Colorado Hailstorm Alley

Hailstorm Alley Runs Through Colorado

Colorado has earned the nickname "Hailstorm Alley" because its dangerous weather conditions create major problems for property owners. The combination of its distinct mountainous geography and climate gives Colorado ideal conditions for hail and snowstorms along with sub-freezing winters and high-speed winds. 

Statistics range widely by source for hailstorms and damage in Colorado, but the following are important to know based on our experience. As one of the top 5 leading states in the US for hail damage Colorado on average can face between four to seven intense hailstorms (2" diameter hailstones or larger) each year and upto 200+ hail events annually according to Moneygeek.com. Hail storms mostly occur in late spring and early summer with June being the fiercest month on record. Hailstones vary from minor pellets to golf ball size dimensions or larger and produce accelerated shingle erosion along with dents, cracks, gouges, and punctures to roofing, gutter systems, windows, and paint which can sustain significant damage when impacted by hail.

Hailstorm Fury
Colorado experiences $200 million to $1 billion in property damage each year from hailstorms that impact homes, commercial properties, public buildings, highway infrastructure, and motor vehicles. In the past decade, Colorado hailstorms have caused over $5 billion in home insurance claims alone, per the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association. 

The collective destructive power of hail along with snowstorms and sub-freezing weather combined with high-speed winds highlights the need to monitor property damage. Without regular roof inspections and maintenance homes and commercial properties face serious risks such as accelerated shingle granule loss, accelerated deterioration, interior water damage, water ponding, mold growth and compromised structural integrity. Roof damage on commercial properties creates operational disruptions and leads to significant financial losses from business downtime to destroyed merchandise, machinery, and equipment.

Snow and Ice Challenges
Between October and April the state experiences intense snowfall patterns. January stands as the coldest month when temperatures can reach extreme lows of -14°F. Roofs, sheds, and decks can face structural weakening or collapse when tons of snow accumulate on them. Ice dams form when melting snow, refreeze at roof edges and blocks drainage, allowing water to seep beneath shingles which harms roof underlayment, decking, and interior walls.

Proactive Measures
Colorado homeowners and businesses must conduct regular inspections and repairs to safeguard the structural soundness of their roof and drainage systems. The use of durable roofing materials installed correctly alongside regular inspections and prompt repairs helps protect roofs from damage caused by hailstorms, snow accumulation, wind forces and freezing temperatures. Homeowners and businesses who have annual or bi-annual roof inspections and invest regularly in maintenance and storm-resistant solutions will safeguard their properties while creating long-term resilience against Colorado's unpredictable climate.