Littleton is in one of the most hail-prone parts of the country. A ten-minute storm can damage a roof that then leaks for weeks before anyone notices. Here’s how to check your home after hail and keep a roof problem from turning into a water damage problem.
- Littleton’s most active hail season runs roughly May through July.
- Hail damage can leak weeks later, so check the attic and upstairs ceilings after the next rain.
- Document the storm date, hail size and damage, and report claims promptly.
- Don’t sign on the spot with door-to-door storm contractors.
Front Range hail season
Hail can fall from spring into early fall, with the most active stretch usually from May through July. Storms often form over the foothills in the afternoon and move east across the South Metro area, so western neighborhoods like Ken Caryl and Roxborough are sometimes hit first, but any neighborhood can take a direct hit.
What to check outside (from the ground)
Don’t climb onto the roof. Wet, damaged shingles are slippery, and a professional can inspect safely. From the ground, with binoculars if you have them, look for:
- Dents in gutters, downspouts, roof vents and metal flashing
- Shingle granules collecting at downspout outlets
- Cracked or missing shingles, or dark spots where granules are gone
- Cracked skylights and broken window glass or screens
- Split or holed siding, especially on the side facing the storm
- Dents on AC condensers, window well covers and fences, which also help document hail size
What to check inside
Leaks from hail damage often show up inside first. After the storm, and again after the next heavy rain, check:
- The attic: use a flashlight to look for wet insulation, damp roof sheathing or daylight showing through.
- Upstairs ceilings: new stains, bubbling paint or drips around light fixtures and vents.
- Around skylights and windows: water on sills, stained drywall returns or swollen trim.
- Exterior walls: damp carpet or baseboards along the side of the house that faced the storm.
Document for your insurance claim
- Note the date and approximate time of the storm.
- If you can do it safely, photograph hailstones next to a coin or ruler.
- Photograph exterior damage from every side, plus any interior leaks.
- Report the claim promptly. Policies generally require timely notice, and many Colorado policies carry a separate wind and hail deductible.
Prevent further damage
Most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. If a skylight is broken or the roof is letting water in, emergency tarping or board-up protects the home until permanent repairs are approved. Inside, catch drips, move belongings, and get wet insulation and ceilings dried before mold sets in. See storm and hail damage restoration.
Be careful with storm chasers
After big hail events, out-of-area contractors often canvass Front Range neighborhoods. Some are legitimate, and some aren’t. A few rules of thumb:
- Don’t sign anything on the spot, especially an agreement that assigns your insurance benefits.
- Verify a local presence, insurance and references.
- Get scopes and estimates in writing, and compare them to your adjuster’s scope.
- Be wary of anyone offering to cover or waive your deductible.
Leaks that show up later
Hail can bruise shingles and crack seals without causing an immediate leak. Weeks later, a heavy rain, wet spring snow or an ice dam finds the weak spot. If a ceiling stain appears after storm season, mention recent hail dates to your insurer, since it may be part of the same loss.
Related service: Storm & Hail Damage in Littleton, CO.
Sources & industry standards
This guide is general information for Littleton-area homeowners, written with reference to the sources above. It isn’t professional, legal or insurance advice. See our editorial standards.
