According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, Colorado’s Front Range sits in the heart of “Hail Alley,” and the damaging hail season runs from about mid-April to mid-September. Afternoon thunderstorms in the north metro can bring hail, strong wind, and heavy rain in the same short burst.
How storm water gets inside
- Hail-cracked or bruised shingles and broken ridge caps
- Lifted flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
- Wind-blown rain pushed past window and door seals
- Gutters packed with hail and debris that overflow against the fascia
- Broken skylights or vent caps
- Downspouts dumping next to the foundation and into window wells (see flooded basements)
Signs of a roof leak
Brown rings on the ceiling, bubbling paint, a sagging spot in the drywall, damp attic insulation, or a drip from a light fixture or smoke detector. In attics, wet insulation loses its value and can hold moisture against the drywall below.
Two different jobs: the roof and the inside
A roofer stops the water from getting in. A restoration provider deals with what already got in: wet insulation, ceiling drywall, framing, and anything below. Many homeowners need both. If a tarp is needed before the roof can be repaired, ask who will install it and how quickly.
What to do during and after a storm
- Put a bucket under drips. If a ceiling is bulging with water, keep people out from under it.
- Turn off power to any light fixture or fan that is leaking.
- Photograph the ceiling, attic, and outside of the home (hail on the ground, dented gutters) for your records.
- Watch out for storm-chasing contractors who knock on doors right after a hailstorm. Verify any company before signing.
- Call {{PHONE}} to get connected with a provider for the interior water damage.
Insurance tips after hail
Hail and wind claims are common in Colorado. Insurers generally expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, like tarping and drying, so do not wait on the inside cleanup while the roof claim is sorted out. Keep receipts and photos. Your own policy and adjuster have the final word on coverage.
Source: Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, hail statistics.
Related: water damage restoration and mold remediation if attic or ceiling materials stayed wet.
Quick answers
Do you do roof repairs?
No. We are a referral service focused on the water damage inside your home. You will need a roofer for the roof itself.
Can a small ceiling stain wait?
A stain means water reached the drywall. It is worth having someone check the attic and insulation before the next storm adds more.