Golf ball-sized hail detected near Fountain, CO on August 20, 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 20 miles northwest of downtown Fountain, with one hail report logged across El Paso County that day. At 2 inches, golf ball-sized hail is large enough to cause functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising, but granule loss and mat fractures that shorten roof life and void manufacturer warranties. Shingles older than 10–15 years are particularly vulnerable; newer roofs may show damage that only a close inspection will confirm. The county's largest recorded event reached 4 inches on August 5, 2023, so this storm sits below that benchmark, but 2 inches is well past the threshold where ignoring a roof inspection becomes a gamble.
On a $374,600 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold is approximately $7,492. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 sq ft roof after a 2-inch event runs $6,834 — with a range of $5,591 to $8,076. 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 25th out of 138 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in El Paso County over the past 10 years, placing it in the upper quarter by magnitude. The county's largest event on record hit 4 inches on August 5, 2023. August is historically active here — 45 events in 10 years — though July holds the county peak at 49 events over the same span.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. Pueblo and Fremont County both recorded golf ball-sized hail the same day, pointing to a broad convective system moving through the region rather than a localized storm.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks in the Fountain area, and storm chaser risk is assessed as low. Colorado Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) does not require a state roofing license, but it does mandate a written contract on any residential job over $1,000 with specific consumer protections. Before signing anything, verify that the contractor carries active general liability and workers' compensation insurance and has a verifiable local business address — membership in the Colorado Roofing Association is a reasonable secondary check.
Permits & building code
At 2 inches, repair is possible on newer roofs, but full replacement is common once an inspector identifies functional damage across multiple planes. In Fountain, the contractor pulls the permit, 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 outdoor equipment from ground level before anything is disturbed — date-stamp every image.
- 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.
- 3Confirm any contractor you consider carries current general liability and workers' compensation insurance before allowing anyone on your roof.
- 4Keep a written record of every contractor contact, estimate, and conversation — notes, emails, and receipts should all go in one file.
- 5Review your homeowner's policy now to understand your deductible type, any exclusions for older roofs, and your policy's suit limitation clause.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fountain inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI) and are radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up still pending.