When a powerful Colorado storm rolls through, bringing heavy snow, intense winds, pounding hail, or torrential rain, it doesn’t just leave puddles and downed tree limbs in its wake. It can also wreak serious havoc on your roof. But not all damage is easy to spot right away, and not all of it is covered by insurance.
So what is considered roof storm damage? And how can you tell if your commercial property is affected? In this guide, we break down what counts as storm damage, what signs to look for, and when to call in a professional roofer for a proper inspection.
Understanding Storm Damage
Storm damage refers to any impairment to your roofing system caused by severe weather events. In Colorado, especially in the high country, this typically includes wind, hail, snow, ice, and flying debris. The impact might be sudden and dramatic, or it might be subtle at first but worsen over time.
For building owners and facility managers, the problem is two-fold:
- Some damage can compromise the structure or waterproofing immediately.
- Other issues may not show up until months later, after causing leaks, mold, or insulation failure.
Let’s look at the types of storm damage most common in the Colorado Rockies.
1. Wind Damage
High winds, especially those from thunderstorms or snow squalls, can loosen, lift, or tear away sections of your roof.
Signs of wind damage include:
- Lifted or missing metal roof panels
- Bent or damaged flashing around vents, skylights, or HVAC units
- Debris that has impacted the roof surface
- Gaps or seams opening up on flat or membrane roofs
In some cases, strong winds may not rip materials away, but they can still break the seal and reduce the waterproofing integrity of your roof. These weak points can lead to water infiltration during the next rain or snowmelt.
2. Hail Damage
Hail is a notorious culprit in Colorado roof damage — especially in the Front Range and mountain towns like Winter Park, Fraser, and Grand Lake. Even small hail can cause serious problems for certain commercial roofing materials.
Hail damage might look like:
- Dents in metal panels or flashing
- Punctures or splits in single-ply membrane roofs (TPO, EPDM, etc.)
- Granule loss on any remaining asphalt surfaces
- Cracked skylights or rooftop equipment
Hail damage can be especially tricky because the roof may appear fine from the ground. That’s why we always recommend a professional roof inspection after a hailstorm.
3. Water Damage from Heavy Rain or Snowmelt
Storms often bring significant rainfall or rapid snowmelt, which can overwhelm drainage systems on commercial buildings. Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable.
Watch for:
- Ponding water that doesn’t drain within 48 hours
- Soft spots or bubbling in membrane roofing
- Stains on ceiling tiles or upper floors
- Water running down interior walls
Water infiltration is more than an inconvenience. If left unaddressed, it can lead to mold, equipment damage, and structural weakening.
4. Ice Dams and Snow Load
In Colorado’s high-altitude towns, snow accumulation and ice dams are a constant threat in winter. When snow melts and refreezes at roof edges, it creates ice dams that block drainage and force water back under the roofing material.
Signs of storm-related snow damage:
- Ice buildup along eaves or roof edges
- Leaks after snowstorms or freeze/thaw cycles
- Roof sagging under the weight of accumulated snow
- Cracked or damaged parapet walls
Snow-related damage is slow-building but costly and one of the most overlooked issues for commercial buildings in mountainous regions.
5. Impact Damage from Flying Debris
During windstorms, nearby trees, signage, or even construction materials can become airborne. When those items land on your roof, they can cause everything from minor dents to major structural damage.
Indicators include:
- Visible dents or punctures in roof materials
- Broken rooftop equipment or HVAC systems
- Displaced ballast or gravel on built-up roofs
- Torn seams or loose flashing
If you notice debris around your property after a storm, there’s a good chance your roof took a hit, even if you can’t see damage from the ground.
Why It Matters: Insurance and Safety
One key reason to identify storm damage quickly is insurance coverage. Many policies require you to file claims promptly after the event. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove the storm caused the damage, especially if issues worsen over time.
Additionally, undetected roof damage can lead to expensive repairs later, not just to your roofing system, but to your insulation, electrical, HVAC systems, and interior finishes.
A professional post-storm inspection ensures:
- Accurate documentation of any storm damage
- Early detection of problems before they escalate
- Compliance with insurance timelines and requirements
- Peace of mind that your building is still protected
What to Do After a Storm
- Walk around your building (safely) and take photos of any visible issues like downed limbs, missing panels, or standing water.
- Call a local commercial roofing expert like Integrity Pro Roofing to perform a thorough inspection, ideally within 72 hours of the storm.
- Don’t attempt roof repairs yourself, especially on commercial properties. Improper patching or walking on unstable surfaces can be dangerous.
- Document everything, including before-and-after photos, invoices, and correspondence with your roofer and insurance provider.
Schedule Your Storm Damage Inspection in Colorado
At Integrity Pro Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of commercial clients across Winter Park, Fraser, and the Colorado Rockies recover from roof storm damage quickly and affordably. Whether you manage a retail plaza, condo complex, or industrial site, our team knows how to spot hidden problems and recommend the most effective fix.
We offer:
- Complimentary Digital Roof Analysis & Report
- Fast response after storms
- Honest, pressure-free recommendations
- Support with insurance claims (if applicable)
Not All Roof Damage Is Obvious
Just because your building isn’t leaking today doesn’t mean your roof is in the clear. Storm damage often takes time to reveal itself. By then, the fix may be more expensive than necessary.
If you’ve experienced high winds, hail, or heavy snow in your area recently, don’t wait. Schedule a free roof inspection today with Integrity Pro Roofing and protect your property from hidden storm damage.
