Hail Happens: Fort Collins Roofs Under Pressure
Welcome to Fort Collins—where the biking trails are legendary, the mountain views take your breath away, and hailstorms… well, they hit hard.
If you’ve lived here for more than a season, you’ve probably already seen what a classic Northern Colorado hailstorm can do. Between May and July, we average more than 25 hail events a year, with many storms dropping golf ball-sized hail. Yikes.
If you're a homeowner in neighborhoods like Harmony Crossing, Fossil Lake Ranch, or even out by Old Town, hail damage isn't something you can ignore. Let’s walk through what roof hail damage actually looks like, how to deal with it, and how to stay a step ahead of the next round of falling ice.
How Hail Damage Affects Your Roof
When hail hits with force, it can crack, dent, and strip away essential parts of your roofing system. Sometimes, the damage hides in plain sight.
Dented or Cracked Shingles
When chunky hailstones hit, shingles can split or crack, and even subtle bruising can open the door to water intrusion. With our freeze-thaw cycles in the spring and fall, even minor cracks can turn into major headaches fast.
Granule Loss
Shingles come coated in protective granules that fend off UV rays and the elements. Hail likes to knock those off, leaving behind shiny bald spots. That speeds up roof aging and can clog your gutters when granules wash away, making the next storm even more problematic.
Flashing and Seal Damage
Hail can pop or crack seams around your skylights, chimneys, and vents, creating easy paths for water to sneak in. That’s bad news for your roof and your energy bill.
Structural Weakening
Even newer roofs aren’t invincible. Repeated storms wear things down over time. One storm might not do much. After a few rough seasons in Fort Collins, the impact adds up.
Other Damage: Hidden Stuff and Gutter and Siding Damage
Sometimes hidden damage doesn’t show up as a giant hole or puddle. Instead, you get soft spots, bruised shingles, or even weakened decking underneath the surface. While it might not look like much, it still puts your roof at risk.
Plus, hail doesn’t just target your roof. Gutters, siding, and even outdoor equipment often take a beating too, adding up to bigger repair costs if left unchecked.
Just because your roof looks fine from the street doesn’t mean it’s in the clear. Hail has a sneaky way of causing damage that adds up over time. The more you understand how these storms mess with your roof, the better chance you have at catching issues early, dodging surprise repairs, and staying prepared for whatever the Fort Collins skies throw at you next.
Ice Clues: What Your Roof’s Trying to Tell You
Before you grab a ladder and head for the roof, start with a safer approach by knowing what to look for from the ground and inside your home.
Visible Damage from the Ground:
- Shingles with dents or dark spots
- Granules piling up in your downspouts
- Cracked tiles or torn-off tabs
- Dings on vents, flashing, or skylights
Interior Clues:
- Ceiling stains after storms
- Damp attic insulation
- Odd smells that hint at mold starting to form
If something seems off after a storm, trust your gut and call in the pros.
4 Smart Steps After Hail Hits
The storm has passed and you’re surveying the scene.
Here’s your action plan:
- Inspect Safely: Stay on the ground and use binoculars for a closer look. Fort Collins roofs tend to have steep pitches. Leave the rooftop acrobatics to trained professionals.
- Document Everything: Snap clear, dated photos of any visible damage. This will help your insurance claim go more smoothly.
- Call for a Professional Inspection: ServiceMaster of Fort Collins and Loveland can spot subtle signs of damage and give you a solid plan of action.
- File That Insurance Claim: Don’t wait. Claims usually have a deadline, and it’s better to get the ball rolling early.
Taking swift, smart action after a hailstorm can mean the difference between a quick repair and a costly disaster down the road. Your roof protects everything beneath it, so treat it like the frontline defender it is.
Don’t Let Hail Rain on Your Parade: Prevention Starts Here
We may not have weather control powers, but we can make good choices to help our homes stand strong:
- Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Roofing: Class 4 shingles are designed to handle hail hits better than traditional shingles.
- Stay on Top of Maintenance: Fix small problems before they become big ones. Flashing, loose shingles, and clogged gutters should all be checked regularly.
- Trim Tree Branches: Overhanging limbs can break off during storms and cause even more roof damage.
- Protect Roof-Mounted Gear: Hail guards and covers can save your HVAC unit, solar panels, or satellite dish from getting wrecked.
A few smart upgrades and regular checkups can save you a ton of stress (and cash) when the next storm rolls through.
Your Fort Collins Roof’s Best Defense Against the Ice
In Northern Colorado, storm damage repair is just part of the homeownership journey, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. ServiceMaster of Fort Collins and Loveland is your local go-to for fast, expert help when hail wreaks havoc.
Our team offers thorough inspections, knowing exactly what to look for, including the hidden signs of damage that most people miss.
We provide full-service restoration, handling everything from shingle repairs to water mitigation, so you’re never left wondering who to call next.
And because we live here too, we understand the Fort Collins weather and how to protect homes in neighborhoods like Rigden Farm, Maple Hill, and beyond.
When storms roll in at 2 AM, you can count on our 24/7 emergency support to be ready to go, rain, hail, or shine.
No matter the size of the storm, we’re here to make things right, quickly, thoroughly, and with that down-to-earth Fort Collins care. Call the crew that knows how to fix hail damage and make it feel like it never happened.
From Hailstorm to Handled: You’ve Got This
Hailstorms are a fact of life in Fort Collins, but roof damage doesn’t have to be.
The sooner you catch it, the better your chances of preventing bigger issues down the road. A little preparedness goes a long way (and helps protect your home's value,e too).
Let’s protect your home from the top down. Call today for a free consultation, or visit our website to schedule your inspection.
Storm season isn’t taking a break. Why should you?
