Can Hailstorms in Parker Damage Aluminum Garage Doors?

Living in Parker, Colorado, comes with unique weather challenges. One of the most pressing concerns for homeowners is hail damage, especially to aluminum garage doors. Parker sits in the Front Range’s “Hail Alley,” an area known for frequent hailstorms.

While the exact frequency varies, Parker experiences several hail events each year, particularly between April and September. The intense storms in the region pose a significant threat to garage doors, often causing substantial damage.

At Select Garage Doors, we understand the risks and are here to help protect your home from the impacts of severe weather. If you’re concerned about recent storms or want peace of mind, contact us today for a professional inspection and consultation.

Key Takeaways

• Parker, Colorado, is in “Hail Alley,” making aluminum garage doors particularly vulnerable to hail damage. Aluminum doors dent easily and do not return to their original shape after impact, unlike steel doors.
• Hail damage often shows as visible dents in a “constellation pattern.” However, hail can also cause hidden damage, such as misalignment of tracks, strain on openers, and misalignment of safety sensors.
• Hail damage is typically covered under homeowners’ insurance policies, but cosmetic damage exclusions and depreciation for older aluminum doors can impact claims. Timely documentation and claim filing are essential for a smooth insurance process.
• Aluminum doors are difficult to repair, especially when dents compromise structural integrity. Replacing the door with modern, durable, and energy-efficient models is often the better choice, offering long-term benefits.
• After a hailstorm, it is critical to schedule a professional inspection. Inspectors use detailed protocols to assess both visible and hidden damage, ensuring you get an accurate evaluation of the door’s condition.
• Promptly document the damage with photos and videos, report it to insurance, schedule a professional inspection, and secure the door if necessary. Keeping thorough records will support your insurance claim.

Why Aluminum Garage Doors Are at Risk

Aluminum garage doors have a few characteristics that make them more likely to dent compared to steel doors. Unlike steel, which can undergo elastic deformation (returning to its original shape after impact), aluminum tends to deform permanently when struck by hail. 

The typical aluminum garage door panels in residential homes are between 0.019 and 0.024 inches thick, which provides some protection but not enough to prevent damage from larger hailstones. Parker’s elevation, nearly 5,900 feet above sea level, contributes to more severe hail impacts.

Since hail has less time to melt before hitting the ground, it often arrives with more force than in lower elevations. This is why aluminum doors in Parker can experience more severe damage compared to those in nearby areas at lower elevations.

How to Spot and Assess Hail Damage

Visible Signs

The most common indicator of hail damage is visible denting. Hailstones create round or oval-shaped marks, which professionals refer to as a “constellation pattern.” 

The third and fourth panels from the bottom of a garage door usually take the hardest hits, as hailstones tend to deflect off driveways, striking the door at an angle.

Lighter-colored aluminum doors can make it harder to see smaller dents. To fully assess the damage, professional inspectors often use LED raking lights, which help reveal smaller cracks or stress fractures that aren’t visible under normal daylight.

Hidden Issues

In addition to surface dents, hail can cause structural damage that affects how the door operates.

For example:

• Tracks can shift out of alignment when energy from hail impacts is transferred to the door’s roller stems and track systems. Even small misalignments (as little as 1/8 inch) can cause binding and rapid wear on rollers.
• Garage door openers often work harder when aluminum panels are damaged, causing strain that can lead to motor failure or drive gear issues after a few months.
• Safety sensors may misalign if the panels warp, leading to unexpected door reversals or malfunctioning photo-eye sensors, which is a safety risk.

Insurance Coverage and Claim Requirements

Hail damage is typically covered under standard homeowners’ insurance policies in Colorado, but there are some nuances to be aware of. Cosmetic damage exclusions are becoming more common, meaning damage that affects the appearance but not the functionality of the door may not be covered.

Additionally, insurance companies often apply depreciation to aluminum doors, particularly older models, which could limit your compensation.

To ensure a smooth insurance claim, it’s essential to provide thorough documentation:

• High-resolution photos taken from multiple angles with timestamps
• Detailed notes showing the size, depth, and location of the damage
• Video footage of operational issues like door binding or misalignment
• Professional assessment reports linking visible damage to functional problems
• Weather reports confirming the date, time, and severity of the storm

It’s also critical to file your claim as soon as possible. Colorado law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 10 working days and make a determination within 30 days from the date of filing. 

Evidence suggests that claims filed within 48 hours of a storm tend to have more favorable outcomes than delayed submissions.

Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

Repair Limitations

Unlike steel doors, aluminum does not return to its original shape once it’s dented. Therefore, repairs often don’t restore the door to its previous strength or appearance. 

Additionally, it can be challenging to match replacement panels, especially for doors older than five years. This makes repair impractical in many cases. Over time, repeated hailstorms can lead to metal fatigue, further compromising the door’s structural integrity.

Replacement Benefits

Modern aluminum doors have come a long way in terms of durability and energy efficiency.

Features of newer models include:

• Polyurethane foam insulation with R-values of 16+, compared to older models that typically offer R-values of only 4–8.
• Reinforced panels designed to distribute impact more effectively.
• Improved aluminum alloys that are more resistant to hail damage.
• Enhanced backing systems that help reduce localized damage from hail.

Moreover, replacing your door with a more energy-efficient model can help offset long-term costs, especially given Parker’s temperature extremes, which range from below freezing in winter to over 95°F in summer.

Professional Assessment Protocols

When you schedule an inspection after a hailstorm, qualified professionals use systematic protocols to assess both visible and hidden damage.

Here’s what they’ll do:

• Environmental Context: They’ll document the surrounding area’s damage to establish the size and intensity of the storm.
• Grid-pattern Inspection: Inspectors use precision depth gauges to measure dents and identify structural compromises.
• Operational Testing: The door will be cycled to identify any unusual sounds or resistance that could indicate deeper issues.
• Track Alignment: Using digital levels, they’ll check the alignment against the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Safety System Evaluation: This includes testing sensor alignment and examining force reversal settings to ensure the door’s safety mechanisms are working properly.

By following these steps, inspectors can provide you with a comprehensive damage report to help you make informed decisions.

Action Steps After a Hailstorm

If your aluminum garage door has been struck by hail, follow these steps:

1. Document immediately: Take photos and videos within 24 hours, capturing damage from different angles and lighting conditions.
2. Contact insurance: Report the damage within 24 hours to ensure your claim rights are preserved.
3. Schedule an inspection: Arrange for a professional assessment within 48–72 hours for optimal documentation.
4. Secure the door: If necessary, temporarily secure the door to prevent further damage but avoid making permanent repairs until the assessment is complete.
5. Keep detailed records: Save all documentation, including photos, videos, assessment reports, and communications with your insurance carrier.

Protecting Your Home With Expert Help

Aluminum garage doors in Parker are at high risk of hail damage, especially due to the region’s unique meteorological and geographic conditions. By understanding the causes of hail damage, how to assess it, and when to replace your door, you can protect your home from future damage and make an informed decision about your property.

At Select Garage Doors, we specialize in providing expert hail damage assessments, repair recommendations, and professional door replacements. Whether you need a thorough inspection or guidance on dealing with your insurance claim, we’re here to help.

Call us today to schedule your consultation.