Emergency Roof Repair Calgary: What to Do After Storm Damage

It’s 2 AM, and that Calgary thunderstorm just turned into a massive hailstorm. You hear the impact on your roof, and water starts dripping through your ceiling. As someone who’s responded to hundreds of emergency roof calls across Calgary, I’m here to guide you through exactly what to do when storm damage strikes.

Immediate Steps After Roof Damage (First 24 Hours)

1. Ensure Safety First

Before anything else:

Move family members away from damaged areas
Turn off electricity to affected rooms if water is entering
Don’t go on the roof yourself - it’s dangerous, especially after a storm
Watch for hanging drywall or ceiling materials

2. Minimize Interior Damage

Quick actions that save thousands:

Place buckets under active leaks
Move furniture and valuables
Lay tarps or plastic over items you can’t move
Use towels to soak up water
Take photos of all interior damage for insurance

3. Document Everything

Critical for insurance claims:

Photograph all visible damage (roof, interior, belongings)
Video water actively entering
Save damaged materials as evidence
Note the exact date and time
Keep receipts for any emergency supplies

4. Call for Emergency Roof Repair

What qualifies as emergency in Calgary:

Active water intrusion
Missing shingles exposing deck
Structural damage
Large holes from falling debris
Damaged flashing around chimneys

Calgary’s 24/7 Emergency Roofing Services

What to Expect from Emergency Response

Response Times in Calgary:

True emergencies: 1-4 hours
Urgent repairs: 4-12 hours
Non-urgent: 24-48 hours

Emergency Service Costs (2025):

Emergency call-out fee: $200-$500
Temporary repairs: $500-$2,000
Full emergency tarping: $1,000-$3,000
These often apply to insurance deductible

Temporary Protection Methods

Professional Emergency Repairs Include:

Tarping
- Heavy-duty tarps secured with boards
- Prevents further water damage
- Typically lasts 30-90 days
- Cost: $500-$1,500
Emergency Patching
- Temporary shingle replacement
- Roofing cement for small holes
- Flashing repairs
- Cost: $300-$800
Interior Protection
- Plastic sheeting installation
- Temporary drainage systems
- Drying equipment placement
- Cost: $200-$600

Common Calgary Storm Damage Types

Hail Damage

Calgary is Canada’s hailstorm capital

Golf ball-sized hail is common
Can puncture shingles instantly
Often affects entire neighborhoods
May not leak immediately but will fail

Insurance typically covers:

Complete roof replacement if severe
Interior damage from water
Damaged siding and windows
Additional living expenses if needed

Wind Damage

Chinook winds and storms cause:

Lifted or missing shingles
Damaged flashing
Torn underlayment
Debris impact damage

Emergency repair priorities:

Cover exposed areas immediately
Secure loose materials
Prevent further lifting
Document all damage

Heavy Snow/Ice

Winter emergency scenarios:

Ice dam backups
Roof collapse risk
Frozen pipe bursts in attic
Ventilation blockages

Immediate actions:

Safe snow removal if excessive
Ice dam steaming (professional only)
Attic inspection for leaks
Heat cable installation

Working with Insurance Companies

Initial Claim Process

Within 24-48 hours:

Call your insurance company
Get claim number
Ask about preferred contractors
Understand your deductible
Request adjuster timeline

Important Calgary considerations:

Many insurers have specific hail deductibles
Some require approved contractor lists
Document pre-existing conditions
Get multiple estimates if allowed

What Insurance Typically Covers

Covered damages:

Storm-related roof damage
Interior water damage
Temporary repairs
Full replacement if necessary
Additional living expenses

Not usually covered:

Gradual deterioration
Lack of maintenance
Damage from ice damming (sometimes)
Cosmetic damage only

Maximizing Your Claim

Do:

Use a reputable local contractor
Get detailed written estimates
Keep all documentation
Take extensive photos
Be present for adjuster inspection

Don’t:

Sign over insurance checks immediately
Accept first settlement offer if inadequate
Hire door-to-door “storm chasers”
Start permanent repairs before approval

Avoiding Emergency Roofing Scams

Red Flags After Calgary Storms

Watch out for contractors who:

Knock on doors offering immediate repairs
Demand large deposits
Only accept cash
Pressure you to sign immediately
Claim to work with your insurance
Offer to waive your deductible
Can’t provide local references
Have no permanent address

Verifying Legitimate Contractors

Always check:

Valid Calgary business license
WCB coverage
Liability insurance
Better Business Bureau rating
Google reviews from locals
Physical address in Calgary area
Manufacturer certifications

Real Emergency Repair Costs in Calgary

Typical Emergency Scenarios and Pricing

Small Hole/Missing Shingles

Emergency tarp: $300-$600
Temporary patch: $200-$400
Permanent repair: $500-$1,000

Multiple Leaks/Large Area

Full roof tarp: $1,000-$2,000
Multiple patches: $800-$1,500
May require full replacement

Structural Damage

Emergency support: $2,000-$5,000
Engineering assessment: $500-$1,500
Major repairs: $5,000-$20,000+

Tree Damage

Tree removal: $500-$3,000
Roof repair: $1,000-$5,000
Total cost: $1,500-$8,000

Preventing Future Emergency Repairs

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Spring (After winter):

Inspect for winter damage
Check flashing integrity
Clear gutters and downspouts
Look for lifted shingles

Summer (Before storm season):

Trim overhanging branches
Secure loose materials
Check attic ventilation
Review insurance coverage

Fall (Before winter):

Final gutter cleaning
Inspect and repair caulking
Check for proper drainage
Winterize roof penetrations

Upgrades Worth Considering

Impact-Resistant Shingles

Class 4 rating for hail
Insurance discounts available
30-50 year warranties
Cost: 20-30% more than standard

Enhanced Underlayment

Ice and water shield
Synthetic underlayment
Better temporary protection
Prevents leaks if shingles damaged

Improved Ventilation

Reduces ice damming
Prevents moisture damage
Extends shingle life
Costs $500-$2,000

The Right To The Peak Emergency Promise

As a Calgary-based family roofing company, we understand the stress of roof emergencies. That’s why we offer:

24/7 Emergency Response

Real person answers your call
On-site within hours for true emergencies
Immediate temporary protection
Direct insurance billing

Our Emergency Process

Immediate Response - Assess and stop active damage
Temporary Protection - Professional tarping/patching
Insurance Coordination - We work with your adjuster
Permanent Repair - Quality fix when approved
Follow-up - Ensure your satisfaction

Why Calgary Homeowners Trust Us

Over 10 years serving Calgary area
Father-son team who lives here
Deal with Calgary storms regularly
Know local insurance processes
Fair emergency pricing
Never pressure or oversell

When to Call for Emergency Service

Call Immediately If:

Water actively entering home
Large sections of roof missing
Structural damage visible
Power lines involved
Immediate safety concerns

Call Within 24 Hours If:

Multiple shingles missing
Flashing severely damaged
Small leaks starting
Hail damage visible
Preventive tarping needed

Can Wait 48-72 Hours:

Minor shingle damage
Small areas affected
No active leaking
Cosmetic damage only

Don’t Wait for the Next Storm

Calgary’s severe weather isn’t going away. Be prepared:

Save our emergency number: (587) 224-6494
Know your insurance policy
Have emergency supplies ready
Schedule annual inspections

Need Emergency Roof Repair Now?

If you’re dealing with storm damage right now, don’t panic. Call Right To The Peak Roofing at (587) 224-6494 for immediate 24/7 emergency response. We’ll protect your home first and worry about paperwork later.

For non-emergency inspections or to prepare your roof for Calgary’s next storm, contact us online for a free assessment.

Remember: Your safety comes first. Never attempt roof repairs during or immediately after a storm. Let Calgary’s trusted professionals handle your emergency roofing needs.