Was Your Calgary Roof Damaged by Hail?
After every major Calgary hail event, thousands of homeowners wonder if their roof took damage. Hail damage can be subtle — it’s not always obvious from the ground. Here’s how to spot it.
Signs of Hail Damage on Asphalt Shingles
Visible from the Ground
- Black spots or dimples on shingles
- Bare spots where granules have been knocked off
- Dents or impact marks
- Broken or cracked shingles
- Missing shingles (severe hail)
Visible on the Roof
- Circular bruises or depressions
- Granule loss (look in gutters for black sand)
- Exposed asphalt mat
- Cracked shingle tabs
- Damaged ridge caps or hip shingles
Don’t Climb Up: What to Check from the Ground
For safety, we recommend NOT climbing your roof after a hail event. Instead, look for these indicators visible from ground level:
- Check your gutters and downspouts — granule accumulation is a clear sign
- Look at your siding — if siding has impact marks, roof likely does too
- Check metal flashing around chimneys and vents — dents are a strong indicator
- Inspect your deck, vehicles, AC unit — visible hail damage suggests roof damage
- Look at nearby homes — contractors’ signs mean your area was affected
Other Hail Damage Indicators
Siding
- Dents or cracks in vinyl siding
- Chips in stucco or fiber cement
- Cracked paint or trim
Windows
- Cracked or broken glass
- Damaged window screens
- Dented frames (aluminum especially)
Gutters and Downspouts
- Dents in aluminum gutters
- Damaged gutter guards
- Separation from fascia
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional roofer for a free hail inspection if:
- You see any ground-level signs of damage
- Your area had 1″+ hail reported
- Neighbours are having roofs replaced
- You’re unsure what you’re looking at
- It’s been 6+ months since the last professional inspection
What a Professional Inspection Includes
- Safe on-roof examination of every surface
- Photo documentation of all damage
- Test squares to measure damage density
- Written report for insurance purposes
- Damage severity assessment
- Recommended action (repair vs replacement)
Don’t Wait Too Long
Most insurance policies require hail damage claims within 30-90 days of the event. Document damage immediately and file your claim within the window.
Think You Have Hail Damage?
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