Ping pong-sized hail detected near Canon City, CO on August 23, 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 15 miles southeast of downtown Canon City, with one hail report logged across Fremont County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles — the dominant material in Canon City — are at the threshold where functional damage becomes likely: bruised mat, cracked granule layers, and compromised waterproofing that may not be visible from the ground. Shingles older than 10–15 years are most vulnerable; newer roofs in good condition may show only cosmetic impact. The largest hail recorded in this county reached 2 inches on June 12, 2023, so this event, while serious, sits below that benchmark.
On a $275,300 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, you're looking at roughly $5,506 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof after a 1.5-inch event runs $7,130, with the range falling between $5,833 and $8,426. 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 12 recorded hail events of 1 inch or greater in the past 10 years, this event ranks second by magnitude — behind only the 2-inch storm on June 12, 2023. August is historically quiet here: zero such events have been recorded in this month over the same 10-year window, making this an atypical late-season occurrence. June is the peak month, accounting for the bulk of the county's hail activity.
Storm system
This was not an isolated storm. El Paso County recorded 1.5-inch hail the same day, and Pueblo County saw 0.75-inch hail — a regional system, not a localized cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows a current backlog of 1–2 weeks, which is manageable, but Canon City's thin local roofing market means most post-storm capacity arrives from contractors based in Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo. The storm chaser risk is assessed as low for this market, though out-of-area crews will still be present. 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 general liability and workers' comp, has a verifiable business address, and understands that waiving your deductible is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Colorado law — for both the contractor and you.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, full replacement is possible but not automatic — inspection results and shingle age will drive that call. Canon City requires a permit for roofing work; the contractor pulls it, cost runs $100–$250, and an inspection is required before the job closes out. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from ground level before anything is disturbed.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, insured contractor — not a storm chaser offering a free inspection contingent on filing a claim.
- 3Contact your insurer to report potential damage and ask about your policy's claim process and any contractual deadlines.
- 4Verify any contractor's general liability and workers' comp certificates, confirm a local or verifiable business address, and get the required written contract before work begins.
- 5Keep all inspection reports, estimates, photographs, and contractor correspondence in a single file — you'll need the paper trail if the claim goes sideways.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Canon City inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with the full NWS storm survey still pending.