380,066 – that’s how many Colorado homeowners filed hail loss claims in two years, making it the second highest state for hail loss claims in the nation. As of 2024, it remains ranked in the top five states for hail loss claims nationwide. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a whopping 400 severe storms produced hail one inch or larger in diameter! Colorado is also ranked among the top three states with the most hailstorms according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL).
Homeowners in the Centennial State must have quality gutter systems installed on their homes that can withstand severe weather, including hailstorms. Unfortunately, not every home has a high-quality gutter system or one that has sustained storm damage from previous severe weather events. If you need new gutter guards installed to protect against severe weather, or you’re concerned that your current gutters aren’t able to handle severe weather, continue reading. We’ll explain the impact of hail on a gutter system in Colorado and give some tips for inspection and repair strategies.
Understanding Hail Size
Hail varies in size from small to large, yet most can damage your gutter system. Hail sizes are described as follows (measurements for hail diameter):
- Pea (¼”)
- Penny (¾ inch)
- Quarter (1”)
- Golf ball (1 ¾)
- Tennis ball (2 ½)
- Baseball (2 ¾)
Though rare, there have been record-sized hailstones from other states greater than 4”, yet the above are the most commonly reported-sized hailstones. Aside from the size of the hailstone, other factors that determine whether it’ll damage your gutters and the rest of your home depend on the speed it travels, winds, and the gutter material and condition of your existing gutters.
How Hail Damages Gutter Systems
Hail is responsible for damaging hundreds of thousands of gutter systems annually, and those are just the ones that filed insurance claims. Some homeowners don’t realize their gutter systems are damaged until they notice something is wrong, such as a basement leak, foundation damage, landscaping damage, water inside the home, or other issues. Below are some ways hail can damage your gutter system:
Dents
While some dents are cosmetic nuisances, others affect your gutter’s performance. Large and numerous dents can impact how water flows through the gutters, potentially impeding water flow or reducing the amount of water that can flow through the system. This can cause water damage to your roof, basement, or other parts of your home.
Breaks
Depending on the size of the hailstone and the type of gutter material, it can damage components of a gutter system. Systems made from vinyl or low-quality aluminum can loosen, detach, or develop cracks during hailstorms. A broken gutter system won’t work optimally, often causing water to pour out of the gutters or leak, ultimately resulting in water damage due to faulty gutters.
Bends
A large hailstone has the potential to bend or dislodge a gutter system, completely changing how your gutter system functions. A gutter system with an incorrect bend can cause water to seep under roof shingles or trickle down the siding, resulting in significant water damage or wood rot. A bent gutter system can also damage other components, like the soffit or fascia.
Holes
Some gutter systems, whether vinyl or other low-quality gutter material, can develop holes as hail chips away at the material. Holes in gutters allow water to escape the inside of the gutter, causing leaks and trickling water. Your basement, foundation, siding, landscaping, and other home components are at risk of water damage, mold growth, or pest infestations if not repaired or replaced immediately.
Inspection & Repair Strategies for Hail Damage
It’s crucial to inspect your gutter system following a hailstorm to ensure any damage is reported and repaired before it can cause extreme damage. Below are some inspection and repair strategies for hail damage so you can catch and fix it before it causes extreme water damage:
- Following a hailstorm, inspect your gutters from the ground by searching for cracks, holes, bends, or dents.
- If you feel comfortable, use a tall ladder to inspect the inside of the gutter for damage that might not be seen from ground level.
- Check the downspouts for damage.
- If you have sectional gutters, check for loose seams or splits.
- Contact your home insurance company to have them assess the damage.
If anything looks damaged or even if you’re unsure, it’s best to contact your home insurance company to file a claim or assess possible damage. K-Guard Rocky Mountains is also happy to provide all first-time customers a free estimate for installing our K-Guard Gutters, which includes a detailed analysis of your current system. We’ll let you know if we spot any hail damage or signs of wear and tear that are putting your home at risk of water damage.
Get Peace of Mind and Install K-Guard, a Complete Gutter System with a Lifetime Warranty
K-Guard is a complete system with multiple components that work together to protect your home from drainage issues. Our heavy-duty aluminum resists corrosion, dents, and chips, even during hailstorms. Our gutter system is so durable that we offer a lifetime no pull-away warranty, ensuring it’ll withstand all weather conditions, which is crucial with Colorado’s unpredictable and varying weather patterns.
Our gutter covers are also seamless, eliminating the risk of leaks or loose sections like homeowners often have with sectional or traditional gutter systems. K-Guard is custom-made during your K-Guard Gutter installation service to ensure it’s the proper fit. We run our heavy-duty aluminum through our rolling machine, which slowly bends our flat coil stock. We also measure and cut every piece on-site to ensure an exact fit. We offer many color options, making it easy to customize your K-Guard Gutters, from earthy neutrals to cool-toned blues, you’re sure to find a perfect color that complements or boldly accents your home.
Contact K-Guard Rocky Mountains today for a free estimate, a detailed analysis of your current gutter system, and estimated costs for installing K-Guard on your home. We look forward to helping you with your gutter replacement!
