Howdy, Calgary! Tom Bailey here, owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors. First off, thank you for stopping by our blog. If you’ve lived in Calgary for any length of time, you know our roofs put up with more than their fair share of tough conditions—snow that piles high, wind that rattles shingles loose, hail that sounds like a stampede, and even those scorching summer days where you can practically fry an egg on your shingles.
As a roofing contractor, I get a front-row seat to the many ways our Calgary climate beats up on a roof. The good news? Most roof issues can be prevented—or at least caught early—if you know what to look for. That’s why I’m writing this piece: to walk you through the 5 most common types of roof damage in Calgary. I’ll explain what they look like, what causes them, and what you can do about it.
Think of this blog as your Calgary homeowner’s guide to roof awareness. By the end, you’ll know how to spot trouble before it becomes costly damage—and when it’s time to give a pro like me a call. Let’s dive in!
If there’s one type of roof damage that every Calgarian knows all too well, it’s hail damage. Our city is practically the hail capital of Canada, and insurance companies know it too.
What hail damage looks like:
Small circular dents or bruises in shingles.
Areas where the protective granules are knocked loose, leaving bald spots.
Cracks or splits in asphalt shingles.
Dented metal flashing or gutters.
Why it’s a problem: Those little granules on your shingles aren’t just decorative—they protect the asphalt underneath from UV rays and water penetration. Once hail knocks them off, your shingles age much faster, and water can creep into the roof system.
What to do: After a hailstorm, take a walk around your home. Look at your shingles from the ground, check your gutters for piles of loose granules, and don’t forget to look at your siding too. Even if the damage looks minor, file an insurance claim. Calgary insurers expect hail claims—it’s one of the top reasons we’re called out every summer.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long. Insurance companies often set deadlines for hail damage claims, and waiting can make it harder to prove the storm caused the problem.
If hail is the heavyweight champ of Calgary roof damage, wind is a close second. We get those famous Chinook winds that can gust up to 120 km/h, and even a newer roof can lose shingles when the gusts roll in.
What wind damage looks like:
Shingles that are lifted, curled, or completely missing.
Flapping or loose shingles you can spot in the wind.
Gaps where wind ripped away flashing or ridge caps.
Why it’s a problem: Once shingles are loose or missing, your roof deck is exposed. That means water, snow, and ice can sneak in and cause leaks or rot. And the scary part? A few missing shingles can lead to a cascade effect where more shingles start peeling away over time.
What to do: After any major wind event in Calgary, walk around your house and scan your roof for signs of missing or crooked shingles. Also, check your yard—sometimes you’ll literally find shingles lying on the ground after a storm.
Pro Tip: If you see just a few missing shingles, get them repaired quickly. Delaying even a simple fix can snowball into major water damage.
Calgary winters are tough on roofs. One sneaky source of roof damage here is ice dams. They form when heat from inside your home melts snow on the roof. The water runs down toward the eaves and refreezes when it hits the colder edge, creating a dam that blocks proper drainage.
What ice dam damage looks like:
Icicles hanging along your roof edge.
Water stains on your ceilings or walls inside.
Shingles near the eaves that look warped or cracked.
Why it’s a problem: Ice dams trap water on your roof. Since water always finds a way, it can creep under shingles and into your home. This causes leaks, insulation damage, mold growth, and rotting wood.
What to do: Preventing ice dams is all about proper insulation and ventilation in your attic. If your attic is too warm, it speeds up snow melt. You’ll also want to keep your gutters clear before winter, so melting snow has somewhere to go.
Pro Tip: Never try to hack away at ice dams with a shovel or ice pick. That can do more damage than good. Instead, call a professional who knows how to safely steam them off.
Leaks are one of the most obvious types of roof damage—but they’re often the last thing a homeowner notices because they start small and hidden. Calgary’s mix of heavy snowfalls, spring thaws, and summer storms means leaks can happen year-round.
What water leak damage looks like:
Brown water stains on ceilings or walls.
Damp insulation in the attic.
Dripping water inside during a storm.
Mold or mildew smells in the attic.
Why it’s a problem: A small leak can do a lot more than ruin paint. It can weaken your home’s structure, rot out the decking under your shingles, and create an environment for mold growth. The longer you leave it, the more expensive it becomes.
What to do: Inspect your attic at least once every season. Look for damp spots, especially after a storm or a big melt. On the outside, check around chimneys, skylights, and vents—these are common spots where leaks begin.
Pro Tip: Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles can make leaks worse. Even a hairline crack can widen when water freezes inside it. Get leaks repaired as soon as they’re spotted.
While Calgary is famous for its snow and hail, don’t underestimate the power of our summer sun. UV rays can be just as damaging as ice and wind.
What sun damage looks like:
Shingles that are brittle, cracked, or curling at the edges.
Fading roof color.
Exposed asphalt on shingles as granules wear off.
Why it’s a problem: Over time, UV rays break down the asphalt in shingles, making them more prone to cracking and water penetration. Combined with Chinook winds and hailstorms, a sun-weakened roof can deteriorate fast.
What to do: Choose high-quality shingles rated for Calgary’s weather extremes when replacing your roof. Regular inspections will also help spot early signs of UV damage.
Pro Tip: If your roof is more than 15 years old, have it inspected annually. Calgary’s weather is harsh, and even the best shingles can show their age faster here.
Roof damage in Calgary is almost inevitable thanks to our climate—but costly repairs and replacements don’t have to be. Here are some extra steps to protect your investment:
Schedule annual roof inspections. Spring and fall are the best times.
Keep your gutters clean. Clogged gutters make water damage worse.
Trim back nearby trees. Branches can scrape shingles and cause extra damage during storms.
Document storm damage. Take photos after hail or wind events for easier insurance claims.
Well, there you have it—the 5 most common types of roof damage in Calgary. From hail and wind to sneaky ice dams and even UV rays, our roofs really do fight an uphill battle year-round. But remember, knowledge is power. The more you know what to look for, the faster you can act, and the longer your roof will last.
At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, my team and I take pride in helping Calgarians protect their homes. If you ever spot damage or just aren’t sure what’s going on with your shingles, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Sometimes it takes a trained eye to catch issues early—and we’re always happy to help.
Stay safe, stay warm (or cool, depending on the season!), and take care of that roof. It’s working hard for you every single day.
– Tom Bailey
Owner, Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors