Colorado ranks among the top states for hail damage, with the Front Range seeing some of the most severe storms in the country. The 2023 season alone caused billions in damage across the Denver metro area.
While you can't prevent hail, you can prepare your home to minimize damage and streamline the recovery process when storms hit.
Before Hail Season: Preparation Steps
1. Document Your Home's Condition
Before storm season arrives, take comprehensive photos and videos of your roof, siding, windows, and outdoor features. Include:
- Close-ups of your roof from multiple angles
- All sides of your home's exterior
- Windows, garage doors, and outdoor AC units
- Any existing damage or wear
Store these in the cloud where you can access them if your phone is damaged or lost. This documentation is invaluable when filing insurance claims.
2. Review Your Insurance Policy
Understand what your homeowner's insurance covers before you need to file a claim:
- What's your deductible for wind and hail damage?
- Does your policy cover full replacement or actual cash value?
- Are there any exclusions for cosmetic damage?
- What's the claims filing deadline after a storm?
Consider whether your coverage is adequate. If you have an older roof, your policy might only cover depreciated value rather than full replacement cost.
3. Schedule a Pre-Season Inspection
Have a professional inspect your roof and siding before hail season. This accomplishes two things:
- Identifies existing issues that could worsen with hail impact
- Establishes documented baseline condition for insurance purposes
During Hail Season: When Storms Approach
Monitor Weather Alerts
Sign up for weather alerts from the National Weather Service. When severe storms are forecast:
- Move vehicles into the garage if possible
- Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, and decorations
- Close all windows and blinds
- Stay indoors and away from windows during the storm
After the Storm Passes
Wait until it's safe. Don't rush outside while lightning is still active or hail is falling.
Once conditions are safe:
- Check for immediate hazards - downed power lines, broken glass, structural damage
- Document damage immediately - take photos and videos before making any repairs
- Make temporary repairs - cover broken windows, tarp damaged roof areas to prevent water intrusion
- Contact your insurance company - report the damage promptly
Working with Your Insurance Company
Filing a successful hail damage claim requires proper documentation and process:
Do:
- File your claim promptly (most policies have deadlines)
- Provide your pre-storm documentation
- Get a professional inspection and detailed damage report
- Keep records of all communication with your insurer
- Get repair estimates in writing
Don't:
- Accept the first settlement if it seems low
- Sign anything you don't fully understand
- Let the insurance company's contractor be your only inspection
- Make permanent repairs before the claim is settled
Choosing the Right Contractor
After a major hailstorm, contractors flood into affected areas—not all of them reputable. Protect yourself by:
- Choosing local contractors with established reputations
- Verifying licensing, insurance, and manufacturer certifications
- Getting multiple written estimates
- Never paying in full upfront
- Being wary of door-to-door "storm chasers"
At The Roofing and Siding Company, we've helped hundreds of Colorado homeowners navigate hail damage claims. We work directly with insurance adjusters, provide detailed damage documentation, and ensure your home is restored to its pre-storm condition—or better.
Upgrading for Better Protection
If you're replacing a hail-damaged roof, consider upgrading to impact-resistant materials:
- Class 4 impact-resistant shingles - tested to withstand 2" hail
- Stone-coated steel roofing - virtually hail-proof, 50+ year lifespan
- James Hardie fiber cement siding - far more impact-resistant than vinyl
Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for impact-resistant roofing materials—sometimes enough to offset the additional cost over time.
Ready for Whatever Colorado Brings
Hail damage is stressful, but proper preparation makes recovery much smoother. If you'd like a pre-season inspection or have questions about storm-resistant upgrades, our team is here to help.
Schedule your free inspection today and face hail season with confidence.