Hail Damage & Roof Leaks in Calgary: Preventing Water Damage After the Storm

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