2.75 Inch Hail Hit Simla — Here Is What That Means for Your Elbert County Roof

If your home has hail damage, Elbert County roof owners need to act fast. On June 8, 2026, Simla recorded 2.75 inch hail — the single largest hail report anywhere in Colorado that day. To put that in perspective, quarter-size hail at one inch is enough to damage an asphalt shingle roof. Specifically, 2.75 inch hail does not just damage a roof — it can destroy one entirely in a single storm. The National Weather Service in Boulder also issued tornado warnings for both northwestern and eastern Elbert County, with wind gusts up to 75 mph recorded across the area.

This was not a routine thunderstorm. In fact, it was a triple threat — hail, tornadoes, and destructive winds all hitting the same area within hours. Elizabeth, Simla, Kiowa, Elbert, Matheson, and surrounding communities were all directly in the storm’s path. Specifically, northwestern Elbert County received a severe thunderstorm warning as early as 3:57 p.m., with a second tornado warning issued for eastern Elbert County near Limon at 5:58 p.m.

Our team at Rock Canyon Roofing serves Elbert County and the surrounding communities. Consequently, we have been on roofs since early this morning. What we are finding confirms major, widespread damage — and most homeowners have no idea yet.

Why Elbert County Gets Hit So Hard by Severe Storms

Not surprisingly, Elbert County is one of the most storm-exposed counties in Colorado. It sits on the eastern edge of the Front Range, where flat, open terrain meets the collision zone of warm air from the Eastern Plains and cold air pushing down from the Rockies. That collision creates powerful updrafts. Those updrafts fuel hailstones, tornadoes, and wind events that are among the strongest in the state.

In other words, Elbert County is not just in Colorado’s hail corridor — it is also in Colorado’s tornado corridor. Communities like Elizabeth, Simla, and Kiowa sit at elevations that make them especially exposed to rotating storms that develop east of I-25. Year after year, Elbert County appears on the National Weather Service’s list of most-impacted Colorado counties for severe weather events. Because of this, homeowners here need a roofing contractor who understands the specific damage patterns that hail, wind, and tornadoes produce on Colorado roofs.

Simla Took the Worst Hit — 2.75 Inches Is Large Enough to Destroy a Roof

Baseball-sized hailstones collected in Kiowa, Elbert County on June 8, 2026 — hail this size is large enough to destroy a roof in a single storm. If your Elbert County home was hit, call Rock Canyon Roofing for a free inspection.

When it comes to hail damage, Elbert County roof owners in Simla need to pay special attention. Simla recorded the largest hail in the entire state of Colorado on June 8, 2026. At 2.75 inches, those hailstones were larger than a baseball. Quarter-size hail at one inch is enough to damage an asphalt shingle roof. At 2.75 inches, the force of each impact is exponentially greater. In fact, a single storm of this intensity is large enough to destroy a roof completely — not just damage it.

Specifically, hailstones of this size impact roofs with tremendous force. Each strike punches through the granule layer of a shingle, exposing the asphalt mat underneath. In most cases, a single storm of this intensity qualifies a roof for full replacement under a standard homeowner’s insurance policy. However, that replacement only happens if the damage is properly documented before your insurer sends an adjuster.

If your home is in Simla or the surrounding area, your roof almost certainly took significant damage on June 8. Moreover, because Simla is a smaller rural community, out-of-state storm chasers are already moving through the area looking for homeowners to sign quickly. Do not let that happen. Instead, call a licensed local contractor who will fight for you with your insurance company and make sure every inch of damage is captured on your claim.

Rock Canyon Roofing serves Simla and all of Elbert County. Our team is HAAG-certified and trained specifically to document the type of severe impact damage that 2.75-inch hail produces. We know exactly how to present that damage to your adjuster so nothing gets missed. Book your free Simla roof inspection today.

“Elbert County homeowners face some of the most complex storm damage claims in Colorado. Hail, wind, and tornado damage all leave different marks on a roof. You need a contractor who knows the difference — and knows how to document each one for your insurance adjuster.”

— Tiffany Hughes, Co-Owner, Rock Canyon Roofing

Three Types of Damage Your Elbert County Roof May Have Right Now

Yesterday’s storm was unusual because it produced three distinct types of damage at once. Moreover, each type affects your roof differently. Here is what to understand about each one before you call your insurer.

How to Spot Storm Damage on Your Elbert County Roof

After a storm like yesterday’s, it is important to know what to look for before your insurance adjuster arrives. Therefore, here is what to check from ground level — and when to stop and call a professional.

From the ground, look for these signs of hail damage, Elbert County roof owners:

1. Circular dark spots or bruising on shingles — these are hail impact marks where granules have been knocked loose
2. Granules collecting in your gutters or at the base of your downspouts after the storm
3. Dents on metal gutters, vents, flashing, or HVAC components — if metal is dented, your shingles took the same force
4. Lifted, curled, or missing shingles — a sign of wind damage that exposes your roof deck
5. Cracked, chipped, or broken skylights or roof penetrations
6. Ceiling stains, water spots, or active leaks inside your home — these indicate the roof has already been breached
7. Tree branches or debris resting on the roof — even small debris contact can crack shingles

Your Step-by-Step Insurance Claim Guide for Elbert County Homeowners

We have written a full guide on how to file an insurance claim on a weather damaged roof. Here is the exact process we walk every Elbert County homeowner through after a major storm event:

1. Document the storm date immediately. First and foremost, the June 8, 2026 storm is confirmed and on record with the National Weather Service. Specifically, tornado warnings were issued for both northwestern and eastern Elbert County. Save this date and keep a copy of this article as part of your claim file.
2. Get a professional inspection before calling your insurer. Second, your inspection report is your strongest evidence. A trusted local contractor like Rock Canyon Roofing will document all damage with photos and a written report. In fact, do not call your insurer first — if you do, you let them set the narrative before your damage is fully documented.
3. File your claim with your homeowner’s insurance. Once you have your report in hand, contact your insurance company. Most Colorado homeowner policies cover hail, wind, and tornado damage. Still have questions about your rights? The Colorado Division of Insurance has free resources to help.
4. Have your contractor present at the adjuster appointment. However, this step is critical and often skipped. Having a roofer there with your adjuster makes a big difference. That way, all damage gets found and noted — not just what the adjuster sees on their own.
5. Choose a local, licensed Colorado contractor. Finally, verify any contractor’s license through the Colorado DORA licensing portal before signing anything. Out-of-state storm chasers are already heading to Elbert County. Do not let them pressure you.

What Makes Elbert County Storm Damage Claims Different

Above all, one thing sets yesterday’s Elbert County storm apart from a typical hail event. Most roof insurance claims involve one type of damage. This storm produced three at the same time — hail, straight-line winds, and tornado-force rotation. Each type of damage is documented differently on an insurance scope. Moreover, adjusters often miss the overlap.

For example, a shingle that was lifted by wind and then struck by hail shows combined damage. Likewise, a roof section that experienced tornado-force suction may have structural deck damage that goes beyond what standard hail documentation captures. This is why having a knowledgeable local contractor present at your adjuster appointment is so important in Elbert County after a storm like this one.

Additionally, many Elbert County properties include outbuildings, barns, shops, and detached garages. Do not forget to document damage to every structure on your property. Your policy may cover them all.

How to Protect Yourself From Storm Chasers in Elbert County

After a major tornado and hail event, out-of-state storm chasers move fast. Rural counties like Elbert are a prime target. They know that homeowners in smaller communities are less likely to have a go-to local contractor already in mind. As a result, they move quickly and push for fast signatures.

Never sign anything at your door. Here is how to protect yourself:

1. Ask for a Colorado contractor license number and verify it at Colorado DORA before any work begins
2. Check Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau of Denver for any company you consider
3. Never sign an Assignment of Benefits form — this hands your insurance rights to the contractor
4. Get at least two estimates from established local companies before deciding
5. A trustworthy contractor will educate you, not pressure you

Rock Canyon Roofing is rooted in Colorado. As your neighbors, we were here long before this storm. Moreover, we will be here long after it passes — and we stand behind every roof we put on.

Why Elbert County Homeowners Choose Rock Canyon Roofing

We didn’t build Rock Canyon Roofing by chasing storms. Instead, we built it by showing up with honesty, doing quality work, and making sure every homeowner walks away feeling confident — not confused.

We have 30+ years of combined contractor experience. That means we know the full roofing and claims process start to finish. We are also HAAG certified, so we document your roof exactly the way adjusters need to see it. Should your roof need replacing, ask us about our Class 4 impact-resistant shingles — built to withstand Colorado’s most extreme weather conditions.

Our team is local and licensed. We are ready to inspect your Elbert County home this week. Request your free inspection today. We will give you an honest picture of what yesterday’s storm did to your roof.

Frequently Asked Questions — Elbert County Hail, Wind and Tornado Damage

Have more questions? If so, visit our full Roofing FAQ page for answers to everything homeowners ask us about hail damage, insurance claims, and roof replacement in Colorado.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover tornado and wind damage in Elbert County?

Yes — most standard Colorado homeowner policies cover hail, wind, and tornado damage. You will owe your deductible. The rest of an approved claim should be covered. Review your policy carefully or call Rock Canyon Roofing and we will help you understand your coverage before you file.

The June 8 storm produced hail, wind, and a tornado. Does that affect my claim?

It can, yes. Although each damage type is covered, they must be documented separately on your insurance scope. In most cases, having a HAAG-certified contractor present at your adjuster appointment ensures all three types of damage are properly identified and recorded.

How long do I have to file a storm damage claim in Colorado?

In most cases, Colorado homeowner policies require claims to be filed within one year of the damage event. However, that varies by insurer. Don’t wait. Acting fast protects your claim and stops hidden water damage from getting worse.

My roof looks fine from the ground. Do I still need an inspection?

Absolutely. Although your roof may look fine, hail damage to asphalt shingles is nearly impossible to see from ground level. The damage occurs at the granule layer. Once those granules are gone, your roof loses its UV protection and waterproofing. Moreover, it gets worse with every rain and sun cycle that follows.

What Elbert County communities does Rock Canyon Roofing serve?

Our service area includes Elizabeth, Simla, Kiowa, Elbert, Matheson, Franktown, Deer Trail, and surrounding Elbert County communities. See our full service area →