My roof has Hail damage, now what?

If you live in Colorado, you already know how powerful summer storms can be. One day it’s sunny and calm, the next, a severe thunderstorm brings hail the size of golf balls. When the storm passes, many homeowners step outside wondering the same thing: “I have hail damage. What do I do now?”

At Custom Exteriors, we’ve helped thousands of Colorado homeowners recover from major hailstorms and navigate the insurance claim process with ease. As a roofing company based in Greeley and serving communities across the state, we specialize in professional storm restoration backed by decades of experience. We also understand the stress that follows a severe storm, not just as contractors, but as homeowners who’ve been through it ourselves. That firsthand experience has shaped how we guide our customers through every step, ensuring you can handle the process with clarity and confidence.

Understanding Hail Damage on your Roof and Exterior

Hail may only last a few minutes, but the damage it causes can last for years if not addressed. The impact of hailstones can crack, bruise, or loosen roofing materials, even when the damage isn’t obvious from the ground.

Here’s what hail can affect on your property:

Roofing Materials: Shingles can lose granules, exposing the asphalt beneath and reducing weather resistance.
Siding: Hail can dent and chip siding, allowing water to seep behind panels.
Windows and screens: Cracks or torn mesh can let in moisture or insects.
Gutters and downspouts: Dents or clogs from hail can interrupt proper drainage.
Air Condition damage: The condenser can see damage to the fins, and restrict airflow.
Painted surfaces: Paint can chip or peel, exposing wood or metal to the elements.

Because hail damage to your roof can look minor at first glance, many homeowners don’t realize their roof’s protective layers have been compromised until leaks appear months later. That’s why it’s essential to schedule a professional hail damage inspection soon after a storm.

Why Quick Action Matters

In Colorado, insurance companies often receive thousands of claims within days of a large storm. The sooner you act, the faster you’ll move through the process, and the better your chance of preventing further issues. In addition to a potential backlog with the claim processing, particularly with large or wide-spread storms, reputable roofing contractors book quickly. By waiting to address your hail claim, you may be inadvertently delaying repairs by months.

If hail damage isn’t addressed promptly:

Water can penetrate small cracks, leading to roof leaks and interior damage.
The next storm can worsen weakened shingles or flashing.
Mold and rot may form in decking or attic spaces.
Insurance timelines may expire before you realize the extent of the damage.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After A Hail Storm

If you’re standing in your yard after a Colorado hailstorm wondering what comes next, here’s a simple breakdown. Remember that your safety should be your first priority. Do not start to assess or address any damage until the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside.

1. Check for Obvious Signs of Damage

Start by walking around your property and taking photos of what you can see safely, dented gutters, cracked siding, broken windows, or shredded plants. Avoid climbing on the roof; hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground, and walking on a damaged roof can cause further harm or risk your safety.

2. Schedule a Professional Hail Damage Inspection

Contact a licensed roofing company experienced in hail damage assessments. In Greeley and the surrounding area, Custom Exteriors provides free storm inspections using trained eyes and specialized equipment to spot impact areas that some homeowners miss.

During an inspection, your roofer will:

3. Review Your Insurance Policy

Every policy is different. Check your deductible, coverage limits, and claim deadlines. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover hail damage, but the process varies between providers. If you’re unsure, your roofing contractor can help interpret your policy details before you file a claim.

4. File a Claim Promptly

Once damage is confirmed, contact your insurance company to file a claim. You’ll be assigned an adjuster, who will inspect your property to verify the loss. Having your roofing company present during this meeting ensures all legitimate damage is properly identified.

5. Compare Estimates Before Choosing a Contractor

After your claim is approved, you’ll receive a repair estimate. Don’t simply choose the lowest bid, cheaper isn’t always better. Look for a local roofing company with proper licensing, insurance, and a history of standing behind their work in your community. Many out-of-state contractors flood Colorado after big storms, but they’re often gone when warranty issues arise later.

Common Questions About Hail Damage and Insurance

How big does hail have to be to damage my roof? Hail as small as ¾ of an inch can cause roof damage, depending on wind speed, roof age, and material type. Larger hailstones can bruise or break shingles on impact.

Will my insurance rates increase if I file a claim? Hail damage is considered a “no-fault” claim because it’s caused by nature, not neglect. While rates can vary, filing a legitimate hail damage claim typically doesn’t affect your personal premium.

Should I wait until the next storm season is over to repair my roof? No. Waiting increases your risk of water intrusion and may void manufacturer warranties. Repairs or replacement should be done as soon as the damage is confirmed.

Can hail damage be repaired, or does the whole roof need replacement? That depends on the severity and type of roofing material. A professional inspection determines whether spot repairs are sufficient or a full replacement is required.

Find a Professional Hail Restoration Company

A professional hail restoration company will provide a free roof inspection to assess your property’s damage from the hailstorm. It’s important to research local companies that are licensed and insured, have good reputations locally, and are certified and experienced in hail damage inspections.

If you were impacted by a large hailstorm, you would likely have companies knocking on your door, asking to inspect. It is recommended that you do research on local companies rather than using these door-knocking companies. They may not be local, insured, or qualified. It’s important to choose a qualified contractor to work on your biggest asset!

What to Look For When Choosing a Roofing & Exteriors Contractor

Licensing & Insurance: Licensing and insurance protect you and the contractor. They ensure quality repairs that meet local building codes and prevent any issues should there be any accidents on your property.
Reviews: What does their online presence say about them? Do you know if they have satisfied previous customers? Google reviews and the local BBB are good places to assess your contractor’s customer satisfaction.
HAAG Certified Inspectors: Inspectors who have completed the HAAG training have been formally trained to inspect roofs and completely understand what to look for after a storm.
Comfort Level: Many property owners choose repair contractors based on price. Keep in mind this is likely an insurance claim. It is against the law for a homeowner to profit from an insurance claim. As such, pricing will be negotiated between the contractor and your insurance company. With proper insurance coverage, your only out-of-pocket costs will be your deductible, regardless of the costs associated with repairs. Because of this, you should choose a qualified, experienced contractor with whom you are comfortable. Factors such as experience, customer satisfaction, and quality of repairs should be your determining factor in choosing a roofing or exterior repair contractor. Be wary of contractors who offer to “pay your deductible.” That is illegal, and the insurance commission does make efforts to catch these contractors.

What Will my Contractor Look For?

A certified roofing inspector should also be able to pinpoint damage to other areas of your home. The post-hailstorm inspection should include a complete assessment of your property. This will include inspecting the roof, siding, windows, paint, A/C unit, gutters, doors, garage doors and all of your exterior personal property.

Your Repair Estimate

Most qualified roofing contractors can provide a roofing repair estimate for repairs immediately. They have access to software that prices repairs according to insurance standards.

After the inspection, they will provide you and your insurance company with this estimate. Repair prices will be negotiated based on incurred damage, replacement costs, and material availability.

As mentioned earlier, the repair costs should not affect your decisions as, with proper insurance coverage, your only associated out-of-pocket costs will be your deductible. This is when researching and choosing a professional and qualified contractor is essential.

If you need a roof repair or a roof replacement or have sustained damage to your siding, windows, or paint, an exterior repair contractor should be favored over a roof-only contractor. Repairs will be more straightforward and completed faster if one contractor can replace your roof, siding, windows, and any other exterior damage you may have sustained. Along the Front Range, that contractor is Custom Exteriors! Please reach out if you need assistance restoring your home after a hailstorm.