Colorado isn’t just known for its cold and snowy winters, it’s also known for some of the worst hail storms and wind storms in the country.
If you’ve lived in Colorado during the springtime, it’s no surprise to get a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning” come up on your phone or on the radio.
This warning is issued when a storm becomes capable of producing one-inch hail or severe hail.
“Severe hail” is when hail gets to be the size of a quarter and is large enough to cause damage to cars and roofs.
Colorado is ranked at number 5 for states with major hail events in 2019. The states that ranked higher were Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
However, Colorado is ranked at number 2 when looking at states ranked by the number of hail loss claims, with Texas being at number one. Hail damage affects Coloradoan’s house roofs and cars the most.
“Hail Alley”
Colorado is typically known for bad hail storms due to the fact that the Front Range is located in what is known as the second “Hail Alley”.
The first Hail Alley is in the Central Plains. However, from the Denver Metro area to Colorado Springs, it gets an average of 13 large hail events per year. That number is equal to the number of hail days in Southwestern Kansas and greater than most areas in the Central Plains.
The cities in the Front Range are typically hit the hardest by severe hail because they are closest to the Rocky Mountains which produce more drastic changes in weather.
The mountains provide a mixture of very dry, unstable air with the low-level moisture near the surface which creates an area that is destined for storms.
High Wind Advisory
Even though Colorado is landlocked, the ability for hurricane-force winds to blow through the state is not uncommon.
According to the National Weather Service, there are two main causes of high winds in Colorado. During the cold season, there is a difference in air pressure between strong low pressure and cold high-pressure systems as well as the Chinook winds developing across the Front Range and other Colorado mountain ranges.
Cold high-pressure systems move west from the Rockies into that Front Range area which can create damaging winds down the slopes. These winds can exceed 100 mph.
These types of storms can create issues for homeowners as well, due to the danger of flying debris, damaged or destroyed structures, fallen power lines, and overturned vehicles.
The winds can cause downed trees as well as other damages to your home along with massive damage to your roof and shingles.
Colorado Cities With Severe Weather
The cities located in the Front Range that typically have the most severe weather are:
- Arvada
- Aurora
- Boulder
- Centennial
- Colorado Springs
- Denver
- Fort Collins
- Greenwood Village
- Littleton
- Lone Tree
- Longmont
- Westminster
Most Common Damages from Storms
If you live in one of the cities listed above, it is important to be aware of when a storm hits and to make sure that your shingles and home are still in proper condition. Some of the most common roof damages include:
Visible roof damage:
- Missing shingles
- Curling shingles
- Splitting, tears, or cracked shingles
- Bent or damaged gutters
- Water leaking in the home
- Major damage from a tree or debris
Roof damage not immediately visible:
- Uplifted shingles (shingles not properly attached)
- Clogged or damaged vents in the roof or house
- Backed up gutters (gutters that are filled with debris and are clogged and no longer function properly)
- Damaged flashing
- Debris or water collecting on your roof (the high winds dragged various debris onto your roof and it is collecting a mass that is collapsing the roof or otherwise leading to damages)
- Mold can start to grow due to sitting water or major water exposure
If you notice visible damage to your house or roof, it is important to get a professional opinion from a local roofing contractor due to the fact that there can be a range of damages that can occur after a severe storm. Not all damage can be seen and may not need professional attention, depending on the severity of the storm.
Expenses After a Storm
Obviously, weather is extremely unpredictable, especially during the spring and winter months in Colorado. However, if you live in the Front Range area, you are bound to find out that afternoon showers, winter storms, and severe hail are all part of the climate.
Tornados are the most costly when it comes to damages and repairs due to the fact that tornados tend to be more destructive, however, they are much less common than hail storms or wind storms in Colorado.
In 2017, Colorado saw it’s most expensive hail storm as baseball-sized hail fell in Denver, causing $2.3 billion in total damages.
It’s no surprise that Colorado has some extreme weather events and therefore requires expensive cleanup and damage costs.
The most important thing to note is to never go outside during a severe storm. Always take shelter whenever hail, high winds, snow, or a tornado is present. Your roof is there to shield you from harm’s way.
Consider Hiring Colorado Roof Damage Experts
What happens after a storm is what the professionals at 970 Services can take care of.
If you’ve noticed major dents in your car or glass, you most likely have roof damage as well and it is important to have a professional assess the damage.
970 Services is well-acquainted with everything Colorado’s weather might try to throw your roof’s way. We’ve seen and repaired it all! If you’re concerned about the integrity or safety of your roof, don’t delay. We provide free roof inspections so you’re not wasting your time and neither are we.
The next time a storm hits, call 970 Services for all your roof repair needs.