Every year, Colorado earns its reputation as one of the most hail prone states in the entire country. And every year, thousands of homeowners get caught off guard by storm damage they could have been better prepared for.
Hail season 2026 is right around the corner. Whether you have been through this before or you are a newer Colorado resident experiencing your first hail season, this guide will help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do when the inevitable happens.
When Is Hail Season in Colorado?
Colorado's hail season typically runs from mid April through mid September, with the peak occurring in May, June, and July. June is historically the most active month for severe hailstorms along the Front Range.
The reason is simple. Late spring and early summer bring the perfect combination of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, unstable atmospheric conditions, and temperature contrasts between the mountains and the plains. These ingredients fuel the powerful thunderstorms that produce damaging hail.
That said, hail can occur outside this window. Colorado has recorded significant hailstorms as early as March and as late as October. The unpredictability is part of what makes preparation so important.
What Makes 2026 Different?
Weather patterns fluctuate year to year, and several factors may influence Colorado's 2026 hail season.
Climate trends over the past several years have shown an increase in the frequency of severe convective storms across the central United States. While no one can predict exactly how many hailstorms will hit Colorado this year, the trend line suggests we are not getting fewer storms. If anything, the storms are becoming more intense.
Insurance companies have noticed. Premiums across Colorado have risen significantly over the past few years, and many insurers have adjusted deductible structures for wind and hail filings. Some policies now carry higher percentage based deductibles specifically for hail damage. If you have not reviewed your policy recently, 2026 is the year to do it.
How to Prepare Your Roof Before Hail Season
The best time to prepare for hail season is before it starts. Here is a practical checklist for Colorado homeowners heading into spring 2026.
Get a Professional Roof Inspection
If your roof has not been inspected in the past year, schedule one now. A professional inspection can identify existing damage, worn areas, and vulnerabilities before they become expensive problems during a storm schedule a free inspection.
At Gates Enterprises, our inspections are free, thorough, and come with a detailed report. We will tell you exactly what shape your roof is in and whether any repairs are needed before storm season begins.
Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters cannot direct water away from your home properly. During a hailstorm, heavy rain often accompanies the hail. If your gutters are full of debris, water can back up under your shingles and into your attic. Clean your gutters in early spring and make sure all downspouts are clear and directing water at least four feet from your foundation.
Trim Trees Near Your Roof
Overhanging branches can cause serious damage during storms. High winds can snap branches and send them crashing onto your roof. Even without breaking, branches that rub against shingles during wind events wear away the granule coating and create weak spots.
Trim any branches that hang within six feet of your roof. If you have large trees close to your home, consider having a professional arborist assess them.
Review Your Insurance Policy
This is critical and often overlooked. Pull out your homeowner's insurance policy and review the following details.
What is your deductible for wind and hail damage? Is it a flat dollar amount or a percentage of your home's insured value? Does your policy cover full replacement cost or only actual cash value? Are there any exclusions related to roof age or cosmetic damage?
Some Colorado insurance policies have added "cosmetic damage exclusions" in recent years, which means they will only cover hail damage that affects the functional performance of the roof, not damage that is purely aesthetic. If your policy has this exclusion, you may want to shop for a different policy before storm season.
Consider Upgrading to Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles
If your roof is aging or you are planning a replacement anyway, upgrading to Class 4 impact resistant shingles is one of the smartest moves a Colorado homeowner can make Class 4 impact resistant shingles. These shingles are engineered to withstand impacts from hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter, and most insurance companies offer a 15% to 35% premium discount for homes with Class 4 roofs.
What to Do When a Hailstorm Hits
You can prepare all you want, but eventually a storm will hit. Here is what to do when it happens.
During the Storm
Stay inside. Do not go out to move vehicles or check on your property during active hail. Hailstones can cause serious injury. If you are driving, pull over under an overpass or into a covered parking structure.
Immediately After the Storm
Once the storm passes, do a visual walkthrough of your property. Look for dents in gutters, dings on siding, cracked window screens, and damage to outdoor furniture, vehicles, and fencing. Check your attic for any signs of water intrusion.
Do not get on your roof. Leave that to the professionals. Roofs are dangerous in the best conditions, and a roof that has just been hit by hail may have slippery or compromised surfaces.
Within 24 to 48 Hours
Take photos and videos of all visible damage. Contact your insurance company to start the process. Then call a reputable local roofing contractor for a professional inspection insurance restoration support.
Timing matters here. After a major hailstorm, every roofing company in the area gets flooded with calls. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you get on the schedule. At Gates Enterprises, we prioritize storm response and work hard to inspect properties quickly after major events. Call us at (720) 766-3377 to get on the schedule.
How to Spot Hail Damage on Your Roof
Most hail damage is not visible from the ground. That is why a professional inspection is so important. But there are some signs you can look for.
On the Roof (from a safe vantage point or photos)
Random dents or dark spots on shingles. Missing or displaced granules exposing the asphalt underneath. Cracked or split shingles. Dents in metal flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights.
Around Your Property
Dented gutters and downspouts. Dings on siding, especially aluminum or vinyl. Cracked window screens or frames. Dents on your mailbox, outdoor AC unit, or car.
If you see damage on the soft metals around your home (gutters, downspouts, vents), your roof almost certainly sustained damage too. These soft metals dent at lower impact thresholds than shingles, so they serve as good indicators.
The Storm Chaser Warning (Again)
We cannot stress this enough. Within hours of a major hailstorm, out of state roofing companies will descend on Colorado neighborhoods like clockwork. They will knock on your door, hand you a card, and offer to handle everything for you.
Be cautious. Many storm chasers do adequate work, but many do not. And almost none of them will be around two years from now when you have a warranty issue. Choose a local contractor with an established presence, manufacturer certifications, and a track record you can verify why Gates.
Gates Enterprises has been serving the Colorado Front Range from our Lakewood headquarters for over a decade. We are not going anywhere. Our 7,200+ completed roofs and quadruple manufacturer certifications (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed Shingle Master Pro, Malarkey, and Emerald Premium) speak for themselves.
Make 2026 the Year You Get Ahead of the Storm
Most homeowners deal with hail damage reactively. The storm hits, they panic, they scramble to find a contractor, and they end up navigating a stressful insurance restoration process while their roof is compromised.
You do not have to do it that way. A pre season inspection, an insurance policy review, and a relationship with a trusted roofing contractor put you in a position of strength when the storms come. And they will come. This is Colorado.
Get ahead of hail season 2026. Call Gates Enterprises at (720) 766-3377 or schedule your free pre season roof inspection today schedule a free inspection. We will make sure your roof is ready for whatever the Colorado sky throws at it.