Denver and the Front Range are among the most hail-prone areas in the entire United States. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve experienced the distinctive sound of hailstones pounding your roof and siding. But what should you do when the storm passes and you suspect siding repair after hail is needed?
At Colorado Siding, we help dozens of Denver homeowners navigate hail damage repairs every storm season. Here’s your complete guide to handling siding damage after a hailstorm.
How to Assess Hail Damage to Your Siding
Not all hail damage is immediately obvious. While large dents and cracks are easy to spot, smaller impacts can compromise your siding’s protective capability without being visually dramatic. Here’s what to look for by material type:
Vinyl Siding
- Cracks, holes, or shattered panels
- Chips along edges or corners
- Panels knocked loose from fasteners
Fiber Cement Siding
- Chipped or cracked areas where paint is removed
- Impact marks that expose the raw cement underneath
- Hairline fractures that may allow moisture penetration
Wood Siding
- Dents, gouges, or splintered areas
- Broken or split boards
- Damaged paint or stain that exposes bare wood
Steps to Take After a Hailstorm
1. Document Everything
Before touching anything, photograph all visible damage from multiple angles. Include wide shots showing the overall extent and close-ups of specific impact points. Note the date of the storm and save any weather reports — this documentation is crucial for your insurance claim.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
File a claim promptly. Most Colorado homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage to siding. Your insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine coverage. Having your own documentation ensures you can compare their assessment against what you’ve observed.
3. Get a Professional Inspection
Have a reputable local siding contractor inspect your home independently. They can identify damage that’s easy to miss and provide a detailed repair estimate. This estimate gives you leverage if your insurance adjuster’s assessment seems low.
Important: Be wary of out-of-state storm chasers who canvas neighborhoods after major hailstorms. These companies often do substandard work and may not be around to honor warranties. Work with an established local company like Colorado Siding that has deep roots in the community.
4. Decide: Repair or Replace?
Minor damage to a few panels can often be repaired individually. However, if damage is widespread — affecting more than 30% of your siding — full replacement usually makes more sense both financially and functionally. A patchwork of old and new panels can look uneven and may not protect your home consistently.
Upgrading Your Siding After Hail Damage
If your insurance covers replacement, this is an excellent opportunity to upgrade to more hail-resistant materials. Many Denver homeowners use hail damage claims to switch from vinyl to fiber cement siding, which offers significantly better impact resistance.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, hail damage accounts for billions of dollars in insurance claims annually, with Colorado consistently ranking among the top states for hail losses.
Preventing Future Hail Damage
While you can’t control the weather, you can choose siding materials that withstand it better:
- James Hardie fiber cement: Class 4 impact resistance
- Steel siding: Maximum hail resistance with dent-proof options
- Premium insulated vinyl: Better impact performance than standard vinyl
Homes in particularly hail-prone areas like Highlands Ranch and Parker benefit most from these upgraded materials.
Get Help With Your Hail Damage Repair
Don’t wait to address hail damage — exposed areas can lead to moisture intrusion, mold, and structural problems. Contact Colorado Siding for a free hail damage inspection and repair estimate. We work directly with insurance companies to make the process as smooth as possible for Denver homeowners.
Martin Faith
Martin Faith is a proud Scotsman, business owner, and home improvement expert. In 2002, after an unfortunate experience with a local contractor and a siding project gone wrong, Martin decided to start his own home improvements company. His goal was to help other homeowners avoid having to suffer through the same experience. He founded Scottish Home Improvements, a customer-focused siding company based in Denver. Martin's small business grew rapidly and today is the largest siding company in the state. With an A+ Rating from the BBB, recognition as a Preferred James Hardie Elite Contractor, and over fifteen years of experience, Scottish Home Improvements is the number one trusted source for residential and commercial siding in Colorado.