Hail-Damaged Roofs in Calgary: A Homeowner's Action Plan

July 19, 2026

Hail can change a roof’s future in minutes. If you live on the southern Alberta plains—where Calgary’s late-spring and summer hail season (roughly May–August) is well known—knowing how to document damage, decide between repair or replacement, and work with insurers is the difference between a minor fix and repeated water problems. This guide gives step‑by‑step inspections, material-by-material recommendations, insurance best practices for Calgary/Alberta, and local performance considerations so you act fast and smart.

Immediate post-storm steps for homeowners

  • Safety first. Stay off the roof unless you are a trained professional. Watch for electrical hazards and unstable ladders.
  • Initial exterior check. From ground level, look for missing shingles, large dents in metal fascia/gutters, dislodged tiles or granule loss on asphalt shingles.
  • Document thoroughly. Use a phone to take closeups and wide shots. Include: dents, holes, granule bare patches, cracked tiles, damaged flashings, attic leaks. Capture GPS/time metadata or note date/time in a photo. Shoot under good light and include a ruler or coin for scale.
  • Prevent water intrusion. If you have active leaks, protect interiors with buckets and move valuables. Arrange professional temporary tarping—City of Calgary resources and consumer protection guidance can help you find licensed roofers for emergency tarps.
  • Contact your insurer promptly. Notify your insurer (and consider contacting the Insurance Bureau of Canada or Alberta Insurance Council for general guidance) before making major permanent repairs. You can still get temporary tarping and multiple estimates first.

How to identify and document hail damage on different roof materials

Signs vary by material; photograph and note all visible clues.

Asphalt shingles (architectural / laminated)

  • Visual signs: circular bruises, areas of granule loss revealing black mat, split or torn shingle edges.
  • Photos: closeups of bruises and granule bare spots, slope-wide shots showing pattern.
  • Call a pro when: multiple shingles show impact marks, bare spots are widespread, or attic shows moisture.

Metal panels (standing seam, corrugated)

  • Visual signs: dents, crooked fasteners, paint/chip loss around impacts.
  • Photos: panel edges, seams, and fastener heads; interior ceiling stains if any.
  • Call a pro when: large dents compromise seam engagement or fasteners are loosened.

Cedar and engineered/synthetic shakes

  • Visual signs: splitting, chunked edges, crushed areas on cedar; synthetic shows impact marks but often resists cracking.
  • Photos: edges, exposed deck, any splits penetrating to the roof deck.
  • Call a pro when: shakes are split or numerous pieces are missing/exposed.

Concrete/clay tile

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