How to Spot and Repair Hail Damage on Your Calgary Roof

Frequent and severe hailstorms are a common occurrence in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs. Not repairing these storms’ damages can create major problems such as broken shingles, dings on metal roofing, and potential leaks.

Given Calgary’s penchant for unpredictable weather, inspecting and repairing roofs as soon as possible following a hailstorm is imperative. Knowing the signs of hail damage is very important.

By understanding what steps to follow, you can avoid damage to your home and save yourself expensive roof repairs down the line.

Understanding Hail Damage in Calgary

Calgary’s weather is famously known for its sudden, violent hailstorms—especially in the spring and summer. These severe storms frequently include hail as small as peas to as large as golf balls which can severely damage roofs, siding, and anything else in their path.

Larger hailstones with a sharper, more defined edge or greater density can crack shingles and dent metal roofs. They can lead to granule loss on asphalt shingles, which shortens their lifespan. Cold weather can exacerbate damage to vinyl siding, rendering it brittle and more likely to crack.

While wood siding is more resistant to hail, it usually needs repainting every 3-5 years. The first signs of roof damage are visible dents on aluminum fascia and gutters. It’s easier to identify some of these signs on sunny days!

Choosing materials that better resist hail damage, such as Class 4-rated shingles, can help reduce that risk. Post-storm inspections and thorough documentation are critical in getting roofs repaired on time.

Recognizing Signs of Hail Damage

Understanding hail damage is significant for all Calgary homeowners because Southern Alberta is prone to frequent, severe storms. These are typically visible signs such as bruised or missing shingles, dents in metal roofing, and cracked siding.

Eavestroughs are another place to check—dents in the eavestroughs are an indicator of hail hitting. This is especially true with larger hailstones the size of walnuts (1.50 inches) or even baseballs (2.75 inches). For example, they can lift shingles or create pockmarks on siding, but damage from smaller hail is often subtler.

More subtle signs are water stains on ceilings, granule accumulation in gutters, or buckled roof flashing. Check for cracked or dented shingles, particularly if your home has weathered several storms.

Routine inspections can spot damage sooner, before leaking starts, so you can make repairs or file an insurance claim before they’re needed.

Immediate Steps After a Hailstorm

Immediately following a hailstorm in Calgary, your safety is the most important consideration. Give it time until things are safe to walk on and inspect your property.

Remove all hailstones, branches, and debris from the roof and ground as a first step to remove hazards and additional damage. Inspect more vulnerable spots on the roof, like vent piping or guttering. Check for dents or cracks—these are usually one of the first areas to reveal your damage!

While inspecting, be on the lookout for lifted shingles, granule loss, or any visible cracking. Document all visible damage using photos and videos. This step is critical for insurance claims.

Cover any exposed areas with a tarp to prevent water leaks. Avoid rushing to hire out-of-town contractors offering quick fixes. Instead, contact a trusted local roofer with verified credentials for a professional assessment.

Importance of Professional Roof Inspections

In Calgary and other cities frequently affected by hailstorms, professional roof inspections are critical for safeguarding your investment. Professionals know what to look for, including covert damage that may not be obvious to the untrained eye, such as fissures in shingles or compromised flashing.

These problems, when not addressed, can create a domino effect and become more extensive and expensive to repair in the future. Roofing pros inspect hail damage with exactness, relying on specialized tools and years of experience. They use infrared scanners and moisture meters to deliver a comprehensive analysis.

In addition to identifying problems, inspections are invaluable for insurance claims. Having an expert roof inspection report can help make sure you’re covered and can help support your claims, saving you a world of financial headaches.

Beyond storm damage, routine inspections—recommended twice a year—help maintain roof health by spotting minor concerns early. This preparation is essential for adapting your roof to Calgary’s seasonal shifts.

Filing an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage

Preparing for your claim

Before you file, there are a few steps to take. First, call your insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Take comprehensive documentation of the damage and be sure to take pictures and videos of all damaged roofs, siding, etc. An independent, professional roofing contractor can give you an unbiased inspection report, set the repair cost and scope, and bolster your claim with specific documentation.

Read the fine print

Knowing what your policy covers, especially any limitations or exclusions for hail damage, is key to receiving a successful outcome.

Collaborate with your insurer

Submit thorough documentation, including specific evidence of damage, and keep an open line of communication. Expect a lengthy process, especially with major damage claims.

In instances where you and your insurer can’t agree, an ombudsperson can act as a neutral third-party mediator. Expert advice guarantees you will negotiate a fair claim and reach a timely resolution.

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor in Calgary

Choosing the right roofing contractor is an important choice, particularly after recent hailstorms in Calgary. Essential factors to look into are calling to confirm the contractor’s Calgary business license, insurance, and WCB coverage to ensure they’re legitimate and you’re protected.

Experience is equally important—contractors with years of local expertise understand Calgary’s unique weather challenges and building codes, offering reliable workmanship. At a minimum, always ask for three quotes to weigh pricing and services offered, and factor in an additional 10-20% in your budget for potential surprises.

Prioritize contractors with strong community ties, positive reviews, and a reputation for using durable materials like Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles. Steer clear of unlicensed or shady contractors that may swarm after a storm.

Get specific answers regarding warranties, implementation timelines, and material alternatives so you can make the most informed decision.

Repairing and Strengthening Your Roof

Hail storms in Calgary can result in roofs sustaining both apparent and underlying damage. Getting on the front foot to tackle this is important, beginning with simple fixes such as swapping out cracked shingles or sealing up leaks.

For more widespread damage, consider replacing with hail-resistant roofing, like impact-rated asphalt or sturdy metal roofing, which will hold up longer. Repairs must address cosmetic damage, including dents, as well as critical structural issues, such as water infiltration.

This stops additional degradation while preserving the roof’s character. Working with an established local contractor, certified to work on roofs, who understands Calgary’s building codes and insurance processes makes repairing roofs much easier.

Routine inspections—particularly after severe hailstorms—allow roofing professionals to spot damage early, preventing serious and costly repairs down the line. Superior materials combined with quality workmanship make for a strong roof that can withstand Calgary’s extreme conditions.

Preventative Maintenance for Calgary Roofs

Keeping Calgary roofs safe from hail damage begins with preventative maintenance. Regular roof inspections, especially after storms, can uncover early signs of wear, such as bruised or cracked shingles, caused by hail.

Taking care of small problems, such as a few missing shingles, prevents more expensive fixes down the line. Calgary’s drastic temperature changes, leading to thermal shock, only exacerbate the importance of maintenance to avoid material fatigue.

If you upgrade to impact-resistant materials like Class 4 composite shingles or metal roofing, you’ll have more peace of mind when hailstorms roll through. Other measures include regular clearing of gutters and downspouts to keep water from pooling and cutting overhanging branches to keep roof surfaces clear of debris.

While quality installation can’t guarantee success, it certainly reduces the risk of weaknesses. Not only does investing in maintenance programs extend a roof’s life, but it can lower insurance premiums too.

Local Building Codes and Regulations

Calgary’s building codes are an important factor in determining which types of roofing choices are made and how they are installed. These local building codes and regulations help protect roofs from the region’s difficult climate, most notably extreme hailstorms. Alberta’s codes already have provisions for building resilience against environmental impacts, like their use of durable materials to withstand flooding.

For instance, impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing might be required in hail-prone areas. While vinyl siding and three-tab shingles might be cheaper upfront, they’re not as durable in these conditions. Builders and homeowners have the opportunity to exceed code standards, by investing in more resilient materials that will better withstand the impacts of extreme weather.

Ensuring compliance with local codes and regulations during repair or replacement works is critical. Building permits are necessary for significant construction projects so that safety and legal responsibility can be guaranteed. Having contractors well-versed with Calgary’s regulations is critical to powering through all of these complexities quickly and efficiently.

Wrapping Up

Hail damage is a very serious issue for Calgary homeowners, but if they take the proper steps, it’s preventable. Knowing how to identify damage is an important first step. Taking storm damage seriously and calling in the experts for repair or inspection right away can go a long way! Durable roofs help ensure homes are safe and well-equipped to handle Calgary’s sudden changes in climate.

Whether it’s navigating insurance claims or finding a reliable contractor, staying informed helps you avoid stress. Routine maintenance and knowledge of local building codes provide an additional sense of assurance. A properly cared-for and storm-prepared roof is always a good investment.

If hail damage has you down, get back on top with the pros at Superior Roofing Ltd. Looking to weather the next storm ahead of time? Well, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today and ensure that your home and roof are safe and well-maintained throughout the entire year.