If you live in Colorado, you’ve likely experienced more than your fair share of hailstorms. When those icy pellets start pounding your roof, it’s natural to wonder: How much damage is this really causing? The short answer? More than you might think, and not all of it is immediately visible.
Whether the storm brought marble-sized hail or chunks as big as golf balls, even moderate hail can compromise your roofing system and lead to bigger problems down the road. In this blog, we’ll break down how hail affects different roofing materials, what damage to look for, and when it’s time to call in hail damage roofers.
Why Hail Is So Dangerous for Roofs
At first glance, hail damage might seem minor. You don’t see missing shingles, and nothing’s leaking — yet. But even small hailstones can weaken the integrity of your roof, especially when paired with high winds or repeated impacts.
Here’s why hail is a major concern:
- It creates surface damage that shortens roof lifespan
- It exposes the underlayment to water and UV rays
- It can lead to hidden leaks, mold, and structural rot over time
- It may not be covered by insurance unless it’s documented promptly
Hail doesn’t always cause immediate failure, but it starts a ticking clock. That’s why it’s important to get a roof inspection as soon as possible after a storm.
What Kind of Hail Damage Should You Look For?
Damage from hail varies depending on the size, speed, and direction of the storm, and the materials used in your roof. Still, there are common signs that show up across most residential and commercial properties.
Visible Signs of Hail Damage:
- Bruised or cracked shingles
- Granule loss on asphalt shingles, exposing the black substrate underneath
- Shingle edges curled or lifted by wind + hail combo
- Soft spots where the roofing material feels spongy under pressure
- Dents in metal components like flashing, vents, or gutters
- Punctures or splits in flat roofing membranes
These signs may appear subtle, but can still lead to major issues if left untreated.
How Hail Affects Different Roofing Materials
Every roof reacts a little differently to hail depending on its construction. Here’s a quick breakdown of how various materials typically respond to storm impacts:
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most common roofing types in Colorado homes, asphalt shingles are prone to granule loss and bruising when struck by hail. The protective granules on the surface are essential — they guard against UV rays and weathering. Once those are gone, deterioration speeds up significantly.
Metal Roofing
While more resistant overall, metal roofs can still suffer from visible denting. The good news? Dents are often cosmetic. However, if fasteners are loosened or seams are affected, it can lead to leaks or panel misalignment.
Modified Bitumen & Flat Roofing Systems
Flat roofs (especially on commercial buildings) can sustain punctures or membrane tears. Even minor damage can disrupt drainage patterns and cause ponding water — a major red flag for leaks and interior damage.
Tile Roofing
Clay and concrete tiles may crack or shatter under high-impact hail. Damage isn’t always widespread, but one broken tile can allow water beneath the surface.
Does Size Matter? Understanding Hail Impact by Diameter
While it’s not always the rule, hail size does influence damage potential:
- ¼ inch to ½ inch hail: May not cause visible damage, but can still loosen shingles or remove granules.
- ¾ inch to 1 inch (pea to quarter-sized): Can bruise shingles, dent metal, and chip tiles.
- 1¼ inch to 1¾ inch (golf ball-sized): Often causes visible damage, especially to older or worn roofs.
- 2 inches and above: High probability of widespread roof damage, even on newer installations.
If your area experiences hail larger than a quarter, it’s wise to schedule a roof inspection even if everything looks “okay.”
Can Hail Damage Cause Leaks?
Yes, but not always right away. That’s part of what makes hail damage so dangerous. You may not see water stains until months after the storm, once moisture has worked its way through weakened materials.
Common leak-related issues caused by hail include:
- Compromised shingles that allow slow seepage
- Dented or displaced flashing that breaks the water barrier
- Undetected tears in flat roofing membranes
- Saturated underlayment that slowly degrades
By the time a leak appears inside, repairs are often more extensive (and expensive) than if they’d been caught early.
How Much Damage Warrants a Roof Replacement?
Not all hail damage means your entire roof needs to be replaced. However, multiple damaged areas across the surface — even if each seems minor — can add up to a serious issue.
A professional inspection will help determine:
- How widespread the damage is
- Whether the structure underneath has been affected
- If a repair is enough, or if a full replacement is the smarter choice
- Whether insurance will cover the work
In many cases, if more than 25-30% of the roof has sustained damage, a full replacement may be recommended and potentially covered under your homeowner’s insurance.
Don’t Wait — Schedule a Roof Inspection After the Storm
The most important takeaway? Don’t guess. Get your roof checked.
Even if you don’t see immediate damage, your roof may have been compromised in ways that only a trained eye can detect. At Reliable Roofing, we offer free post-storm inspections to homeowners across Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, and the greater Colorado Front Range.
Here’s what our inspection includes:
- Thorough surface and attic check
- Photo documentation of all damage
- Written report for insurance use
- Clear, pressure-free recommendations
We’ve been helping Colorado families protect their homes since 1997 and we’re here to help you too.
How Much Damage Does Hail Do to a Roof? More Than You Think.
In short, hail can quietly compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home. From minor surface bruises to full-blown leaks, the damage varies, but the risks are real.
If your property has recently been through a hailstorm, don’t leave things to chance. Call Reliable Roofing for a free, honest assessment. We’ll walk you through your options, help you work with your insurance provider, and make sure your roof is ready for the next round of Colorado weather.
Schedule Your Free Hail Damage Inspection Today
Reliable Roofing proudly serves Westminster, Broomfield, Arvada, and surrounding communities. Let us help you protect your home with dependable inspections, repairs, and replacements — done right the first time. Contact us today to book your inspection and take the next step with confidence.