Equipment to check after hail
| Equipment | What hail usually does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| AC condenser | Flattens the thin aluminum fins on the coil; dents the cabinet | Fins folded over across large areas, especially on the top and storm-facing side |
| Evaporative cooler on the roof | Dents housing, cracks panels, damages pads | Leaks onto the roof, water where it should not be |
| Solar panels | Usually withstand hail but can crack glass or damage frames and wiring | Visible cracks, changes in production on the monitoring app |
| Roof vents and turbines | Dents or punctures in metal caps | Holes, crushed louvers, turbines that no longer spin |
| Skylights | Cracked domes or glass | Cracks and wet ceiling below |
| Satellite dishes and antennas | Dents and shifted mounts | Fastener holes that may now leak |
Why equipment damage gets overlooked
Condenser fins are thin aluminum, and hail can flatten a large share of them in a single storm. Mild fin damage is common and may be straightened with a fin comb. Severe flattening restricts airflow across the coil, which can make the system run longer and work harder through a Colorado Springs summer. Adjusters often distinguish between cosmetic dents on the cabinet and fin damage that affects performance.
Many older homes on the west side and south end of town still use evaporative coolers. A rooftop cooler that was damaged by hail can leak onto the roof deck for weeks before anyone notices, so check it as part of the roof inspection.
Solar panels are generally built to handle a certain hail size, and many survive storms that ruin shingles around them. The roof under the panels is another story. If the roof needs replacement, the array usually has to be removed and reinstalled, which adds time and coordination. Ask early whether the claim includes detach and reset of the array.
Vents, flashing and caps often show the clearest hail marks on the property. Even when they are not leaking, they are evidence of storm size and direction, and they belong in the photo record.
Questions to ask the right people
- HVAC technician: Is this fin damage affecting performance, or is it mostly cosmetic?
- Solar installer: Did production change after the storm, and does the array need to come off for the roof work?
- Adjuster: Does the estimate include detach and reset of the solar array and any rooftop equipment?
- Roofer: Who is responsible for disconnecting and reconnecting the cooler, vents and dish during replacement?
- Lender or solar lease company: Do they need notice before panels are removed?
General information for Colorado Springs, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.