Ping pong-sized hail detected near Westminster, CO on August 22, 2026

Damage assessment

The radar-indicated strike landed approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Westminster, and one hail report was logged in Adams County that day. At 1.5 inches, architectural asphalt shingles typically show granule loss and bruising — damage that is often functional, not purely cosmetic, but rarely catastrophic on newer roofs. Shingles older than 15 years are more brittle and more likely to crack or fracture at this size; 3-tab shingles and wood shake, found in older parts of the city, warrant closer inspection. Arapahoe County recorded 3.25-inch hail the same day, so the broader storm system was capable of more severe impact than what reached this area.

Westminster repair cost reference

Historical context

Adams County has recorded no hail events at or above 1.0 inch in the past 10 years in available NOAA data, so this event sits at the top of a very short list — but that list is thin enough that the record carries limited weight. NOAA reporting density in this region is lower than average, and actual hail exposure over that period may be higher than the data reflects. August is historically quiet for significant hail here; the county's lone peak-month event falls in June.

Storm system

This was not an isolated cell. The same storm system produced golf ball-sized hail in Weld County and Albany, Wyoming, and baseball-sized hail in Arapahoe County — a wide swath of activity stretching north and east across the Front Range.

Contractor guidance

Local contractor data shows current backlogs running 4 to 8 weeks; scheduling an inspection now rather than waiting puts you ahead of the post-storm queue. The storm chaser risk here is rated high — Westminster is a known target for out-of-state crews who begin door-to-door solicitation within 24 to 48 hours of a notable event. Colorado does not require a state roofing license, but Colorado Senate Bill 38 (C.R.S. §§ 6-22-101 to 6-22-105) mandates a written contract with specific consumer protections on any residential job over $1,000. Before signing anything, confirm the contractor carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance and has a verifiable local business address.

Permits & building code

At 1.5 inches, repair rather than full replacement is the more likely outcome on newer roofs, though older or already-compromised shingles could tip the assessment toward replacement. Westminster requires contractor-pulled permits for roofing work; expect permit fees between $150 and $400 and a mandatory inspection at completion. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles qualify for a 10–20% discount with most Colorado insurers.