By Tom Bailey, Owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors
Hi there, I'm Tom Bailey, proud owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors right here in beautiful Calgary. If you've lived here for any length of time, you know that Mother Nature doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to storms. From sudden hailstorms to howling chinook winds, our homes take a serious beating—especially our roofs. While most folks know to check for obvious things like missing shingles, what many homeowners miss are the hidden signs of storm damage—the ones that can sneak up and cause trouble when you least expect it. That’s exactly what we’re going to cover in today’s blog.
I want to help you spot storm damage in places you might not think to look. Why? Because catching these subtle clues early can save you a ton of money—and stress—down the road. So grab a coffee, and let’s get into it.
Before diving into the hidden spots where damage can occur, it helps to understand the types of weather events we typically see in Calgary:
Hailstorms – These are especially common during summer. Hailstones can range from pea-sized to golf-ball-sized (or larger) and can cause significant damage to shingles, siding, gutters, and even soft metal flashing.
Chinook Winds – Calgary is famous for its chinooks, which can bring strong, sudden wind gusts that rip off shingles, loosen gutters, or cause flying debris damage.
Heavy Snow and Ice Dams – Long winters mean snow buildup, freeze-thaw cycles, and the potential for ice dams, all of which can strain your roofing system.
Knowing the storm types helps us know what kind of damage to look for—and where.
When people inspect their roofs, they often forget that damage can show up inside the home first. Your attic is one of the most important places to check after a storm.
Water stains or damp insulation – This could be a sign that shingles or flashing have been compromised.
Dripping or puddles after a storm – A sure sign that water is penetrating the roofing system.
Daylight showing through the roof boards – This indicates cracks or holes that may have been opened by hail or debris.
Storm damage doesn’t always start as a torrent of water; it can begin as a slow, invisible leak that silently deteriorates your home’s interior. Always look up when inspecting your attic.
While most people look for detached or bent gutters, there’s more to assess after a storm. Your gutter system is your roof’s drainage system—when it fails, everything else gets stressed.
Dents and dimples from hail – These might seem cosmetic but can lead to rust and eventual failure.
Clogged downspouts – After a storm, debris like leaves, shingle granules, or even ice chunks can block drainage.
Sagging or detached sections – These are often caused by strong winds or excessive weight from snow or ice.
Pro tip: Look at where the water flows after a storm. If your gutters are working, water should be moving away from your home’s foundation. If not, it’s time to take action.
Roof valleys (where two slopes meet) and flashing (the metal used around vents, chimneys, and edges) are particularly vulnerable during storms but are often overlooked.
Lifted or bent flashing – Strong winds or hail can dislodge flashing, exposing the seams beneath.
Water trails or discoloration in valleys – This indicates that water is not being diverted properly and could be seeping under shingles.
Cracks or missing sealant – Especially around flashing bases or where different materials meet.
Because valleys collect and channel water, even small damage can lead to major leaks if not addressed promptly.
These areas are out of sight and often difficult to inspect, making them common culprits for hidden storm damage.
Gaps in caulking or flashing around chimneys – These can allow water in slowly over time.
Cracked or chipped skylight glass – Even tiny chips can eventually spread, especially with temperature fluctuations.
Moisture on the ceiling or drywall near these features – This is often the first interior sign of an exterior problem.
Always be wary of moisture or mold near a chimney or skylight—it’s almost always storm-related.
Most homeowners check the roof after a storm but forget to walk around and inspect the siding and soffits. These components protect your home’s envelope and are often damaged by wind-driven rain or hail.
Cracked, chipped, or dented siding panels – Especially on the side of the house that faced the storm.
Loose or missing soffits – Wind can easily tear these out, leaving attic vents exposed.
Paint bubbling or warping – A subtle sign that water has gotten behind the surface.
Any siding or soffit damage compromises insulation and ventilation and can drive up energy bills.
The fascia board runs along the edge of the roof and supports the gutters. Eaves are the edges that overhang the house. Both can take a beating in Calgary’s weather.
Soft or rotted wood – Often caused by repeated water exposure.
Peeling paint or mildew – Indicates water retention.
Animal activity – Openings caused by storm damage often attract pests like birds or squirrels.
Fascia damage can be hard to see from the ground but has serious consequences if ignored. It’s a structural component, not just decorative.
Storms can wreak havoc on the smallest, most overlooked parts of your roof—like vents and exhaust pipes.
Cracked plastic vent covers – Hail often targets these first.
Loose or missing caps – Wind can lift these right off, exposing your attic.
Improper air flow or strange odours inside – This might mean the vents have been compromised and aren’t functioning properly.
These components play a vital role in roof ventilation and indoor air quality, so don’t overlook them.
Believe it or not, the condition of your lawn and landscaping after a storm can tell you a lot about potential roof damage.
Shingle granules in the grass or gutters – A sign your shingles are deteriorating.
Pieces of flashing, siding, or shingles – If it’s on the ground, it came from the house.
Branches or debris on the roof – Check what fell, and more importantly, what it hit.
Often, the damage you see on the ground can point to a problem above.
Calgary homeowners are tough, but even the toughest homes have their vulnerabilities. The tricky part about storm damage is that what starts small—like a tiny crack in flashing or a few missing granules—can grow into a full-blown leak, mold issue, or insulation problem over time.
Many homeowners don’t realize damage exists until they see water spots inside, but by that point, you’re looking at repairs to drywall, insulation, framing—and a much higher bill.
That’s why proactive inspections are critical.
There are certainly things you can safely inspect yourself, especially from the ground or inside the attic. But for a thorough check—especially of areas like roof valleys, chimney flashing, and upper-story features—it’s best to call in a professional.
At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, we offer free storm damage inspections throughout Calgary and surrounding areas. Our trained team knows exactly where to look, what to look for, and how to document everything if you need to submit an insurance claim.
We’ve worked with hundreds of local homeowners after hail, wind, and snowstorms, and we’d be happy to do the same for you.
Storms are part of life here in Calgary, but expensive repairs don’t have to be. The key is knowing where to look and acting early.
By checking the hidden spots—from attic insulation to fascia boards to skylights—you can catch problems before they turn into headaches. And if you ever feel unsure, that’s what we’re here for at Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors.
We believe in friendly service, expert craftsmanship, and protecting what matters most—your home and your peace of mind.
So don’t wait until the next big hailstorm or cold snap. If something feels off—or if it’s just been a while—give us a call. We’ll hop on the roof so you don’t have to.
Stay safe out there,
Tom Bailey
Owner, Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors