Golf ball-sized hail detected near Canon City, CO on July 31, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Canon City monitoring area. Actual impact can vary by neighborhood, so nearby homes should use this as a signal to check roofs, gutters, siding, and vehicles.
Damage assessment
The radar-confirmed strike landed approximately 13 miles northwest of downtown Canon City — one report was logged across Fremont County that day. At 2 inches, architectural asphalt shingles take real hits: expect bruising, granule loss, and in older installations, cracked or displaced tabs. Damage at this size is functional, not just cosmetic — granule loss accelerates UV degradation and shortens remaining roof life. Roofs older than 15 years are the most vulnerable; newer installations may show damage without immediate leaks. El Paso County, immediately to the east, recorded 2.75-inch hail the same day, suggesting this was part of a larger regional system.
On a home at the county median value of $275,300, a standard 2% wind/hail deductible works out to roughly $5,506. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof runs $7,130, with a range of $5,833–$8,426 depending on slope, pitch, and existing damage. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Canon City inspection
Canon City repair cost reference
Historical context
Among the 12 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in Fremont County over the past 10 years, this event ranks second by magnitude — only the 2-inch strike on June 12, 2023 matches it. July has produced 5 events in that same window, above average for the month. The county's limited reporting density is worth noting: actual hail exposure in this region is likely higher than the recorded count reflects.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. The same storm system produced 2.75-inch hail in El Paso County and marble-sized events in Jefferson and Boulder counties, pointing to a broad frontal corridor moving through central and southern Colorado.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks in the Canon City market — relatively short, but that can change fast after a multi-county event. Storm chaser risk is assessed as low for this area, though the city-specific note is worth keeping in mind: most post-storm capacity flows in from Colorado's larger metros, and out-of-area crews don't always carry verified local references. Colorado does not issue a state roofing license, but C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105 (Senate Bill 38) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000, with specific consumer protections spelled out. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor carries current general liability and workers' compensation — and get a verifiable local business address.
Permits & building code
At 2 inches, full replacement is plausible depending on roof age and the adjuster's finding, though repair remains on the table for newer installations. The contractor pulls the permit in Canon City, inspections are required, and permit costs typically run $100–$250. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces — date-stamp every image before the weather changes.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, insured contractor who can provide a written estimate.
- 3Contact your insurer to report potential hail damage and ask about your policy's claim procedure and any applicable filing window.
- 4Verify any contractor's general liability and workers' comp certificates before allowing work to begin — and get everything in writing per SB 38.
- 5Keep a file of all inspection reports, estimates, and insurer correspondence in one place.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Canon City inspection
Hail detection for this event is based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed; a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.