The hail was pounding on our roof.

I looked at my wife, "Homeowner's covers this right?"

"Yeah," she said, "but how are we going to cover the hole up tonight if one of those skylights breaks?"

I couldn't believe the noise. It had to be louder than baseballs. There was a thud for the big ones that hit the shingles. It was more like a rap when the hail hit the skylights.

My roof is like my brakes -- I take it for granted when it's not being tested. As that hail storm brought enough power to strip trees of their leaves, pummel lush vegetable garden plants into scarred stalks, I stood their under my roof, wondering if it was in good enough shape to handle the 30-minute micro-burst. There were some hail stones that hit the glass of the skylight, and I was truly shocked to see it stay intact.

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The next day, the debris was everywhere. The heavy damage struck with a bit of randomness. Our cars didn't have any broken windows, but others weren't so lucky. One of our plastic chairs had one big hole in it.

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I still haven't been up on my roof to have a look at it yet. From the ground, it looks okay. But I know what they say, "Good from afar, far from good." I really just want to forget about it. Plus, once I get up there, I don't know what I'm looking for. I mean, yeah, I know to look for holes, but what about wear? I don't know what can or can't be repaired, or when it is time for a new roof.

It puts me in the same position I'm in when I have to get my car fixed. I don't know when I need what, so I'm at the mercy of the mechanic. I have to be able to trust my mechanic, and the same is probably true for any roofing inspection or replacement company.

According to Northern Colorado roofing company Denali Roofing, there are a handful of very specific things that need to be looked for when inspecting a roof for damage. It is important to check for granular loss deposits at the bottom of down spouts and to look for for missing shingles that may have come off in the wind. Checking for hit spots from hail in siding and fences is important as well.

This blog is sponsored by Denali Roofing, a family owned and operated roofing company based in Loveland that serves Northern Colorado, Wyoming and Eastern Nebraska. For more information call 970-660-4417 or visit denaliroofs.com.

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