By Tom Bailey – Owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exterior
Hey there, Calgary neighbors —
If you're reading this, chances are you've recently experienced a storm or suspect your roof may have suffered some damage. First off, let me just say—we understand how stressful that can be. At Cowboys Roofing & Exterior, we’ve helped hundreds of families in Calgary navigate the often-confusing world of roofing insurance claims. Our mission is to make the process simple, transparent, and hassle-free so you can get back to feeling secure in your home.
Whether you’re dealing with hail damage in Chestermere, heavy snow in Airdrie, or wind damage in Southwest Calgary, this guide is built for you. We'll walk you through every step of the roofing insurance claim process, highlight what makes Calgary's weather and housing market unique, and help you avoid the common pitfalls that homeowners across Alberta face.
Let’s break it all down together—Calgary style.
Before diving into the insurance process, it helps to understand why Calgary homeowners file roofing claims so frequently.
Calgary holds the title as one of Canada’s top cities for hail-related damage. Our summers can be intense, with storms rolling through communities like Bowness, Signal Hill, and Evanston, dropping golf-ball-sized hail on homes. In fact, the 2020 Calgary hailstorm was one of the costliest in Canadian history—over $1.2 billion in insured damage.
Calgary’s unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on shingles, flashing, and roof structures. Ice dams are especially common in older homes in areas like Bridgeland and Mount Pleasant.
These dramatic temperature shifts, coupled with strong prairie winds, can loosen or tear off shingles altogether. Even modern roofing systems in new developments like Mahogany or Seton aren't immune.
So now that you understand the "why," let’s focus on the "how" of filing a roofing insurance claim in Calgary.
After a major weather event, your first move is a careful inspection. Here’s what to watch out for:
Shingle granule loss in gutters or on the ground
Missing, cracked, or curled shingles
Water stains on ceilings or attic plywood
Leaking roof vents or flashing
Dented gutters or soft metal flashing (a clear sign of hail impact)
At Cowboys Roofing & Exterior, we offer free roofing inspections across Calgary and surrounding areas. It's best to get a professional opinion before calling your insurance company, so you're well-informed from the start.
Your insurance provider will want proof of damage, and it pays—literally—to be thorough. Here’s how:
Take clear photos and videos from multiple angles
Include timestamped notes about the weather event
If safe, check attic and ceiling spaces for moisture or staining
Retain news reports or Environment Canada alerts for the storm date
Our team provides detailed inspection reports complete with high-resolution images, thermal scans (if needed), and notes that meet or exceed insurance documentation standards.
Before making that claim call, it’s time to read the fine print. Look for the following:
Coverage type: Most Calgary homeowners have all-perils or named-perils policies. Ensure wind and hail are included.
Deductibles: In Alberta, wind and hail deductibles may be higher than standard ones.
Replacement vs. actual cash value: This makes a huge difference in your payout. ACV considers depreciation; replacement covers full cost.
Don’t understand what you're reading? That’s totally normal. We’ll walk you through your policy so you don’t go in blind. Our team often sits down with homeowners—coffee in hand—to go through it line by line.
Now it’s time to file the claim. Most providers in Calgary (like Intact, Aviva, or The Co-operators) offer online portals or 24/7 call lines.
Policy number
Date and time of storm
Description of visible damage
Any photos or reports (you can include our inspection report)
Once submitted, an adjuster will be assigned to evaluate the damage and determine whether your claim will be approved.
This is a critical step. The insurance adjuster’s report will directly influence how much you get paid. We highly recommend having a roofing professional present during the adjuster visit—and this is where Cowboys Roofing & Exterior truly shines.
We speak the same technical language adjusters do
We ensure no damage is missed
We advocate for accurate assessments, especially on hidden damage like underlayment or decking issues
We provide a second opinion if the adjuster downplays the damage
Calgary adjusters are busy, especially during peak hail season. Don’t risk being overlooked—let us help you stand your ground.
Once your claim is approved, you’ll receive a scope of work and a settlement breakdown. This outlines what the insurance company will cover, including:
Roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, vents, flashing)
Labor
Disposal fees
Code upgrades (in some cases)
Here in Calgary, newer communities often have stricter building codes. We’ll make sure your quote includes all local code requirements, such as proper ventilation or ice and water shield underlayment.
This part is critical: not all roofers are created equal, and unfortunately, Calgary has seen its fair share of fly-by-night storm chasers.
Here’s what to look for:
Fully licensed and insured in Alberta
Strong local reputation (Google reviews, BBB rating)
Experience with insurance claims
Detailed contracts and warranties
No-pressure sales approach
Cowboys Roofing & Exterior checks all these boxes. We’ve served Calgary for over 15 years, and we specialize in storm damage repair and insurance restoration projects.
Once the deposit or first insurance installment clears, we’ll schedule the installation. Here's what to expect:
Permit acquisition (if required by Calgary bylaws)
Material delivery to your property
Old roof tear-off and disposal
Installation of new materials, including any needed upgrades
Final inspection and cleanup
We’ll also document the entire process for your peace of mind and the insurance company's records.
Once the project is complete, the insurance company may request a completion certificate or photos of the finished work before releasing the final payment.
We’ll take care of this entire process, submitting all documentation and working with your adjuster so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Here are some local Calgary-specific tips that can make all the difference:
Insurance policies in Alberta often have time limits—as short as 12 months from the storm date. Call us early and get a report on file even if you’re not ready to move forward.
Calgary’s intense weather demands durable roofing. Ask us about impact-resistant shingles, synthetic underlayments, and ice & water barriers designed for Alberta climates.
Some insurance policies will cover code-required upgrades. This is a rare chance to improve ventilation or upgrade to Class 4 shingles at little to no cost.
Be wary of contractors asking for large deposits upfront. Your insurance claim should handle most payments in structured installments.
Local Experts: We live here. We know Calgary’s weather, bylaws, and building codes inside and out.
Insurance Savvy: We help you navigate every part of the claim—from start to finish.
Top-Tier Craftsmanship: Our work is backed by strong warranties and an eye for detail.
Community Focused: We’re proud members of the Calgary construction and business community.
Getting your roof replaced through an insurance claim might seem intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. At Cowboys Roofing & Exterior, we treat every customer like family. We’ll walk you through the claim, meet your adjuster, explain your policy, and install a high-quality roof that protects your home for years to come.
If you’re in Calgary or the surrounding areas and think your roof may have been damaged by wind, hail, or snow, give us a call today at +1 844-991-7663. We'll get your inspection scheduled, free of charge, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Stay safe, Calgary—and remember, when the storms roll in, Cowboys Roofing & Exterior has your back.