5/10/23: Hail Storms Batter Boulder And Weld Counties

This week, residents in Boulder and Weld Counties experienced some severe weather as this major storm season continues to ramp up. Here’s the overview of what occurred:

• What: Hail, 1-3 in. diameter
• When: May 10-11, 2023
• Where: Colliers Hill, Erie Highlands, Erie Commons, CO

What It Means for Your Home

CBS News Colorado reported on its website that the neighborhoods of Colliers Hill, Erie Highlands, and Erie Commons, CO saw heavy thunderstorms and hail the size of golf balls falling across the area.

Those are some huge concerns for local residents – but what exactly does that mean for your home?

Hail Concerns

Generally, hail that is greater than 1″ in diameter will cause damage and warrants a professional inspection. Hail this size can create dents in shingles as well as bruising in the underlayment. You may see dents in your gutters and fascia, while siding can become dented or even cracked. Hail can tear holes in window and door screens, and shingles will experience granule loss – this will be obvious from an excessive amount of granules in your gutter downspouts.

Larger hail, in the range of 1.5″ to 2″ in diameter, is even more destructive. In addition to the above problems, the hail of this size can begin to penetrate softer parts of the roof like ridge caps and plastic roof vents. Siding is more likely to crack and break – you may even see your siding tear off entirely from the combined pressure of hail strikes and high winds. Windows and doors may show cracks in their glass from hail impacts. Most metal fixtures will begin to show damage.

There are many broken windows from the hail last night in the Erie area. We fear there could be much more damage along the Front Range later today. Park in a covered area if possible today!#COwx pic.twitter.com/EwOFUqW90Y

— Ashton Altieri (@AshtonCBS4) May 10, 2023

Ways To Stay Safe Before & During The Storm

Before the hail hits, be sure to clear your eavestroughs of debris to minimize ice dams or water damage. Inspect your roof for damage, repair any problem areas, and remove weak branches or trees in close proximity to your home. Be sure to store patio furniture and outdoor accessories in an enclosed space, and move vehicles into a garage or use a hail protector cover to avoid costly repairs.

During the storm, avoid finding shelter under trees or in areas like culverts that can suddenly fill with water. Stay indoors and away from windows, glass doors, and skylights. Close drapes or blinds to protect yourself from broken glass and flying debris. Take special care to keep pets indoors and provide shelter for farm animals. Avoid driving if possible, but if you’re on the road when the storm hits, avoid any flooded roads and pull into a gas station or other covered structure. Make sure to angle your vehicle so that hail hits the reinforced windshield rather than the side and back windows.

Weld County Storm Damage Resources

Weld County Office of Emergency Management

The Weld County Office of Emergency Management website helpfully provides adequate emergency response information within the local community. These informative guides are designed to help Weld County residents in the event of the county reports any storm damage to their properties, which will assist the National Weather Service in evaluating the extent of the damage to the area as well as the severity of the storm.

Mile High Roofing Services

Mile High Roofing Services has been faithfully serving Weld County and the surrounding areas since 2011. If you’ve found yourself facing roof damage from the recent hail and wind storms in the area – don’t wait. Call Colorado’s trusted roofing company today to schedule a free inspection and let us help you keep your property safe this storm season.