Ping pong-sized hail detected near Highlands Ranch, CO on August 22, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Highlands Ranch 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-indicated strike fell approximately 19 miles southeast of downtown Highlands Ranch, with one hail report logged in Douglas County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles typically sustain granule loss and possible bruising — functional damage is possible on roofs older than 10–15 years, while newer shingles may show only cosmetic impact. Three-tab shingles or wood shake, found in some older parts of the area, are more vulnerable at this size. Neighboring Arapahoe County recorded 3.25-inch baseball-sized hail the same day, which is a substantially more severe event than what Douglas County saw.
On a $672,600 home with a 2% deductible, the out-of-pocket threshold before insurance pays anything is $13,452. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof runs $7,349, with a range of $6,013 to $8,685. 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 Highlands Ranch inspection
Highlands Ranch repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks fifth of 23 hail events of 1 inch or greater recorded in the area over the past ten years, measured by magnitude. The largest on record reached 1.75 inches on June 6, 2016. August historically sees about four events per decade in this county, which is above the monthly average — though June remains the peak month with ten recorded events.
Storm system
This was not an isolated storm. The same system produced golf ball–sized hail in Weld and Albany counties and baseball-sized hail in Arapahoe County, indicating a broad convective outbreak across the region on August 22.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks — scheduling an inspection sooner rather than later is practical. The storm chaser risk in Highlands Ranch is rated high; door-to-door solicitation from out-of-state crews typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of a notable storm. 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 residential jobs over $1,000 with specific consumer protections. Before signing anything, verify current general liability insurance, workers' compensation coverage, and a verifiable local business address.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome on roofs in reasonable condition — though age and existing granule loss will influence that call. Any permitted roofing work in Douglas County requires the contractor to pull the permit, an inspection is required, and permit costs typically run $150 to $400. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from the ground — document before any cleanup.
- 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 every contractor for proof of general liability insurance and workers' comp before allowing them on your roof.
- 4Keep a written record of all contractor visits, estimates, and any verbal representations made at the door.
- 5If approached by door-to-door solicitors, note that any offer to waive your deductible violates C.R.S. § 6-22-105 and constitutes a Class 2 misdemeanor under Colorado law.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Highlands Ranch inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI); a full NWS ground-truth write-up is pending.