Ping pong-sized hail detected near Fountain, CO on June 26, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Fountain 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 9 miles south of downtown Fountain, with 1 hail report logged across El Paso County that day. At 1.5 inches, standard architectural asphalt shingles — the dominant material in Fountain — are at the threshold where functional damage becomes realistic: granule loss accelerates, and impacts can crack or displace shingles outright on roofs older than 10–12 years. Newer roofs may show only cosmetic bruising, but that distinction matters when filing a claim. Pueblo County recorded 2-inch hail the same day, so the broader storm system produced larger stones nearby.
On a $374,600 home with a 2% deductible, your out-of-pocket threshold is $7,492 before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sqft roof runs $6,455 — ranging from $5,281 to $7,628. 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 Fountain inspection
Fountain repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks 49th of 138 hail events at or above 1 inch recorded in El Paso County over the past 10 years, placing it solidly in the middle of the county's documented record. The largest event on record reached 4 inches on August 5, 2023 — more than twice the size of today's storm. June is historically active in this county, averaging around 3–4 events per month; 35 June events over 10 years puts it above the monthly norm.
Storm system
This was not an isolated event — the same system produced 1.5-inch hail in Jefferson and Weld counties, and 2-inch hail in Pueblo County, indicating a widespread convective outbreak across the Front Range corridor that day.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks, which is manageable but can extend quickly if the broader regional storm activity drives additional demand. The storm chaser risk in Fountain is assessed as low; most post-storm contractors serve the area from Colorado Springs and other larger nearby markets rather than following individual cells. Colorado does not issue a state roofing license, but Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000, with specific consumer-protection disclosures included. Before signing anything, verify current general liability and workers' compensation certificates, a verifiable local business address, and written confirmation that the contractor will not waive or rebate any part of your deductible — doing so is a Class 2 misdemeanor under Colorado law.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more common outcome on roofs in average condition, though a physical inspection is the only reliable way to confirm scope. The contractor pulls the permit in Fountain, 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 metal surfaces (AC fins, vents, flashing) from ground level immediately — date-stamped photos establish a pre-repair baseline.
- 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 all written estimates, contracts, and correspondence in a single folder — physical or digital — so your documentation is complete if questions arise later.
- 5Review your policy's suit limitation clause and any contractual deadlines; do not assume the statutory window applies to when you must act under your policy.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fountain inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via the Severe Weather Data Inventory (SWDI); a full NWS storm survey is pending and may revise these figures.