Hail in Johnstown is not a maybe, it is a when. If you have been hit before or you are planning ahead, the next big question is simple: what roof should you install next to protect your home and your budget. You want durability, fair pricing, and fewer surprises with insurance. In this guide, you will learn which materials make sense here, how to handle permits, and what to ask your insurer before you sign a contract. Let’s dive in.
Johnstown hail risk
Johnstown sits in a high hail corridor in northeastern Colorado. Local tracking shows repeated radar-detected and reported large hail in recent years, including golf ball size and larger near town. You can see recent activity on this local hail map and verify historic events in the NOAA/NCEI Storm Events database. For you, that means impact resistance, sound installation, and smart insurance terms matter.
What impact ratings mean
Roofing products advertise “impact resistant,” but standards vary. The most common lab test is UL 2218, which assigns Class 1 to 4. Class 4 is the highest rating in this test and means the material withstood a 2 inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking or failing. You can review how Class 4 is defined in this manufacturer overview of UL 2218 impact ratings.
IBHS, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, goes further. Their hail research shows that some products labeled impact resistant perform differently in the field, so they recommend details from their FORTIFIED Roof standard and Hail Supplement, which focus on the whole system, not just the shingle. Explore the IBHS guidance here: IBHS hail research and FORTIFIED.
Roof material options
Class 4 asphalt shingles
- Performance: Many architectural shingles carry UL 2218 Class 4 ratings and hold up well in simulated hail.
- Pros: Lower cost than metal or tile, familiar look, typical service life of 20 to 30 years if not storm damaged.
- Cons: Very large hail can still cause cosmetic bruising or granule loss, which some insurers treat differently.
- Cost: Typical installed ranges in Colorado run about 4 to 11 dollars per square foot, with many full replacements landing in the low to mid tens of thousands depending on size and complexity. See regional context in this Colorado roof cost guide.
Metal roofing (often standing seam)
- Performance: Many metal systems test to Class 4. Metal often resists puncture and stays watertight even if dented. Panel profile, gauge, and coatings affect denting. Review a brief hail-resistant metal guide.
- Pros: Long life, strong functional hail resistance, low fire risk, good for shedding snow. Some insurers offer credits for UL-rated systems.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost than asphalt. Severe hail can cause cosmetic dents or paint damage, which may be treated as cosmetic by insurers.
Synthetic slate or composite tiles
- Performance: Some premium synthetics achieve Class 4 and offer a high-end look with lower weight than natural slate. See an example of Class 4 synthetic options.
- Pros: Durable with strong curb appeal.
- Cons: Premium price and installer experience varies.
Concrete or clay tile, natural slate
- Performance: Durable in many conditions, though individual tiles can break with large impacts.
- Pros: Longevity and upscale look.
- Cons: Heavy, higher cost, and variable hail performance unless specifically engineered.
Build a resilient system
A roof is more than the top layer. IBHS and FORTIFIED emphasize system details that reduce interior water damage when hail or wind compromises the surface. High-value upgrades include:
- Sealed roof deck and enhanced underlayment to limit water entry if the covering is damaged.
- Ice and water shield at edges and penetrations, plus correct flashing details.
- Proper fasteners and nailing patterns for wind resistance.
You can review these elements in the FORTIFIED Roof overview.
Permits in Johnstown
In Johnstown, a roofing permit is required when replacing more than 200 square feet. The town’s review can take up to 7 business days, and a final inspection is required. Plan for locally adopted building codes and municipal use tax in your budget. See current requirements on the Town of Johnstown roofing page.
Insurance basics to check
Hail and wind are typically covered perils in Colorado, but policy details vary. The Colorado Division of Insurance advises homeowners to review:
- Deductibles for wind and hail, which may be flat or a percentage.
- Settlement type, either Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value, which changes your out of pocket after a loss.
- Cosmetic damage exclusions, where dents or granule loss without leaks may not be covered.
Start with the state’s consumer guidance here: Colorado DOI homeowners page, and see how cosmetic exclusions often work in practice in this overview of hail exclusions and endorsements.
Some insurers offer premium credits for UL Class 4 or FORTIFIED roofs. Credits and endorsements vary by company and state, so ask for written confirmation before you assume a discount.
How to choose your next roof
Use these criteria to dial in your choice:
- Budget vs risk: Class 4 asphalt usually delivers the best value at the lowest cost. Metal boosts long life and functional protection, but at a higher price.
- Appearance and resale: Match neighborhood style and buyer expectations. Class 4 architectural shingles check both boxes for many homes.
- Insurance behavior: If a premium credit requires a cosmetic exclusion, weigh the savings against possible out of pocket repairs after a storm.
- Lifecycle cost: Consider how often you expect to replace the roof, potential claim frequency, and future buyer appeal.
Your next steps
- Verify hail risk. Check recent activity on a Johnstown hail map and review historic events in NOAA/NCEI Storm Events.
- Pick target materials. Shortlist UL 2218 Class 4 products or systems informed by IBHS hail research.
- Specify the system. Require a sealed deck, upgraded underlayment, proper fasteners, and correct flashings per FORTIFIED Roof practices.
- Get written documentation. Ask contractors for UL paperwork on the exact product and color, scope for deck sealing, and permit handling.
- Confirm insurance terms. Ask your insurer about deductibles, ACV vs RCV, any cosmetic exclusions, and possible Class 4 or FORTIFIED credits. Get it in writing using the Colorado DOI guidance.
- Pull the permit. Confirm the 200 square foot threshold, review timeline, and inspection steps with the Town of Johnstown.
- Compare at least three local bids. Use identical specs so you can compare apples to apples.
If you are weighing a re-roof before listing, or you want to understand how a Class 4 or metal roof could affect your home’s marketability in Johnstown, reach out to Robert Crow for local, seller-focused guidance.
FAQs
How common is hail around Johnstown roofs
- Johnstown sees frequent hail activity, including reports of large hail, which you can review on a local hail map and in the NOAA/NCEI Storm Events database.
What does UL 2218 Class 4 actually mean
- It is the highest rating in a standard impact test where a 2 inch steel ball is dropped on the product without causing cracks or functional failure, as explained in this Class 4 overview.
Is Class 4 enough for Johnstown hail
- Class 4 is a strong baseline, and pairing it with FORTIFIED details like a sealed deck and better attachment improves real world resilience, per IBHS research and the FORTIFIED Roof guide.
Will a metal roof dent in severe hail
- Many metal systems are engineered for Class 4 impact resistance, but very large hail can still cause cosmetic dents, with functional performance often remaining intact, as noted in this hail-resistant metal guide.
Do I need a roofing permit in Johnstown
- Yes if you replace more than 200 square feet, with review times up to 7 business days and a required final inspection, per the town’s roofing permit page.
How will insurance pay for a hail-damaged roof
- It depends on your policy, including ACV vs RCV, your hail deductible, and whether cosmetic damage is excluded; start with the Colorado DOI guidance and ask your insurer for written answers.
