Golf ball-sized hail detected near Montrose, CO on September 14, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Montrose 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 landed approximately 10 miles west of downtown Montrose, with one hail report logged in Montrose County that day. At 1.75 inches, golf ball-sized hail applies enough kinetic energy to dent metal flashing, crack ridge caps, and leave impact marks on asphalt shingles — damage that often looks minor from the ground but compromises the granule layer and accelerates aging. Functional damage is likely on roofs older than 10–12 years; newer architectural shingles may show cosmetic bruising that still shortens effective service life. Roof pitch and slope orientation relative to the storm's approach affect severity as well.
On a $359,000 home with a 2% wind/hail deductible, a homeowner would owe approximately $7,180 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. Typical repair cost for a 2,000 square foot roof in this area runs $7,219, with a range of $5,906 to $8,531; full replacement averages $12,031. Get a professional inspection before making any insurance decisions.
At these numbers, the typical repair cost exceeds a standard 2% deductible. Contact your insurer — damage at this level is likely worth filing before you pay out of pocket.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Montrose inspection
Montrose repair cost reference
Historical context
This event ranks first of two recorded hail events of at least one inch in Montrose County over the past 10 years, with the prior largest event reaching 1.0 inch on May 11, 2020 — making the September 14 storm the strongest on record in this limited dataset. September has historically produced zero hail events in the county over the same period, so this storm is an outlier by both magnitude and timing. NOAA reporting density is lower in this region, meaning actual hail exposure may exceed what the record reflects.
Storm system
No other tracked counties recorded hail activity on September 14, 2026. This event appears to have been isolated rather than part of a broader multi-county system.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs of 1–2 weeks in the Montrose market, and storm chaser risk is assessed as low for this area. That said, Montrose's thin local roofing market means post-storm capacity often comes from contractors based in larger Colorado metros — verify that any contractor has a verifiable local or regional business address before proceeding. 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 that includes specific consumer protections. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor carries current general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
Permits & building code
At 1.75 inches, inspection results will determine whether targeted repair or full replacement is warranted — older roofs often tip toward replacement once an adjuster documents cumulative impact damage. In Montrose County, the contractor pulls the permit (typically $100–$250) and a post-installation inspection is required. 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 — document before any repair work begins.
- 2Schedule a professional roof inspection with a licensed, insured contractor who can provide a written damage assessment.
- 3Contact your insurance company to report potential storm damage and ask about your policy's claim process and any applicable deadlines.
- 4Vet any contractor before signing: confirm general liability and workers' comp coverage, request a written contract as required under C.R.S. § 6-22-105, and check for a verifiable business address.
- 5Keep copies of all inspection reports, contractor estimates, and insurer correspondence in one place throughout the claims process.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Montrose inspection
Hail detection for this event is based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI) and is radar-confirmed, with full NWS written documentation still pending.