Everything Denver Homeowners Should Know After a Hailstorm

If you've been through a Denver hailstorm, you know the feeling — that panicked moment when you wonder if your roof made it through. And for good reason: Denver is the hail capital of the United States, averaging more hailstorms per year than any other major city.

After the April 2026 storms that hit the Park Hill, Stapleton, and Aurora areas hard, most homeowners don't realize they could have damage they can't see from the ground. Here's exactly what you need to know.

Step 1: Check for Hail Damage (Even If You Think You're Fine)

Hail damage isn't always obvious. You might not see it until your next storm when water starts leaking through. Here's what to look for:

• Dented gutters and downspouts — the easiest visible indicator of hail impact
• Missing granules on asphalt shingles — looks like dark spots or bald patches
• Soft spots on shingles when pressed gently with your fingers
• Dented vents, flashing, or skylights — metal components show damage clearly
• Cracked or split shingles from large hail impact

Step 2: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Most Denver homeowners' policies cover hail and storm damage. But there are critical details:

• You have a limited window to file a claim — typically 1-2 years from the storm date
• Your deductible applies — most Colorado policies have a separate wind/hail deductible
• Code upgrades may not be covered unless you have specific ordinance coverage
• Matching issues — insurers may only pay for damaged sections, not full replacement

Step 3: Get a Professional Inspection Before Filing

Don't file your claim until you have a professional roof inspection. Here's why: once you file, the clock starts ticking. If the adjuster misses damage and you discover it later, getting a supplement approved is harder.

A professional inspection from a Denver roofing contractor gives you:

• Documentation of every damaged shingle with photos
• A detailed written report for your adjuster
• An advocate who can attend the adjuster meeting with you
• Knowledge of what Denver insurance companies typically approve

Step 4: Don't Sign Anything Until You Understand It

After a big storm, you'll get door-knockers offering "free roof inspections." Some are legitimate contractors. Others are storm chasers who collect insurance checks and leave town. Before signing any contract:

• Verify they're licensed in Colorado
• Check their BBB rating and local reviews
• Confirm they have a physical Denver-area address
• Get everything in writing — scope, materials, timeline, warranty