Storms in Colorado Springs don’t just decorate the skyline with rolling clouds and flashes of lightning—they leave real damage behind. When hail, strong winds, and rain sweep through the area, they’re often followed by a mess of missing shingles, cracked windows, and soaked interiors. The first few days after a storm can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start or how bad the damage really is.

That’s where a thorough storm recovery assessment comes in. Finding issues early can make a big difference. The problems that seem small right after a storm—like minor dents on the roof or soft spots on the ceiling—can grow into expensive repairs if ignored. By walking through your property and doing a few key checks, you can catch warning signs sooner and understand when it’s time to call a professional.

Initial Property Inspection

Doing a simple visual check right after the storm clears isn’t just a good habit—it’s a necessary one. Catching the obvious stuff early can help keep your home safe and protect you when it’s time to file an insurance claim.

Here are a few areas to focus on during your walk-around:

– Roof: Step back far enough to get a clear look at the entire surface. Look for missing shingles, dark spots, or things that shouldn’t be there like tree limbs or debris.
– Siding: Check for pieces that are cracked, dented, or pulled loose. Siding often gets hit by hail or tossed items that were picked up by high winds.
– Windows: Make sure glass isn’t cracked, and look for signs of moisture between panes. Press gently on the frame to check if it feels loose or damaged from rain.

It’s a good idea to snap pictures while you do your inspection. That way, if any damage needs to be reported, you’ll have a clear timeline and proof of what you saw. One homeowner in east Colorado Springs thought their windows had survived a summer hailstorm, only to learn weeks later that water had been leaking slowly through a barely visible tear in the seal. Spotting something like that early makes a huge difference long term.

Detailed Roof Assessment

The roof often takes the worst hit during a hailstorm, even if the impact doesn’t seem obvious from the ground. Tiny dents or hairline cracks in shingles might not look like much at first, but they open the door to leaks and long-term damage.

Here’s what hail-related roof damage usually looks like:

– Soft spots or bruising on asphalt shingles
– Cracked or curled shingle edges
– Exposed roof felt or underlayment
– Granules collecting in gutters or on the ground

Professionals use specific tools and safe methods when inspecting for this type of damage. They’ll walk the roof carefully, often using chalk or other materials to mark damaged spots for clear documentation. This helps build a stronger case when you’re filing a claim with your insurance provider. It also ensures they don’t overlook smaller areas that can wear down over time.

Even if your roof doesn’t look bad at first glance, missing one damaged spot can cause slow leaks, especially during Colorado’s quick swings between warm afternoons and chilly nights. Water finds its way in, and before you know it, you’ve got sagging drywall or mildew forming near the attic. Acting early before you see staining or hear dripping can help you avoid all that.

Checking Other Structures

Storms don’t limit their damage to main living areas. Think about everything sitting outside—gutters, sheds, fencing, and large equipment. These often take a hit during severe weather and are easy to overlook in the first few days after the storm.

Here’s a list of things to check:

– Gutters and downspouts: Are they clogged with leaves or shingle granules? You’ll want to clear these out quickly so water drains away properly. Sagging or detached sections should be noted.
– Outdoor structures: Walk around sheds, carports, or deck railings. Look for warping, missing slats, or leaning posts that may signal the base has shifted or soaked in water.
– Fences: Pressure from wind or falling limbs can loosen panels or crack posts. Even one loose section may need bracing before it spreads.
– Outdoor AC units: Clear away branches or debris. Then make sure the unit sits level, has no visible dents, and starts up without strange sounds.

These checks take just a little time but could make a big impact. Damage in these spots can lead to water pooling near your foundation or pests sheltering in broken structures. Worse yet, something like a clogged gutter or tilted AC unit can mess with your HVAC system or drainage without you knowing for weeks.

Interior Inspection And Hidden Damage

Even if the outside looks fine, your home’s interior may tell a different story. Water has a way of sneaking in through the smallest cracks, and the warning signs often show up well after the skies have cleared.

Start with the attic. Use a flashlight to scan the rafters and insulation. Damp spots, dark stains, or drooping insulation are all red flags. Even a slight musty smell may point to moisture that hasn’t had time to dry yet.

Move down into living areas and look closely at the ceilings and upper walls:

– Brown blotches or yellow rings signaling past leaks
– Bubbling or peeling paint
– Soft spots when touched

Walk around electrical outlets, light switches, and ceiling fixtures as well. Storm damage can cause leaks near these features, which could lead to electrical hazards. Turn lights and appliances on and off—look for flickers, odd noises, or anything that feels off.

If your home uses a central HVAC system, be sure it’s running as usual. Unexplained noises, weak airflow, or sudden shutoffs might hint at debris causing stress to the unit or ductwork. A professional will be able to open the system fully and check for hidden water issues or electrical risk.

Next Steps: Professional Assessment

Once you’ve taken a close look at the outside and inside of your home, the smart move is to bring in someone with deeper experience. A professional damage assessment can uncover problems that aren’t easy to spot right away. In Colorado Springs, where hailstorms often roll through fast and hard, even a quick hit can leave behind damage that only a trained eye can confirm.

During a professional evaluation, expect a full inspection of your roof, siding, windows, HVAC system, attic, and any outdoor structures. These aren’t just surface-level checks. A true assessment digs deeper, using tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint hidden or slow-forming issues. You might not see water damage behind a wall or notice that a crack in the siding leads directly into the insulation, but an expert will.

One of the biggest advantages of a professional evaluation is documentation. Instead of just telling your insurance company what happened, you’ll have photos, marked diagrams, and a clear description of the damage. That supporting evidence builds your case for repairs or replacement and helps avoid delays in the claim process.

When it comes time to file that storm damage claim, the small details matter. Insurers often request specific proof, and skipping steps or missing items slows everything down. Bringing in a pro who’s done this before can make the whole process smoother and much less stressful for you.

Being More Ready Before the Next Storm Hits

Once storm cleanup is handled, it’s the right time to think about what comes next. Colorado Springs weather doesn’t give much warning. That means preparing your home ahead of time is the best way to stay ahead of the next storm.

Here are a few steps to keep your home in good shape between storms:

– Clear dead branches and overgrown trees around your house, especially near the roof and windows
– Schedule regular roof inspections, even if you haven’t had a storm recently. Tiny cracks can turn into bigger problems after just one downpour
– Keep gutters free of buildup throughout the year, especially before spring and summer storms
– Walk the perimeter every couple of months. Look for signs of shifting foundations, clogged drains, or insect activity
– Update your emergency plan with contact numbers, insurance records, and photos of your home before any damage occurs

Even something as simple as checking after every heavy rain or hailstorm can become a helpful habit. A lot of storm trouble happens gradually. Early signs—loose shingles, damp insulation, strange HVAC noises—can go unnoticed if you’re not looking for them.

Staying ready doesn’t mean living in fear of the next weather alert. It just means being smart about how you take care of your property. The better prepared you are, the easier recovery becomes.

When storms hit Colorado Springs, they can leave a trail of damage that’s not always visible at first glance. Taking swift action can prevent minor issues from escalating. Whether it’s inspecting your roof or making sure your HVAC system is running properly, we’re here to help. Learn more about how Disaster Adjusting can support you with hail damage repair in Colorado Springs to keep your home protected. For personalized guidance on your storm recovery needs, contact us today! Questions? Call us at 📞 (888) 675-0911.