Factors That Age Roofing Systems

Western Roofing Inc

Protect Your Roofing System Against These Risks

You build your business on a sound foundation, and the roof over your head seems indestructible, but your roof, and your building, are finite resources subject to time and the ravages of sun, rain, hail, wind, and time.


That's why Western Roofing Inc is here. We've been providing expert repair and replacement services for commercial roofing systems throughout the Front Range area of Colorado since 1996. 


We are well-acquainted with the environmental conditions that Colorado is most vulnerable to, and our team has decades of experience providing solutions.


Read more about how to preserve your roof's age below, and call Western Roofing today for a free roofing inspection and estimate.

  • Environmental Risks in Colorado

    In Colorado, where we are close to a mile above sea level, buildings are exposed to significantly higher levels of UV rays than buildings at lower elevation. These rays break down and age building materials, including your roof. At our elevation we face a freeze/thaw cycle unseen in other environments. As water freezes it expands, and as it melts it shrinks. Some roofs can see daily freeze and melt cycles due to temperature changes as the harsh sun beats down. Water can work itself into crevices and cracks in your roof, resulting in separation of even the most secure seal. Patching, caulking and resealing areas catches the work of nature in the act and helps to prevent larger problems down the road.

  • Thermal Shock

    Thermal Shock occurs when your roof heats and cools suddenly, as in a rain burst on a hot sunny day. Colorado can see thermal shock in every season. Due to our elevation, snow can fall and then melt as clouds dissipate and bright sunlight hits our buildings. The same is true during spring, summer and fall rains. Metal flashing, downspouts, skylights and ventilation will all expand and shrink at different rates. Metal roofs will expand and contract against their fasteners. Under extreme temperature changes this shock can crack and separate materials, leading to leaks, water damage and mold. The only cure for thermal shock is a plan for regular inspection and maintenance.

  • Gale Force Winds

    Gale force winds measure in the 62-65 mile per hour range, yet within our high pressure mountain region, winds sweeping from Boulder and Golden down to Denver can top 80 miles per hour. This is enough to blow old roofs or poorly secured new roofs off a building and into the parking lot next door. Roofs are rated for “uplift,” a measure of winds a roof is intended to withstand.

  • Time and Weight

    Age itself is a factor. All commercial, institutional and industrial buildings have HVAC and other penetrations through the roof membrane. The weight of these structures, plus the nature of roofing materials can cause deflection and deformation of the roof structure, resulting in water pooling and the collection of dirt and debris, all which add to the natural aging of the material increasing the risks of leakage into your building.

What You Can Do As a Building Manager

What can a building's owners and managers do to impact the life of their existing roof positively? Read our recommendations below, and call Western Roofing Inc today for a free inspection of your building's roofing system and lifespan.

  • Inspect Regularly

    We know your extensive maintenance schedule across parking, sidewalks, lobbies, HVAC systems, plumbing, security systems, flooring, paint, server systems, systems furniture, lighting, and electrical. When we partner with you, Western Roofing provides documented, third-party inspections and maintenance that you can utilize in the case of a warranty or insurance claim.


    Because your roof is fundamental to protecting the resources inside your building and your building itself, working with a maintenance partner such as Western Roofing supports your overall maintenance plan. Our inspection and maintenance schedule can keep you informed so you add the right line items to your maintenance schedule and budget during your annual financial planning.

  • Stay on Top of Your Maintenance Plan

    By inspecting and identifying risks early and developing a long-term actionable plan, you can manage roof life expectancy and maintain the insurability of your roof. When emergencies arise, such as wind damage, hail, or heavy rains, a service plan can aid in securing the total value of your project. 


    Over time, caulking and patching cannot keep up with the forces at play, and repair becomes a factor in maintaining a roof. As the material ages, cracks can form across the surface. This cracking may mean replacing your roof’s outer membrane sections, flashing, gutters, or sealing all your roofs. A seal must be applied at the right time because there comes a point at which the material has deteriorated too far to extend roof life effectively.


    When a roof has reached the outer limits of its life expectancy, repairing and sealing the roof will have little impact. Warping and cracking will simply break through efforts to patch and seal. At this point, replacement is necessary. 


    A roof may require replacement before its estimated life due to poor or improper maintenance, storm damage, thermal shock, or other causes. At this point, an inspection will help assess how many material layers need replacing. Core samples of your roof help us determine if insulation and other coatings have been affected to the point they need replacement.


    Upon replacement, your roof will need to come up to current codes. Western Roofing has worked with municipalities along the Front Range, including Golden, Wheat Ridge, Boulder, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, and Denver. We stay on top of codes to ensure your replacement roof meets or exceeds mandatory minimum standards.

  • Document All Inspection and Maintenance After Replacement

    Manufacturers and insurers often require documented inspections and maintenance to qualify for a warranty. Several factors impact this cycle, including materials, manufacturing, installation, and ongoing service.


    You deserve a partner in maintaining your structure. Contact Western Roofing for a free evaluation. We will meet with you to review existing leaks and questions you have about your roof. We will get on your roof, identify its age, and inspect the surface, membrane, flashing, channels, downspouts, and penetrations. We will take a core sample of your roof to examine the underlying materials for age and damage. 


    We will discuss past repairs for materials used and quality. We will document, review the findings and provide you with a report. In the case of insurance claims, we will work with your adjuster to provide accurate and timely documentation to realize the total value of your plan.

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