Storm-Proofing Your Roof: How to Protect Your Property from Calgary’s Harsh Weather

Our Calgary hail damage roofing services are designed to restore your peace of mind with durable, high-quality roofing solutions that protect your home from future storms.

During a Calgary hailstorm, severe roof damage—such as broken shingles, leaks, and structural stress—is not uncommon. That’s why fast inspections, expert repairs, and professional replacements are essential.

At Angel’s Roofing, our trusted professionals ensure timely, reliable service using top-grade materials built to withstand even the harshest Canadian weather conditions.

For commercial roofing, we prioritize professionalism, quality, safety, and expert workmanship to maintain your roof’s integrity and protect your property for years to come.

Why Protecting Your Roof Matters

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against Calgary’s demanding climate. From damaging snow loads in the winter to destructive hail storms in the summer, Mother Nature can do a number. A successful roofing venture protects your loved ones and possessions and protects against costly structural damage down the road.

Impressive insulation and defense against intense temperature damage can reduce yearly energy expenses by making heating and cooling more efficient. This is especially critical in Calgary, where energy consumption can triple due to extreme weather.

Timely repairs and regular inspections are key to avoiding costly damage. Following a hailstorm, check your roof for any visible damage such as cracks or missing shingles. This quick inspection can stop small issues from escalating into leaks or costly structural deterioration.

Hail damage is a major issue in Calgary, with major hail storms causing more than $1 billion in damages per year. Choosing hail-resistant materials can minimize the risk of damage by as much as 15 times that of typical asphalt shingles.

Additionally, a properly maintained roof increases your property value and improves your home’s curb appeal. Homebuyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for homes with more durable and energy-conserving roofing. Proper upkeep protects this investment, helping you keep your home looking and performing its best.

Avoiding the care of your roof will result in leaks, increased utility expenses, and expensive replacements and repairs.

Understand Hail Damage Impact

When hailstorms do hit, roofs take the brunt of the damage. Many of the damages they leave behind are not immediately obvious. The bigger and denser the hailstones, the more damage they can inflict. Common damage includes dents in metal surfaces, cracks in shingles, or stripping of granules from asphalt shingles.

Granule loss is no joking matter. It damages the underlying layers of the roof, reducing its life expectancy and leaving it more vulnerable to additional storm-related destruction. One bad hailstorm in Hailstorm Alley, which runs from High River to central Alberta, can leave the roofs of homes across Calgary riddled in damage. That’s especially so when hailstones are able to grow to the size of grapefruits, Environment Canada says.

The impact of hail damage usually depends on the size and velocity of the hailstones. Large hailstones, with a terminal velocity of over 130 km/h, can punch through roofing materials and even cause leaking. Only a professional inspection can uncover hidden damage and provide a clear picture of the repair costs ahead.

Fixing even small things, such as replacing a handful of shingles, may be several hundred dollars. The time to act is now to avoid paying thousands on future restoration projects. Taking photos of your damage is critical in gathering the most accurate insurance claim possible, saving your investment and keeping your property’s value intact.

Choose Durable Roofing Materials

In Calgary’s regular, harsh hail storms, choosing durable roofing materials can save you from harmful damage. Impact-resistant materials are a smart investment, providing peace of mind and protection for years to come. For example, composite roof tiles that offer a Class 4 impact resistance rating are extremely durable against hail storms.

These tiles are specifically designed to endure hailstorms. They are more than 15 times less likely to be damaged than typical asphalt shingles. While the upfront price can be 50% more, their long-term durability ensures they are a smart financial investment.

Considering different roofing options opens the door to even more options. Metal roofs, some of the most durable roofs available, are a great choice in regions that experience frequent hail storms. Slate shingles can wow with an outstanding 70 to 200-year life span.

In fact, they offer some of the best protection available against hail, high winds, and even wildfire embers. Because of their weight, a framing inspection is required before installation. Depending on the quality of slate used, expect to pay between $12,000 and $19,000 for a 1,600 sq. Ft. Home.

Now, with modern alternatives such as Euroshield shingles, roofs last up to 50 years. At the same time, laminated architectural shingles provide added durability over 3-tab shingles. Wood shakes, in addition to their insulating qualities, lower yearly energy expenses.

Selecting materials with the best resistance to weather extremes will provide long-lasting protection for your home.

Upgrade to Storm-Proof Solutions

Calgary’s unpredictable weather, particularly hailstorms, can do a number on roofs, which often lands homeowners and businesses in financially burdensome situations. Upgrading to storm-proof solutions offers a permanent solution to these issues, marrying longevity and durability with security and tranquility.

Today’s roofing systems are designed with advanced technologies to withstand storms, providing powerful protection and better defending your home from storm-related damage. Investing in these systems is an important and cost-effective step toward protecting your property.

Another method to enhance a roof’s storm-proof qualities is by using reinforced underlayment and impact-resistant flashing. These smart features provide an additional line of defense, keeping moisture out and reinforcing weak points.

Look to alternatives such as Euroshield’s Vermont Slate HP, which is warrantied against any size hailstone for 20 years. These materials ensure that your home remains both functional and beautiful, even through the most extreme hailstorms. Their long-term performance history indicates they have never been replaced due to hail claim.

Adding hail screens or other protective barriers is an extra step to prevent impact damage. These solutions harmonize perfectly with advanced roofing technologies, providing a multi-layered shield against Calgary’s supercell storms.

Euroshield’s slate roofs are an example of the innovation at our doorstep today. They are proven in independent laboratories and carry warranties up to 50 years. City-led initiatives such as the city’s Resilient Roofing Rebate Program further incentivize the transition to resilient materials, but the demand usually outstrips supply.

Maintain and Inspect Regularly

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against Calgary’s harsh weather, including countless hailstorms. To keep it doing its job to the fullest, keeping up with routine maintenance is crucial. Setting up a regular inspection schedule is a reasonable approach to spotting damage before it worsens.

The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends inspecting your roof twice a year—in the fall and spring, if possible. Fall inspections prepare you for winter’s snow and ice. In the spring, inspect for damage done by melting snow or by early snowstorms. Following any extreme weather event, such as hail, get your roof checked right away. Check for obvious issues, like broken or missing shingles or loose flashing.

Cleaning your gutters and downspouts is another big one. When gutters are blocked, it forces water to back up. This accumulation may cause leaks or ice dams, which can ruin your roofing system. Maintenance rof egular cleaning prevents all those potentially hazardous issues while helping stormwater drain efficiently.

Minor issues, such as a broken shingle or a bent nail, can typically be repaired by a qualified contractor. Ignoring simple maintenance can lead to more costly repairs in the future. This can drastically reduce your roof’s longevity, which ranges from as little as 15 years to as much as 50 years based on the materials.

A professional inspection provides a complete evaluation. Experts can spot hidden damage, check for proper ventilation, and ensure insulation is intact—critical factors for a healthy roof, especially after hailstorms.

10 Steps to Protect Your Roof

Keeping your roof safe from hail damage goes beyond roof repairs after a storm. This proactive approach to maintenance and preparation goes a long way in extending your home’s lifespan. Protecting your roof protects the property inside it, plus saves energy dollars.

Here’s our 10-step guide to keeping your roof strong and dependable through Calgary’s unpredictable hail season.

• Check for damage regularly, especially after storms. After storms or strong winds, check for visible issues like missing shingles, dents in gutters, or leaks in the attic. Looking up from the ground will allow you to spot some issues without putting yourself in jeopardy.
• Repair gutters and downspouts often. Clear gutters and downspouts regularly. When gutters are clogged, water can pool on the roof, potentially weakening roofing materials over time. Regular cleaning will prevent the situation in reverse — effective drainage — from turning into a dangerous situation during heavy rain.
• Cut back overhanging branches to reduce debris build-up. Branches may break in storms, causing direct damage or leaving behind debris that holds moisture. Routine vegetation trimming prevents a lot of dangers before they even become dangers.
• Use protective coatings to increase longevity. Specialized coatings are available and can protect against the impact of hail, preventing roof cracks or leaks.
• Install adequate ventilation to help prevent moisture accumulation. Proper airflow keeps condensation out of the attic, which can rot structural members from within.
• Use materials that have a Class 4 impact-resistant rating. These materials stand up to Calgary’s extreme weather for long-term durability.
• Schedule professional inspections post-storm. Professionals can identify unseen damage and suggest the best solutions to protect your home, preventing expensive repairs down the line.
• Promptly repair any damage to prevent it from worsening. Fixing smaller issues sooner will help you avoid widespread and costly repairs down the road.
• Maintain a log of all maintenance and repair work. Detailed records will help with any insurance claims and give a clear picture of your roof’s health over time.
• Learn everything you can about your roofing system and what it requires. When you know more about your roof, you’re better equipped to make the right choices and properly maintain your roof.

Review Insurance and Coverage Options

Understanding your homeowner’s insurance is a key first step when you’re dealing with hail damage. In Alberta, hail damage is typically included in standard homeowner policies. Anne-Marie Thomas from the Insurance Bureau of Canada makes a crucial point here.

That said, it is critical to review your policy closely to verify coverage details, including if exclusions or limitations are in play. Many such policies, for instance, do not cover roofs or exteriors whose life expectancy has been met. This can be quite the make-or-break factor, particularly in a prairie city like Calgary that often gets blasted with nasty, blizzardy weather.

Working with your insurance carrier from the start will go a long way to understanding how to file a claim. Additionally, it will help remind you of any key deadlines. Most insurance companies in Alberta allow only a 12 to 24-month window after a storm for you to file a claim.

Note that they usually are first come, first serve in high traffic periods for claims. Moving fast will help get your claim resolved as quickly as possible. A survey says one-third of homeowners are unaware of coverage for extreme weather. Resolving these uncertainties up-front will avoid confusion and potential delays later on.

For extra protection, look into hail-resistant building materials. Although these improvements won’t necessarily save you money on premiums, they will protect your property from future damage and save you money in the long run.

Proper documentation of all inspections and repairs is equally important when making a claim in the future.