Pikes Peak area sees massive increase in re-roofing permits after last summer’s hailstorms

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Did you need a new roof or repairs from last year’s Pikes Peak area hailstorms? You are not alone!

The Pikes Peak Regional Building issued over 17,000 re-roofing permits, with the majority of those in the second half of 2023. That is a 179% increase over 2022, when the area did not have any major hailstorms. The blue dots, pictured below, represent a re-roof permit in 2023.

The Regional Building reports the biggest concentration of re-roofing permits was in the Briargate area, west of Powers and south of Research Parkway.

“It was all over. Insurance usually looks for ten hits in what they call a ‘test square’ so 10 by 10 foot area, and the Briargate area, over by Cottonwood Park, I mean, it was 200+ hits in a test square. It was just hail on top of hail,” said Operations Manager at Empire Roofing and Restoration Keigan Horrigan.

“Last year was busy. It ranged from pea size hail, all the way up to 2-2.5 inch hail, so it was pretty damaging,” said Horrigan. “Before last year, we had a couple years where it was just really slow. But, we also do interior work and remodels, things like that, so that kind of got us through the time.”

Roofing experts have some tips for homeowners to prepare for the rain and hail seasons. First, get a trustworthy roofer out to your property prior to filing a claim.

“You don’t want to file a claim if there is no damage... just goes against your insurance, raises your rates for no reason. A professional roofer will come out and inspect your roof and do some test squares on it, and tell you yes, go ahead and file the claim, or if there is not a substantial amount of damage, we can still provide an estimate,” said Horrigan.

An inspection can make sure if there is any maintenance needed. Also, make sure to clear gutters of debris, so your spouts carry water away from your home.

“It is an investment, and nobody wants a leak coming into their house, because then you’re having to do drywall and all that kind of stuff,” said Horrigan. “We have people call us for spring, and then they call us for the fall season before winter hits just to make sure your stuff is nice and tight.”

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