The sound of hail hitting a roof in Aurora is something most of us know all too well. It starts as a light tapping and quickly turns into a loud, rhythmic pounding that makes you wonder just how much your shingles can take. Once the storm passes and the sun peeks back out over the Front Range, the immediate feeling is usually a mix of relief and anxiety. You look out the window at the shredded leaves on the lawn and the ice pellets melting in the gutters, and the big question hits: what now?
If you are standing in your driveway looking up at your house after a storm, you are not alone. Dealing with hail damage in Colorado is practically a rite of passage for homeowners. However, knowing the right steps to take can be the difference between a simple repair and a long-term structural headache.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Look for Ground-Level Clues
Before you even think about grabbing a ladder, stay on the ground. Roofs are incredibly slick after a storm, and hail can create hidden weak spots that are dangerous to walk on without the right gear. You can actually learn a lot about your roof’s condition just by walking around the perimeter of your home.
Look at your landscaping first. If your bushes are stripped of leaves or your flower beds look like they have been through a blender, that is a strong indicator of the storm’s intensity. Next, check your gutters and downspouts. If you see piles of small, sand-like granules at the bottom of your downspouts, that is a major red flag. Those granules are the protective outer layer of your shingles. When hail knocks them loose, your roof loses its ability to shed water and reflect UV rays, which accelerates aging and leads to leaks.
Check your “soft metals” too. These are things like your gutters, window wraps, and the metal vents on top of your roof. Because aluminum is softer than asphalt shingles, it shows dents much more easily. If your gutters look like the surface of a golf ball, your shingles likely took a similar beating.
Step 2: Document Everything for Your Future Self
In the world of home maintenance and insurance, documentation is your best friend. While the hail is still on the ground, take a few photos of the stones next to a common object like a quarter or a golf ball. This gives a clear sense of scale for anyone looking at the report later.
Walk around and take photos of any obvious damage you see from the ground. This includes:
- Dented garage doors or mailboxes
- Cracked window screens or glass
- Splintered wood on fences or decks
- Visible dents in your gutters and downspout extensions
Having a dated record of the storm damage helps establish a clear timeline, which is incredibly helpful if you eventually decide to move forward with a claim.
Step 3: Why a Professional Inspection is Non-Negotiable
While ground-level checks are great, hail damage is often subtle. A shingle might look fine from ten feet away, but upon closer inspection, it could have a “bruise”—a soft spot where the underlying mat has been fractured. Over time, these bruises turn into holes, and holes turn into interior water damage.
This is where having a local expert comes into play. At Road Home Exteriors, we believe in a thorough, honest assessment. We have seen how Colorado weather patterns affect different neighborhoods in Aurora differently. A storm that hits Southlands might be completely different from one that rolls through Seven Hills. Because we are locally owned and operated, we understand these nuances.
When we perform an inspection, we are looking for:
- Circular cracks or “moons” in the shingle surface
- Significant granule loss exposing the black substrate
- Wind-lifted shingles that have lost their adhesive seal
- Punctures in the flashing around chimneys and vents
Step 4: Understanding the Insurance Landscape
Many homeowners hesitate to call a professional because they are worried about their insurance premiums or the complexity of the process. In Colorado, most homeowners’ policies cover sudden storm damage from hail and wind.
It is often best to have a trusted contractor look at the roof before you even call your insurance company. Why? Because if the damage is minor and costs less than your deductible to fix, it might not be worth filing a formal claim. We can provide an honest evaluation of whether the damage is functional or merely cosmetic. If a claim is necessary, having a professional report ready to show the adjuster ensures that nothing is overlooked during their visit.
Choosing the Right Partner for the Job
In the days following a major storm in Aurora, you will likely see “storm chasers” knocking on doors. These are often out-of-state companies that follow hail maps, sign up as many people as possible, and then disappear once the checks are cashed.
This is why choosing an established, locally owned company like Road Home Exteriors makes such a difference. We are not just a roofer; we are a full-service exteriors company. That matters because hail does not just hit your roof. it hits your siding, your trim, and your gutters too. A dedicated roofer might fix your shingles but leave your dented siding untouched. We look at the entire envelope of your home to ensure everything is restored to its original condition.
Our Customer Commitments drive everything we do. We are deeply customer-focused, meaning we prioritize communication and transparency over high-pressure sales. We want you to feel confident that your home is being cared for by people who live and work in the same community you do.
The Importance of Quality Materials
If your roof does need a full replacement, the materials used will dictate how well it stands up to the next Aurora storm. We do not cut corners with “contractor grade” mystery shingles. Instead, we install industry-leading materials from manufacturers known for their durability and warranty support:
- Owens Corning: Famous for their Total Protection Roofing System and high-wind resistance.
- IKO: Known for their heavy-weight shingles that offer excellent impact resistance.
- GAF: North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, offering shingles with advanced StainGuard protection and incredible staying power.
Installing high-quality shingles today is an investment in your home’s future resale value and its ability to withstand the next round of Colorado weather.
Summary Checklist for Aurora Homeowners
To keep things simple, here is a quick guide on what to prioritize after the clouds clear:
- Check your yard for shingles, debris, and shredded foliage.
- Look at your gutters and downspouts for dents and granule buildup.
- Take photos of hail stones and any visible damage to your property.
- Avoid “door knockers” and look for a locally owned exterior specialist.
- Schedule a professional roof inspection to check for “hidden” damage.
- Review your insurance policy to understand your deductible and coverage limits.
- Choose high-quality materials like Owens Corning or GAF for long-term protection.
Final Thoughts on Aurora Hail
A hailstorm is stressful, but it does not have to be a disaster. By taking a methodical approach—starting with safety, moving to documentation, and finishing with a professional inspection—you can protect your biggest investment.
At Road Home Exteriors, we take pride in helping our neighbors navigate the aftermath of Colorado’s unpredictable weather. We are here to provide the technical expertise, the quality materials, and the local accountability you need to get your home back to normal.
If you are worried about your roof after the recent storm, do not leave it to chance. Contact Road Home Exteriors today to schedule a free consultation. We will give you a straight answer about the condition of your home and help you plan the best path forward.