Golf ball-sized hail detected near Lakewood, CO on August 26, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Lakewood 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 center was approximately 3 miles northwest of downtown Lakewood, with one hail report logged across Jefferson County that day. At 1.75 inches, architectural asphalt shingles can sustain functional damage — not just cosmetic — particularly on roofs older than 10 to 15 years, where granule loss is accelerated and mat bruising becomes more likely. Three-tab shingles and wood shake, which appear in older parts of the city, are more vulnerable at this size and warrant closer inspection. Fremont County recorded 2.5-inch hail the same day, so this was not the hardest-hit area in the broader storm system.
On a median Lakewood home valued at $548,200, a 2% deductible works out to roughly $10,964 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof runs $7,349, with estimates ranging from $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 Lakewood inspection
Lakewood repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 53 hail events of at least 1 inch recorded in the 10-year Lakewood dataset, this event ranks 8th by magnitude — a meaningful but not record-setting storm. The largest event on record reached 2 inches on June 22, 2023. August has produced 11 hail events of 1 inch or greater over the past decade, which is above average for this county.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. The same storm system produced hail across eight surrounding counties in Colorado and Wyoming, including 2.75-inch baseball-sized hail in Laramie County, Wyoming, and 2-inch hail in both Arapahoe and Douglas counties — a broad multi-county outbreak.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks; scheduling an inspection sooner rather than later narrows that wait. The storm chaser risk in Lakewood is rated high — door-to-door solicitors typically show up within 24 to 48 hours after a significant storm, and high-pressure pitches should be treated with skepticism. Colorado does not require a state-level roofing license, but Colorado Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000 that includes specific consumer protections. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor carries current general liability and workers' compensation insurance and has a verifiable local business address.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, repair is possible on newer roofs in good condition, but replacement becomes likely on aging or already-compromised surfaces — the inspection determines which. Jefferson County requires the contractor to pull the permit ($150–$400), and a post-installation inspection is mandatory. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers, and Jefferson County requires them — factor that into any replacement bid.
- 1Photograph your roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior surfaces from the ground — document before anything is disturbed.
- 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 who contacts you: ask for proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp, and a verifiable local business address before letting anyone on your roof.
- 4Be aware that under C.R.S. § 6-22-105, any contractor who offers to waive or rebate your deductible is breaking Colorado law — walk away from that conversation.
- 5Keep a written record of every contractor visit, estimate, and communication — dates, names, and what was said.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Lakewood inspection
Hail detection is based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data via SWDI and is radar-confirmed; a full NWS ground-truth write-up is pending.