Storms can strike suddenly, and when a hailstorm damages your roof, the impact can become serious in a matter of minutes. If you suspect hail damage, acting quickly can help protect your home from further harm. Below is a clear, homeowner‑friendly guide to navigating this process—from spotting damage to working with your insurance company—and how a reliable local roofing contractor (that’s us) can guide you through every step. Let’s dive in.
1. Recognize the Signs of Hail Damage
Damage from hail will look different depending on your roofing material:
- Asphalt Shingles: Watch for missing granules collecting in your gutters or on the ground, as well as cracks, bruising, or loose shingles.
- Wood Shingles: Hail can split or crack them, so check for broken edges or missing pieces.
- Metal Roofing: While generally tough, hail can still leave dents, loosen fasteners, or puncture thinner sections.
- Tile, Slate, and Other Materials: Inspect for chips, cracks, or shattered pieces.
Even if you don’t notice leaks right away, hail impact weakens your roof’s protective barrier and can lead to bigger issues down the road.
2. Act Fast — Don’t Wait
When your roof is damaged in a hailstorm, speed matters:
- Damaged shingles lose their ability to shed water properly, which increases the risk of leaks.
- Moisture penetration can lead to mould, rot, and damage to your attic or interior structure.
- Delaying can put your coverage at risk—your insurance company may reduce or even deny a claim if too much time has passed.
With these in mind, the second you suspect a hailstorm has damaged your roof, it’s essential to go through the next steps quickly.
3. Inspect (Safely) & Document Everything
Inspect your roof cautiously! If your roof is steep or you’re unsure of footing, don’t try it yourself. Contact a qualified Calgary residential roof repair specialist to complete the inspection safely and accurately.
Document the damage:
- Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles.
- Include close-ups and wide shots to show context.
- Capture date/time stamps, and include surrounding damage (gutters, siding, landscape).
- Document dents in vehicles or other hail damage nearby—it helps establish the severity of the storm.
This documentation is essential for your insurance claim.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve documented the damage, file your claim promptly.
Points to keep in mind:
- Check your homeowner’s policy to understand coverages, limitations, and deductibles.
- Be ready with your photos/videos, the date and time of the storm, and a clear description of what you observed.
- Ask about timelines—many insurers have deadlines for filing hail damage claims.
- Try to be present when the adjuster visits, or have your roofing contractor accompany you to help clarify what qualifies as necessary repairs.
- Never sign off on repairs or accept a settlement until your insurer formally approves everything.
5. Get Roofing Repair Estimates from Trusted Contractors
Before hiring anyone:
- Request multiple estimates (usually 2–3 is a good benchmark).
- Look for a Calgary residential roofing repair contractor with experience in hail damage and working with insurance claims.
- Ask about materials, workmanship guarantees, timelines, and how they’ll coordinate with your insurer.
- Avoid the cheapest quote if it comes with uncertain materials or poor quality.
At this point, it’s best to partner with a contractor who specializes in residential roof repairs in Calgary who will ensure your interests are protected during the entire process.
6. Proceed with Repairs
Once your insurance claim is approved:
- Confirm that your contractor will follow the specifications agreed upon with the insurer.
- Use quality materials and workmanship—this reduces the risk of future issues.
- Ensure there’s a warranty or guarantee on the repair work.
After repairs, inspect everything again with your contractor and insurer to confirm the job is done right.
Next Step? Contact Your Calgary Residential Roof Repair Experts
When a hailstorm damages your roof, don’t wait until a small problem becomes a costly one. At Optik Roofing, we’re a Calgary residential roof repair team with extensive experience in hailstorm damage. We’re committed to excellence and integrity, and work with only top-quality materials to ensure the job is done right the first time. When you work with Optik Roofing, you get:
- In‑house, trained crew members—no subcontractors, so quality is directly overseen.
- A team with experience in navigating insurance claims to advocate for your interests.
- Five-year guarantee on workmanship.
- Clear, honest communication and estimates to help you make informed decisions.
- Peace of mind and security without unnecessary costs.
Contact Optik Roofing for your free roof assessment and quote so you can get back to life.