Denver Hail and Frozen Pipes Checklist

By Ishaq Hassan. Updated October 3, 2026. 3 min read.

Short answer: Denver homes face two big risks: summer hail that damages roofs, siding and AC units, and winter cold snaps that freeze and burst pipes. Have the roof and AC checked after hail, photograph damage and call your insurer. Before winter, insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, keep the heat on when away and know where your main water valve is.

Colorado’s Front Range is one of the most hail prone regions in the country, and Denver winters bring sudden cold snaps. This checklist covers Denver hail damage in summer and frozen pipe protection in winter.

Hail season: spring and summer

Photograph hail stones with a coin for size after storms
Check from the ground for dented gutters, vents and siding
Look at the air conditioner fins for bending
Check the attic and ceilings for leaks
Call your insurer promptly, and be cautious of door to door roofers after storms

Illustration of a roof with missing shingles, cracked and curled shingles and hail marks — Missing, cracked or curled shingles let water reach the roof deck.

Read how to spot hail damage on a roof and how to choose a roofing contractor.

Winter: preventing frozen pipes

Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages and outside walls
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outside faucets before the first freeze
Keep the heat at least in the mid 50s Fahrenheit when you travel
Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls during cold snaps
Let a faucet drip on the coldest nights
Know where your main water shut off valve is

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If a pipe bursts, shut off the main water valve immediately, switch off power to wet areas if safe, and call a plumber and a water damage company.

Illustration of an attic with a water stain on the roof boards and a bucket catching drips — Stains and damp insulation in the attic are often the first sign of a roof leak.

Ice dams and roofs

Snow and cold can also cause ice dams along roof edges, leading to leaks near outside walls. Air sealing and attic insulation are the lasting fix. Read our guide to ice dams and frozen pipes.

Furnace and carbon monoxide safety

At Denver’s altitude, gas furnaces need the correct setup to burn safely. Have the furnace checked every fall and keep carbon monoxide alarms working. Read carbon monoxide safety.

Illustration of a house with a blue tarp over a damaged roof and a fallen tree branch — A tarp protects the home after storm damage until repairs can be made.

Local help in the Denver area

Illustration of a house with missing shingles, a blue tarp on the roof and hail falling — Storms can tear off shingles and let rain into the attic below.

Quick answers: denver hail damage

What should I do after hail in Denver?

Photograph damage from the ground, check the attic for leaks and call your insurer before signing with a roofer.

How do I prevent frozen pipes in Denver?

Insulate exposed pipes, disconnect hoses, keep the heat on when away and drip faucets on the coldest nights.

Does insurance cover hail damage in Colorado?

Often, yes, subject to your deductible. Report damage promptly.

Does altitude affect my furnace?

Yes. Gas furnaces at Denver’s altitude need the correct setup to burn safely.

Who repairs hail and freeze damage in Denver?

Sifixit can connect you with local roofing, HVAC and water damage providers.

This guide covered denver hail damage. For more background, see Ready.gov’s severe weather advice, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

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