Colorado’s 2026 hail season is underway. The Front Range corridor — Longmont, Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, and the Denver metro — sits in the heart of Hail Alley, the most hail-active region in North America. This guide tells you exactly what to expect, what to do after a storm, and how to maximize your insurance claim.
When Is Colorado Hail Season 2026?
Colorado’s hail season officially runs April through September. Peak activity typically falls in:
- May — Season opener. Storms are frequent but hail is typically smaller (penny to quarter size)
- June — Most active month. Golf ball to baseball-sized hail is common along the Front Range
- July — Afternoon thunderstorms peak. Hail events are shorter but more intense
- August — Season winds down but severe events still occur into late August
According to NOAA hail research, Colorado ranks among the top 3 most hail-affected states in the country, with the Front Range receiving 3-5 significant damaging hail events per year on average.
What Hail Does to Your Roof
| Hail Size | Comparison | Roof Damage | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1″ | Pea size | Minimal — cosmetic only | Monitor, inspect after season |
| 1″ | Quarter size | Granule loss, bruising begins | Get inspection — may qualify for claim |
| 1.5″ | Golf ball | Significant granule loss, cracking | File insurance claim |
| 1.75″ | Golf ball+ | Full shingle damage, siding damage | File claim immediately |
| 2″+ | Baseball | Immediate visible damage | Emergency inspection same day |
What to Do Immediately After Hail Hits
Call Josh Brooks Construction at 720-828-7997 before calling your insurance company. We document all damage with photos before anything is disturbed. This protects your full claim value.
Wet roofs after a storm are extremely dangerous. Let professionals do the inspection. We carry full liability insurance for all inspection activities.
Take photos of dented gutters, damaged AC units, cracked siding, and car dents. These all support your insurance claim and establish the hail size.
Colorado gives you up to 1 year in most cases, but the sooner you file, the faster your claim processes. Josh Brooks Construction attends your adjuster meeting to make sure nothing is missed.
2026 Hail Season FAQ
When is hail season in Colorado 2026?
Colorado hail season runs April through September. Peak activity falls in June and July when warm Gulf moisture combines with Front Range geography to produce the most severe storms. The 2026 season is already active with storms moving through the northern Front Range in May.
What size hail damages a roof in Colorado?
Hail 1 inch (quarter size) or larger can damage asphalt shingles. Hail 1.5 inches (golf ball) causes significant granule loss that voids warranties. Hail 2 inches or larger (baseball) causes immediate visible damage requiring full replacement. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles — which Josh Brooks Construction installs — withstand hail up to 2 inches.
How long do I have to file a hail claim in Colorado?
Colorado law gives homeowners up to 1 year from the storm date to file a claim in most cases. However some policies have shorter windows — check your policy. File sooner rather than later. Josh Brooks Construction documents all damage at no cost and attends your adjuster meeting.
Does Colorado homeowner’s insurance cover hail damage?
Yes — standard policies cover hail damage to your roof, siding, gutters, windows, and HVAC units. You pay your deductible; insurance covers the rest. Many Colorado policies include Replacement Cost Value (RCV) coverage meaning no depreciation is deducted. Call us before your insurance company — 720-828-7997.
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