Hail or wind damage on your roof?
Free inspection within 24-48 hours.
Photographed on-roof inspection. Insurance-ready report. We meet your adjuster on-site. No obligation.
Was your address hit?
Enter your home address. We cross-reference NOAA Storm Prediction Center hail reports from the last 14 days. You'll see the closest detected event with its distance, date, and hailstone size.
No spam. No follow-up call unless you ask. We don't store the address. This is a one-shot lookup against public NOAA data.
Take a breath. You have time.
If a storm just hit, your phone is ringing, business cards are piling up on the porch, and everyone says "act now." Some of that pressure is real. Most of it isn't.
Here's what's actually true.
Your roof will hold
Hail damage almost never causes a roof to fail right away. What it actually does is shorten the roof's lifespan and create slow leaks that don't show up for weeks or months. Unless water is coming into your house right now, you've got days to make a good decision.
Don't sign on the porch
Reputable contractors knock on doors after storms, including us. The red flag isn't the knock itself; it's pressure to sign a contract on your porch before any inspection. Take their card, schedule a real inspection, then decide. The right contractor will respect that.
You have a real window to file
Most Colorado insurance carriers give you up to 12 months from the storm date to file a hail or wind claim, so the panic of having to act tonight is almost always overblown. A safe rhythm is getting an inspection within the first week and filing your claim within a month after that.
The first 48 hours after a storm
A simple, ordered checklist. Do these in order. Skip what doesn't apply.
- Hour 1
Walk your property and photograph everything
Take wide photos of every side of your house first, then move in close on anything that looks off, like dings, broken screens, dented gutters, or cracked siding. Your phone is plenty for this, and the time-stamped pictures it produces are exactly the evidence your insurance adjuster is going to ask for later.
- Hour 1-4
Check inside for active leaks
Walk through the house and look for any sign of water making its way in. Check the attic, look for fresh ceiling stains, and pay extra attention to areas around skylights and chimneys. If you've got an active leak, getting a temporary interior tarp up is the immediate priority, so call us and we'll talk you through it over the phone for free, or come out and tarp it ourselves if you'd rather.
- Hour 4-12
Save the storm record
Take a screenshot of the weather radar from when the storm came through, then bookmark the NOAA Storm Prediction Center report for your county while you're at it. None of this matters tonight, but it can matter a lot if your carrier ever questions whether a storm actually hit your address.
- Hour 12-24
Don't sign anything before an inspection
Plenty of legitimate contractors knock on doors after a storm (we're one of them), so don't treat every knock as a scam. Take their card, ask for their Colorado license number, then move on. The actual trap isn't the conversation at the door, it's signing a contract before anyone has actually inspected your roof. That signature usually locks you into what's called a "contingency contract," which means if your claim ends up getting approved, you owe them the roof, even if you've changed your mind in the meantime.
- Day 2
File the claim with your insurance carrier yourself
Colorado law (specifically what's called the "public-adjuster line") actually prohibits contractors from filing your insurance claim for you, so this step has to be you. Call your carrier directly and they'll assign you a claim number, then schedule their own adjuster to come look at the damage. From our end, we provide a photographed report of what we found and meet that adjuster on-site when they show up, but the claim itself is yours to file.
- Day 2-3
Get your photographed inspection
This is where you compare what your contractor documented during the initial inspection against what the carrier's adjuster ends up seeing. If both inspections agree there's damage, you're cleared to move forward. If they disagree (which happens more often than you'd think), we re-inspect together with the adjuster on-site and submit a supplemental scope backed by photographs.
What hail damage actually looks like
Most homeowners can't tell what's storm damage and what's age. Here's the short version, plus what isn't damage, so you don't pay for repairs you don't need.
(close-up of bare shingle patches)
Granule loss
Bare black or grey patches on shingles where the ceramic granules wore off. Look for clusters. Random scattered loss is normal age. Storm granule loss is concentrated around impact points and shows up most clearly on west and south elevations.
Likely damage(round depression in shingle)
Hail bruises
Soft, round depressions in the shingle, like a thumbprint. Sometimes hard to see from photos, but you can feel them by touch. Even small (½") bruises break the asphalt mat underneath and let water through over months.
Likely damage(hairline cracks from impact)
Cracked or split shingles
Hairline cracks radiating outward from a single hit point. Worse on older roofs because the asphalt is less flexible. A cracked shingle is no longer waterproof. It has to be replaced.
Likely damage(round dings in soft metal)
Dented gutters or vents
Round dings in soft metal: gutters, downspouts, gutter caps, roof vents, A/C fins. These are the easiest confirmation that a hail event happened, and they're often visible from the ground without a ladder.
Storm confirmation(age, not storm)
Curled or lifted shingle edges
That's age, not storm. Asphalt shrinks as it ages and the edges curl up. A storm doesn't cause this. If a contractor tells you curling is hail damage, they're wrong.
Not storm damage(normal shedding)
Granules in your gutters
Normal. Asphalt shingles shed granules constantly, especially in the first year and as they age. A handful in the gutter isn't a hail claim. Sudden, heavy granule wash right after a storm is a different story. That's worth checking.
Not storm damageWhat you get when you call us
Three things every storm-season caller gets from us, even before any decision about a claim. No upsell, no contingency contracts at the door, no obligation to file anything if the damage doesn't warrant it.
An inspector on your roof within 24-48 hours
When you call us during storm season, we'll have a licensed Colorado inspector physically up on your roof within a day or two. You get a confirmed appointment time, not a vague four-hour window, and the inspector who shows up is a real person on a ladder, not a drone flying over from the driveway.
A photographed report you can actually use
Within 24 hours of the inspection, you'll have a plain-English PDF in your inbox with annotated photos of everything we found. It's yours to keep whether you decide to file a claim, get a second opinion from another contractor, or just want to know the actual state of your roof. There's no pressure either way.
We meet your adjuster on-site
When your insurance carrier sends their adjuster out to look at the damage, we'll be at the house too, walking the roof together and talking through scope in real time. Having the contractor in the room during that inspection is the single biggest reason supplements get approved later, and it doesn't cost you anything extra.
How a hail claim actually works
Insurance claims aren't as complicated as the jargon makes them sound. Here's the whole thing in the order it actually happens, with the parts that matter most to your wallet called out clearly.
hail claim payout
- 01
Your deductible is what you pay
Your deductible comes straight out of your own pocket, typically somewhere between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on what your policy looks like. The contractor doesn't pay it, the insurance company doesn't pay it, and any contractor who offers to "eat your deductible" for you is breaking Colorado law in a way that exposes you personally to insurance fraud charges.
- 02
RCV vs ACV, or the two-check system
If you have what's called a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, your carrier will pay to fully replace the damaged materials, except they hold back the "depreciation" portion until the work is actually completed. So you get one check to begin the project and a second check (the depreciation release) once we close everything out. Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies work a little differently, paying only the depreciated value, with you covering the difference yourself.
- 03
Supplements aren't fraud, they're standard
Once we start tearing off the old roof, we sometimes discover damage the original adjuster never saw, like rotted decking, code-required upgrades, or siding that needs to be matched. When that happens, we photo-document everything and submit what's called a supplement. Carriers expect supplements as a normal part of the process, which is why contractors who don't bother filing them end up leaving thousands of dollars on the table that's actually owed to you.
- 04
Code upgrades, usually covered
If your municipality requires you to use new code-compliant materials when replacing your roof (synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield, drip edge, modern ventilation), most Colorado policies will cover the upgrade under what's called "law and ordinance" or "code coverage." It's worth checking your specific policy for the exact percentage, since it usually falls somewhere in the 10 to 25 percent range of your dwelling limit.
- 05
Your mortgage company is on the check
When your claim is over a certain dollar threshold (the cutoff varies by lender, usually somewhere between $10K and $25K), the insurance check gets made out jointly to both you and your mortgage company. The bank then holds those funds in escrow and releases them in stages as the work gets verified along the way. We handle the documentation for the release on your behalf so you're not chasing paperwork through the bank.
- 06
Denials aren't necessarily final
A denial on your initial claim isn't the end of the road. You can request a reinspection with the photographic evidence we documented, escalate to a senior adjuster at the carrier, or hire a licensed public adjuster (who is a separate person from your contractor, and the only one besides you legally allowed to negotiate the dollar amount). We've seen plenty of denials get reversed once the carrier takes a second look, especially when the original adjuster missed damage on steep slopes or rear elevations of the house.
Telling local contractors from storm chasers
After every big Colorado storm, two distinct waves of contractors start knocking on doors in the affected neighborhoods. Local crews who live and work here year-round, and out-of-state storm chasers who'll be packed up and gone within six weeks. Both knock, both want the work, and unfortunately they don't come labeled. Here's a side-by-side of what each one tends to look like when they show up at your front door.
Colorado plates, local address
Truck plates from CO, a verifiable physical office somewhere in the metro, and a license number registered with your municipality.
Out-of-state plates
Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida especially, because those crews follow storm seasons across multiple states. They'll be gone before any warranty matters.
Your deductible is yours to pay
Any legitimate contractor will tell you the deductible is your responsibility, full stop. That's how the law works in Colorado.
"I'll cover your deductible"
Illegal in Colorado under C.R.S. § 6-22-105(3). The insurance fraud exposure for the whole arrangement actually lands on you, the homeowner, not on them.
Takes the time you need
Leaves a card, answers questions, and gives you space to compare options without manufactured deadlines.
"Sign today or the offer expires"
Artificial deadline pressure is a hallmark of an outfit that needs to close fast because they won't be in the state next week to follow up.
Inspects before any paperwork
Climbs the roof, documents everything, then talks contract. Inspection comes first, signature comes after you've seen the report.
Contingency contract on the porch
Signing one of these before anyone has inspected locks you into them as your roofer the second your claim is approved.
Verifiable Colorado license
Hands over the license number willingly, knows which municipal registry it's listed in, and is fine with you looking it up.
No license they can show you
Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, and Denver all maintain searchable public registries. If they can't produce a verifiable license, they have no business on your roof.
Deposit plus carrier check at completion
Standard arrangement is a small mobilization deposit on contract signing, with the balance paid from the carrier check after the work is finished and you've signed off.
Cash-only or full payment upfront
This one is non-negotiable. Anyone insisting on cash upfront, especially the full amount before work begins, is preparing to disappear with your money.
Copa Homes is Colorado-licensed and locally operated, backed by E&M Roofing's 18 years of in-state experience. When we knock, we leave a card and a license number. There's no pressure to sign before any inspection, no deductible games, no cash demands.
Schedule a no-pressure inspectionWhat we actually do when we get there
No surprise upsells. No "while we're here, did you know your A/C is broken?" Just the inspection, in writing, with photos. You decide what happens next.
- 1
We arrive within 24–48 hours of your call
During storm season we batch inspections by neighborhood. Confirmed time slot. We don't show up "between 9 and 5."
- 2
Walk-around from the ground first
We start by checking elevations, gutters, downspouts, siding, A/C condenser fins, windows, and screens. Half of hail confirmation happens before we climb the roof.
- 3
On-roof inspection (actually on the roof)
Ladder up, walking the surface. We photograph every elevation: north, south, east, west. Hail damage isn't uniform. Sometimes only one slope is hit. Drone-only inspections miss soft hits. We touch the roof.
- 4
Attic check (when accessible)
We look at the underside of the decking for daylight, stains, soft spots, or active moisture. Sometimes damage is only visible from the inside.
- 5
Plain-language photographed report
Within 24 hours of the inspection: a PDF report with annotated photos, our assessment, and a clear "file a claim / don't file a claim" recommendation. We email it. You read it. No pressure.
- 6
If there's damage, we meet your adjuster on-site
You file the claim with your insurer. They send an adjuster. We meet that adjuster at your house, walk the roof together, and discuss scope. Two sets of eyes catch more damage than one, and supplements get easier when the contractor is in the room.
- 7
If there's no damage, you still get the report
The free inspection is the free inspection. If your roof is fine, we'll tell you it's fine, give you the photographed report for your records, and you go on with your day. No claim filed; no obligation; no follow-up calls.
From our family to yours.
COPA Homes is a family-run shop. Eli founded E&M Roofing nearly two decades ago with his wife Michele, and the family runs both businesses today from right here in the South Denver Metro.
When you call, a real person picks up. When we say we'll be there within 24 to 48 hours, we actually show up. We live here, our kids go to school here, and our reputation is the only thing we have. That's not a marketing line, it's how a local family business works.
Get your free storm inspection
Takes under a minute. We'll text you to confirm.
Colorado law protects you. Use it.
You can't waive your deductible
Colorado SB-38 and C.R.S. § 6-22-105(3) prohibit contractors from waiving, rebating, or "eating" your insurance deductible. Any contractor offering this is breaking state law.
You have 72 hours to cancel
Colorado law gives you 72 hours to cancel any roofing contract after signing, no penalty. You have additional rights if your insurer denies the claim the contract was based on.
Notice deadlines are short
Most Colorado carriers require notice of hail or wind damage within 12 months. Some are shorter. Don't wait. "We'll check it next year" costs people their claim rights every season.
The public-adjuster line
Colorado roofing contractors cannot legally negotiate or adjust your claim on your behalf. We document damage and discuss scope with adjusters; we don't negotiate the dollar amount.
Common questions after a storm
How long do I have to file a hail or wind damage claim in Colorado?
Most Colorado insurance carriers require notice within 12 months of the date of loss. Some are shorter. Report any suspected damage within 60 days to preserve your claim rights.
What's the difference between ACV and RCV on my claim?
ACV (Actual Cash Value) pays the depreciated value of your damaged roof or siding. RCV (Replacement Cost Value) pays what it costs to replace with new materials. The depreciation portion is held back until the work is completed. Most CO policies are RCV; we coordinate the depreciation release after install.
Will my insurance premiums go up if I file a hail claim?
Hail claims are generally treated as 'act of God' events and typically don't directly raise your premium the way at-fault claims do. Carriers may adjust rates based on broader claim activity in your area regardless. Talk to your agent for your specific policy.
What is supplementing and why does it matter?
A supplement is an additional claim you file with your insurer when the original scope misses damage discovered during the project. Code upgrades, hidden decking damage, or matched-material requirements are common supplements. We document everything photographically and file supplements properly. This is where many contractors leave money on the table for homeowners.
Can I waive my deductible? My friend's contractor offered to eat it.
No, and any contractor offering to 'eat your deductible' is breaking Colorado law. C.R.S. § 6-22-105(3) and SB-38 specifically prohibit contractors from waiving, rebating, or covering the insurance deductible. If you sign with someone offering this, you can be liable for insurance fraud.
What does the inspection actually involve?
Photographed inspection: on-roof walking, every elevation captured, siding impact marks documented, gutters and downspouts checked, windows examined for cracked glass. Plain-language report. We don't pressure you to file a claim if there isn't damage.
Do you adjust insurance claims on my behalf?
No. Colorado law (the public-adjuster line) prohibits contractors from acting as public adjusters. We document damage thoroughly, meet with your adjuster on-site, and discuss the scope. Negotiation and final claim approval is between you and your insurer.
How fast can you get out for an inspection?
Within 24–48 hours of your call during storm season. We batch storm inspections by neighborhood for efficiency, so the soonest available slot is usually within a day or two.
What if there's no damage? Do I still pay?
No. The inspection is free whether we find damage or not. If your roof is fine, we'll tell you, give you the photographed report for your records, and that's it. No claim filed, no obligation, no follow-up calls trying to upsell you.
A door-knocker said I have hail damage and offered to handle everything. Should I sign?
Sign nothing before an independent inspection, especially not a 'contingency contract,' which locks you into them as your roofer the moment your claim is approved. Plenty of legitimate local contractors knock on doors after storms (we do too). The red flag isn't the knock; it's pressure to sign on your porch. Take the card, get an inspection, then decide.
Do I have to file a claim?
No. The inspection is yours to do with as you want. If there's clear damage we'll recommend filing because Colorado carriers have notice deadlines (usually 12 months), but the call is always yours. We've inspected plenty of roofs where the homeowner chose not to file because the damage was cosmetic and the deductible wasn't worth it.
How do I know I'm not being upsold?
Because our report tells you the truth about your roof, not what'd make us the most money. Roofs that don't need replacement get told that. Roofs that need partial repair get partial-repair recommendations. We're not a sales-first shop. We'd rather earn your trust on a $400 repair and get your kitchen remodel in three years than push a $25K replacement you don't need.
What if my claim is denied?
Denials get reversed regularly when the original adjuster missed damage on rear elevations, steep slopes, or in the attic. We'll re-inspect with the photographed evidence and request a reinspection from your carrier. If that doesn't move it, you can escalate to a senior adjuster or hire a licensed public adjuster (who is, by Colorado law, the only person besides you who can negotiate the dollar amount of the claim).
How long does the whole process take, from inspection to new roof?
Typical timeline: Inspection within 24–48 hours of your call. Insurance claim filed Day 2. Adjuster on-site within 1–2 weeks. Carrier approval within 1–3 weeks after that. Materials ordered, install scheduled. Most projects from first call to new roof on the house run 4–8 weeks during normal season, 8–12 weeks during peak storm season when carriers and supply chains are backed up.
Do you use subcontractors?
For the install: we use vetted Colorado crews we've worked with for years. We're not a 'sign here, here's your hired-off-Craigslist crew' shop. For the inspection, scope, and customer-facing work: that's our team. You always have a direct phone number for someone on this project.
What warranty do I get?
Manufacturer's warranty on the materials (varies by shingle, usually 25-50 years on architectural shingles) plus our workmanship warranty on the install. We back our work for the long haul because we're not going anywhere. We live here, our families live here, and our reputation is built one Colorado roof at a time.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes. Call us and we'll share recent local project addresses you can drive by. We don't post fabricated 'before/after' galleries because real homeowners' addresses are private. If you want to see in-process work, we'll arrange it through current clients who've agreed to share.