When Colorado hail hammers your roof, the first decisions you make can prevent thousands of dollars in additional damage. This quick guide explains the immediate steps to take, how emergency dry-in works, what to know about insurance, and why homeowners and property managers across Denver, the Front Range, and Cheyenne trust AC INC. Roofing.
AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) is a licensed and insured roofing contractor based in Denver, rated 5.0 stars on Google, and Colorado’s first company to reach Master HAAG Certification. We provide free roof inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors and expert storm-damage documentation to support your next steps.
First hour after the hailstorm: safety and stabilization
- Stay off the roof. Hail can shatter shingles, tiles, skylights, and make surfaces dangerously slick.
- Check for active leaks. Look at ceilings, attic, around chimneys, skylights, and vent stacks.
- Protect the interior. Move belongings, place buckets/towels, and cover furniture with plastic.
- Electricity and water don’t mix. If water is near fixtures or the panel, consider turning off power to that area and call an electrician if needed.
- Document everything. Take wide and close-up photos/videos of hail size (a ruler or coin for scale), damaged areas, and any interior water.
- Keep the hail outside. Avoid opening roof access that could allow more water in. Do not attempt DIY tarping in wind or lightning.
What hail damage looks like (from the ground)
- Asphalt shingles: granule loss in gutters/downspouts, dark circular bruises, torn tabs.
- Impact-resistant shingles: fewer dents, but still check for displaced granules or creased edges after high winds.
- Metal roofing: dings on panels, ridge caps, and flashing; check for seam damage.
- Tile roofing: cracked or displaced tiles; broken edges below eaves.
- Low-slope roofs (TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen): punctures, membrane scuffs, or flashing damage; ponding water.
- Accessories: dented gutters and downspouts, cracked skylights, damaged vents and pipe jacks, hail-mashed AC fins.
If you suspect damage, schedule a professional inspection. AC INC. Roofing’s HAAG-certified inspectors know how to differentiate cosmetic marks from functional damage that can shorten a roof’s service life.
Emergency dry-in and temporary protection
A proper emergency response focuses on stopping active water intrusion while preserving evidence for your insurer:
– Professional tarping and temporary dry-in limit further damage. This often includes covering damaged slopes, sealing penetrations, and securing loose flashing.
– Avoid permanent repairs before your adjuster’s inspection unless necessary to prevent additional loss. Keep all receipts for mitigation work.
– For commercial roofs, temporary patches on TPO/EPDM/Mod-Bit can control leaks until a full scope is approved.
AC INC. Roofing performs storm damage restoration, roof repairs, and replacements for residential and commercial properties across the Denver metro, Front Range, and Cheyenne.
Insurance claims basics (Colorado-focused)
- Start with an inspection. A documented report from a HAAG-certified inspector strengthens your claim and helps you decide whether to file.
- File promptly. Many policies have deadlines; check your policy and carrier guidance for exact timelines.
- Meet the adjuster with your contractor. We provide photo documentation, measurements, and code/installation notes to ensure a complete scope.
- Do your duty to mitigate. Insurers generally require you to prevent further damage; temporary dry-in is typically covered.
- Keep records. Save photos, invoices, correspondence, and any damaged materials you must remove.
AC INC. Roofing is known for rigorous documentation and insurance advocacy. Our team provides thorough, professional reports that carriers and adjusters recognize.
Why AC INC. Roofing for hail emergencies
- Master HAAG Certification (Colorado’s first company at the Master level)
- Free inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors
- Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor (eligible for warranties up to 50 years on qualifying systems)
- GAF Certified contractor (System Plus warranties available on qualifying systems)
- Directorii-certified (customer protection backed by up to $20,000)
- Fortified Roofing Solutions certified (roof systems designed to withstand 130 mph winds, EF-2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail when properly installed)
- Professional memberships: RSRA (invitation-only), CRA, NRCA, and APA
- Licensed and insured, 5.0-star Google rating
Permanent repair and upgrade options after hail
- Asphalt shingle roofs: repair localized damage or replace the system when widespread bruising/functional damage exists. Ask about Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, including Atlas systems designed for Colorado hail.
- Metal roofing: replace dented or compromised panels and flashing; verify seam integrity and underlayment.
- Tile roofing: replace cracked tiles and inspect underlayment for moisture; consider upgraded underlayments for snow and ice.
- Low-slope/commercial: restore or replace TPO, EPDM, or Modified Bitumen; fluid-applied coatings may be appropriate as part of a recovery strategy when underlying conditions allow.
- Roof rejuvenation: for certain aging shingle roofs without functional hail damage, rejuvenation can help extend service life. We’ll advise when this is appropriate versus repair or replacement.
Colorado and Front Range considerations
- Hail size and wind: 1–2″ hailstones and strong gusts can bruise shingles, fracture tiles, and puncture membranes.
- Snow and ice: verify ventilation and ice-dam protection at eaves; check load considerations after late-spring storms.
- UV and altitude: high UV accelerates wear; selecting premium materials and proper ventilation matters.
- Codes and permitting: local municipalities may require specific underlayments, ice-and-water shields, or ventilation upgrades. Our team scopes to current code.
What to expect from an AC INC. Roofing visit
- Free inspection by a HAAG-certified inspector
- Photo/video documentation and moisture assessment
- Temporary dry-in plan if active leaks are present
- A clear, written report and repair/replacement options
- Insurance support and detailed, code-compliant scope of work
- Quality installation with premium materials (Atlas, GAF, metal, tile, TPO/EPDM/Mod-Bit, fluid-applied coatings)
Smart homeowner tips after a hailstorm
- Vet your contractor. Look for a local address (6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216), licensing/insurance, and industry memberships (CRA, NRCA, RSRA).
- Beware of high-pressure sales. Take time to review scopes and warranties. Ask about Atlas and GAF system warranties.
- Don’t ignore “minor” leaks. Small stains can hide saturated insulation or sheathing.
- Check gutters and siding. Hail that dents gutters often indicates roof impacts; we also repair/replace gutters and siding.
If your home or building was hit by hail, AC INC. Roofing is ready to help with inspection, documentation, temporary protection, and lasting repairs across the Denver metro, Front Range, and Cheyenne.