Colorado’s Front Range sees some of the nation’s most intense, wind-driven hail between late spring and midsummer. A quick, smart roof check before the first storm can prevent leaks, protect warranties, and streamline any future insurance claim.
AC INC. Roofing (Advanced Consulting, Inc.) is a licensed and insured contractor serving the Denver metro, Front Range, and Cheyenne, WY, with 5.0-star Google reviews. Our team includes Master HAAG–Certified inspectors (Colorado’s first company to reach Master level), and we provide free roof inspections with detailed documentation.
Quick safety note
- Never walk a steep, wet, icy, or visibly damaged roof. Use binoculars from the ground and a ladder only if you’re experienced and it’s safe.
- Severe slopes, multi-story homes, tile, metal, or commercial membranes are best inspected by a professional.
What you’ll need
- Binoculars or a camera with zoom
- Flashlight and work gloves
- Chalk or painter’s tape (to mark concerns at ground level)
- Notepad or smartphone for date-stamped photos and notes
The pre-hail roof inspection checklist
Use these steps in order, prioritizing safety.
1) Start from the ground
- Scan for missing, slipped, or lifted shingles or tiles.
- Look for uneven areas, dips, or sagging along ridgelines.
- Check for excessive shingle granules at downspout exits (could indicate aging shingles).
- Note tree branches overhanging the roof and any recent limb drop.
- Inspect siding and trim near the eaves for impact marks or peeling paint that could signal water splashback.
2) Gutters, downspouts, and drainage
- Ensure gutters are firmly attached, properly sloped, and free of debris.
- Confirm downspouts are connected and discharge at least 5 feet from the foundation.
- Look for seam leaks, rust, or bent sections that could clog during hail.
3) Attic and interior checks
- In the attic, use a flashlight to look for water stains, dark rings, or wet insulation under valleys, around penetrations, and near eaves.
- Confirm adequate ventilation (clear soffit vents, unobstructed ridge or gable vents) to reduce heat and mitigate ice dams after spring snow events.
- Check for daylight shining through the roof deck (unexpected penetrations or gaps).
- Note musty odors that could indicate past leaks or condensation.
4) Flashings and penetrations (from the ground or eaves)
- Inspect flashing at chimneys, skylights, sidewalls, and valleys for gaps, corrosion, or failed sealant.
- Verify storm collars and boots at plumbing vents are not cracked or loose.
- Ensure satellite mounts, solar standoffs, and other hardware are sealed and properly fastened.
5) Roofing material specifics
- Asphalt shingles: look for curling, cracking, blisters, or widespread granule loss; check ridge caps and starter courses for lift.
- Impact-resistant shingles: verify tabs are flat and fasteners are not backing out; watch for displaced granules after windy days.
- Metal panels: check for loose fasteners, dented panels, or compromised seams; make sure touch-up paint covers any scratches to prevent corrosion.
- Tile roofs: look for slipped, broken, or cracked tiles; avoid walking on tile—call a pro for close inspection.
- Low-slope/flat (TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen): look for ponding water, open seams, punctures around HVAC stands, loose edge metal, or blisters in coatings.
6) Skylights and chimneys
- Check skylight lenses for crazing or cracks; confirm flashing kits and gaskets are intact.
- Inspect chimney caps and mortar joints; ensure spark arrestors are secure and rust-free.
7) Perimeter and yard prep
- Trim back branches that could break in wind-driven hail.
- Secure or store patio furniture and grills so they don’t become projectiles.
- Verify fences and outbuilding roofs (sheds, detached garages) are sound.
Colorado-specific risks to watch for
- Wind-driven hail: Look for lifted shingles and exposed fasteners along rakes and eaves.
- Freeze–thaw cycles: Brittle sealant and flashing expansion gaps can open quickly in spring.
- UV at altitude: Accelerates shingle aging; watch for granule loss on south- and west-facing slopes.
- Late spring snow loads: Ensure gutters and hangers are tight to handle heavy, wet snow before hail season arrives.
Pro maintenance to consider before hail season
- Sealant and flashing refresh at high-risk details (chimneys, skylights, sidewalls, and penetrations).
- Gutter tune-up and guard installation where appropriate.
- Shingle roof rejuvenation for aging, still-serviceable roofs to improve shingle pliability and extend service life.
- Fastener re-secure on metal roofs; edge-metal and coping checks on low-slope systems.
AC INC. Roofing provides repairs, replacements, gutter installation, and roof rejuvenation using premium systems like Atlas, GAF, metal, tile, TPO, EPDM, Modified Bitumen, and fluid-applied coatings.
Upgrades that perform in Colorado hail
- Impact-resistant shingles (Class 4): Atlas Pro+ systems can offer robust hail performance and, when installed by an Atlas Pro+ Platinum Certified contractor like AC INC. Roofing, may qualify for manufacturer warranties up to 50 years (per manufacturer terms and conditions).
- Fortified Roofing Solutions: Our certification means we understand assemblies designed to withstand 130 mph winds, EF-2 tornadoes, and 2″ hail.
- Commercial membranes: TPO/EPDM with reinforced seams and proper ballast or securement can better resist wind uplift common on the Front Range.
Documentation helps with insurance
- Take clear, date-stamped photos now (pre-loss condition) of all slopes, gutters, and key details.
- Save maintenance receipts and inspection reports.
- After a storm, avoid temporary fixes that disturb evidence; call for a HAAG-certified inspection to document damage correctly for a claim.
AC INC. Roofing specializes in storm damage restoration and insurance claims support. Our HAAG-certified inspectors provide thorough, organized reports tailored to carrier requirements.
Why homeowners and property managers choose AC INC. Roofing
- Credentials: Master HAAG Certification; Atlas Pro+ Platinum and GAF Certified contractor; Directorii-certified (customer protection up to $20,000); Fortified Roofing Solutions certified.
- Professional memberships: RSRA (invitation-only), Colorado Roofing Association, National Roofing Contractors Association, American Policyholders Association.
- Materials and workmanship: Premium shingle, metal, tile, and low-slope systems installed to manufacturer specs.
- Local expertise: Based at 6145 Broadway, Suite 25, Denver, CO 80216. We know Front Range wind patterns, hail impacts, and snow loads.
- Service: Free roof inspections by HAAG-certified inspectors, honest assessments, and clear documentation.
When to call a professional
- You see active leaks, interior staining, or significant granule loss.
- Your roof is steep, high, tile or metal, or a commercial low-slope system.
- It’s been 12–24 months since your last professional inspection.
- You need documentation to support a maintenance plan or insurance review.
Scheduling a spring inspection before peak hail months helps catch vulnerabilities early and protects your investment.