Colorado Hail Storms and how they damage your roof.

Colorado is part of what people call Hail Alley. What that means is that we typically receive more hail, as well as larger hail at greater velocities than other areas. Hail causes an estimated $1 Billion dollars a year in damage, and in Colorado, approximately $25 million.  The spring storms also bring out storm chaser. The last few years the news has been filled with homeowners being cheated by out of state 'roofers'.

In response insurance companies are trying to be more careful, often telling people that if they file too many claims their insurance could go up, or be cancelled.  The 'Door Knockers' will try and tell you this is not true. But it is true, however, that does not mean you should not file a claim. 

When should you file a claim? I was reading this interesting article by Keith Wainauski he says "“Insurance is something that should be used on things that are going to ruin your life not your day“.  That seems like a great rule of thumb to follow, almost.


Most wind claims can be repaired for less than $200. Depending on your deductible, you could and should pay that out of pocket.  That doesn't mean you don't make a claim, because your insurance company wants to know that you are paying attention to and taking care of storm related damage.

I am always saying, have you had your annual roof inspection? Well here are a few reasons why:

1. Regular inspections equals regular maintenance, which maximizes the life of your roof. It is just like regular oil changes for your vehicle, it extends its life as well as pointing out possible future problems so you can be prepared.

2. Regular inspections means you have clear, authoritative evidence about your roof's condition should you receive hail or other storm related damage. It also will tell you things you can do to protect your roof, like trimming back branches that could rub or crash down.

3. Inspection after a severe storm - What might start out as an inexpensive repair, can turn very costly if missed. Even pea sized hail if driven by very strong winds can damage older asphalt shingles, as well as the flashing around the penetrations in a roof. This can allow water to penetrate and cause even more damage.

If hail tore branches off the trees in your yard, dents on your car, cracks in windows, just imagine what it did to your roof?  Also when water does penetrate, where you may see evidence of it inside your home, doesn't always correlate to where the leak is on your roof.  Most people believe that the hail has to be huge to cause damage, that is just not true. While size is a factor, wind and the density of the hail also plays a role.

Hail damage can occur to your roof, siding, windows, screens, decks, etc. Call a licensed roofing contractor to inspect for damage. Check out the Colorado Roofing Association or the Better Business Bureau, both have listings for local roofers.