Stars and Bars RestorationColorado's Front Range is one of the most hail-prone regions in the entire country. Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and the communities between them get pounded every summer by storms that drop hailstones ranging from marble-size to softballs. And while everyone worries about what hail does to their car and roof, the real danger is what happens next — water pouring through damaged roofing into your attic, walls, ceilings, and living spaces.
At Stars and Bars Restoration, hail season is one of our busiest times. We handle the water damage and interior restoration that follows hail events across Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and all of Southern Colorado. Because while your roofer fixes what's on top of your house, someone needs to fix what the water did on the inside.
How Hail Causes Water Damage
Not all hail damage is obvious. Here's how it leads to water intrusion:
Direct Puncture
Large hailstones (1.5 inches or bigger) can crack or shatter shingles, dent metal roofing, and even puncture through underlayment. This creates immediate pathways for water, and the next rainstorm — sometimes the same storm that produced the hail — sends water cascading into your attic.
Granule Loss and Bruising
Even smaller hailstones knock protective granules off asphalt shingles. This might not cause an immediate leak, but it compromises the shingle's ability to shed water. Over the following weeks and months, these weakened spots deteriorate further, eventually allowing water through. This is why some homeowners don't notice hail-related water damage until weeks after the storm.
Flashing and Seal Damage
Hail impacts can crack the caulking and seals around roof penetrations — vents, chimneys, skylights, and satellite dish mounts. These are already the most vulnerable points on any roof, and hail makes them worse. Damaged flashing around chimneys is one of the most common sources of post-hail leaks we see in older Pueblo homes.
Gutter and Downspout Damage
Hail dents gutters, knocks them loose, and clogs them with debris. Damaged gutters don't channel water away from your home properly, leading to fascia damage, soffit leaks, and water pooling around your foundation — which eventually becomes a basement flooding problem.
Hail Alley: Why Southern Colorado Gets Hit So Hard
The corridor along Interstate 25 from Colorado Springs through Pueblo is part of what meteorologists call "Hail Alley." Several factors make our region exceptionally hail-prone:
- Atmospheric dynamics — Warm, moist air from the plains collides with cold air descending from Pikes Peak and the Sangre de Cristo Range, creating powerful updrafts that build massive thunderstorms
- Elevation — At our altitude, hailstones have less atmosphere to melt through before they reach the ground
- Storm season timing — May through August brings almost daily thunderstorm potential, with June and July being peak hail months
- Storm movement patterns — Many Colorado storms track south along the Front Range, meaning Pueblo and Colorado Springs often catch the same storm systems
The average Colorado Springs homeowner can expect significant hail events every 2-3 years. For some neighborhoods — particularly those on the east side of town exposed to storms rolling off the plains — it's even more frequent.
What to Do After a Hail Storm Damages Your Roof
Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)
1. Inspect from the ground first Walk around your home and look up. Look for missing shingles, exposed underlayment, visible dents in metal flashing or gutters, and debris on the ground. Don't climb on your roof — it's dangerous, and you could inadvertently void your insurance claim by causing additional damage.
2. Check your attic Go into your attic with a flashlight. Look for daylight coming through the roof deck, wet spots on insulation, water stains on rafters, or active dripping. If you find water, place buckets to catch it and call us immediately.
3. Check ceilings and walls Water stains, bubbling paint, sagging drywall, or wet spots on interior ceilings and walls mean water has already made it into your living space. This needs immediate professional attention to prevent mold growth — which can start within 24-48 hours in summer humidity.
4. Document everything Photograph hail on the ground (include a coin or ruler for scale), damage to your roof from ground level, damage to your car, and any interior water damage. This documentation is invaluable for your insurance claim.
5. Call Stars and Bars Restoration Call us at (719) 676-2456 for interior water damage assessment and restoration. We'll extract water, set up structural drying, and prevent secondary damage while you arrange roof repairs.
What NOT to Do
- Don't wait to see if it gets worse — It will. Water damage always compounds.
- Don't try to repair the roof yourself — Leave that to licensed roofers and let your insurance cover it properly.
- Don't throw away damaged materials — Your insurance adjuster needs to see them.
- Don't sign a contract with a storm chaser — After every major hail event in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, out-of-state contractors flood the area offering deals. Many are unlicensed or uninsured. Work with local companies you can trust.
Interior Water Damage from Roof Leaks
The water damage from a hail-compromised roof can be extensive:
Attic damage — Wet insulation loses its R-value and becomes a breeding ground for mold. Water-damaged roof decking can develop rot. If your attic has storage items, they may be ruined.
Ceiling damage — Water pools on top of drywall ceilings, causing sagging and eventual collapse. We've seen ceiling sections give way under the weight of pooled water — a dangerous situation if someone is underneath.
Wall damage — Water wicking down through wall cavities soaks insulation, warps studs, and creates hidden moisture pockets perfect for mold growth.
Electrical hazards — Water and electricity don't mix. Roof leaks can reach light fixtures, outlet boxes, and wiring, creating shock and fire hazards.
Flooring damage — Water that makes it through ceilings and walls eventually reaches your flooring, damaging carpet, pad, hardwood, and laminate.
Our Post-Hail Water Damage Process
When Stars and Bars arrives after a hail-related roof leak:
- Emergency tarping — If your roofer hasn't arrived yet, we can arrange temporary tarping to stop active water intrusion
- Water extraction — We remove standing water from all affected areas
- Moisture mapping — Our thermal cameras and meters identify everywhere water has traveled, including hidden areas
- Structural drying — Commercial dehumidifiers and air movers dry your home to industry standards
- Mold prevention — Antimicrobial treatments protect against mold colonization
- Restoration — We repair damaged drywall, ceilings, insulation, and affected finishes
Insurance Tips for Hail Damage Claims
Hail damage is generally well-covered by Colorado homeowners insurance, but here's how to make sure you get the full value:
- File a claim promptly — Don't wait months hoping the leak will stop
- Get separate assessments — Have both a roofer and a restoration company (like Stars and Bars) document damage. Roofing and interior water damage are often separate line items
- Know your deductible — Some Colorado policies have a separate, higher deductible for hail/wind damage (often 1-2% of your home's insured value)
- Keep records of all repairs — Both temporary and permanent
Hail Season Is Here — Be Prepared
Southern Colorado's hail season runs from May through August, with June and July being the worst months. Keep Stars and Bars Restoration's number in your phone — (719) 676-2456 — because when hail punches through your roof at 6 PM on a Tuesday, you need someone who answers 24/7 and knows exactly what to do.
Stars and Bars Restoration | Serving Pueblo, Colorado Springs & Southern Colorado | IICRC Certified | Veteran-Owned | services@sb-resto.com