BC storm season can be brutal. Wind, hail, heavy snow, and ice create ideal conditions for roof damage. If your home has been hit by a storm, this guide will help you assess damage, understand your options, and navigate the repair process.

Storm Damage Is More Common Than You Think

In BC, we experience significant storms regularly. Wind storms in fall and winter, hail in spring, heavy snow loading—all can damage roofs. You might not realize your roof has damage until water starts leaking inside.

The good news? Most storm damage is repairable, and insurance usually covers it. The key is acting quickly to assess and repair before secondary damage (mold, structural rot) occurs.

Common Types of Storm Damage

Wind damage: – Lifted or missing shingles – Flashing separation or damage – Gutter damage or separation – Roof deck exposure – Objects blown into the roof

Hail damage: – Shingle punctures (tiny holes) – Granule loss (exposing asphalt) – Denting (cosmetic, but can lead to water issues) – Flashing dents

Heavy snow: – Roof sagging from weight – Ice dam formation (forces water under shingles) – Gutter collapse from ice weight – Structural stress

Ice storms: – Ice dam formation (most damaging) – Heavy ice weight – Downspout freeze and backup – Flashing damage

How to Assess Storm Damage Safely

Don’t climb on your roof—it’s dangerous, especially after a storm. Here’s what you can do safely:

From the ground:

Use binoculars to look at visible shingles
Look for missing shingles (you’ll see bare roof)
Look for shingles that are darker or different colored (exposed asphalt or damage)
Check for debris on the roof or in gutters
Look for hanging gutters or flashing
Check downspouts for debris

From inside:

Check your attic for new water stains
Look for water inside walls or ceilings
Check for mold or moisture smell
Look for insulation that’s wet or compressed

Outdoors around the house:

Look for shingle pieces in your yard
Check gutters for debris, granules, or shingle pieces
Look for tree damage that might have contacted the roof
Check siding for damage (wind affects more than just roofs)

Documenting Storm Damage for Insurance

Insurance requires documentation. Photograph everything:

Wide shots of the overall damage
Close-ups of specific damage areas
Interior water damage and stains
Debris (fallen tree branches, hail accumulation, etc.)
Damage to other parts of the house (siding, gutters, windows)

Document the date, time, and weather conditions. Videos are helpful too—they show the extent of damage.

Keep this documentation with your insurance claim.

When to Call Your Insurance Company

Call immediately after a storm. Don’t wait to see if damage appears.

When reporting:

Provide date and time of the storm
Describe the damage you’ve observed
Provide photos/videos
Get a claim number and reference
Ask about emergency repairs (they often cover tarping/temporary protection)
Ask when an adjuster will inspect

Many insurers require prompt reporting. Waiting days or weeks can complicate your claim.

Tarping and Emergency Protection

Tarping is temporary but essential. It prevents water from entering your home while you wait for repairs.

Professional roofers can quickly tarp your roof, securing tarps over damaged areas to direct water away from the house. This is often covered by insurance as emergency repair.

Tarping prevents significant water damage. It’s a worthwhile investment in protecting your home.

Professional Damage Assessment

Even if you don’t see obvious damage, a professional should assess your roof. Storm damage is often hidden:

Small holes or punctures in shingles (hard to see from the ground)
Flashing damage beneath visible areas
Gutter separation not obvious from below
Granule loss indicating shingle damage
Lifted shingles (damage is underneath)

A contractor with experience in storm damage knows what to look for.

Contact Mainline Roofing for professional storm damage assessment. We’ll identify all damage and provide documentation for your insurance company.

The Repair Process After Storm Damage

Once damage is assessed and insurance approved:

Step 1: Insurance approval – Adjuster inspects and approves coverage

You receive claim approval for repairs – You select a contractor

Step 2: Professional repair – Damaged areas are removed – Underlying structure is assessed for damage – New materials are installed to match existing roof – Flashing is sealed properly – Gutters are repaired or replaced – A final inspection ensures everything is correct

Step 3: Inspection and final payment – Insurance adjuster may do a final inspection – You inspect the completed work – Final payment is made

The timeline varies. Simple repairs might take a week. Complex damage can take 3-4 weeks.

Coordination with Insurance Adjusters

This is where professional contractors like Mainline Roofing add value. We:

Document all damage thoroughly with photos and notes
Provide detailed, itemized estimates for the adjuster
Communicate directly with the adjuster about covered damage
Answer questions about the cause and scope of damage
Ensure fair claim assessment
Complete repairs as approved by insurance

This coordination often results in higher insurance payouts and faster claim resolution.

Material Matching

One question: can new shingles be matched to your existing roof?

If your roof is relatively new, yes—manufacturers still produce the same style and color.

If your roof is older, exact matches might be impossible. In these cases:

We use the closest match available
We may need to replace larger sections to blend properly
This is discussed with your insurance adjuster

Most insurers approve reasonable matching efforts. If your roof uses premium GAF Master Elite shingles, matching is easier—GAF maintains consistent product lines.

Why Choose a Professional for Storm Repairs

You might be tempted to do temporary repairs yourself. Don’t:

Danger: Roof work is inherently dangerous. Falls are a leading injury cause.
Quality: Professional installation is needed for proper sealing and longevity. DIY repairs often fail.
Insurance: Insurance typically requires professional repair for claims.
Warranty: Professional work comes with warranty. DIY doesn’t.
Documentation: Professionals document work for insurance and future reference.

Professional repair is safer, better, and often covered by insurance.

Prevention: Before the Next Storm

Storm damage is often unavoidable, but some prevention helps:

Keep gutters clean to prevent ice dam formation
Trim tree branches that hang over your roof
Ensure flashing is properly sealed (check annually)
Maintain roof condition (early replacement of aging roofs prevents storm failures)
Have your roof inspected annually, especially after storms

These steps don’t prevent all damage, but they reduce likelihood and severity.

After Storm Damage Strikes

If your home has been hit, act quickly:

Assess safety – ensure it’s safe to be in your home
Document damage – take photos and videos
Call insurance – report immediately
Tarp if needed – prevent water entry
Call a professional – get expert assessment and coordination

Contact Mainline Roofing for storm damage assessment and repair. We serve Quesnel, Williams Lake, and Prince George. We’ll assess damage, coordinate with your insurance company, and repair your roof professionally.

Storm damage is stressful. Let us handle it.