Seasonal Roof Maintenance in Mountain Climate

Snow Removal Partnership: Saving Money with a Proactive Approach

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 22:15:28 GMT

Snow Removal Tips for a Stress-Free Winter

If you're looking to save some cash when it comes to snow removal, we've got some friendly tips for you:

**1. Team up with a trusted, insured company.** This way, you know you’re in good hands!

**2. Shovel that snow (often)!** It’s way easier to deal with before it gets compacted into heavy blocks. Did you know a cubic foot of compacted snow can weigh between 15-20 pounds, or even more if it's wet? Fresh snow? Much lighter—about 5-15 pounds! So, keep it manageable by shoveling regularly.

**3. Don’t wait too long to schedule snow removal.** It might be tempting to put it off until February or March, but trust me, that’s when ice dams and those super compacted snow piles happen. Getting ahead of it in December or January is key!

**4. Go for a snow removal contract.** This is usually the best way to score the lowest rates and ensure reliable service. Plus, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your roof is being looked after. Revelation Roofing's SmartCARE program helps property managers, HOA's, and owners budget for routine snow removal.

**5. Check your roof in the autumn.** Roof inspections are pretty quick and often free. Fixing any issues before the snow hits means your roof’s ready to handle all that winter weather. It’s also super important to manage how water and snow flow away from your property to avoid costly problems down the road, like foundation damage.

So there you have it—simple steps to make sure you're ready for the snowy season without breaking the bank!

Contact info@revelationroofing.com for help with snow removal or roof leaks.

Call to schedule service 970-846-4385 or book online: https://www.revelationroofing.com/contact#RequestforInformation

Revelation Roofing is a full-service roofing and exterior services contractor, serving Colorado mountain communities in Routt, Grand, Pitkin, Eagle, Summit, and Moffatt counties.

Learn more about Revelation Services

Areas We Serve

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 17:21:34 GMT

970-846-4385

INFO@REVELATIONROOFING.COM

Eagle County, Colorado:

Grand County, Colorado:

Moffatt County, Colorado:

Pitkin County, Colorado:

Summit County, Colorado:

 Routt County, Colorado:

Vail, Eagle, Avon, and surrounding areas

Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling

Meeker, Craig

Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, Glenwood Springs

Silverthorne, Frisco, Breckenridge, and surrounding areas

Steamboat Springs, Clark, Hayden, Milner, Craig, Stagecoach, Oak Creek, Yampa, Phippsburg

Revelation Roofing is the premier, full-service, roofing contractor and exterior services company.

We are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of quality materials, installation, and service. We understand every property has unique needs, whether it be commercial, property under management, HOA, residential, government, new construction, or multi-family, our years of experience and teamwork allow us to perfect our trade.

You can expect a great customer experience with Revelation Roofing as a result of our expertise in the roofing industry, estimate accuracy and transparency, best quality materials and our emphasis on safety to exceed OSHA standards.

Summer Roofing Tips (Infographic)

Mon, 17 Jul 2017 19:57:00 GMT

Why FEMA Advises Snow Removal Plans for Commercial Buildings

Fri, 24 Feb 2017 23:05:00 GMT

Winter Is Here For many people in the U.S. winter is here. Snow is currently falling across the Midwest and is also forecast for the Northeastern US in the coming days. Despite the forecast, proactive facility managers and building owners who already have their snow removal contingency plans in place are breathing a sigh of relief. These key decision makers recognize the critical importance of ensuring their commercial properties remain safe places to do work, shop, or store goods. They…

4 Ways to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Shingle Color

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 19:36:00 GMT

Homeowners don’t buy roofs often, so choosing the right color is very important to get right the first time. The shingle color has to work with their house and style, complement the neighborhood, and take into consideration any other preferences the homeowner may have. Here are some tips to share with your homeowners to help them consider the best possible color for their next roof. Match to your house. Take a look at your house’s style—do you have bricks or…

10 Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 20:47:00 GMT

The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these 10 important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.

Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite® Contractors. (Unlike other manufacturer designations, Master Elite®Contractors cannot use this top designation in another territory, only in the location of the storm. Find a Master Elite® Contractor near you.

Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website and make sure they have a good score. Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org. GAF Master Elite® Contractors are required to maintain satisfactory ratings with the BBB in order to retain their certification.

Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself. A Master Elite® Contractor can offer one of the longest workmanship warranties on the market—the Golden Pledge® Warranty.

Be concerned about safety. A contractor without a training or safety program may not be the best person for your job. GAF sponsors a unique national training organization called the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE), which has trained more than 200,000 professionals. GAF is the only roofing manufacturer with a dedicated team of trainers in the industry.

Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online. GAF Master Elite® Contractors must hold appropriate levels of Workers Compensation, at least $1 million worth of General Liability coverage, and have proper state licensing where they are performing the work.

Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.

Don’t give in to pressure. Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, however the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.

Know your material choices. A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home. If the insurance company is paying for a new roof, it may be the perfect time to make a change and upgrade to a more unique style that suits your taste. GAF contractors can offer extensive design and color choices for your home. Check out the choices now so you’re ready. Knowledge is power.

Summer Roof Maintenance Tips

Tue, 05 May 2015 16:08:00 GMT

We know what you’re thinking – It’s summer, you want to be out having fun, not doing maintenance work on your roof. These summer roof maintenance tips will take only a couple of hours, but the time spent is well worth it because it could save you from costly roof repairs down the road.To ensure your safety, all of these summer roof care tasks are performed from the ground. If there is a need to go up on your roof,…

Summer Roofing Maintenance To-Do List

Since we’re enjoying some hot summer days, we recommend doing your roofing checklist early in the morning when it’s a bit cooler. Binoculars are helpful for getting a closer look at your roof. We also recommend wearing work gloves.

The Importance of Summer Roofing Maintenance

Summer brings some challenging weather conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, pounding rain, thunderstorms and heavy winds. Taking the time to perform some quick checks of your roof and minor roofing system maintenance assures you of three important factors:

If you’re short on time, you can always arrange for Revelation Roofing to perform your roof maintenance. We’ll establish a maintenance schedule to ensure your roof is properly inspected and maintained regularly. By being proactive with roof maintenance, problems can be spotted before they develop into costly repairs. Plus, with proper care, your roofing system will last longer. To learn more about our roof maintenance services, simply email or call us. Make us Your Roofing Solution for all your roofing needs.

3 Common Winter Roofing Problems

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 14:30:00 GMT

Cold weather has set in in NW Colorado, and we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about winter roofing issues. The roof is all that stands between your family and the outside elements and so, especially in the winter, there is nothing more important on a house than good roofing. We have put together a list of some common winter roofing problems and how to prevent or solve them. Remember, winter roofs can be slippery and dangerous. If you cannot easily solve your roofing issue, please call us for help.

Roofing Problem #1: Ice Dams

In the wintertime, ice dams are probably the most common roofing problem facing homeowners. An ice dam is a build-up of ice on the roof or under the shingles. The ice forms a dam, causing melted water to back up under the shingles instead of running down off the roof. When the water backs up under the shingles, inside leaking may occur. If you notice leaking, you should call a professional right away. Do not attempt to remove the ice dam with a shovel or pick, as you are very likely to damage your roof.

Ice dams are the result of several factors all working at the same time. They include:

Inadequate ceiling insulation
Poor soffit and ridge vent ventilation
Cold temperatures
Sunny days

The Steamboat area is well-known for its ice dam problems (particularly later in winter) because we have many cold nights, where ice forms, followed by warmer, sunshine-filled days, where the roof ice melts. This cycle of freezing and melting is conducive for ice dam formation. If you are experiencing problems with ice dams, the professional roofers at Mid Atlantic Contracting will evaluate your home and make recommendations for solving this problem once and for all, including installing attic ventilation systems, sealing air leaks between your roof and attic, increasing roofing insulation, and/or ensuring that your ceiling is air tight.

Roofing Problem #2: Icicles and Gutters

Because we have many winter days where temperatures hover around freezing or much colder, icicles are also a common roofing problem in the NW Colorado region. The sun melts the snow on the hot roof, causing it to drip over the eaves, where it then becomes cold enough to freeze into beautiful, but dangerous, icicles.

Icicles are hazardous in two ways—first, they can break and fall onto people, pets, and cars. Second, their heavy weight can cause major gutter and roofing damage. You can prevent gutter damage by cleaning your gutters in the fall, so that a build-up of heavy, frozen leaves do not cause your gutters to tear off. Another way to prevent icicles is by sweeping snow off your roof and out of your gutters and downspouts after snowstorms. It is very dangerous to go up on the roof during the winter, so please call our insured professionals to do it for you. If you have recurring problems with icicles, an one of our expert roofers will be happy to evaluate your house and find a solution. We can repair broken or torn gutters and install gutter covers to prevent future problems.

Roofin g Problem #3: Condensation

Condensation is also a common winter roofing issue. Condensation occurs when warm, moist air hits a cold surface, such as warm air from your house’s interior hitting the bottom side of the cold roof deck. Your condensation problem can be solved either by installing a vapor retarder at the ceiling level, which will trap the warm air and prevent from hitting the bottom of the roof deck, or by improving air flow by installing a ventilation system.

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3 Preventative Fall Roofing Tips

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 17:10:00 GMT

In addition to regular exterior inspections (make sure to schedule one if you haven’t already! Annual roof checkups can prevent costly damage down the road), however, there are several other ways to safeguard against leaks this winter season. Roof leaks can cause severe damage to your home, inside and out. As water pools beneath shingles or other materials, it may cause warping and breakdown of your roof’s underlayment. In addition, perpetual seeping into the attic or behind drywall can lead to unhealthy mold growth . Finally, if your leak becomes an interior problem, you may need to repair or replace insulation, drywall, floor coverings or furniture.

To prevent your home from water infiltration this winter, keep the following tips in mind.

Attic inspection

In addition to inspecting your roof’s exterior, it’s a good idea to inspect your attic 1 to 2 times a year—and especially before winter sets in. If you get the opportunity to inspect it on a rainy fall day, you’ll be able to see leaky areas firsthand. If it’s dry outside when you inspect, look for other telltale signs of leaks:

mold or mildew around the vents, joints and seams,
warped wood, or
stained insulation

If you’ve had recent rain, you may even see water dripping from insulation, wood or vent areas.

Once you’ve found a potential leak, contact your NW Colorado Roofing Professional o schedule a leak repair.

Ice dam prevention

It won’t be long before blowing snow sets in, and it’s one of the main causes of roof leaks. Snow and cold weather lead to ice dams , which build up on your roof and prevent proper runoff drainage.

While shingle roofs are meant to be basically water resistant, they’re no match for water trapped behind ice dams for lengthy periods. This water begins to slowly saturate your shingles and roof structure, eventually leading to leaks.

To avoid ice dams before they happen, make sure your attic is adequately ventilated . Attic temperatures should be the same as the exterior temperature, and gable, soffit and roof ridge vents help to maintain this temperature consistency.

In addition, properly insulating between the rafters can help to prevent ice damming. If you believe your roof needs additional venting or an insulation checkup, let us know.

Limit roof traffic

Later towards the holidays, you may be climbing on or around your roof to hang lighting or install holiday décor. However, regular foot traffic can lead to a leak, since shingles may split and flashing may crack under pressure.

If you must be on the roof for inspections or holiday light hanging, avoid stepping on shingles that appear to be compromised—whether warped, curling or cracked. Also, try not to step on roof tiles or tile cement—since these materials are also easily damaged under weight.

As we move into fall, remember that a well-maintained roof is less likely to leak , and less likely to require costly repairs. Remove debris—like pine needles and leaves—to encourage proper draining. In addition, maintain your gutters properly and conduct or schedule regular inspections to ensure that water is draining properly, year-round.

How to choose your shingle color

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 18:58:00 GMT

A Failing Roof: Danger Signals

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 02:11:00 GMT

Leakage in Attic After Wind-Driven Rain Possible cause: Leaky or inadequate shingle underlayment or deteriorated flashing Leakage in Attic After Ice Build-Up Possible cause: Inadequate shingle underlayment allows water from ice dams to leak into attic Blistering and/or Peeling of Interior and/or Exterior paint Possible cause: Excessive temperature or high humidity due to poor attic ventilation Stains on Interior Ceilings and Walls or Mold and Mildew Growth Possible cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage or inadequate ventilation Exterior…

9 Tips: Summer Roofing Repair/Maintenance

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 15:13:00 GMT

The snow is (finally) melting away, and time to direct your focus to the exterior of your home. Your roof is very important keeping your home’s interior “safe and secure,” and keeping it in top shape in summer months can help you avoid costly repairs. Here are some great things you can do yourself so that you can keep your roof in great condition.

1. Clean all your gutters and downspouts to make sure that water can freely flow through them without blockage.

2. Make sure to check your roof for splitting and cracking and shingles that are missing.

3. Be sure to check for clutter behind skylights

4. Make sure fans and vents are in running order.

5. Check all your sealants to make sure they are in top shape.

6. Be sure to block places where small creatures can take up residence.

7. While on your roof take photos of before and after to make sure nothing has changed since your last check.

8. Mold damage can occur quickly so make sure nothing is moldy or damaged from mold, and if there is mold damage, begin to repair issues quickly.

9. Be sure to check your eaves and overhangs for stains resulting from water.

Inspection

Inspecting your roof can be dangerous and knowing where and how to step on your roof can be imperative to ensuring damages do not occur just from inspection. Getting a professional roof inspection to help in this venture can be cost efficient. You can also have them check with expertise for the problems that might occur in the future from tale tell signs that will show from inspection.

Maintenance

Doing a routine maintenance check on your roof every spring can save you money and time. If you need a roofing professional to help you in doing these tasks there are great r oofing professionals that will fit your needs for a maintenance program. If you are going to attempt to do these maintenance tasks yourself be sure to follow these tips.

· Make sure you use proper safety equipment.
· Make sure you have a steady ladder.
· Have someone do this with you as a precaution.
· Make sure to know where to step so that you do not cause damage from the inspection.
· Use fall protection equipment to inspect so you do not fall and harm yourself in the process.

Summer Roofing: Maintenance Tips

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 18:36:00 GMT

To keep your roof in great condition (and thereby extend its life) it’s good to be vigilant with year-round maintenance and checkups. In the heat of a Colorado summer getting up on your roof may be the last thing you want to do, but it’s nonetheless very important. Keep our following tips in mind when checking and maintaining your roof this summer. *As always, safety first. If you will be working on your roof, let someone know in advance in…

photo: Revelation Roofing, revelationroofing.com

27 (Cheap) Ways to Keep Your House Cooler this Summer

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 06:59:00 GMT

Steamboat’s summers aren’t long compared to some locations, but they can still get pretty darn hot. Simple changes such as moving lamps away from thermostats can keep your house cool and save you hundreds of dollars. Below are some money — and energy — saving tips that will help keep you cool this summer.

Get the most from your air conditioning

Open windows and use portable or ceiling fans instead of operating your air conditioner. Even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer — you should feel the air blown downward.
Use a fan with your window air conditioner to spread the cool air through your home.
Without blocking air flow, shade your outside compressor. Change air filters monthly during the summer.
Use a programmable thermostat with your air conditioner to adjust the setting at night or when no one is home.
Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
Consider installing a whole house fan or evaporative cooler (a “swamp cooler”) if appropriate for your climate. Attics trap fierce amounts of heat; a well-placed and -sized whole-house fan pulls air through open windows on the bottom floors and exhausts it through the roof, lowering the inside temperature and reducing energy use by as much as third compared with an air conditioner. Cost is between $150 and $400. An evaporative cooler pulls air over pads soaked in cold water and uses a quarter the energy of refrigerated air, but they’re useful only in low-humidity areas. Cost is $200 to $600.
Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
Install awnings on south-facing windows. Because of the angle of the sun, trees, a trellis, or a fence will best shade west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows.

Landscaping for a cooler house

Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity.
Grown on trellises, vines such as ivy or grapevines can shade windows or the whole side of a house.
Avoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides because it increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer. Just three trees, properly placed around a house, can save between $100 and $250 annually in cooling and heating costs. Daytime air temperatures can be 3 degrees to 6 degrees cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods.

Little things mean a lot

Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they produce the same light but use a fifth the energy and heat.
Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
Plug home electronics, such as TVs and VCRs, into power strips and turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.
Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater; 115° is comfortable for most uses.
Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

Don’t air-condition the whole neighborhood

Caulking and weatherstripping will keep cool air in during the summer.
If you see holes or separated joints in your ducts, hire a professional to repair them.
Add insulation around air conditioning ducts when they are located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, and garages; do the same for whole-house fans where they open to the exterior or to the attic.
Check to see that your fireplace damper is tightly closed.

Plan ahead

More costly but effective cooling measures are available as your home undergoes normal upgrades and repairs.

A 10-year-old air conditioner, for example, is only half as efficient as a new one. A quick check of your air conditioner’s efficiency can help you decide whether to call in a service professional. Use a household thermometer to measure the temperature of the discharge air from the register and the temperature of the return air at the return-air grill. (Keep the thermometer in place for five minutes to get a steady temperature.) The difference should be from 14 to 20 degrees, experts say. An air conditioner that’s not cooling to those levels could be low on refrigerant or have leaks. A unit cooling more than 20 degrees could have a severe blockage.
Using light shingles on a new roof can cut the amount of heat the house absorbs. Repainting in a light color, especially south- and west-facing exterior areas, helps as well.
Upgraded insulation in the attic and double-paned windows all around, complete with tinting to reflect sunlight, are good ideas, too.

5 Easy (and Affordable) Outdoor Improvements

Wed, 01 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

The summer season is near, and that means an increased focus on the outside of our homes. Not only are our homes simply more visible in the summer months (Not buried under and surrounded by feat of snow), but we also spend more time outside – so only naturally do we want to make those outdoor spaces more appealing.

Whether your home needs a quick pick-me-up in time for summer or a more dramatic improvement to compete in a buyer’s market, try these quick and low-cost outdoor home improvement fixes. A complete exterior overhaul can cost thousands of dollars, but these five cheap home improvement ideas can make a big impact on a small budget.

Mow the lawn for sight and smell. An overgrown lawn is the equivalent of a bad haircut. One of the cheapest but most critical home improvement fixes involves cleaning up the lawn. Brighten up guests’ perceptions of your home by cutting the grass, cleaning up paths or walkways, clearing the lawn of clutter, and trimming the bushes. The scent of fresh-cut grass is a bonus, especially if you’re trying to sell your house. For most people, the sweet smell reminds them of summer and home, but to buyers, it’s also a sign that your house is well cared for.

Spring clean your home – on the outside. Cleaning the outside of your house is a really cheap home improvement idea and also surprisingly effective. Scrubbing down the exterior can brighten up the colors and possibly even eliminate the need for a fresh coat of paint. To stretch the existing paint job, rinse off the layer of dust and dirt that dulls the color and finish. For heavy-duty exterior cleaning, rent a pressure washer and blast away stains.

Remember to wipe off visible dirt and grime, especially near the entryway where people get up close and personal with the house. Wash the windows to let more sunlight inside while presenting that new-house look on the outside. Lastly, keep the rainwater flowing only where it should by clearing the gutters and drainage system.

Create a landscape on your lawn. Bring all-season cheer to the front lawn with flowers, plants, and bushes. Flowers provide pops of color that can make the lawn seem more lush and luxurious while attracting eye-catching wildlife, such as birds and butterflies. Shrubs and other plantings can act as natural fences and create more privacy while making your home look well-loved.

Enliven existing landscaping on the cheap by laying down fresh mulch or soil. Plant flowers along the walkways that guests can admire while approaching the house, or cluster them as a mini-garden in an obvious spot. Buy seeds from home improvement stores or transplant potted flowers from a local nursery. Find out which flowers bloom well in your region; for a colorful garden display all spring and summer, plant different flowers that bloom at staggered intervals.

For lower-maintenance landscaping, decorate the entryway with annual, potted plants. A selection of blooms on the porch, by the door, or hanging from windowsills can brighten anyone’s impression of your home before they even walk through the door.

Make Your Door Memorable. The front door is both barrier and passageway, so make it a focus of your cheap home improvement efforts. Clean it to a shine and make sure it’s free of cracks or peeling paint. Repaint if needed, and consider a new, bold color that will liven up the overall look of the house. Doorknobs are not to be forgotten, either. They’re a cheap but lasting home upgrade, so replace old or tarnished doorknobs with newer hardware that feels solid in the hand.

Fix-up ideas aside, it may be worth replacing the door entirely. Home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot stock new doors with prices that probably fall within your budget. Look for a door that feels solid when opened, and consider design elements like windowed insets. Doors are relatively inexpensive but can make a home seem more valuable in the eyes of guests – or buyers.

Make small details the big focus. Craft a personality for your home with the use of small details and decorations. Think like an interior designer. Replace old or peeling address numbers with decorative new ones. Look for antique lights or torches for the entryway at flea markets and garage sales. Replace or repaint shutters in cheery coordinating colors to make your home the bright spot in the neighborhood.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:21:00 GMT

Our specialty is your roof, but when it comes to home maintenance, it’s the whole picture that really counts. So as the days get warmer and we head into summer, be sure to run through our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to make sure you’re ready.

Exterior: Examine wood or hardboard trim and siding for caulk repair, damage, looseness, or missing or broken mortar to brick or stone veneer.

Foundation: During melting or wet weather, inspect basement for dampness or leakage. Sump pump working?

Roof: Check flashing around roof vents, vent pipes and skylights, and valleys. Make sure to clean and clear out your gutters.

Exterior Walls: Check painted surfaces for deterioration or siding in need of preservative.

Cooling System: Remove the cover, evaluate, and service central air conditioning condensor. Don’t forget the humidifier.

Plumbing: Identify missing grout/caulk and repair. Consider replacing old caulk with mildew resistant caulk, and test all plumbing for leaks. Check exterior faucets, hose bibs, and water valves for leakage.

Roof: Visually check for damaged, loose, blistered or missing shingles.

Foundation: Maintain grading to slope away from the foundation walls.

Spring Roofing Tips

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:48:00 GMT

Each spring, it’s smart to check for any havoc wreaked on your roof by our long, and often harsh, Steamboat winters. Although employing a roofing contractor is always the safest bet to ensuring an accurate inspection, the following recommendations can also be conducted on your own.

Gutter Cleaning
The purpose of a gutter is to prevent moisture buildup from damaging the structural integrity of your home by trapping water from the roof.

Properly functioning gutters are essential to upholding a roof’s vitality as well as preventing water damage to your siding. Therefore, it’s important to clean out any debris in your gutters every spring, as well as fall. After the large debris is removed, use a hose, power sprayer or water bucket to clean out any remaining dirt in your gutter. Also make sure to trim any nearby trees with branches hanging over the roof.

Shingles
After cleaning the gutters, the next step is to check the shingle quality of your roofing. Using a properly secure ladder to access the roof, check shingles for missing pieces and curling. Curled or damaged shingles might be an indication your roof is having problems holding up to wind damage, or that it has reached the end of its shelf life. A spot replacement might only be needed, if the damage is limited to a specific area of the roof. In either scenario, it’s best to consult with a roofing professional for a clearer picture on the extent of the damage.

Heavy grain loss is another sign indicating the need for shingle replacement. The grains on a roofing shingle provide it with protection from the sun. Overtime, these granules will wear off, making shingles vulnerable to brittleness and cracking from heat and exposure.

Also make sure to remove any moss or mold build-up on your shingles. Avoid doing this with a pressure washer, or you might end up removing the protective layer of your shingles. Instead, use a special moss removal solution on the shingles and then proceed to remove moss and mold with a long-handled broom.

Odds and Ends
When conducting spring housekeeping on your roof, make sure to also do the following:

• Tighten the bolts on metal roofs.

• Repair or replace flashing that is loose or damaged. Flashing are strips of metal placed around objects such as pipes and chimneys that prevent water from entering seams or joints. Any gaps between flashing and the roof should be sealed with roof cement.

• Remove any animal nests found in the vents of columns along the edges of the roofs. These vents are often a popular burrowing location for animals during the winter.

The condition of your roof can have a substantial impact on your entire home. While there’s no escape from having to eventually replace your roof, conducting quality control checks each spring will help prolong its longevity and prevent minor damage from turning into bigger problems.

Common Winter Roofing Problems

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:32:00 GMT

We’re in the thick of it here in Steamboat Springs: We’ve had about 3 months of winter and still another couple to go. It’s also the time when many roof problems start to reveal themselves. Check out our list below, and if you have any questions or concerns at all, please be sure to contact us .

Roof Leaks

For sloped roofs, improper installation or high winds and rain can loosen the flashing and cause it to pull away. (Flashing Inspections can be conducted before the winter’s first storm to make sure that it is ready for what the weather has to offer. If it is not ready, flashing is inexpensive to fix, so getting it replaced before the storms is very worth it.)
If your home has a flat roof, you may see leaks at locations where there are drains. This is normally because the drains outside have not been maintained. When the drain becomes clogged, drainage is slowed.

Ice Damming

During the winter, drains can fill up with ice and when this happens, it stops the flow of normal drainage. As the water backs up behind the ice, the drainage can get under your roof and leak into your home. To avoid this, remove the snow from your roof.

Snow shovels

Some people make the mistake of using a normal snow shovel for the roof. This is extremely dangerous and can cause major damage and leakage to the roof. Sometimes to avoid this, people may use rakes, but that still may cause a little bit of a problem.

Christmas Lights

The one mistake that homeowners make during the Christmas season is fastening their lights directly onto the roof. This can cause the roof to have a reduced life and cause leaking. One thing you could do here is to hire a professional to put the lights on your home. Sometimes is expensive, but if you can afford it, it is extremely worth it.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:41:00 GMT

There is still plenty of winter left in northern Colorado and, if you haven’t done a thorough home maintenance check yet, now is a good time to do it. It’s best to do most of the following in the fall or early winter, but better late than never!

Home Winter Maintenance Checklist

1. Tune up your heating system. For about $80 to $100, a technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure the system is clean and in good repair, and that it can achieve its manufacturer-rated efficiency. The inspection also measures carbon-monoxide leakage.

2. Reverse your ceiling fans. If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to run the fan’s blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat. Energy Star says the fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air from the ceiling (remember, hot air rises). This is especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings — and it might even allow you to turn down your thermostat by a degree or two for greater energy savings.

3. Prevent ice dams. If your home had lots of icicles last winter — or worse, ice dams, which can cause meltwater to back up and flow into your house — take steps to prevent potential damage this year. A home-energy auditor or weatherization contractor can identify and fix air leaks and inadequate insulation in your home’s attic that can lead to ice dams.

4. Hit the roof. Or at least scan it closely with binoculars. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may leak during winter’s storms or from melting snow. If need be, hire a roofing company to make repairs if needed. Check and repair breaks in the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys, too.

5. Caulk around windows and doors. Richardson says that if the gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, you need to reapply exterior caulk. (Check the joints in window and door frames, too.) Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and it’s impervious to the elements. Check window-glazing putty, too (which seals glass into the window frame). Add weatherstripping as needed around doors, making sure you cannot see any daylight from inside your home.

6. Clean the gutters. If your gutters are full of detritus, water can back up against the house and damage roofing, siding and wood trim — plus cause leaks and ice dams. Also look for missing or damaged gutters and fascia boards and repair them.

7. Divert water. Add extensions to downspouts so that water runs at least 3 to 4 feet away from the foundation.

8. Don’t prune trees or shrubs until late-winter. You may be tempted to get out the pruning shears after the leaves fall, when you can first see the underlying structure of the plant. But horticulturalists advise waiting to prune until late winter for most plants, when they’ve been long dormant and just before spring growth begins. To get advice specific to your plants and region, consult master gardeners at local nurseries or horticulturalists with your state university’s cooperation extension department.

9. Test your sump pump. Slowly pour several gallons of water into the sump pit to see whether the pump turns on. You should do this every few months, but especially after a long dry season or before a rainy one. For more complete instructions for testing and maintenance, check your owner’s manual. Most sump pumps last about ten years.

10. Call a chimney sweep. If you haven’t already, make sure your fireplace (or any heating appliance burning gas, oil, wood or coal), chimney and vents are clean and in good repair. That will prevent chimney fires and prevent carbon monoxide from creeping into your home. Search for a sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America .

Four Preventable Roof Leaks

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:06:00 GMT

When your roof is old or has sustained weather damage, there are common areas that tend to be culprits for leaking water. Keep an eye out for problems and take preventive measures to fix them before serious structural damage, or mold and mildew occurs.

Here are some reasons water damage may occur in your home:

Leaks at joints. Joints between the roof and the chimney or between two sloped sections of a roof are highly susceptible to leaking. Leaking will occur due to poor installation or defective sheet metal. According to the University of North Dakota, this sheet metal, also called flashing, needs to be replaced or reattached to stop the leak.
Broken or cracked shingles. Water can seep through the roof and into your home if your roof has cracked or broken shingles. Shingles usually deteriorate on the southern face of the roof first, because of exposure to sun, so inspect that side first. If you notice problems with more than a few shingles, it might be time reshingle the whole roof.
Weather damage. Shingles can be pulled off or damaged as a result of the elements. If possible, evaluate your roof after a major wind or hail storm and take note of any damage. Hire a roofing specialist to make needed repairs.
Ice. If you live in a cold climate, the formation of ice on your home could potentially lead to leaks as a result of ice dams. According to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an ice dam forms when the edge of your roof is colder than the middle of your roof, causing water to refreeze instead of dripping into the gutters. To prevent ice dams, keep your home well insulated. If you do not replace insulation, install additional layers of protection between your roof and home to prevent leakage.

Winter Roof Collapse: Warning Signs

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:50:00 GMT

The snow in Steamboat is known to pile up during the winter (although you wouldn’t know it from the 2011-12 season!). Most of us are used to shoveling off our roof to prevent too much pressure from building up on the roof.

Because a roof is only built to sustain so much weight before it will ultimately collapse. Prior to a roof collapse, buildings generally exhibit signs that the roof is in distress and action should be taken to mitigate a roof collapse. The following are some of the symptoms that have been reported prior to roof failure:

Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
Severe roof leaks
Cracked or split wood members
Bends or ripples in metal supports
Cracks in walls or masonry
Cracks in welds of steel construction
Sheared off screws from steel frames
Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
Water in ponds where it never has before
Doors that pop open
Doors or windows that are difficult to open
Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

Snow Removal: A Warning

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 15:22:00 GMT

This is a photo of damage done to a shingle roof last winter. While we are not certain of what tool caused this damage, the distraught homeowner told us the following:

They hired a contractor for winter rooftop snow removal, though the contractor was not a roofer. They are not sure of how he went about the removal throughout the winter.

They found this damage in the spring, after the contractor’s work, but he refused to fix the repair, or cover any of its cost.

Lesson: When looking for rooftop snow removal services, always choose a company with roofing experience. They will have the proper knowledge and equipment to avoid any roof damage during the removal process.

How to check for (and fix) a roof leak

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:09:00 GMT

Leaky roof? Sometimes nothing can be more frustrating. Often calling in an expert can make things simpler, quicker, and safer. But, if you are the handy-type, or would simply like to try to tackle a house project for yourself, below are some simple tips to help guide you:

1. Find the leak. (“Duh,” right?). While this is often the hardest part of fixing a leaky roof. Often where the leak comes through your ceiling is not the true source of the problem. Water can enter the roof in one place and run down to another before it starts soaking into the ceiling. You know your roof is bad if shingles are missing or obviously damaged, or when water stains the ceiling or walls. The goal is to find the leak before your entire roof needs to be replaced.

2. Repair the Leak. If you have an attic, the easiest way to spot the leak is to go up there on a rainy day. Water will reflect light, so bring a flashlight along. Once you locate the source of the water, mark the area. On a nice day, have a helper tap on the mark while you’re on the roof. After you pinpoint the location on the exterior of the roof, apply roofing cement or new shingles as needed.

If you don’t have an attic or just can’t find the source of the leak, you can check several places for problems with moisture or damage:

Boots , the rubber seals that are around the electric service and plumbing vent pipes, air vents, and exhaust fan flashing .
Ridge cap
Flashing
Gaskets around pipes
Shingles
Gutters and downspouts
Dormer valleys

Tip: If you don’t want to wait for rain to look for the leak, try bringing the garden hose up on the roof. Run the water over the place where you think the leak might be located. Don’t go crazy with the water; be sure to start small. Have a helper stationed in the attic with a flashlight looking for moisture. The water will reflect the light and make it easier to see.

The Warning Signs: Do I need a new roof?

Tue, 29 May 2012 20:27:00 GMT

Have you been worried about your roof? Wondering if there are some key warning signs to watch out for? In fact, there are. While we would always suggest that you call a reputable roofing company for an inspection, you can also do checks on your own on a regular basis. Here are some warning signs that should alert you to contact a qualified roofing inspector (See photos here):

Warning Signs that you may need a new roof.

Warning 1: Ceiling Spots
Caused by leaks in the roof

Warning 2: Damaged Flashing
Caused by Improper installation on a new roof
Drying and cracking on an old roof
Dented by improper nailing
Settling of the Structure

Warning 3: Missing Shingles
Caused by improper fastening or
Exposure to high winds

Warning 4: Curling
Caused by water absorption
(in wood or fiber-reinforced shake)

Warning 5: Algae Growth
Caused by growth of airborn algae
Occurs most often in warm, humid climates such as the southeast United States

Warning 6: Blistering
Caused by moisture in the shingle
Occurs when ventilation is inadequate

Warning 7: Missing Granules
Normally a certain number of granules will be loose, especially after application
On aging shingles, this indicates the need for replacement

Warning 8: Buckling
Caused by improperly felt, or movement of the deck

Warning 9: Rotting
Caused by absorption of moisture by the mat
Common problem with organic-based shingles

Indoor Inspection Checklist:

Sagging decking between the rafters. If the decking is sagging or deteriorating, the decking will also require replacement when a new roof is installed.
Signs of leaking in the attic (dark spots in the wood, especially around vents, chimneys, and other holes to the roof).
Test dark spots in the wood to decide if they are old or current problems. If the spot is still wet, or if it is soft (test with a screwdriver), the spot is a current problem. If the spot is dry and hard, it is most likely an old problem that has been fixed.
Signs of water damage or leaking (usually in the form of water stains, or sagging ceilings)–this could be due to an active leak in the roof or to condensation caused by poor roof ventilation.

Beware these words: “Can we cover your insurance deductible?”

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:57:00 GMT

Fraud is common in any industry these days, and the roofing industry is no different. but probably even more so in the roofing industry. Random Joes and “fly-by-night” outfits can set up shop in any neighborhood, preying on panicked homeowners who are told that they need their roof repaired “now,” but are terrified by the cost.

And so in creep the “fly-by-night” roofing operations who offer to “help” you through the Insurance claim process. Usually, they then offer to pay your deductible for you. If you don’t have time to read through the rest of this article, that’s perfectly fine, but know this: Just don’t do it!

To start, the law in Colorado is very clear:
“Business practices that reduce or eliminate the need for actual payment of required copayments and deductibles by an insured for property damages interfere with contractual obligations entered into by the insured and the insurer relating to such payments when the costs arising from the reduction or elimination are passed on to the insurer.”
-COLORADO HO– USE BILL 99-1059

In other words, will the roofer will be at fault, but the homeowner as well. When a homeowner signs a policy, he/she is signing a contract that they will not accept reimbursement for a deductible or allow the repairer to pay the deductible for them. This law clarifies that doing so constitutes fraud and you can be charged with breach of contract.

And don’t believe any of these lines either:

“It’s only illegal if the roofer pays the deductible directly.”
Not true. The law in Colorado specifies that any “rebates” or “things of value” that are given to the homeowner as a means of offsetting the expense of the deductible is illegal, even if the homeowner pays the deductible up front and is later compensated by the roofer.

“This is different. We’re just paying you to advertise for us.”
Roofers will often offer to pay the homeowner the amount of the deductible in exchange for putting a sign in their yard. It sounds okay, right? The problem is it really doesn’t matter if the roofer takes $1000 in cash out of his own pocket and hands it to you. If he is being paid by the insurance company for repairing that roof, that money indirectly came from them. When the insurance company finds out they can easily show in court that the money that was paid to you for “advertising” actually came directly or indirectly from your insurance claim. Think your roofer doesn’t know that? Ask him if it’s okay if you let the insurance company know about his offer.

“We can just keep it between us.”
Good luck with that. When a roofer is sued by the insurance company, their customers are investigated as well. Even if the deal is not specified in the contract, financial audits usually uncover this kind of thing. With a wink and a nod the roofer might act like he’s doing you a favor, but don’t count on any favors when the insurance company subpoenas your bank statements.

So sure, you’re deductible is scary. But not nearly as scary (or expensive) as being investigated or, worse, charged with insurance fraud. Stay in the clear; use an honest roofing company.

And moreover, it’s likely that an honest roofing company’s workmanship will reflect their work ethic. They are more likely to do the job right (the first time), be well-insured, and have a good warranty policy.

Have questions? Feel free to contact us. Honest companies (like Revelation Roofing) will NEVER put pressure on a homeowner, and certainly never put a homeowner at risk.

Worried that you’ve “already fell for it?” Rest assured, it may not be too late. You may have already given in to the pressure of company X and have your insurance check, but now you realize that something just doesn’t seem right. Take a look and assess: is Company X the best fit to PERFORM the work? If you have any concerns or questions, give us a call (970.846.4385) or send an email ( RevelationRoofing@gmail.com ), or even consider contacting an insurance agent.