Ping pong-sized hail detected near Fountain, CO on August 23, 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 was located approximately 9 miles east of downtown Fountain, with one hail report logged across El Paso County that day. At 1.5 inches, hail crosses the threshold for functional damage to standard architectural asphalt shingles — not just cosmetic bruising, but granule loss and potential mat fracturing that shortens roof life. Shingles older than 10–15 years are more vulnerable; newer roofs may show only surface scarring. The county's largest recorded event reached 4 inches on August 5, 2023, so this storm sits well below that benchmark, but 1.5 inches is enough to warrant a close look.
On a $374,600 home with a 2% hail deductible, you're looking at 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, putting it in the middle of the county's historical range. The largest event on record reached 4 inches on August 5, 2023. August is historically active in this county — 45 events over the past decade — though July holds the peak with 49.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. Fremont, CO also recorded 1.5-inch hail the same day, and Pueblo logged 0.75-inch hail, suggesting a broader convective system moved through the southern Front Range corridor.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows a current backlog of 1–2 weeks and a low storm chaser risk for the Fountain area, with most post-storm capacity drawing from contractors based in the Colorado Springs metro. 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, and Colorado does not issue a state-level roofing license — so licensing alone tells you nothing about competence. Before signing anything, verify current general liability and workers' comp certificates, confirm a verifiable local business address, and ask whether the contractor holds CRA membership or an equivalent credential.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, roof repair is more likely than full replacement on a roof in reasonable condition, though actual scope depends on shingle age and what an inspection finds. Fountain requires permits for roofing work — the contractor typically pulls the permit, inspections are required, and permit costs generally 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 from ground level — 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.
- 3Request proof of general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a verifiable business address from any contractor before allowing them on your roof.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, estimates, and communications — including dates and names.
- 5Review your homeowner policy's suit limitation clause, which is typically separate from state law deadlines and may be shorter.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Fountain inspection
Hail data for this event is sourced from NOAA NEXRAD radar via SWDI and is radar-confirmed, with a full NWS write-up pending.