By Tom Bailey, Owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors
Howdy Calgary!
I’m Tom Bailey, proud owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, and I know first-hand just how tough our Calgary weather can be on homes. From pounding hailstorms to chinook winds that blow shingles clean off, our roofs see it all. And while most of us are used to dealing with a bit of snow or the occasional strong gust, the damage these storms leave behind isn’t always so easy to fix.
That’s where insurance claims come in. If your roof is damaged by a storm, your insurance policy is supposed to step up and help with the cost of repairs or replacement. But here’s the tricky part: the claims process can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, adjusters, and fine print, it’s easy to miss something important that could delay your claim—or worse, cost you money.
That’s why I’m sharing five insider tips every Calgarian homeowner should know when filing a roofing insurance claim. Think of this as your cowboy guide to navigating the wild west of insurance paperwork, making sure you’re treated fairly, and getting your roof back in shape without unnecessary headaches.
The first—and arguably most important—step after storm damage is to gather evidence right away. The stronger your documentation, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
Take photos and videos of your entire property, not just the roof. Capture close-ups of visible damage like missing shingles, dents in gutters, or broken siding, as well as wide shots that show the overall state of your home.
Don’t forget the yard. Shingle debris, hailstones, or fallen branches on the ground also tell the story of the storm.
Note the date and time of the storm. If possible, save weather reports or news articles confirming hail or high winds in your neighborhood—that kind of evidence supports your case.
Insurance adjusters often juggle dozens of claims after a Calgary storm. Solid, time-stamped evidence makes it harder for them to downplay the severity of your damage. Think of it like building your case in advance—you’re showing them the proof before they even set foot on your property.
A common mistake homeowners make is calling their insurance company first, before they even know the full extent of the damage. The problem? If you don’t have the right information, you’re already at a disadvantage.
Identifies hidden damage: Storm damage isn’t always obvious from the ground. Granule loss, small punctures, or loosened flashing can go unnoticed but cause big problems later.
Provides a detailed report: At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, we provide written reports complete with photos, outlining all the issues we find.
Helps with your claim wording: Knowing the exact damage helps you communicate clearly and accurately with your insurance company.
Most roofing contractors in Calgary—including us—offer free inspections after storms. Use this to your advantage. By getting a professional report first, you’ll go into the claims process prepared, rather than relying solely on the insurance adjuster’s evaluation.
This one isn’t as fun as taking pictures or having your roof inspected, but it’s absolutely critical. Too many Calgarians file claims without actually knowing what their policy does—or doesn’t—cover.
Covered Perils: Most policies cover hail, wind, and falling debris damage—but it’s smart to confirm.
Deductibles: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Know this number ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard.
Depreciation vs. Replacement Cost: Some policies pay out the depreciated value of your roof (less money), while others cover the full replacement cost. Replacement cost coverage is far better for homeowners.
Exclusions: Certain materials, improper maintenance, or pre-existing conditions may not be covered.
By understanding your policy, you’ll be able to set realistic expectations and avoid surprises. Plus, when you speak to the adjuster, you’ll sound confident and informed—a big advantage in negotiations.
After you file your claim, your insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage. Many homeowners assume they should just let the adjuster do their job and wait for the report—but that’s a missed opportunity.
Provide context: You can point out problem areas they might overlook.
Ensure nothing is missed: Adjusters are human, and with so many claims to handle, they may not catch everything.
Advocate for yourself: Your presence shows that you’re taking the process seriously.
At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, we often meet adjusters on behalf of our clients. This ensures that an experienced roofing professional is pointing out all storm-related damage in real time. It levels the playing field, making sure the adjuster’s report is accurate and complete.
After a major Calgary storm, roofing contractors get busy fast, and homeowners feel pressure to act quickly. While speed is important, it’s more important to do things correctly.
Don’t immediately hire the first contractor who knocks on your door offering a quick fix. Sadly, Calgary sees its fair share of “storm chasers”—out-of-town companies who disappear after the job is done (or not done well).
Don’t start permanent repairs until the insurance process is underway. If you do, the adjuster may not be able to verify the damage, which could complicate your claim.
Temporary fixes: If your roof is leaking, cover it with a tarp to prevent further damage. Document everything you do to protect your property.
Hire local and reputable: Choose a Calgary-based contractor with a solid track record (like us Cowboys!) who will be around for follow-up service.
Stay in touch with your insurance company: Keep them updated and follow their guidelines to avoid claim delays.
Balancing urgency with careful planning ensures you’re not left with poor-quality repairs—or worse, an unpaid claim.
Along with the five main tips, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Failing to act quickly: Most policies require timely reporting of damage. Waiting too long can result in denied claims.
Not keeping receipts: If you buy supplies for temporary repairs, keep the receipts. Insurance often reimburses those costs.
Ignoring small damage: Even if it looks minor, hail or wind damage can compromise your roof’s long-term durability. Document and report everything.
Trusting only the adjuster’s report: Always get a second opinion from a roofing professional.
Here in Calgary, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate the roofing insurance claim process after hailstorms, blizzards, and windstorms. We know how stressful it can feel, and we pride ourselves on being more than just roofers—we’re your partners through the entire claims journey.
When you work with us, you get:
Free storm damage inspections with detailed reports and photos.
Assistance during adjuster visits to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Transparent communication so you understand every step of the process.
Quality craftsmanship on repairs or replacements that are built to last in Calgary’s harsh climate.
Filing a roofing insurance claim in Calgary doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right approach—and the right partner—you can make the process smooth, fair, and successful.
Remember these five tips:
Document everything immediately.
Get a professional inspection before filing.
Understand your policy inside and out.
Be present with the adjuster.
Balance urgency with careful planning.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against Calgary’s unpredictable weather. Taking the right steps during an insurance claim ensures you get the protection (and the payout) you deserve.
And if you ever need help, know that Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors is just a call away. We’ll bring the experience, the knowledge, and the cowboy grit to get your claim handled right—so you can focus on what matters most: feeling safe and secure under your roof.
Take care, Calgary,
Tom Bailey
Owner, Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors