More hail possible Wednesday could add to existing roof damage; lead to more repairs, replacements in Colorado Springs area

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - As dark clouds brought the threat of more hailstorms Wednesday, many homeowners have just recently had roofs replaced -- or still await replacement -- from previous hailstorms this spring and summer.

Roofing companies are so busy that they're booked weeks in advance, and the demand for their services could reduce the supply of building materials.

One company -- MD Roofing, in Colorado Springs -- recommends that you hire a local, professional, licensed firm to inspect your roof for hail damage; some companies -- but not all -- offer free inspections.

But, Dan Moser -- of MD Roofing -- said that you can also inspect your own roof, if you know what to look for; however, he adds that a homeowner's visual inspection doesn't always reveal every problem that a roof may have.

"Some people look for the small black grains that get knocked from commonly-used asphalt roof tiles during a hailstorm," he explained. "But some of that loss is normal during a storm. What you should look for are signs of damage such as broken branches, a lot of leaves, and dents on soft metals you'd find on cars, gutters or barbecue grills. If you have a lot of that, you probably have roof damage and should call a professional."

Some homeowners are choosing to pay a bit more to have high-impact roofing shingles installed, which offer more protection than asphalt shingles.

Walt McGaw plans to do that after becoming one of many homeowners in his northeast side neighborhood to need a roof replacement for the second or third time since the homes were built in 1996.

"My roof repairman came out in two days," he said. "It'll maybe take a week to get started and a week to finish. We haven't had baseball-size hail or anything like that, but it's been large enough to cause considerable damage. The replacement will cost around $22,000 and I'll have to pay a $2,500 deductible.