How To Check Skylight Flashing After A Hail Storm

After a hail storm in Fort Collins, begin your skylight flashing check from the attic using a bright flashlight to spot dents or gaps in the metal, then move to a safe ground or ladder view of the exterior for displaced seals or cracks that signal potential water entry.

Attic Inspection Steps

Start in the attic during daylight hours when possible, scanning the area around each skylight for water stains or daylight peeking through the flashing edges. In Fort Collins homes built before 1990, especially those in Prospect Park or near Colorado State University, older flashing often shows hail dents as small as a dime that compromise the seal. Run your hand along the metal to feel for sharp creases or loose fasteners. Note any insulation that feels damp, as semi-arid conditions here can mask slow leaks until cold winter temperatures arrive. If you find gaps larger than 1/8 inch, document them with photos for reference. This interior view reveals damage that exterior checks might miss on steeper roofs common in Downtown neighborhoods.

Exterior Visual Checks

From the ground or a stable ladder, examine the flashing around skylights on south-facing slopes where hail often strikes hardest in Larimer County. Look for flattened or creased metal strips, missing sealant beads, or shingles pushed up against the skylight frame. Homes in Harmony or near Horsetooth Reservoir face more exposure to high winds that worsen hail dents, so check for any flashing lifted more than 1/4 inch. Compare the skylight area to undamaged sections on the same roof to identify changes. Avoid climbing during high winds common after storms. These checks take 10-15 minutes per skylight and help catch problems before they reach the interior.

Signs Specific to Local Weather

Fort Collins hail events frequently leave round dents 1/2 to 1 inch across in aluminum flashing, unlike the linear damage from tree branches. In neighborhoods like Old Town, where many roofs date to the 1970s, repeated small storms compound wear on sealant joints. Warm summer days followed by cold nights cause expansion that turns minor dents into leak paths. Check after any storm with pea-sized or larger hail reported near Loveland or Windsor. Pay extra attention to skylights installed 8-12 years ago, as their original flashing reaches the end of reliable service in this climate. These patterns differ from snow-related issues covered in our guide on winter damage.

When Professional Assessment Helps

If attic checks reveal stains or exterior dents appear near the skylight corners, schedule a skylight inspection rather than attempting repairs yourself. Technicians familiar with Larimer County roofs can test seal integrity without risking further damage. For flashing that shows multiple dents or displaced sections, skylight flashing repair often restores the system before leaks reach the ceiling. Homeowners in West Fort Collins or near Old Town Square benefit from same-day evaluations during peak hail season. This approach prevents escalation into full skylight replacement later.

Next Steps After Your Check

Record findings with dated photos and note the skylight locations relative to landmarks like Colorado State University. Reinspect after the next storm, as semi-arid summers bring sudden hail cells. If issues appear in multiple skylights, review our article on typical costs for skylight leak repair in northern Colorado to understand common repair scopes. Consistent checks protect homes across Fort Collins without unnecessary work.