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.
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:
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.
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.
These signs may appear subtle, but can still lead to major issues if left untreated.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
While it’s not always the rule, hail size does influence damage potential:
If your area experiences hail larger than a quarter, it’s wise to schedule a roof inspection even if everything looks “okay.”
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:
By the time a leak appears inside, repairs are often more extensive (and expensive) than if they’d been caught early.
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:
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.
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:
We’ve been helping Colorado families protect their homes since 1997 and we’re here to help you too.
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.
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.
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