What to Do After a Hailstorm in Denver: A Roofer’s Step-by-Step Checklist
What to Do After a Hailstorm in Denver
Hailstorms are part of life in Denver. Some roll through fast and loud. Others barely make the news. What most homeowners don’t realize is that roof damage doesn’t always match how dramatic the storm looked.
If this is your first time hearing this, here’s the most important thing to understand: waiting to see a leak after a hailstorm is usually the most expensive mistake you can make. By the time water shows up inside, the roof has already been compromised.
After decades of inspecting Denver roofs, we’ve seen the same missteps repeated after every storm. Homeowners either rush into decisions or delay action entirely. Neither protects the roof or the insurance claim.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a hailstorm in Denver, in the right order, so you protect your home and avoid unnecessary problems later.
Why Hailstorm in Denver Is Often Missed
Not all hailstorms cause obvious destruction. Many storms drop small to medium hail that won’t break windows or dent cars, but still damages roofing materials.
Hail damages roofs by:
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Knocking protective granules off shingles
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Bruising the asphalt mat beneath the surface
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Weakening seal strips that hold shingles in place
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Accelerating UV damage after the storm
From the ground, a roof can look untouched. Up close, the damage is already there.
Step-by-Step Checklist After a Hailstorm in Denver
Step 1: Call Your Homeowner’s Insurance Claims Department — Not Your Agent
The first call after a hailstorm should be directly to your insurance company’s claims department, not your insurance agent.
This is a critical step that often gets missed. We’ve seen homeowners unintentionally misled in the past by starting with their agent, who may offer opinions or advice that delay or complicate the process.
When you call the claims department:
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File a formal claim
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Get a claim number
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Get the name and direct contact information for the assigned adjuster
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Ask about inspection timelines and documentation requirements
Insurance agents sell and service policies. Claims departments handle damage. Starting with claims ensures everything is properly documented from day one and keeps your options open.
Step 2: Stay Off the Roof
After a hailstorm, roofs can be slick, unstable, and unsafe.
Loose shingles, exposed nails, and damaged gutters make walking on the roof risky. Climbing up can also cause additional damage that complicates inspections and claims.
Roof leaks in Denver often begin long before water appears inside. Discover the real causes of delayed roof leaks and when Denver homes need inspection. Since 1978
Step 3: Do a Ground-Level Check
From the yard or driveway, look for warning signs such as:
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Granules collecting near downspouts
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Dents in metal vents, flashing, or gutters
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Shingles that appear uneven or disturbed
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Pieces of shingle material on the ground
These signs don’t confirm damage on their own, but they strongly indicate that an inspection is needed.
Step 4: Document What You Can Safely See
Use your phone to take photos of:
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Hailstones (if still present)
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Damaged gutters or downspouts
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Dented vents or flashing
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Granules near downspouts
Photos taken close to the storm date help establish timing if an insurance claim moves forward.
Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional inspection is the most important step after a hailstorm.
During an inspection, we look for:
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Granule loss patterns
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Bruised shingles
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Seal strip failure
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Lifted or cracked shingles
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Damage around vents, chimneys, and valleys
Many of these issues won’t leak immediately but significantly shorten the roof’s lifespan.
Step 6: Don’t Delay the Inspection
Waiting months after a hailstorm often creates problems.
Delays can:
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Make insurance claims harder to support
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Allow additional weather exposure
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Turn repairable damage into replacement-level damage
Early inspections give you clarity while options are still available.
Step 7: Understand What the Inspection Results Mean
Not all hail damage means you need a new roof.
Inspection results usually fall into one of three categories:
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No action needed
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Targeted repairs recommended
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Replacement recommended due to widespread damage
An experienced contractor should explain which category applies and why.
Step 8: Watch Gutters and Roof Edges Closely
Hailstorms often damage more than shingles.
After storms, we frequently see:
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Dented or misaligned gutters
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Loose downspouts
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Water overflow at roof edges
Poor drainage after a hailstorm accelerates roof edge damage and increases the risk of ice dams later.
Step 9: Address Damage Before It Spreads
Hail damage doesn’t repair itself.
Issues like lifted shingles, broken seal strips, and exposed fasteners tend to worsen with the next rain, snow, or wind event. Early repairs prevent larger, more expensive problems.
What We Commonly See After Denver Hailstorms
On homes throughout Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Aurora, and Littleton, post-hail inspections often reveal:
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Granule loss on west-facing slopes
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Damage concentrated near ridges and valleys
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Gutter dents affecting drainage
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Shingles that fail months after the storm
This is why inspections matter even when the storm didn’t seem severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all hailstorms damage roofs?
No, but many cause damage that isn’t immediately visible.
How soon should I call insurance after hail?
As soon as possible — starting with the claims department.
Can small hail really cause roof problems?
Yes. Repeated small hail causes cumulative damage.
Should I file a claim before an inspection?
Yes. File the claim, then get the roof inspected.
Can hail damage be repaired instead of replaced?
Sometimes, depending on the age and extent of damage.
Does hail damage always leak right away?
No. Many leaks appear months later.
Do gutters get damaged by hail too?
Yes, and gutter damage often worsens roof issues.
Is it safe to walk on a hail-damaged roof?
Usually not, especially right after the storm.
How long do I have to file a claim?
That depends on your policy, but earlier is better.
Why choose Ernie’s Roofing after a hailstorm?
Because we inspect Denver roofs honestly and explain what we find clearly.
Get a Clear Answer After the Storm
Hailstorms are unavoidable in Denver. Costly surprises don’t have to be.
If you’ve recently experienced a hailstorm and want a straightforward assessment of your roof’s condition, a professional inspection can give you peace of mind before the next weather event hits.
Ernie’s Roofing
1195 W Custer Pl
Denver, CO 80223
720-346-ROOF
Serving Denver and the Front Range since 1978
OUR SERVICES
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Get more information concerning our service, do not wait to call us at 720 346 ROOF today. We’ll be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you.
Residential Roofing Contractor
Ernie’s Roofing specialize in residential roofing in Denver and have a team of experienced professional Roofers available to help you get the job done right The First Time. From minor repairs and maintenance to full–scale roof replacements,
Commercial Roofing
We construct, repair, as well as maintain Commercial Roofing systems for services both large and also small, creating personalized services that conserve our client’s time, cash, and also power. Call us at 720 346 ROOF and book a consultation today.
Hail Damage
Their knowledgeable staff is ready to help you assess the damage caused by storms and provide you with a comprehensive repair evaluation & plan. We specialize in all types of roof damage, including hail, wind, and even lightning strikes. Hail Claim Help
INSURANCE CLAIMS HELP
Our team of experienced insurance claim specialists will work with you to ensure that the insurance claim process is as stress-free as possible. We will work with your insurance company to provide all necessary documentation and estimates to ensure that your claim is processed quickly and correctly.
Wind Damage
When it comes to roof damage, it can be difficult to determine whether the damage was caused by hail or wind. While both types of damage can cause similar symptoms, they have different causes and require different repair methods.
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