After a Denver Hailstorm: What to Check (From the Ground) Before You Call a Roofer

Colorado's Front Range sits in what's often called Hail Alley, and Denver homeowners know the routine: the storm passes, the street fills with door-knockers, and everyone seems to have an opinion about your roof. Before you sign anything, here's how to gather the facts calmly and safely.

First: stay off the roof

Wet shingles, hidden soft spots and steep pitches make roofs dangerous after a storm. Everything below can be done from the ground, a window or the yard.

What to look at from the ground

• Gutters and downspouts. Fresh dents, dings or bent seams are a sign of hail size and direction.
• Granules at the downspout outlets. A sudden pile of sand-like granules can mean shingles took impacts.
• Soft metals. Roof vents, flashing, window wraps, mailboxes and AC fins often show dents first.
• Siding, window screens and fences. Note which side of the house was hit hardest.
• Inside the attic or upper rooms. New stains, drips or damp insulation need attention quickly.

Document it the same day

Take dated photos and short videos of anything you notice, plus a few wide shots of each side of the house. Note the storm date and time. If you file a claim later, clear documentation of what you observed, and when, helps everyone.

Be careful with "free storm inspections"

A free inspection from a contractor can be useful, but it often comes attached to a replacement proposal. If you're told you need a new roof, it's reasonable to want an independent look before you commit to a contract or a claim.

When an independent storm inspection makes sense

Colorado Home Consultant provides independent roof inspections in the Denver metro. We don't sell or install roof replacements, so our job is simply to document the visible conditions we observe and explain them in plain language.

• Storm Damage Inspection: a dated visit documenting visible hail or wind concerns, with photographs and a written summary.
• Roof Second Opinion: an independent review when you've already received a recommendation.

Not sure which fits? Text or email us about your roof, and we'll help you choose.

Colorado Home Consultant · 720-338-5900 · Info@coloradohomeconsultant.net

Inspections document visible, accessible conditions on the inspection date. They are not a guarantee of insurance outcomes.