Ping pong-sized hail detected near Westminster, CO on August 14, 2026
Hail was detected at a radar-indicated point within the Westminster 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 8 miles east of downtown Westminster, with one hail report logged in Adams County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles are at the threshold where functional damage becomes plausible — granule loss, cracked tabs, and bruising are realistic outcomes, though not guaranteed on every slope or exposure. Three-tab shingles and wood shake, more common in older parts of the city, are more vulnerable at this size. Roofs older than 15 years warrant closer scrutiny; newer installations may show only cosmetic marks.
On a home valued at Westminster's median of $497,400, a 2% deductible comes to roughly $9,948 out of pocket before insurance pays anything. 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 Westminster inspection
Westminster repair cost reference
Historical context
Adams County has fewer than 10 recorded hail events of 1 inch or larger in the past decade, so the historical record is limited and rank comparisons carry little weight. That said, the August 14, 2026 event — at 1.5 inches — is the largest on record for the county in this dataset. August is historically quiet here; the county's lone recorded peak occurs in June, making this storm an outlier by month.
Storm system
This was not an isolated cell. The same system produced golf ball–sized hail (2–2.25 inches) in Douglas and Arapahoe counties, with additional reports from Denver, Weld, Jefferson, Larimer, and as far north as Laramie, Wyoming — a broad multi-county outbreak tracking northeast.
Contractor guidance
Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks, so scheduling an inspection sooner rather than later is practical. The storm chaser risk for Westminster is rated high — city intake data notes that out-of-state roofing crews typically begin door-to-door solicitation within 24 to 48 hours of a significant event. Colorado does not issue a state roofing license, but C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105 (Colorado SB 38) requires a written contract on any residential job over $1,000 with specific consumer protections built in. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor carries current general liability and workers' comp, has a verifiable local address, and ask for all documentation upfront.
Permits & building code
At 1.5 inches, repair is possible on newer roofs in good condition, but replacement becomes likely if the material is aged or damage is widespread across multiple slopes. Adams County requires a permit for roofing work — the contractor pulls it, inspections are 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 damage 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.
- 3Vet any contractor who contacts you: request proof of general liability insurance, workers' comp coverage, and a written contract as required under Colorado SB 38 before any work begins.
- 4Do not sign any agreement where a contractor offers to cover, waive, or rebate your deductible — this violates C.R.S. § 6-22-105 and can void your insurer's obligation to honor the estimate.
- 5Keep a folder with all inspection reports, contractor bids, photos, and any written correspondence related to the storm — organized records matter if a dispute arises later.
This storm may have damaged your roof — get a free Westminster inspection
Hail detection is based on NOAA NEXRAD radar data (SWDI); a full NWS storm survey write-up is pending.