Category: Water Damage Guides

After a major Calgary hailstorm or flood, restoration companies from across Western Canada and beyond show up, along with some who aren’t really restoration companies at all. When water’s in your home, here’s how to tell a solid company from one that will cost you later.

What a Good Calgary Restoration Company Does

Answers 24/7 and gives an honest arrival time

During storm surges, waits happen. A good company tells you the truth and walks you through what to do in the meantime.

Follows the IICRC S500 standard

Technicians should have water damage (WRT) and structural drying (ASD) training.

Measures drying

Moisture meters, thermal imaging, daily readings and a dry standard, not “looks dry to me.”

Documents for your insurer

Photos, moisture maps, drying logs and itemized estimates. See our insurance guide.

Carries proper insurance and WCB coverage

Ask for proof of liability insurance and a WCB Alberta clearance letter.

Handles your situation

Ask about experience with hail leaks, sewer backups, condos, basement suites or commercial properties.

Storm-Chaser Red Flags

• Door-knockers after a storm offering to “handle everything” with your insurer
• Pressure to sign an authorization or assignment on the spot
• Large cash deposits demanded upfront for emergency work
• No local address, phone number or references
• No written scope or estimate
• Tearing everything out without moisture readings
• No proof of insurance or WCB coverage

Comparing Estimates

Check	Why
Same scope	Compare like with like
Mitigation vs reconstruction separate	Insurers often approve them separately
Equipment count and drying days	Too little equipment means slow drying and mould risk
Antimicrobial included	Key for mould prevention
Contents handling	Protecting or packing out belongings

See typical prices in our Calgary cost guide.

Why Local Matters

A team that knows Calgary understands hail season, Chinook freeze-thaw cycles, Poly-B in ’80s communities, river flood zones, and the city’s mix of inner-city infills, suburban two-storeys and downtown condos. They’re also still here after the storm chasers leave. Learn more about our water damage restoration services in Calgary.

Calgary’s business community, from downtown office towers and Beltline restaurants to warehouses in the Foothills Industrial Park and retail in the northeast, can’t afford long closures. When water damage hits, the goal is to stop it, dry it and get you open again as fast as possible.

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage in Calgary

• Frozen and burst sprinkler lines in vestibules, loading docks and unheated areas when a cold snap follows a Chinook
• Hail damage to flat roofs, skylights and rooftop units
• Roof drain backups from ice and snow
• Plumbing failures in washrooms and kitchens
• Sewer backups in ground-floor and lower-level tenancies
• HVAC condensate leaks

How We Respond

1. Stop the source and make it safe: electrical, slip and structural hazards.
2. Extract and contain, so unaffected areas can keep operating where possible.
3. Protect inventory, records and equipment: move, raise or pack out.
4. Dry around your schedule, keeping exits and key areas open and doing noisy work after hours.
5. Document for insurers, landlords and property managers.
6. Repair and reopen.

Who We Help

• Office buildings and professional services
• Retail and shopping centres
• Restaurants and commercial kitchens
• Warehouses and industrial facilities
• Medical and dental clinics
• Condo corporations and property managers
• Schools, churches and community centres
• Hotels and multi-family rentals

Business Interruption

Many commercial policies include business interruption coverage for lost income during closures, as long as the cause is covered and the loss is documented. Fast mitigation shortens downtime and supports the claim. See our Calgary insurance guide.

Prepare Your Business

• Label water shut-offs and sprinkler control valves; train staff.
• Keep heat on in sprinkler rooms, vestibules and loading areas during cold snaps.
• Inspect flat roofs, drains and rooftop units after hail and before winter.
• Install leak sensors in server rooms and under critical equipment.
• Store inventory and files off the floor.
• Keep an emergency contact list handy, including a restoration company.

Related: hail damage · frozen pipes · condo buildings · water damage restoration in Calgary

Calgary is one of the driest and sunniest major cities in Canada, so it’s easy to assume mould isn’t a concern here. But mould doesn’t care about the weather outside. It cares about moisture inside. Wet drywall, soaked carpet underlay or damp attic insulation can start growing mould within 24–48 hours, even in Calgary. Here’s what to watch for.

Where Mould Shows Up in Calgary Homes

• Basements after sewer backups, groundwater seepage or a burst pipe that wasn’t fully dried
• Attics after ice dams, hail leaks or frost melt during Chinooks
• Behind and under kitchen cabinets after slow dishwasher or sink leaks
• Bathrooms without proper exhaust fans
• Window frames and exterior-wall closets, where winter condensation forms during deep cold
• Basement suites where moisture from cooking and showers has nowhere to go

The Mould Timeline After Water Damage

Time	What happens
0–24 hours	Water wicks into drywall, wood and underlay
24–48 hours	Mould spores germinate on wet organic materials
3–10 days	Hidden growth in wall cavities; musty odour
2+ weeks	Visible staining and material breakdown

Does Calgary’s Dry Air Help?

Some. Low outdoor humidity can help commercial dehumidifiers work efficiently in winter. But a heated, closed house with wet materials needs active drying: air movers to pull moisture out of materials and dehumidifiers to capture it. Opening windows at -25°C risks freezing pipes, and doesn’t dry wall cavities anyway.

Warning Signs

• Musty or earthy smell
• Dark spots on drywall, baseboards, window frames or ceilings
• Bubbling paint or soft drywall
• Stains on ceilings under the attic or a bathroom
• Allergy-like symptoms at home

Professional Mould Prevention During Restoration

1. Fast extraction
2. Moisture mapping with meters and thermal cameras
3. Removal of materials that can’t be dried in time
4. Antimicrobial treatment
5. Structural drying with daily readings (typical costs)
6. Verification before rebuilding

If You Already Have Mould

Small surface spots on hard surfaces can often be cleaned by homeowners with soap and water, gloves and a mask. Larger areas, mould inside walls, or growth after a sewer backup should be handled professionally with containment and HEPA filtration. Always fix the moisture source first.

Keep Your Calgary Home Mould-Free

• Keep winter indoor humidity moderate (often 30–40% during deep cold) to limit condensation.
• Run bathroom fans during and after showers, vented outdoors.
• Air-seal and ventilate the attic to stop frost and ice dams. See Chinook ice dams.
• Check under sinks and around toilets monthly.
• Get professional drying after any significant leak.

Insurance usually covers mould resulting from a sudden, covered, promptly reported leak, not long-term moisture. See our insurance guide. Need help? Call for water damage restoration in Calgary.

A sewer backup is one of the worst kinds of water damage a Calgary homeowner can deal with. During intense summer thunderstorms, or when a private sewer line is blocked by roots, grease or “flushable” wipes, sewage can come up through basement floor drains, toilets and showers. That’s Category 3 black water, and it needs professional cleanup.

Is It Your Line or the City’s?

• Only your home affected; slow drains and gurgling beforehand: likely a blockage in your private service line. Call a licensed plumber or drain company to clear and camera-inspect it.
• Several homes affected during heavy rain: possibly a system issue. Report it to the City of Calgary through 311.

Immediate Steps

1. Stop using water: no flushing, showers, laundry or dishwasher.
2. Keep everyone out of the contaminated area.
3. Shut off power to the basement from a dry location if water is near electrical.
4. Turn off the furnace if it or the return air is in the affected area.
5. Photograph everything and call your insurer.
6. Call a professional for sewage cleanup and water damage restoration in Calgary.

Professional Sewer Backup Cleanup

Step	What happens
Containment	Plastic barriers and HEPA air scrubbers keep contamination out of the rest of the home
Extraction	Sewage and solids are removed and disposed of properly
Removal	Contaminated drywall (flood cut), insulation, carpet, underlay and porous items
Disinfection	Concrete, framing and hard surfaces cleaned and treated
Drying	Structural drying verified with moisture meters
Rebuild	Insulation, drywall, flooring and finishes replaced

Typical cost in a developed basement: $12,000–$35,000+ with rebuild. See the cost guide.

Insurance

Sewer backup is usually not part of a basic Alberta home policy. It’s an optional add-on with its own limit and sometimes its own deductible. If your basement is developed or has a suite, make sure your limit is high enough. See our Calgary insurance guide.

Preventing Sewer Backups

• Backwater valve: a licensed plumber can install one on your main line (a permit is typically required). It’s the most effective protection. Maintain it annually.
• Camera-inspect your line if you have mature trees, an older home or recurring slow drains.
• Never pour fats, oils or grease down drains.
• Flush only toilet paper.
• Make sure sump pumps and downspouts aren’t connected to the sanitary sewer.
• Store valuables in plastic bins, off the basement floor.

Basement Suites Need Extra Protection

A sewer backup in a basement suite affects tenants’ homes and health. Landlords should prioritize a backwater valve and adequate sewer backup coverage. See basement suite water damage.

Related: river and overland flooding · mould

Calgary sits in the heart of Canada’s “hail alley.” The June 2020 hailstorm that hammered northeast Calgary, including Saddle Ridge, Taradale, Martindale, Skyview Ranch and Redstone, became one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history. But hail damage doesn’t end when the storm passes. Cracked shingles, punctured siding, broken skylights and shattered windows let water in for weeks and months afterward. Here’s how to spot hail-related water damage and what to do.

How Hail Leads to Water Damage

• Bruised or cracked shingles lose granules and seal, then leak in the next rainstorm or during snowmelt.
• Punctured roof vents and flashing open direct paths into the attic.
• Broken skylights and windows let rain pour straight in.
• Damaged vinyl siding exposes sheathing to wind-driven rain.
• Clogged gutters packed with hail and debris overflow against the foundation.
• Tarped roofs waiting for repair can leak if tarps shift in wind.

Signs of Hidden Hail Water Damage

• Ceiling stains, especially near exterior walls or below skylights
• Damp or compressed attic insulation
• Peeling paint or bubbling drywall upstairs
• Musty smell in upper bedrooms or closets
• Water around window frames after rain
• Stains spreading slowly over weeks

What to Do After a Hailstorm

1. Stay safe: watch for broken glass and don’t go on the roof.
2. Photograph damage from the ground: roof, siding, windows, vehicles, plus dented hail if possible for size reference.
3. Cover openings: tarp broken windows and skylights to stop rain getting in.
4. Check the attic and ceilings for water.
5. Call your insurer early. After major storms, adjusters are swamped.
6. If water is already inside, call a water damage restoration company in Calgary right away to dry ceilings, walls and insulation before mould starts.

Roofing vs Restoration: Two Different Jobs

A roofer fixes the source; a restoration company deals with the water that already got in: wet insulation, ceilings, walls and flooring. Both are often needed, and both should be documented for your claim. We coordinate with roofers so interior repairs happen once the roof is sealed.

Insurance and Hail

Hail damage to roofs, siding and windows is typically covered under standard Alberta home policies, as is resulting interior water damage if it’s reported promptly. Delays can complicate claims, because insurers may argue later leaks are maintenance-related. Some policies have special hail deductibles or roof age limits. See our Calgary insurance guide.

Protect Your Home from the Next Storm

• Consider impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles when you re-roof; some insurers offer discounts.
• Use impact-rated siding and skylights where possible.
• Clean gutters regularly through hail season (roughly June to August).
• Have the roof inspected after any significant hail event, even if you don’t see damage.
• Park vehicles under cover when storms are forecast.

Related: Chinook ice dams · restoration costs · mould

In June 2013, the Bow and Elbow rivers flooded Calgary, forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes and causing billions of dollars in damage across southern Alberta. Communities like Sunnyside, Hillhurst, Bowness, Mission, Erlton, Elbow Park, Roxboro, Rideau Park, Discovery Ridge, Inglewood and downtown were hit hard. Major mitigation work has been done since, but river and overland flooding remain a real risk for river-adjacent neighbourhoods. Here’s what Calgary homeowners should know.

Understanding Calgary’s Flood Zones

The City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta publish flood maps that show areas at risk from river flooding. You’ll commonly see two terms:

• Floodway: the river channel and adjacent areas where water flows deepest and fastest during a major flood. Development is heavily restricted.
• Flood fringe: areas next to the floodway that may flood, usually with shallower, slower water. Building rules require flood-proofing for new construction.

Even outside mapped zones, homes can flood from overland water (heavy rain pooling and flowing into basements), high groundwater during flood events, and sewer backups when the system is overwhelmed. Check the City’s flood maps for your address, and know your risk.

Insurance: The Big Gap

River and overland flood damage is not covered by a basic home policy. Since the 2013 flood, overland flood coverage has become widely available in Alberta as an add-on, but premiums and availability vary, and some high-risk properties face high costs or limits. Sewer backup is a separate add-on. Ask your broker exactly what you have. See our Calgary insurance guide.

If Flood Water Enters Your Home

1. Follow evacuation orders from the City and emergency services. Don’t return until it’s declared safe.
2. Don’t enter a flooded basement until power has been shut off by a qualified person or the utility.
3. Assume flood water is contaminated (Category 3): it carries sewage, chemicals and debris.
4. Document everything once it’s safe: photos, video, water lines on walls.
5. Contact your insurer and, if applicable, check whether provincial disaster recovery assistance has been announced for uninsurable losses.
6. Get professional cleanup started fast. After a regional flood, restoration crews are stretched thin.

What Flood Restoration Involves

• Pumping out standing water and silt
• Removing all porous materials that touched flood water: drywall (often well above the water line), insulation, carpet, underlay and particleboard
• Cleaning and disinfecting concrete, framing and hard surfaces
• Structural drying, verified with meters
• Rebuilding, ideally with flood-resilient materials

Full-basement flood restoration in Calgary commonly runs $30,000–$100,000+ with rebuild. See the cost guide.

Flood-Resilient Basement Ideas

• Backwater valve on the sanitary line
• Sump pump with battery backup
• Moving the furnace, water heater and electrical panel up where practical
• Closed-cell insulation and moisture-resistant board low on walls
• Tile or vinyl plank instead of carpet
• Keeping valuables and documents upstairs

Prepare Before Flood Season

Calgary’s highest river flood risk is typically late May through early July, when mountain snowmelt combines with heavy rain. Before then, review your insurance, test your sump pump, clear storm drains near your home, and have a grab-and-go plan if you live near the Bow or Elbow.

Related: sewer backup · mould · water damage restoration in Calgary