Ping pong-sized hail detected near Fountain, CO on August 22, 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 centered approximately 6 miles northwest of downtown Fountain, with 1 hail report logged across El Paso County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles — the dominant material in Fountain — are at the threshold where functional damage becomes likely: granule loss, cracked tabs, and compromised mat integrity are all possible, particularly on roofs older than 10–12 years. Cosmetic damage shows up on younger roofs; functional loss that shortens roof life is the concern on aging stock. Arapahoe County recorded 3.25-inch hail the same day, which puts this event in regional context — Fountain was not the hardest-hit area on August 22.
On a home near the county median value of $374,600, a standard 2% wind/hail deductible works out to roughly $7,492 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof 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 49th out of 138 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in El Paso County over the past 10 years — solidly mid-range by local standards. The largest event on record reached 4 inches on August 5, 2023, roughly 2.7 times the size of Saturday's hail. August is historically an active month for hail in this county, with 45 events over 10 years placing it just below the July peak of 49.
Storm system
August 22 was not an isolated event — the same system produced golf ball-sized hail in Weld County and baseball-sized hail in Arapahoe County, suggesting a broad convective outbreak across the Colorado Front Range and into southern Wyoming.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks in the Fountain market, and storm chaser activity is assessed as low for this area. Colorado Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on any residential roofing job over $1,000 — if a contractor doesn't offer one, walk away. Colorado has no state roofing license requirement, so verify general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a verifiable local business address before signing anything.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair is the more likely outcome on roofs in good condition, though replacement becomes the call on older or previously compromised roofs. El Paso County requires a permit for roofing work — the contractor pulls it, 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 surfaces showing dents or granule accumulation — do this before any rain washes away evidence.
- 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.
- 3Ask any contractor for proof of current general liability and workers' compensation insurance before allowing anyone on your roof.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor contacts, estimates, and conversations — date and time every entry.
- 5Report any contractor who offers to waive or absorb your deductible to the Colorado Division of Insurance at https://doi.colorado.gov/for-consumers/consumer-resources/file-a-complaint — it is illegal under C.R.S. § 6-22-105.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fountain inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI); a full NWS storm survey is pending and may revise these figures.