How Do You Check Your Calgary Home for Hail Damage After a Storm?
The hail has stopped, the clouds are clearing, and your home looks fine from the driveway. But does that mean it escaped damage?
After a Calgary hailstorm, start with a safe ground-level check of your roof, siding, gutters and windows. Photograph anything unusual, look indoors for signs of water entry, and arrange a professional roof inspection if you suspect damage.
Some storm damage is obvious. Other problems are harder to spot and may not cause a leak right away. Here is what Calgary homeowners should look form and what to do next.
Start With a Safe Walk Around Your Home
Wait until the storm has passed and conditions are safe before heading outside. Stay clear of downed power lines, broken glass and loose debris.
Keep your inspection at ground level. Use binoculars or your phone’s zoom to look at higher areas, and leave ladders and roof access to a qualified professional.
Walk around each side of your home and check for:
- Dents in downspouts, gutters and metal trim.
- Cracks, holes or chips in siding.
- Damaged window screens or broken glass.
- Pieces of shingles or siding on the ground.
- Loose exterior components or fallen branches.
These clues can help identify areas that need closer attention. However, a dented downspout alone does not establish the condition of your shingles.
What Does Hail Damage on a Roof Look Like?
Asphalt shingles have a protective surface of granules. Hail impacts can dislodge those granules and damage the shingle beneath them.
Possible signs of roof hail damage include dark impact marks, areas where granules appear scuffed away, and visible indentations. Hail damage can contribute to premature shingle ageing, even when a roof does not immediately leak.
From the ground, look for changes in the roof’s appearance and unusual amounts of granules near downspout outlets. Missing or displaced shingles may also indicate wind damage from the same storm.
Granule loss alone does not confirm hail damage. Shingle age, wear and other conditions can produce similar clues. A professional roof inspection helps determine what has happened and whether repairs are needed.
How Can You Spot Siding Hail Damage?
Your roof is only one part of your home’s protective exterior. Check the siding on every elevation, including areas around windows, doors and corners.
Look for:
- Vinyl siding: New cracks, punctures, broken edges or missing pieces.
- Metal siding and trim: Dents, creases or damaged finishes.
- Fibre cement siding: Chips, cracks or broken sections that need assessment.
Photograph suspected siding hail damage from a distance to show its location, then take closer photographs where you can safely reach.
Avoid assuming every mark came from the latest storm. Older damage and normal wear should be distinguished from recent impacts during the assessment.
Check Gutters, Windows and Skylights
A thorough Calgary storm damage check should extend beyond shingles and siding.
From a safe location, look for gutters that have pulled away, downspouts that appear crushed, damaged window screens and cracked glass. Check the ceilings beneath skylights for new staining or moisture.
Inside your home, watch for:
- New ceiling or wall stains.
- Damp areas around windows.
- Bubbling paint.
- Dripping water.
A new leak needs prompt attention. Keep clear of wet electrical fixtures and arrange professional help to address the source.
Document What You Find
Good records make it easier to explain your concerns to your contractor and insurer.
Record the storm date and take clear photographs of suspected damage. Include both wide views and close-ups, and keep receipts for any necessary temporary protection or emergency work.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends documenting damage and contacting your insurer after a hail event. Ask your insurer about the next steps and what information they require.
Book a Professional Post-Storm Roof Inspection
You do not have to wait for water to appear indoors before asking for an assessment.
A professional inspection can help distinguish storm damage from existing wear, identify areas that require attention, and guide decisions about repair or replacement. Damage does not automatically mean your entire roof or exterior needs replacing.
At West Quality Roofing & Exteriors, we help Calgary and area homeowners with roofing, siding and exterior concerns. Our quote request form includes hail damage inquiries and allows you to upload related photographs and documents.
If you are looking for help with hail damage in Calgary, start with a clear understanding of your home’s condition.
Book a post-storm exterior inspection with West Quality Roofing & Exteriors.
Call 403-719-4271 or request an inspection online.
Three Top Questions About Hail Damage in Calgary
1. How do I know if my roof has hail damage when there is no leak?
A roof can sustain hail damage without leaking immediately. Possible clues include impact marks, displaced granules and dents in nearby metal components. A professional roof inspection is the best next step when damage is suspected.
2. Can I check my roof and siding for hail damage myself?
You can check safely from the ground, photograph visible damage and look indoors for signs of water entry. Leave roof access and close inspection of elevated areas to a qualified professional.
3. Does hail damage mean I need a full roof or siding replacement?
Not necessarily. The appropriate solution depends on the material, its condition, the extent of damage and applicable installation requirements. An inspection helps determine whether targeted repairs or a broader replacement is appropriate.
