Commercial hail damage roofing means evaluating and fixing roofs on Calgary businesses after hailstorms. According to our city, hail can bruise membranes, dent metal panels, crack skylights, and void warranties in mere seconds.
To safeguard tenants and assets, quick inspections, moisture testing, and code-point repairs are necessary. Superior Roofing offers local hail expertise, insurer-specific reports, and time-tested solutions for TPO, EPDM, SBS, and metal systems.
Trust honest advice, transparent schedules, and craftsmanship that withstands Alberta weather.
Your First Steps After a Hailstorm
Calgary hail can bruise membranes, break flashings and metal, even when stones are small. First notice of loss stops the leak, expedites claims and protects tenants and operations.
- Remove loose debris from the roof and drains to prevent ponding and additional loading. Clear away branches, ballast scatter and wind-blown scrap.
- From the ground, look for dents in gutters, downspouts and metal fascias—granules missing on washes below eaves. Search for cracked skylights.
- Inside, inspect the attic, top-floor ceilings, and exterior walls for wet stains, leaks, or mildew odours.
- Photograph everything: wide shots of each elevation, close-ups with a ruler or coin for scale, and time-stamped notes of locations and conditions.
- Protect openings at once: tarp punctures, seal split seams, and clear scuppers to keep water out of the building.
- Contact a trusted Calgary commercial roofer for emergency service and a complete inspection. Plan to document for insurance quickly.
Document all storm damage with clear photos, easy sketches and detailed notes. List hail size if known, storm date/time, wind direction and active leaks. Save samples of displaced granules or damaged membrane if safe to do so.
Accurate documentation assists adjusters, facilitates estimates, and minimizes claim disagreements. Ensure the building is secure from further loss. Hang wet-floor signs, relocate any inventory or equipment out of leak areas, drip pans and power isolation where water is present.
Drain scuppers open on flat roofs to prevent ponding. Temporary repairs must be easy, reversible and documented with pictures. Contact a professional roofer immediately.
It doesn’t all show immediately, and even sub‑25 mm can bruise SBS, EPDM or TPO. Request a thorough evaluation—most companies provide a 21‑point inspection of membranes, seams, flashings, penetrations, skylights, parapets, gutters and interior indications of moisture.
Quick action counts—many insurers need claims within a year of the storm, and unseen damage can emerge months later. Get a written report with photos, repair scope and cost options, along with assistance with emergency repairs and claim support.
Assessing Commercial Roof Hail Damage
Calgary hailstorms can damage roofs severely, so a straightforward, systematic evaluation is crucial for safety, budgeting, and insurance purposes. Results must connect field measurements, images and test cuts to a code and warranty-based repair or replacement strategy.
Schedule a comprehensive commercial roofing inspection to identify both obvious and hidden hail impacts on flat roofs, slope roofs, and roofing membranes.
Schedule a 3rd party inspection after any ice storm. Inspectors examine the entire roof field, windward slopes, corners, and edges of the perimeter where the wind pressure is at its highest. They seek out dents or dimples in metal, bruising on SBS or TPO, granule loss on mod‑bit caps, fractured coatings and punctures at seams and laps.
Core cuts validate membrane, insulation and moisture conditions. Safe self‑checks from the ground can flag bent metal flashings or clogged drains, but a pro must verify.
Evaluate the extent of roof damage, including compromised roof systems, damaged insulation, and potential structural issues that could affect building safety.
Map impact zones, conduct infrared and moisture tests on wet areas, and inspect fasteners and plates for pull-through. Observe split seams, crushed ISO and damaged vapour barriers. Heavier-gauge metal and adhered systems often perform better than loose‑laid assemblies.
Ballasted roofs can mask bruising. Where deck deflection, parapet cracking or leaking at penetrations are present, introduce structural and forensic engineering assistance.
Review inspection reports to determine if the damage warrants roof repairs, partial replacement, or a complete roof replacement, based on the severity of the damage.
Employ photos, sketches and moisture scans to prioritize severity. Localized punctures or top‑sheet scuffs lend themselves to spot repairs and coating. Saturated insulation or extensive membrane cracks indicate the need for partial or complete replacement, as per Alberta code and manufacturer conditions.
Schedule a temporary dry-in to safeguard interiors and maintain operations.
Mark and document all affected roof facets and elevations to streamline the insurance claim process and ensure accurate repair coverage.
Mark damage with chalk, grid the roof and record GPS points. Incorporate hail size estimates, wind direction and elevation notes, and emergency work invoices.
Contact a trusted Calgary commercial roofer to inspect, document, and advise on next steps.
Navigating Calgary Roof Insurance
Calgary’s hail, freeze-thaw cycles and high winds complicate claims. Transparent procedures, solid documentation, and policy expertise minimize holdups and reduce the risk of coverage refusal for business roofs.
Gather complete proof and policy details.
Begin with site-safe images of each slope, elevation and rooftop unit, along with close-ups of damaged shingles, torn membranes, dented flashings and clogged drains. Include close-up shots of soft metals (such as vents, gutters, and copings) as they display impact most effectively. Obtain an unbiased inspection report that comments on hail size, hail path and test squares.
Incorporate moisture scans for flats. Request two written repair estimates, including the scope, code items, and implications of Alberta Safety Codes. Have a copy of your policy, endorsements, deductibles (typically per-occurrence hail), depreciation terms and business interruption coverage. Don’t make permanent repairs before the adjuster’s visit. Temporary tarps or patches are ok and should be documented.
Initiate the claim the right way.
Contact your broker or insurer immediately and record the claim number. Please specify the loss date and time, storm information, and any current leaks. Inquire about whether your policy is replacement cost or actual cash value, how depreciation is applied, and the proof of loss deadlines.
Verify their process for commercial roofs in Calgary, including preferred vendors, engineer review, and other relevant details.
Track everything to protect your payout.
Maintain an easy log of each call, email and site meeting. Preserve adjuster notes, moisture readings, and weather reports. Retain invoices for any emergency work, debris removal and roof access.
If scope disputes arise, request a joint reinspection with your roofer present. Plan regular spring and fall inspections – they provide pre-existing condition and assist claims in moving quickly.
Calgary-specific factors that affect coverage and cost
Consider hail-resistant enhancements, such as Class 4 impact shingles or stronger membranes, which may qualify for discounts. Be aware of exclusions for wear, prior damage or ponding on flats. Roofs located near hail corridors may experience higher deductibles.
Clear documentation is what typically prevails during Calgary’s volatile storm seasons.
| Document | What it shows | Who prepares | When to get |
| Damage photos | Extent and location | Owner/Roofer | Day of loss |
| Inspection report | Cause, scope, tests | Certified roofer | Within 48 hours |
| Repair estimates | Cost and code items | Roofing contractors | Within 3–5 days |
| Temporary repair invoices | Mitigation proof | Contractor | As incurred |
| Policy & endorsements | Coverage terms | Broker/Owner | Before filing |
| Communication log | Claim trail | Owner/Manager | Ongoing |
Choosing Your Storm Roof Repair Partner
Commercial hail strikes in Calgary require a contractor who understands flat roofs, our freeze-thaw cycles, and insurer expectations. Concentrate on evidence, not assurances.
Verify credentials and local fit.
Haag Certified Inspector—Commercial Roofing, COR safety, fall protection, SBS, TPO, EPDM, PVC, and metal manufacturer approvals. Calgary experience counts—wind-driven hail blowing off the Bow Valley will blacken SBS caps and snap PVC laps.
Inquire about previous warehouse projects in Foothills Industrial or retail centers at Deerfoot Meadows. Verify liability and WCB coverage. A local crew that knows snow load rules and Chinook swing risks spot stealth moisture quicker.
Compare services and response time.
You need same-day leak control, complete assessments, and phased repairs. Strong partners offer emergency tarping, thermal imaging, core cuts, and moisture scans, then handle code upgrades and permit pulls.
They should manage insurer scope reviews and provide temporary protection for tenant spaces to limit business downtime.
Demand clear estimates, timelines, and warranties
Request a line-by-line scope: demo areas, membrane type, insulation R-value, fastener patterns, sheet layout, curb details, safety plan, and waste handling. Incorporate mobilization, dry-in, and final inspection dates.
By workmanship warranty and pass-thru manufacturer warranty when system-qualified. Most companies will do a complimentary initial inspection & photo report; that’s fair during Calgary’s hail season.
Assess track record through a quick table review
| Contractor | Credentials | Services | Reviews (Commercial) |
| Firm A | Haag Commercial, COR, TPO/PVC certified | 24/7 emergency, moisture scan, insurer liaison | Positive: malls, tilt-up sites in SE Calgary |
| Firm B | Journeyman roofers, WCB, SBS approved | Leak stop, phased re-roof, code upgrades | Mixed: slow timelines after large storms |
| Firm C | Haag Commercial, Metal certified | Large-loss project management | Strong: warehouses near Calgary Airport |
Select the partner with seasoned crews, Calgary code expertise and direct insurer experience. The RIGHT TEAM minimizes risk and accelerates claims.
Beyond the Obvious Damage
Hail in Calgary does more than dent metal or scar membranes. It compromises waterproofing, strains seams, and sneakily establishes leaks that may not be apparent for months down the line. Even little hail—under 2.5 cm—can bruise or punch holes in shingles, dislodge granules and crack apparently good flashings from the ground.
Checklist: Less-Apparent Risks to Inspect
- Membrane bruises and soft spots that feel spongy underfoot.
- Hairline cuts, punctures and seam splits on TPO, EPDM, SBS and torch-on.
- Granule loss on the mod bitumen, bald spots accelerate UV degradation.
- Metal panel dents at ribs, broken edges at laps, loose fasteners.
- Underlayment displacement from impact, hidden by intact surfacing.
- Flashings, parapets, term bars and edge metal for micro-cracks.
- Skylight frames, domes and gaskets for spider cracks and sealant voids.
- Gutters, scuppers and downspouts for dings that catch ice and grit.
- Pipe boots, vents and cable penetrations for split rubber or crushed collars.
- Evidence logs: dated photos, hail size, storm path, and repair notes for claims.
Drainage, HVAC, Skylights, and Penetrations
Test drainage first. Dented gutters and scuppers that hold slush and granules that back up water under laps. Impact can deform internal drains, strainers, and sumps, which can slow the flow during freeze–thaw cycles.
HVAC fins are bent like “Swiss cheese,” reducing efficiency and allowing water to accumulate on seams. Curb flashings dent, then crack, and fasteners back out—skylight domes craze, frames warp, sealants split, allowing capillary water to seep into the deck.
All those penetrations – including plumbing stacks, conduits, and anchors – require hands-on inspections and resealing.
Interior Red Flags That Point to Roof Failure
Look for water rings on ceiling tiles, soaked drywall joints, musty smells or abrupt mould bloom around exterior walls. Track rust on deck flutes, popped drywall screws and soft MDF in millwork.
These can frequently trace back to torn waterproofing, battered underlaymen,t or split seams post thermal swing.
Vulnerable Roof Types and Timing
TPO and PVC scuff and puncture. EPDM conceals bruises. SBS and torch-on shake off granules. Metal dents on the covers. Flat systems ponding after hail blocks drains.
Schedule spring and fall inspections to catch thermal expansion cracks and reset sealants. Proactive checks and minor fixes now prevent expensive tear-outs later.
Proactive Hail Mitigation Strategies
Wide temperature swings, chinook winds and hail that can rip your flat roof off in a matter of minutes hit Calgary. Proactive care safeguards assets, mitigates risk, and enables resilience as hailstorm events become increasingly common.
Implement regular commercial roofing inspections and maintenance to detect early signs of wear, damage, or vulnerability before hail season.
Plan spring and fall inspections to identify UV cracking, membrane pull-back, loose flashings, open seams and clogged drains. These visits prepare the roof for storm season and identify vulnerable areas that hail is likely to target.
Record each visit with photos, moisture scans when necessary, and a punch-list of quick fixes. Even small cuts or punctures should be patched immediately. Minor hail scars can be sealed to prevent water tracking.
Regular maintenance helps maintain warranties and supports the demonstration of good condition for insurance purposes.
Upgrade to impact-resistant roofing materials, such as metal roofing or reinforced membranes, to reduce the risk of future hail damage and lower insurance premiums.
On low-slope roofs, consider using thickened reinforced PVC or TPO with high-pound hail ratings, or EPDM for its rugged, flexible rubber, which is a natural shock absorber.
For slopes, Class 4 impact-rated metal panels and high-impact shingles minimize dents and granule loss that can reduce life by as much as 40%. Certain insurance providers extend credits for impact-rated installations – have your broker match specs to policy discounts.
Apply protective coatings and ensure proper roof drainage to enhance the durability and longevity of your commercial roofing system.
Elastomeric coatings provide a sacrificial layer that distributes impact force and seals microcracks. Apply reinforced coating to seams and penetrations.
Verify slopes — scuppers and downspouts accelerate water, and standing water increases hail damage! Remove debris, install strainers, and perform a flow test ahead of the storm season.
Develop an emergency response plan that includes contact information for reliable roofing contractors and a step-by-step storm damage checklist to minimize business interruption following severe weather events.
Maintain a call list for 24/7 crews, ladder access notes and roof drawings. Following a storm, secure the location, photograph the damage, install temporary covers, and file the insurance claim in a timely manner—waiting can cause issues.
Several dings and minor fissures can be repaired without complete replacement, reducing downtime and expense. With research indicating a 40% increase in hail severity in certain areas, speed is of the essence.
Conclusion
Calgary hail strikes fast and hard. Your roof deserves prompt attention, clear reports, and transparent repairs. Our team inspects each seam, deck, and drain. We work with adjusters. We stand behind our work. We help plan for setting cuts of risk before the next cell rolls in from the Rockies. Imagine actual solutions, reasonable schedules, and direct communication. For commercial hail damage roofing in Calgary, Superior Roofing keeps your site dry, safe and open for business.
Are you ready to begin? Call Superior Roofing today for a no-pressure hail roof check and quote.
You want to see our track record, safety badges and local refs? See all trust credentials on our About page.
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