Golf ball-sized hail detected near Fort Collins, CO on June 24, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Fort Collins 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 detection point was approximately 20 miles south of downtown Fort Collins — one report was logged across Larimer County that day. At 1.75 inches, architectural asphalt shingles typically sustain granule loss and bruising that can shorten roof life without always producing immediate leaks. Whether damage is functional or cosmetic depends heavily on shingle age: roofs older than 10–15 years are more likely to show accelerated wear or cracked tabs, while newer installations may show only surface marks. The county record includes an event reaching 2.5 inches on 2025-06-17, which is the threshold where functional loss across all shingle types becomes likely — this event sits below that level but warrants a documented inspection.
On a $548,400 home with a 2% deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold before insurance pays anything is $10,968. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof after a comparable event runs $6,475 — range $5,298 to $7,652. 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 Fort Collins inspection
Fort Collins repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks #25 of 96 hail events measuring 1 inch or larger recorded in the Fort Collins area over the past 10 years, placing it in the middle of the magnitude range. The largest event on record reached 2.75 inches on June 12, 2017. June is historically active in Larimer County — 33 events in 10 years, above the county's monthly average, though July holds the peak with 45 events over the same period.
Storm system
The June 24 storm was not isolated: Laramie, Wyoming logged 1-inch hail the same day, and El Paso County, Colorado recorded 2.5-inch hail, suggesting a broader convective system moving through the region rather than a localized cell.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks in the Fort Collins market. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate, with outside contractors increasing presence after regional events — verify any contractor has a verifiable local business address before discussing work. Colorado does not require a state roofing license, but Colorado Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on residential jobs over $1,000 with specific consumer protections built in. Before signing, ask for proof of current general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and the written contract — all three, not summaries of them.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair is more likely than full replacement on newer roofs, though older or already-compromised shingles may push the assessment toward replacement. Fort Collins requires a permit for roofing work — the contractor pulls it, inspections are required, and permit fees typically run $150 to $350. 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, flashings) now — dated photos are your baseline if damage is disputed later.
- 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.
- 3Verify any contractor's general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and written contract before agreeing to any work.
- 4Keep a file of all estimates, inspection reports, photos, and contractor communications — organized by date.
- 5Review your homeowner's policy for its suit limitation clause and any internal claim reporting windows so you know your own deadlines.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fort Collins inspection
This event is sourced from an NWS Local Storm Report submitted by a trained spotter; radar confirmation is pending and the reported magnitude may be revised.