Did you know that Colorado’s Front Range is located right in the heart of “Hail Alley”? This region experiences more frequent large hail storms than any other part of North America — possibly even the world.

While peak hail season may be over in Denver, the hail damages left over from this summer’s storms are still apparent on many local cars and residential roofs. If you’ve noticed any leaks or missing tiles from your roof, chances are that you’re going to need some hail damage repairs before winter sets in. Here’s what you should know about the process and how to get the job done right.

  1. Beware of “Storm Chasers.”
    Lo and behold, right after a significant storm hits your neighborhood, a roofing company appears at your door. They say they’re doing work in the area and ask if you’d like them to take care of any hail damage while they’re around. Be careful: these may be less-than-reputable roofers who will perform shoddy work and then skip town, leaving you with a roof that might be in worse shape than it was to begin with. Never allow anyone to work on your home without offering proper credentials and insurance information and researching the company.
  2. Don’t Go Up Alone.
    You may be tempted to assess your roof’s hail damage by climbing up there yourself. This is a very dangerous idea, since storm damage may leave behind loose tiles or soft areas that could collapse with one false step. Tile roofs may have passed the test of time — being used in practically every region and climate throughout the world since 10,000 B.C. in Neolithic China — but they’re still prone to give way after a bad hailstorm. Leave the roof climbing to the professionals.
  3. Get an Insurance Inspection.
    It’s important to get a roof inspection and a detailed assessment from both your preferred roofing contractors andyour insurance company before you move ahead with any roof repairs. If you have insurance for hail damage, your insurance company will let you know exactly what and how much they’re willing to pay for. Make sure that amount corresponds with the work being done by the roofing company.

Hail damage might be a pain to deal with, but it’s simply a fact of life when living in and around Denver. Before the next storm hits, make sure your home is prepared for whatever nature may throw your way next.