Storm Prep Checklist

Why Prep Matters in Colorado

The Front Range averages 3–5 damaging hail events per year (1" or larger), plus regular 60–80 MPH downslope wind events off the foothills. In any given hail-belt zip code, the question isn't whether you'll need to file an insurance claim — it's when. The homeowners who navigate that smoothly are the ones who did the prep work months before the storm hit.

Before April: Roof System Prep

A pre-season inspection costs nothing (free with AC INC Roofing) and surfaces issues that would otherwise become "the storm caused this" disputes with the carrier later.

• Schedule a free pre-storm-season HAAG Certified inspection
• Document the current roof condition with date-stamped photos (proves baseline if a storm hits later)
• Replace any cracked / aged pipe boots and exposed sealant
• Verify attic ventilation is balanced and unobstructed
• Re-secure any loose shingles, ridge cap, or flashing

Before April: Drainage & Landscape Prep

A clogged gutter in a 2" rain event causes more interior damage in three hours than most hail events do in a year. Drainage prep is high-leverage and cheap.

• Full gutter and downspout cleanout (every 6 months minimum, more if treed)
• Verify downspouts discharge at least 4 ft from the foundation
• Trim branches at least 6 ft back from the roof surface
• Remove dead trees within fall-distance of the structure
• Stake or remove anything that becomes a wind-borne projectile (trampolines, patio umbrellas, lightweight furniture)

Before April: Insurance & Documentation Prep

The single most expensive mistake homeowners make in a claim is finding out their deductible or coverage limits after a storm — when it's too late to change them. Review the policy in February, not June.

• Pull your declarations page and confirm dwelling coverage limit, deductible (flat or %), and roof age depreciation schedule
• If you have a percentage deductible (1–5% of dwelling), calculate the actual dollar amount — most CO homeowners are surprised it's $5,000–$15,000
• Ask your agent whether your policy is RCV (replacement cost value) or ACV (actual cash value) — RCV is much better; ACV depreciates payment heavily on older roofs
• If your roof is Class 4 impact-resistant, confirm you're receiving the hail discount endorsement (5–25% premium reduction on most CO carriers)
• Save an insurance "go-folder": policy PDF, agent contact, claim line, photos of current roof condition

When a Storm Is Forecast

For high-confidence severe weather watches (NWS issues a Severe Thunderstorm Watch with hail potential, or a high-wind warning):

• Park vehicles in garages or covered structures (most insurance auto/comp claims after hail are foreseeable losses)
• Bring patio furniture, garbage cans, and projectiles inside
• Confirm your phone is charged and storm-alert app is enabled
• Know which interior room is the safest (interior bathroom or hallway, away from windows)

During the Storm

Stay inside, away from windows. If hail starts, don't open the door to look. Phones can record audio of hail size which sometimes helps with claim timing later. Don't investigate the roof until the storm has fully passed and the surface has dried — wet shingles + foot traffic = damage you cause yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I install Class 4 impact-resistant shingles before a storm?

Yes if your roof is at end-of-life anyway. Class 4 shingles cost roughly 25–40% more than Class 3, but qualify for hail-discount endorsements on most major Colorado carriers (5–25% premium reduction). Combined with reduced future claim damage, the upgrade typically pays back in 4–8 years in Front Range hail belts. We don't recommend tearing off a healthy 5-year-old Class 3 roof just to upgrade — wait until you're replacing for other reasons.

Do storm shutters or window film help against hail?

Window film helps with debris-impact protection (limits glass shatter dispersion) but doesn't prevent the hit. Storm shutters are uncommon in CO/WY because hail trajectory is overwhelmingly vertical — vertical-surface protection isn't the bottleneck. Roof and exterior soft-metal hardening (Class 4 shingles, hail-resistant gutters) is where the dollars are best spent.

Is it worth installing a hail-resistant skylight?

For replacement skylights, yes — hail-rated polycarbonate or impact-rated glass adds 10–20% to the unit cost and dramatically reduces both hail-strike and false-trigger leak risk. Velux's premium "Sun Tunnel" and dome models are widely used in Front Range hail belts.