Calgary Hailstorms and Roof Damage: What You Need to Know

Hail roof damage in Calgary is a common concern due to the city’s frequent severe weather. Hail can wreak havoc on shingles, flashing, and other materials, resulting in leaks and expensive repairs if ignored.

For residential and commercial properties, timely hail damage treatment provides enduring defense and guards against additional complications.

Angel’s Roofing has got you covered from a hail-damaged roof.

Identifying Hail Roof Damage

Identifying hail roof damage is a frequent issue in Calgary on account of the region’s propensity for storms. Spotting it early can save you expensive repairs and prolong your roof’s lifespan.

Signs of Hail Roof Damage

• Dents or cracks in shingles or roofing material
• Granule loss on asphalt shingles, creating bald spots
• Water stains or leaks in the attic or ceiling
• Dents or penetrations in soft metals like flashing, vents, or gutters.

Hailstones, especially those that are bigger than 4.4 cm (1.75 inches), can inflict considerable roofing harm. For example, golf-ball sized hail can dent siding and crack shingles. Checking susceptible areas like roof edges or peaks around chimneys and vents can reveal damage.

Lifted or broken shingles in these areas are often signs of hail impact. Granule loss on asphalt shingles is one sign. Although some granule shedding is to be expected, the hail impact can remove shingles of their protective layer, leaving the area vulnerable to further weather damage.

Bruises or punctures from hailstones can weaken the roof’s integrity, putting it more at risk for leaks. Hidden damage is another concern. Hail cracks or punctures can sometimes result in water stains or attic leaks.

Investigate your ceilings and attic for moisture damage – this hidden damage can result in structural damage over time. Soft metal items like flashing and vents can be susceptible as well. Dents or holes in these locations can compromise the integrity of the roof.

Simply by having your roof regularly inspected after storms, you can identify these issues before they worsen. It’s important to document damage with photos and notes for insurance purposes. Responding promptly means you get the damage to your roof repaired before it worsens.

Your Immediate Action Plan

Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your roof, compromising your home to water intrusion and structural problems. Taking immediate, intelligent action doesn’t just stop the bleeding — it lays the groundwork for an easy repair.

1. Remove Debris Safely. Start with blowing away fallen branches, hailstones and other debris. This step avoids further roof damage and maintains a safe inspection environment. Don’t attempt to climb onto the roof yourself, but do remove debris from accessible areas around your home.
2. Record the destruction. Put seals on shingles, including cracked or lifted ones, metal with dents, and exposed places. It’s important for submitting an insurance claim and getting covered.
3. Shield Open Locations. If water is likely to follow, cover compromised areas of roof with a quality tarp or waterproof membrane. Make sure the tarp is fast and weather-resistant enough to stay there until the pros can fix it.
4. Book a professional inspection. Call a reputable licensed and insured roofing contractor to find out how bad it is. Check their credentials, WCB coverage, etc. To stay out of trouble. Local Calgary hail damage pros over some out-of-town contractors who might throw up some quick ‘n’ dirty fixes.
5. Work with Your Insurance Carrier. Don’t go fixing things up before you talk to your insurance provider, it could make claims a real pain. Just submit your paperwork and inspection report and the approval for coverage is automated.
6. Think Hail-Resistant Upgrades. Spend the money on something that’s going to last – like Class 4 shingles or Euroshield. These choices provide peace of mind, and insurance savings and add value to your home.

For more tips, check out local resources such as the City of Calgary’s storm recovery guide.

Navigating Insurance Claims

Navigating insurance claims for hail roof damage in Calgary can be overwhelming. Knowing your insurance policy and the claims process is crucial to getting a fair settlement.

Documentation Needed for Insurance Claims

Meticulous documentation is vital to back your claim. Ensure you gather:

• Pictures of the hail damage at various angles — close-ups and wide shots.
• Videos of the damage, especially any potential leak or structural areas.
• Precise notes, such as the date and time of the hailstorm.
• Inspection reports from a professional roofer to give an expert opinion.

This documentation is your proof when filing a claim and it facilitates the process.

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Policies are full of esoteric words like ‘deductible,’ ‘coverage limit,’ ‘replacement cost,’ and ‘actual cash value.’ Examine your policy to see what is covered and any gaps in coverage that might leave you underinsured.

For example, a few policies will only partially cover older roofs based on depreciation. Knowing your deductible, which is the portion you cover before coverage begins, is similarly important as it affects your liability.

Partner with a Trusted Roofing Contractor

A licensed, insured, and experienced roofing contractor can be very helpful here. Not just accurate repair estimates, they can talk directly with your insurance adjuster to make sure all damage is addressed.

Find local contractors with excellent reviews and a deep history of being in the community. Getting a few quotes, too, is a wise move.

Negotiating and Timeline Considerations

If the opening settlement offer seems low, go ahead and negotiate. Insurance claims can be a matter of weeks or months, so patience and persistence are key.

Selecting a Calgary Contractor

Calgary’s hail season is no joke, and when it devastates a roof, selecting the best roofing contractor in town is a matter of care and concern. A trustworthy contractor makes it go fast, keeps it stress-free, and saves your house from more damage. To make an informed decision, consider the following:

• Confirm licensing, certifications, and insurance to verify professionalism.
• Watch out for local knowledge with a track record in Calgary’s weather.
• Ask for references and check reviews for reputation and quality.
• Prioritize contractors offering warranties for added homeowner protection.
• Ensure they provide emergency services for urgent repair needs.

Begin by ensuring that the contractor is licensed as needed in Calgary. Licensed professionals prove their dedication to standards and local regulations. Insurance coverage, including workers’ compensation (WCB), is necessary to shield you from financial liability if there are any accidents during the project.

Experience counts, particularly in Calgary’s volatile weather. A contractor who understands local weather and typical roofing problems will know what materials and methods are best suited to combating hail damage. For example, they can recommend impact-resistant shingles to mitigate future risks.

Choose a Calgary contractor with an excellent reputation – the more years in business, the more trustworthy and capable they tend to be. Request references and check online reviews to understand the contractor’s reputation. Former clients’ testimonials lend insight into their reliability, communication skills, and quality of craftsmanship.

Trusted contractors provide the same warranties on their work as well, which means that any problems are dealt with at no additional expense. Last, but not least, select a Calgary contractor who offers comprehensive damage reporting to ease your insurance claims process. Seek out experts who can do repairs promptly so more water damage doesn’t come from the next storm.

Emergency services are a must when you require immediate attention.

The Repair and Replacement Process

Treating hail roof damage with a step-by-step method is the key to a safe, durable, and long-lasting roof. The repair and replacement process begins with a pro inspection. Homeowners can spot potential problems by noting visible dents in gutters, attic leaks, or water staining on outer walls.

For a more in-depth evaluation, hire a licensed contractor who has experience with local building codes and insurance processes. This guarantees precise appraisals and quick processing of insurance claims, which typically must be addressed within one year of the damage event.

Good documentation is key when it comes to insurance. Close-up pictures of the damage, combined with damage reports or an Xactimate estimate, can help simplify the claims process by offering a detailed cost breakdown for the repairs or replacement.

Hail damage ranges and depends greatly on hailstone size, as small hailstones can cause serious damage to roofing shingles. When deciding between repair and replacement, evaluating the pros and cons is essential:

Option	Pros	Cons
Repair	Cost-effective; faster to complete	May not address underlying issues
Replacement	Long-term durability; higher resale value	Higher upfront cost; longer timeline

Including impact-resistant materials — like metal roofs or Class 4 asphalt shingles — can add durability and shield you from future hail damage. Professional installation is as well. Bad workmanship can cause leaks or structural damage, canceling out the advantages of fancy materials.

After repair, maintenance is key. Routine maintenance — especially post-storm — catches issues before they have a chance to grow. Quick scheduling of professional maintenance can save the roof’s life and keep problems from reoccurring. This provides peace of mind for homeowners and businesses alike.

Fortifying Against Future Hail

Calgary experiences a lot of hail. This means that you need to take a proactive approach to protect your roof. By merging quality materials, ongoing upkeep, and targeted enhancements, homeowners and businesses can mitigate risks.

Hail-Resistant Materials

Selecting the appropriate roofing material is key. Impact-resistant materials, impact tested to withstand hail, can prevent damage of up to 15x that of standard offerings. Below is a comparison of commonly used materials:

Material	Impact Resistance Level	Features
Asphalt Shingles (Class 4)	High	Affordable, widely available, durable
Metal Roofing	Very High	Long-lasting, recyclable, resists dents
Slate Tiles	High	Aesthetic, heavy, expensive
Synthetic Polymer	High	Lightweight, mimics natural materials

In hail-prone regions, they typically end up paying for themselves by avoiding expensive repairs and claims. For cities providing rebates, such as Calgary’s now-terminated $3.25-million program, have proven the worth of encouraging uptake.

Protective Features

Adding hail screens or reinforced flashing can reduce damage. Hail screens safeguard fragile spots such as skylights, and reinforced flashing fortifies the roof’s borders and joints.

All together, these characteristics provide a tougher defense from hail bombardment.

Routine Inspections and Maintenance

Routine inspections can catch potential trouble spots prior to storms. Check for torn-off shingles, cracked tiles, or openings in flashing. Knocking these nuisances down when you catch them makes certain the roof stays strong throughout the most brutal storms.

Upgrading to Hail-Proof Roof Systems

For worst-case protection, invest in a hail-proof roof system with a high impact rating. These battle-tested systems provide reassurance.

These are more expensive initially, but their longevity and minimal upkeep frequently compensate for initial costs — particularly in hail-susceptible regions.

Conclusion

Hail may wreak havoc on your roof, but you can safeguard your home and regain durability with these steps. From pinpointing damage to managing insurance and repairs, every step counts. Partnering with a reputable Calgary contractor guarantees quality and peace of mind. At Angel’s Roofing, we offer durable solutions, expert craftsmanship, and transparent communication at every step.

Prepared for hail damage? Call us now to book your inspection or free quote. Discover what makes us your trusted contractor, our About page. We’ll help you protect your home and prepare for the future! Your roof deserves the best care–so do you.