THE 5 MOST DAMAGING STORMS IN COLORADO HISTORY

by | Mar 2, 2021 | Roof Repair

Every roofing company in Denver has witnessed their fair share of storm damage, but sometimes Mother Nature really likes to outdo herself.

Case in point: a new report from the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association in Greenwood Village now says that last month’s hailstorm in Colorado Springs was the sixth-most damaging natural event in the history of the state. The storm caused more than $352.8 million in claims on residential roofs, commercial buildings, and vehicles combined.

What could be worse or more expensive than that? Across the country, roofing contractors pulled in about $46 billion in revenue in 2014, which must mean that we’re doing something right to protect our homes and valuables. Still, we decided to take a look back at the top five most damaging storms in the history of the state. Not surprisingly, hail in Denver makes a recurring appearance.

#5: June 2009 Hailstorms

A series of hailstorms and wind rocked the Denver area for nine days, producing a total of $353.3 million in car damage, roof repairs, and more.

#4: June 2013 Black Forest Fire

Over 500 homes were destroyed in the largest-ever wildfire in Colorado history, with $420.5 million filed in insurance claims. Fire and smoke damage results in an average repair cost of $4,172 per home, which is more than water damage ($2,386) but less than wind damage ($5,757 to $10,000).

#3: June 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire

Though the Waldo Canyon fire was smaller in area than the Black Forest fire a year later, it resulted in higher amounts of damage: $584 million, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association.

#2: July 20, 2009 Denver Hailstorm

It’s hard to forget this one. A giant storm over the northwest Denver metropolitan area came on rather suddenly, producing tornado-level wind gusts up to 80MPH and golf ball-sized hail. Damages to cars, residential roofs, and commercial buildings: an incredible $767.6 million.

#1: July 11, 1990 Denver Hailstorm

At the time, the insurance damage costs for this historic storm — it produced lethal softball-sized pellets of hail — totaled $625 million. Adjusted for inflation to present-day dollars, that’s over $1.1 billion.

Even under normal circumstances, all residential roofs should be inspected once or twice a year. What’s a “normal circumstance” in Denver? That’s a little bit harder to define.

If you’re looking for residential roofers in Denver who specialize in impact resistant roofs, contact Advanced Roofing Inc. today.