If you've lived in Fort Collins for a while, you know how quickly a nice day can turn into a hailstorm. When a storm comes through, it's normal to wonder how much damage it may have caused, especially to your roof. The tricky part is that hail damage to a roof isn't always easy to spot. You might notice a few damaged shingles or dents around your property, but there can also be damage that isn't obvious from the ground. If your Fort Collins home was recently hit by hail, there are a few things you can look for before deciding what to do next.

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Look for Signs of Hail Damage Around Your Home

Start by walking around your property and looking at the areas that are easiest to see. Check your gutters, downspouts, siding, window screens, patio covers, and other outdoor surfaces for dents or marks from the hail. You can also look at the trees and plants around your home. If the storm caused a lot of damage to those areas, it's worth taking a closer look at your roof as well.

From the ground, look for missing shingles, shingles that appear lifted or damaged, damaged vents or flashing, and anything else that looks different from the rest of the roof. You don't need to climb onto the roof to check it yourself. A lot of hail damage can be difficult to identify from the ground, so if you're concerned about the condition of your roof, having a professional roof inspection is usually the easiest way to find out what's going on.

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Get a Roof Inspection After a Hailstorm

A roof inspection in Fort Collins can help determine whether the storm actually caused damage and how serious that damage is. It can also help separate hail damage from normal wear and tear. That's important because a hailstorm doesn't automatically mean you need a new roof. Depending on the condition and age of your roof and the amount of damage that was done, a roof repair may be all that's needed. If the roof was already getting older or had other existing problems, a roof replacement may make more sense.

An inspection gives you a better idea of the condition of your roofing system before you make a decision about repairs or replacement.

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Take Pictures of Any Storm Damage

It's also a good idea to take pictures of anything you notice around the property after a storm. Take pictures of damaged gutters, siding, screens, outdoor structures, or anything on the roof that you can clearly see from the ground.

Keeping a record of what you found can be helpful if you decide to contact your insurance company or have a Fort Collins roofing contractor take a look. Photos can also give you a record of the condition of your property after the storm.

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Does Hail Damage Mean You Need a New Roof?

Not necessarily. Hail damage doesn't automatically mean your entire roof needs to be replaced.

If your roof is in otherwise good condition and the damage is limited, a repair may be enough. If the roof is older or has more extensive damage, replacement may be worth considering. It really comes down to the condition of the roof and the extent of the damage. If your roof is already several years old, an inspection can be especially useful. Hail can sometimes bring attention to problems that were already developing. A roof with minor storm damage and plenty of life left may only need a repair, while an older roof with widespread damage may be better suited for replacement.

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