Golf ball-sized hail detected near Longmont, CO on July 24, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Longmont 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 point fell approximately 19 miles southwest of downtown Longmont, with one hail report logged across Boulder County that day. At 2.5 inches, functional damage to architectural asphalt shingles is expected — cracked or missing tabs, bruised mat, and compromised granule coverage are all realistic outcomes at this size. Roofs older than 10–15 years are most vulnerable; shingles already thin from prior weathering can lose structural integrity entirely. This event tied the largest hail size on record for this area, so treat it accordingly.
A 2% deductible on a $541,400 home works out to roughly $10,828 out of pocket before insurance contributes anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot home runs $6,924, with a range of $5,665 to $8,183. 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 Longmont inspection
Longmont repair cost reference
Historical context
Among 80 recorded hail events of 1 inch or larger in the past 10 years, this event ranks second by magnitude — tied with a 2.5-inch event recorded on June 19, 2018, which remains the largest on record for this area. July historically produces about 10 events per decade in Boulder County, making this month typical in frequency but not in size. The county's 10-year record is deep enough to put this event in real context: golf ball-sized hail is rare here.
Storm system
The same system produced 2.5-inch hail in Jefferson County the same day, pointing to a broader convective event rather than an isolated cell. El Paso County also recorded marble-sized hail, confirming this was a regional storm system moving across the Front Range.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 2–4 weeks, which is workable but will stretch if the Jefferson County damage drives additional demand. The city intake assessment rates storm chaser risk as moderate, consistent with what typically follows a major regional hail event in this corridor. Colorado does not license roofers at the state level, but Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000, with specific consumer protections spelled out. Before signing anything, confirm current general liability and workers' comp coverage, a verifiable local business address, and ask for all three documents up front.
Permits & building code
At 2.5 inches, full roof replacement is a realistic outcome on most aging asphalt shingle roofs — repair alone may not restore weathertightness. The contractor is responsible for pulling permits in Longmont; expect permit costs between $150 and $350, and a required inspection before the job closes. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.
- 1Photograph the entire roof, gutters, downspouts, and any exterior damage before conditions change — date-stamp everything.
- 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 a written contract before any work begins, as required under C.R.S. § 6-22-101 — review it line by line.
- 4Keep records of all contractor communications, estimates, and contracts in a single folder.
- 5Report any contractor who offers to cover your deductible — that is a violation of C.R.S. § 6-22-105 and constitutes potential fraud.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Longmont inspection
Hail size and location are based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI), radar-confirmed and pending full NWS write-up.