Calgary is known for hailstorms that can turn a quiet afternoon into a major property event in minutes. For commercial and industrial buildings, hail doesn’t just dent metal— it can bruise membranes, crack flashings, and set up slow leaks that show up months later. As a property or facility manager, how you respond in the days after a hailstorm can make the difference between a smooth insurance claim and costly, uncovered repairs.

This guide walks through what hail does to commercial roofs, how to inspect and document damage, how to navigate insurance claims, and what repair or replacement options exist for Calgary’s flat roofs.

For a broader view of CMP Roofing’s services, you can reference our Commercial Roofing Services page at https://cmproofing.ca/services/ and related education in our blog at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

How Hail Damages Commercial Flat Roofs

Different roof systems react to hail in different ways. Even if you don’t see obvious leaks after a storm, hidden damage can shorten roof life.

TPO and Other Single-Ply Membranes

  • Surface scuffing and abrasion from hailstones and wind-blown debris
  • Localized punctures or micro-cracking, especially near fasteners and seams
  • Damage to flashings around curbs, vents, and parapets

Related reading: “TPO Roofing Calgary: Best Commercial Flat Roof System for Big-Box & Industrial Buildings” in our blog at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

SBS Modified Bitumen and BUR

  • Granule loss on cap sheets, accelerating UV degradation
  • Bruising or fractures in the membrane that may not leak immediately
  • Damage at laps, corners, and details that can open over time

EPDM

  • Surface dimples and bruises that may weaken the rubber over time
  • Punctures from sharp hail or flying debris
  • Damage to seams and perimeter terminations

To better understand how these systems perform in local conditions, see “TPO vs SBS vs EPDM in Calgary’s Climate: Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

First Steps After a Hailstorm: Safety and Triage

Before you look at the roof, prioritize interior safety.

  • Check for obvious leaks, ceiling damage, or wet electrical equipment
  • Keep occupants away from any ceilings that appear bulged or unstable
  • Note any interior areas where water is actively entering the building

If you have active leaks, follow the immediate-response steps outlined in “Calgary Commercial Roof Leak Repair: What Facility Managers Should Do in the First 24 Hours” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and contact CMP Roofing through https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/.

Hail Damage Inspection: Interior and Exterior

Interior Inspection

  • Walk all tenant spaces, corridors, mechanical rooms, and key operational areas
  • Note water stains, wet ceiling tiles, leaks around penetrations, or new drips
  • Take clear photos or short videos of any interior impacts

Even if you don’t see leaks right away, make a record of the storm date and affected areas for future reference.

Roof-Level Inspection (By Professionals)

Because hailstorms often leave roofs wet or slippery, rooftop inspection is best done by trained personnel with proper safety equipment.

A professional commercial roof inspection after hail typically includes:

  • Survey of membrane surfaces for bruising, punctures, and scuffs
  • Checks around HVAC curbs, skylights, vents, and walls
  • Inspection of drains, scuppers, and gutters for debris from the storm
  • Core sampling or test cuts if necessary to confirm deeper damage
  • Photo documentation and a written report of findings

You can tie this step directly to a “Commercial Roof Inspections in Calgary” service page under https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

Documenting Hail Damage for Insurance

Thorough documentation is critical for hail-related insurance claims.

Key elements include:

  • Storm details
    • Date and approximate time of the hail event
    • Any weather alerts or reports you received
    • Known hail size (from on-site observation or weather sources)
  • Photo and video evidence
    • Roof membrane close-ups showing impact points
    • Wide shots of the roof to show overall pattern of damage
    • Dents in rooftop mechanical units or flashings
    • Interior damage to ceilings, walls, and finishes
  • Professional inspection report
    • Roofer’s description of damage and its likely impact on roof performance
    • Recommended repair or replacement approach
    • Clear differentiation between new hail damage and pre-existing conditions

CMP Roofing can provide inspection reports tailored for insurance use, helping you support your claim with technical evidence. For service requests, use https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/ and confirm coverage at https://cmproofing.ca/locations/.

Working with Insurance on Hail Damage Claims

Every policy is different, but a typical sequence looks like this:

  1. Notify your insurer quickly
    • Provide storm date, building address, and initial observations
    • Ask about timelines, preferred documentation, and any approved vendors
  2. Arrange a roofing inspection
    • Engage CMP Roofing or another commercial roofing contractor for a detailed hail inspection
    • Share our report with your adjuster so they understand the roof-specific impacts
  3. Coordinate adjuster and contractor site visits
    • If possible, have the roofer and adjuster review the roof together
    • This helps align understanding of what is hail-related and what is pre-existing
  4. Review coverage and scope
    • Determine whether the policy covers full replacement, partial replacement, or repairs
    • Understand deductibles, code upgrades, and any limitations around older roofs
  5. Plan the work
    • Schedule repairs or replacement in coordination with tenants and operational needs
    • Align roof work with other building projects where possible

For more on replacement planning and cost expectations, see “Commercial Flat Roof Replacement in Calgary: Costs, Options & Timelines for Property Managers” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/.

Repair vs Replacement After Hail Damage

Not all hail events require a new roof. The right solution depends on:

  • Roof age and remaining service life
  • Type and extent of damage
  • Existing system (TPO, SBS, EPDM, BUR, or coating)
  • Insurance coverage and capital planning

Localized Repairs

Appropriate when:

  • Damage is confined to specific areas
  • Membrane still has significant life remaining
  • Insulation and deck show no signs of widespread moisture

Common examples:

  • Patch and reinforce punctured areas
  • Repair or replace damaged flashings and detail strips
  • Seal splits or openings at seams

These repairs fit naturally into an ongoing maintenance program. For more, see “Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans in Calgary: How to Extend Flat Roof Life by 10+ Years” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and the Services hub at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

Partial Replacement or Sectional Work

Sometimes only one section is heavily impacted:

  • Windward or exposed portions of the roof
  • Specific roof levels or additions
  • Areas near tall neighbouring structures that shed hail and debris

In these cases, insurers and owners may agree to replace damaged sections while maintaining others under a maintenance plan.

Full Roof Replacement

Full replacement is often the right solution when:

  • Hail has caused widespread membrane or granule damage
  • Insulation is saturated in multiple areas
  • The roof was already nearing the end of its service life

A new system—TPO, SBS, or EPDM—can be designed with hail and Calgary’s climate in mind. Compare system options using “TPO vs SBS vs EPDM in Calgary’s Climate: Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing System” on https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and explore CMP Roofing’s commercial replacement services at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

Integrating Hail Response into Your Maintenance Plan

Hail doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s one of many stress events your roof experiences over its life. The most effective strategy is to integrate hail response into a broader maintenance plan.

A CMP Roofing maintenance plan can include:

  • Baseline condition assessment of each roof section
  • Scheduled spring and fall inspections
  • Post-storm inspections after major hail events
  • Priority response for active leaks
  • Ongoing documentation to support insurance and capital planning

For details, see “Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans in Calgary: How to Extend Flat Roof Life by 10+ Years” at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and our maintenance-related services at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

Next Steps: Book a Hail Damage Inspection for Your Calgary Property

If your property has recently experienced a hailstorm—or if you’re unsure whether an event caused roof damage—the safest next step is a professional hail inspection.

CMP Roofing can:

  • Inspect TPO, SBS, EPDM, BUR, and coated roofs for hail impact
  • Provide detailed photo reports suitable for insurance
  • Recommend repair, partial replacement, or full replacement options
  • Help you integrate hail findings into an ongoing maintenance and capital plan

To schedule a hail damage inspection in Calgary or surrounding areas, visit https://cmproofing.ca/contact-2/. Confirm service coverage at https://cmproofing.ca/locations/, and explore related resources in our blog at https://cmproofing.ca/blog/ and our full Commercial Roofing Services at https://cmproofing.ca/services/.

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