the holiday lights are located. You also want to make sure that you have the lights properly connected so that you don’t overload 1 outlet. Typically, it is about 9 strands per outlet. Outdoor outlets are tied to a special circuit, GFI, that will trip the electricity off if it senses any moisture. Most people believe that when their electricity turns off, the solution is to go to the breaker box. However, there are 2 buttons on the outlet in the main floor bathroom that usually turn the electricity back on, even to the outdoor outlets.

Tip #3: If you are installing or removing your holiday lights from your roof, make sure that you use a tie off.

Roof Tie Off

Excel does not recommend you hanging your lights from the roof for a few reasons. First you can damage the shingles and second you are putting yourself at higher risk of a fall. If you do not have the proper harness for a tie off, it is probably best to not be on your roof.

Tip #4: Pick a day with good weather.

Nice Weather

Weather in the winter months is usually cold and snowy. Pick a sunny dry day to install or remove your holiday lights. Double check to make sure that the place where your ladder is set on the ground is clear of ice and snow. You do not want your ladder to slip out from underneath you. If you will be installing or removing your lights from the roof, make sure that the roof is clear of ice, so you do not slip off the roof. 

Tip #5: Check to make sure your gutters are clear of debris.

man Cleaning Gutters

When installing your holiday lights, it is important to have clean gutters and downspouts. With full gutters, it will be more challenging to install the clips to the edge. When you have clogged gutters, you also increase your chance of having ice damning and gutter overflow. If you get up on your ladder to install or remove your holiday lights and notice your gutters are filled with leaves, call Excel Roofing. For more information on gutter cleaning check out our other blog post all about gutters here.

Insider Roofing Tips: Hail & Gutters

q&a with j from excel roofing

Insider Roofing Tips: Hail and Gutters

HI, I’M J BRETZ, THE OWNER OF EXCEL ROOFING.

I’ve been in the roofing business for almost 30 years, and I would like to share some insider information with you about hailstorms and roofers.


Pick a local company you can trust.  How do you know who to trust?  Ask these questions:

  • How long has the company been in business?
  • How many jobs have they done?
  • What is their BBB rating?


Trust: You can trust Excel Roofing. I founded Excel in 1993. We have performed over 32,000 jobs and have always maintained an A+ rating with the BBB.


Cancellation fees: Most roofers charge a 15% cancellation fee to cancel 


Local Company: We don’t door knock, and we don’t telemarket; however, this doesn’t mean we’re not interested in your business.  We’re just not storm chasers. Excel Roofing are the local guys who were here before the storm and will be here long after the storm chasers are gone.


Repairs: Storm chasers don’t do small repairs. Excel has a full service repair department.  This is important because

1) you want the company that installs your roof to be around if there’s ever a problem, and

2) you want them to be good a fixing roofs.


Money Up-Front: Don’t ever pay a roofer/storm chaser money up-front; you’re just asking for problems. If a roofer says they need money for material, it means they have a cash flow problem.  The dirty little secret is the salesman wants money up-front so he can get an advance payment on your deal.  The other reason they want money up-front is that it makes it almost impossible for you to get out of the deal if you change your mind.


Never pay any money until the job is 100% complete!  Don’t give in on this one.  No matter how sincere they sound, don’t pay anything until the job is complete.


Q & A: Hail


Q: HOW MUCH MORE DOES HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING COST?

A: Hail resistant roofing material is typically 5% – 15% more expensive than standard roofing. The good news is over the past 10 years, the cost to upgrade has dropped from a 30% price difference. The average price for a new standard asphalt shingle roof is $8125. To upgrade to hail resistant shingles would be $8325.


Q: IS HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING WORTH THE EXTRA COST?

A: I think so. The savings on a homeowners insurance premium will cover the cost. If a homeowner saves $250 a year on the premium, the hail resistant roofing material pays for itself within a few years.


Q: DO HAIL RESISTANT ROOFING MATERIALS ACTUALLY WORK?

A: Yes. They definitely sustain less damage from hail. The manufacturers of hail resistant roofing have done their homework and developed a stronger roofing material. The independent tests that Underwriters Laboratories developed has proven the strength of these materials. And the insurance companies are willing to offer discounts to those homeowners that do have them installed.


Q & A: Gutters


Q: HOW MUCH DO GUTTER SCREENS COST?

A: The best gutter screens can be purchased at your local hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. If you are not a DIY’er (do-it-yourself’er), Excel Roofing can install them for $4 per linear foot.


Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO UNCLOG AN UNDERGROUND (FRENCH) DRAIN?

A: This is a tough question to answer. It really depends on the clog and the design of the underground drain. Because French drains cannot be roto-rootered, often the entire drain will have to be replaced.


A correctly installed underground drain is usually about 15 feet long, the drainpipe needs to be sloped away from the house and completely surrounded by rock.


The average price to remove and replace an underground drain is $500.


Q: MY DOWNSPOUT KEEPS FREEZING. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: Heat cable should be installed to prevent future freezing. Heat cable can be found at your local hardware store for about $70 per 100 feet and obviously needs a power outlet near the install.


The cable needs to be strung into the gutter, down the downspout and several feet on to the ground. If the heat cable is going into an underground drain, the cable needs to be strung as far as possible.


Excel Roofing can install most 100 foot plug and play heat cable systems for $299.

excel roofing logo

Impact (Hail) Resistant Roofs

class-4-UL-impact-test-shingle

Impact (Hail) Resistant Roofs

What Are Impact Resistant Roofs?

Destroyed windows on your brand-new car, damaged roof (again), sounds of what seems the sky falling down upon you outside… Know the feeling? If you are a resident in Colorado and the destruction of the infamous for this area hailstorm is something you are familiar with, keep reading this.

The good news for your roof is that even the problems caused by mother nature’s destructive forces have a solution.

Even though we work in the industry, it is never fun seeing our clients incur hail damage on their roofs and have been actively participating in new-age, hail-resistant roofing solutions, to make sure you stay safe and not having to worry about changing your roof for a long time, which we all know can be quite a heavy investment.

Enter the scene: Class 4 Hail Resistant Roofs.

Impact resistant roofs can withstand hail and windstorms. They require fewer repairs and last longer. Insurance companies like these roofs too! They liked the idea so much they decided to give discounts to consumers who installed them. However, the roof first needed a standardized test and rating system to determine the quality of the roofing materials used.

More info: Why Upgrade to Class 4 Singles in Colorado?

Who Tests Hail Resistant Roofs?

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a not-for-profit independent testing organization that was founded in 1894. UL provides the knowledge and expertise to help consumers make informed decisions on products that affect their daily lives. UL developed a test to rate the strength of roofing materials. This test is called the UL 2218 Impact Rating.

How Are Impact Resistant Roofs Classified?

The test uses steel balls ranging from 1.25 inches to 2.0 inches in diameter. The steel balls are dropped from heights of 12 feet for the 1.25 inch ball to 20 feet for the 2 inch ball. The test roof is struck twice in the same spot for each size steel ball.

Impact (hail) testing class sizes

To meet the acceptance criteria of UL 2218, the roofing material, back surface and underneath layers must show no evidence of tearing, fracturing, cracking, splitting, rupture, crazing or other evidence of opening of the roof covering layer.

Quick facts about the Class 4 Impact Test

After performing the test, roofing manufacturers would be scored based on the resistance of the material getting a rating from 1 least hail resistant to 4, most hail resistant. 

Summarizing the result we would be looking at for, a Class 3 roof is earned if the sample does not crack when hit twice in the same spot by a 1.75 inch diameter steel ball. A Class 4 rating, the material should not get damaged when hit twice in the same spot by 2 inch diameter steel ball.

A Hail Resistant Roof Will Save You Money

In the last 10 years, hailstorms have caused more than $3 billion in property damage in Colorado and Wyoming, mainly to roofs. As a result, 30% of a home’s insurance cost is reserved for a new roof.

As a result of the huge losses, insurance companies are demanding more and more impact-resistant roofing materials on the market. To incentivize consumers, some insurers are offering discounts of up 25% on a homeowner’s insurance premium with impact resistant roofing.

Can Class 3 & 4 Roofs Ever Become Hail Damaged?

Hail resistant roofing offers the benefit of extra protection to your home. It is also important to understand that a hail resistant roof can still be damaged by large, wind-driven hail. The roof will be protected against an average hail storm so the chances of a damaged roof claim are much smaller, but there is still a chance for the roof to see hail damage during a bad storm.

Types of Hail Resistant Roofing Materials

Different manufacturers have different grades of hail resistant shingles, usually class 4 asphalt being the most common ones.

Limited Time Offer: Free Upgrade to Hail Resistant Roof

For a limited time, get a free upgrade to Owen Corning Duration Storm with your insurance claim roof replacement.  This Offer is only valid in Colorado Springs.

Owens Corning Duration Storm Asphalt Shingles:

Owens Corning (OC) Duration Storm shingles are the most economical class 4 asphalt shingle on the market. They are more resistant to hail than normal shingles, however medium sized hail will damage them.  This roof will qualify homeowners for a discount with most insurance companies. An OC Storm roof is about 5% more than a standard asphalt roof.

Owens Corning Duration Flex Shingles:

Owens Corning flex shingles are the best class 4 asphalt shingles on the market. These shingles are made from a rubberized asphalt and most hail literally bounces off of them, however large hail will damage these shingles.  This roof will qualify homeowners for a discount with most insurance companies.  An OC Duration Flex roof is about 10% more than a standard asphalt roof.

Concrete Tile:

The next classification of hail resistant products would be the concrete tiles, which range from weak to strong. These were also put to the test with ice balls from a cannon challenging the break strength and later on survived the real test of nature successfully in the hailstorm near The Broadmoor area in 2018.

Bartile Concrete Roofing

There are a number of very good concrete roofing manufacturers.  We believe that Bartile is the best.  Excel has installed over 1,000 tile roofs since 1993.  Bartile has proven to be the strongest, and least susceptible to color changes.  It takes very large hail  to damage Bartile roofs, earning the Excel Roofing “Bombproof” rating. Concrete tile manufacturers use the Factory Mutual 4473 Ice ball cannon test to  test tile.  Some Insurance companies recognize this test and will give a discount for this roof.  A Bartile roof costs about twice as much as a standard asphalt roof.

Synthetic Plastic Shingles

A third type of material is the synthetic, or plastic type category.  Two brands of Synthetic roofs are DaVinci, and F-Wave

These products are redefining the classifications and may merit a new “Class 5” at some point.  These products are proving themselves to be indestructible. 

F-Wave Synthetic Plastic Shingles:

F-Wave is a newer brand that mimics asphalt shingles.  F-Wave is so confident in their roofing product that they offer a 5-year hail guarantee.  If the roof is damaged by hail 2” in size or less in the first 5 years the F-Wave will replace the roof.

DaVinci Synthetic Plastic Shingles

Many DaVinci roofs survived unscathed in the Denver hailstorm of 2018. This was a storm with baseball size hail that caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damaged. 

Stone coated steel 

Stone Coated Steel roofing is made from steel panels that are formed into 4 foot sections and shaped to imitate cedar shakes and concrete tile. Stone coated steel has a class 4 rating, however the granules that are glued on the steel are susceptible to being knocked off by hail. Stone Coated Steel Panels are extremely lightweight and aa alternative to heavy concrete tile.  The panels are easily dented if they are walked on by untrained personnel.  This class for roof will qualify homeowners for a discount with most insurance companies. A stone coated steel roof costs about 2 1/2 times as much as a standard asphalt roof.

Roofing materials are changing for the better, becoming more and more advanced each year. And it doesn’t stop there.

At Excel Roofing you don’t pay a cent until you’re content!

To further help you get the best roof and protect your home, we offer 12-month 0% financing.

Stay risk free while testing out the strength, quality and endurance of our new age Class 4 Hail Resistant Roofs!

Be Mindful of T-LOCK Shingles

Back in 1930 when they were introduced, T-Lock shingles were the latest and greatest in roofing technology.  They were easy to install and could withstand high winds and storms.  The T-Lock shingle was ideal for Colorado’s always-changing and often-threatening weather.  The heavier and thicker asphalt shingle found many home along the Front Range and across our state.

Not too much tech from the 30s is still in use today, including the T-Lock shingle.  Their manufacture was halted in 2005.  Even though they were rated to withstand winds up to 130 mph, their “wing” design actually acted like a sail and would rip off the roof during much slower wind speeds.

Also, as asphalt became more expensive, fillers were used instead.  These fillers would become very brittle over time. Their woven design and installation doesn’t offer solid protection against hail either.  The weaves can create pockets and gaps between shingles that can be easily damaged by hail.

T-Lock shingle lived long past its prime.

Many insurance companies won’t insure homes with a T-Lock roof.  A new policy taken out on a home with T-Lock shingles will most likely require a roof replacement.

So if you are buying or selling a home with a T-Lock roof, it would be a good idea to call your insurance agent. If your T-Lock roof is damaged, it just simply can’t be repaired.  No one makes them anymore.  And your insurance company just may cover some of the costs to replace a T-Lock roof.  They would prefer your home to have a newer roof that will better withstand the elements. Insurance companies just don’t like them, plain and simple.

They want to push the financial responsibility onto the homeowner.  T-Lock roofs have depreciated value.  They are tough to sell without being replaced.  And it really is only a matter of time before they fail.

If you have a T-Lock roof and have any question, please contact Excel Roofing!  We will be happy to assist you in any way we can and will even inspect your roof free of charge.

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