When hail, high winds, or heavy spring snow sweep across Colorado’s Front Range, quick, safe action can limit damage and simplify your insurance claim. This step-by-step guide is tailored for Denver metro, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY homeowners and property managers.
AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) is a licensed and insured, 5.0‑star‑rated contractor based at 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216. We provide free roof inspections by HAAG‑certified inspectors and full storm‑damage restoration support for residential and commercial properties.
First, protect people and property (the first hour)
- Stay clear of hazards:
- Downed power lines or sparking equipment: keep away and contact emergency services/your utility.
- Gas odor or hissing: evacuate immediately and call your gas utility from a safe location.
- Standing water near outlets or appliances: shut off power at the main breaker only if it’s safe and dry to access.
- Watch for structural red flags:
- Sagging or bowing ceilings, leaning walls, tilting chimneys, or a visibly uneven roofline. If you see these, evacuate and have the structure assessed by a professional.
- Document before you clean up:
- Take wide and close‑up, time‑stamped photos and video of exterior and interior impacts (roof from the ground, siding, gutters, windows, skylights, ceilings, attic). Include a ruler/coin for hail size.
- Save all receipts for any temporary protection or cleanup.
- Reduce interior water damage:
- Move furniture and electronics; cover valuables with plastic sheeting.
- Place buckets and towels under active drips. Avoid walking under bulging ceilings and do not attempt risky DIY ceiling drainage.
- Do not climb on the roof. Post‑storm surfaces are slippery and unstable—leave roof access to trained professionals.
What to check within 24 hours
- Exterior (from the ground):
- Missing, creased, or displaced shingles; dents in ridge caps.
- Dings in soft metals (gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing) and impact marks on siding, window screens, and garage doors.
- Granules collecting in gutters or at downspout outlets.
- Tile/metal roofing: cracked/broken tiles; dented metal panels; loose seams or fasteners.
- Attic and interiors:
- Daylight through roof decking; wet insulation; staining around chimneys, vents, or skylights; new water spots on ceilings/walls.
- Musty odors that suggest hidden moisture.
- Flat and low‑slope commercial or multifamily roofs:
- From a safe hatch access only, look for ponding water, blisters, punctures from debris, open seams, loose flashing at walls, and damage around rooftop units.
- Snow and ice specifics:
- Heavy accumulation: use a roof rake from the ground to lighten eaves. Never chip ice off shingles.
- Watch for ice dams (water stains near exterior walls). If you suspect structural stress from snow load, evacuate and call a professional.
Call a trusted local expert for a free inspection
AC INC. Roofing offers free roof inspections by HAAG‑certified inspectors, including Master HAAG certification (Colorado’s first company to reach Master level). Our team provides thorough photo documentation, test squares where appropriate, and objective reporting you can use for insurance. We serve the Denver metro area, the Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY.
As an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor, we can offer premium system warranties (up to 50‑year options on eligible Atlas systems and GAF System Plus® where applicable). We’re also Directorii‑certified (backed by up to a $20,000 customer guarantee) and Fortified Roofing Solutions certified for enhanced wind and hail resilience.
Filing an insurance claim the smart way
- Confirm damage first: A professional inspection helps determine whether damage exceeds your deductible and merits a claim.
- File promptly with your insurer: Note the storm date/time and keep your claim number handy.
- Mitigate further damage: Most policies require reasonable steps to prevent additional loss. Use licensed/insured pros and keep all receipts.
- Keep a claim journal:
- Photos/videos, invoices, temporary repair receipts, adjuster notes, and all communications.
- Adjuster meeting:
- Have your roofing contractor present to point out damage, code items, and manufacturer‑required components. Provide attic or roof‑hatch access and be available to answer questions.
- Scope, code, and supplements:
- Expect the scope to include like‑kind repairs and code‑required items (e.g., underlayment, ventilation, edge metal) applicable in your jurisdiction. Your contractor can supply documentation for any necessary supplements.
Avoid storm‑chaser pitfalls
- Verify local presence: Choose a licensed/insured roofer with a Denver/Front Range address and proven reviews.
- Check credentials:
- HAAG, Atlas Pro+ Platinum, GAF Certified, Directorii‑certified, Fortified Roofing Solutions certified; memberships such as RSRA, CRA, NRCA, and APA reflect commitment to ethics and industry best practices.
- Read contracts carefully:
- Avoid large upfront payments, high‑pressure sales, or signing over insurance benefits. Require a detailed scope, materials list, timeline, and warranty terms.
Resilient repair and replacement options
- Residential:
- Impact‑resistant asphalt shingles, premium metal, and tile systems tailored for hail and wind exposure along the Front Range.
- Atlas shingle systems available with elevated warranty options through our Atlas Pro+ Platinum certification.
- Ask your insurer about potential premium credits for Class 4 impact‑resistant shingles.
- Commercial and multifamily:
- TPO, EPDM, and Modified Bitumen systems; fluid‑applied coatings to extend life and improve weatherability on qualified roofs.
- Assess rooftop equipment anchorage and add walkway pads or hail guards where appropriate.
- Fortified performance:
- Our Fortified Roofing Solutions certification supports assemblies designed to withstand severe wind and hail conditions (up to 130 mph winds, EF‑2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail on qualifying systems).
Quick checklist you can save
- Safety first: avoid electrical/gas hazards; evacuate if structural issues are suspected.
- Document everything before cleanup.
- Protect interiors: move valuables, catch drips, and arrange professional temporary protection when needed.
- Inspect from the ground and in the attic—don’t get on the roof.
- Schedule a free HAAG‑certified inspection with AC INC. Roofing.
- Decide on filing a claim; keep a claim journal and receipts.
- Choose a credentialed, local contractor; review scope, code items, and warranties.
Why AC INC. Roofing
- Licensed and insured; 5.0‑star Google rating.
- Master HAAG Certified (Colorado’s first to reach Master level).
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified and GAF Certified contractor.
- Directorii‑certified (up to $20,000 customer guarantee).
- Fortified Roofing Solutions certified.
- Residential and commercial expertise: inspections, repairs, replacements, roof rejuvenation, siding and gutters, concrete & asphalt sealing.
- Service area: Denver metro, Front Range, Cheyenne, WY.
Need help after a storm? Our local team is ready to assess your property, document damage for insurance, and guide you to the best repair or replacement solution for Colorado’s hail, wind, and snow.