What Denver Homeowners Should Know After Today's Hailstorm
If you're in the Denver area and caught today's hailstorm, you may be wondering whether your home took any damage. Hail in the 1 to 2 inch range was reported across the area, and that's large enough to cause damage on a roof, siding, and gutters. This post covers what that size hail can do to different parts of your home, what you can look for without getting on a ladder, and how to get a professional opinion if you think something was hit.
What 1 to 2 Inch Hail Can Do to a Roof
Hailstones in the 1 to 2 inch range are roughly the size of a quarter to a golf ball. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, hail in this size range is capable of damaging asphalt shingles by knocking away the protective granule layer, leaving the underlying mat exposed to UV and moisture. Over time, those impact points can become entry points for water.
On a recently installed or older asphalt shingle roof, that granule loss might not be immediately visible from the ground, but it shortens the life of the roof and can lead to leaks down the road. Metal components like pipe boots, vents, and flashing are also common targets, and dents in those areas can break seals.
What It Can Do to Siding and Gutters
Vinyl siding can crack or chip on direct impact from larger hailstones. Aluminum siding dents. Even fiber cement siding, which is more impact-resistant, can show damage at the edges or on trim pieces depending on the angle and intensity of the storm.
Gutters and downspouts are often the most obvious place to spot hail damage from the ground. Dents along the top face of the gutter channel are a common sign that hail came through with enough force to leave a mark. If your gutters are dented, there's a reasonable chance the roof above them was hit too.
What You Can Check From the Ground
You don't need to get on your roof to get a general sense of whether your home was affected. Here are a few things worth checking from a safe vantage point:
- Gutters and downspouts: Look for visible dents or dings along the length of the gutter.
- Window screens and AC units: Both are soft targets that dent easily, and damage to either is a good indicator that hail came down hard enough to affect other surfaces.
- Siding: Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for cracks, chips, or any areas where the surface looks different from the surrounding panels.
- Roof edges and flashing: From the ground, you may be able to see bent or displaced flashing along the eaves or around chimney caps.
If you notice any of these signs, it's worth having someone take a closer look at the full exterior.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters Here
Hail damage isn't always obvious, and roofing contractors who work storm damage regularly know where to look and what to document. If you do have damage and plan to file an insurance claim, a thorough inspection with photos and a written assessment gives you a clear picture of what happened before you contact your carrier. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends having your roof inspected after any significant weather event, even if you don't see obvious signs of damage from the ground.
It's also worth knowing that insurance policies typically have a window for reporting storm-related damage. Waiting too long can complicate a claim, so if you think your home was affected, it's reasonable to schedule an inspection soon rather than putting it off.
Getting in Touch With Us
We serve homeowners across Denver and the Front Range, and our team is available to inspect your roof, siding, and gutters following today's storm. If you'd like us to take a look, you can reach us through the contact form on our website or give us a call directly. There's no obligation, and we'll give you a straight answer about what we find.
If your home came through the storm without damage, that's a good outcome. If it didn't, we can help you figure out your next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does hail need to be to damage a roof?
Hail as small as 1 inch in diameter can damage asphalt shingles, particularly by dislodging granules from the surface. At 1.5 to 2 inches, the force of impact increases significantly, and the likelihood of damage to roofing, siding, and gutters goes up. The condition and age of the materials also play a role.
My roof looks fine from the ground. Does that mean there's no damage?
Not necessarily. Granule loss and soft-metal impacts are often not visible from ground level. A close-up inspection is the only reliable way to assess whether the roof was affected.
Should I get on my roof to check it myself?
We'd recommend against it. Roof surfaces can be slippery, and walking on damaged shingles can make existing problems worse. A trained inspector can assess the roof safely and knows what damage indicators look like on different materials.
What does the insurance claim process look like for hail damage?
Generally, you'd contact your homeowner's insurance carrier to report the storm event and request a claims inspection. Having your own contractor inspect the roof first gives you an independent assessment to compare against the adjuster's findings. We can provide documentation to support your claim.
How long do I have to file a claim after a hailstorm?
This varies by insurance carrier and policy, but most policies require you to report damage within a set period after the event. Reviewing your policy language or calling your insurance agent directly is the best way to confirm your specific timeframe.