Golf ball-sized hail detected near Centennial, CO on August 14, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Centennial 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 was approximately 8 miles northwest of downtown Centennial, with one hail report logged in Arapahoe County that day. At 2.25 inches, architectural asphalt shingles — the dominant material in this area — face a realistic risk of functional damage: bruised or cracked mat, granule loss that accelerates weathering, and compromised shingle integrity that may not be visible from the ground. Roofs older than 15 years are more vulnerable because aged asphalt has less elasticity to absorb impact. Older sections of housing stock with 3-tab shingles or wood shake warrant closer scrutiny, as both materials behave differently under hail stress than modern architectural product.
On a home at Centennial's median value of $626,700, a 2% deductible works out to roughly $12,534 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof after this type of event runs $7,349, with a range of $6,013 to $8,685. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, you're better off repairing out of pocket — the typical repair cost falls below your deductible. Filing a claim likely isn't worth it unless a full inspection reveals significantly more damage.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Centennial inspection
Centennial repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 42 hail events of one inch or greater recorded in Arapahoe County over the past decade, this event ranks fourth by magnitude — a notable storm, though not the worst on record. The largest documented event reached 2.75 inches on June 19, 2018. August is historically quiet here; only one comparable August event appears in the ten-year record, well below the county's June peak of 23 events.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. The same system produced hail reports across a wide corridor on August 14, including 2-inch hail in Douglas County and 1.5-inch hail in Adams County, with additional reports in Jefferson, Weld, Larimer, and Denver — indicating a regional convective outbreak rather than a localized strike.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current scheduling backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks in the Centennial market; getting on a calendar now reduces your wait. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as high — Centennial is a known target for out-of-state crews, and door-to-door solicitation typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of a significant event. Colorado does not issue a state roofing license, but C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105 (Colorado SB 38) requires a written contract on residential jobs over $1,000 with specific consumer protections. Before signing anything, ask for current general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a verifiable local business address — and be aware that under C.R.S. § 6-22-105, any contractor who offers to waive or rebate your deductible is breaking the law, and participating as a homeowner carries its own legal exposure.
Permits & building code
At 2.25 inches, outcome depends heavily on roof age and condition — some properties will need full replacement, others only targeted repair. Either way, the contractor pulls the permit in Centennial, inspection is required, and permit costs typically run $150 to $400. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior metal surfaces (AC units, vents, flashing) before any work begins — date-stamped photos establish pre-repair condition.
- 2Get a repair estimate from a licensed contractor before contacting your insurer — at these numbers, out-of-pocket repair is likely cheaper than filing a claim.
- 3Vet any contractor before signing: request proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp, and a written contract that complies with Colorado SB 38 requirements.
- 4Keep a paper file — save all inspection reports, written estimates, contractor credentials, and any correspondence in one place.
- 5If the inspection finds damage, get at least two written estimates and compare scope of work, not just price, before committing to a contractor.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Centennial inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed; a full NWS written report is pending.