Hail Damage? Insurance Claim Headaches?

We Take the Stress Off Your Plate.

If you live in Calgary or Southern Alberta, hail and high winds are just part of life. When a storm hits your home, the damage is stressful enough. Trying to navigate the insurance claim on top of that can feel overwhelming.

Fortress helps you handle both.

We are a local roofing, exteriors, and glass team that guides you through your hail and wind insurance claim from first call to final inspection, so nothing falls through the cracks and your home is properly protected, not just patched.

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Hail Damage & Insurance Claims in Southern Alberta

Major hailstorms and high winds are a regular reality across Southern Alberta.

After a storm, most homeowners are left wondering:

  • Do I actually have damage?

  • Is it bad enough to file a claim?

  • Who do I call first, my insurer or a contractor?

  • How do I avoid getting stuck with a lowball settlement or rushed repairs?

At Fortress, storm and hail-related insurance claims are one of our core specialties. We help you understand your options, document the damage, and move through the claim with clear steps and a trusted partner at your side.

I’ve Been Hit By Hail. What Should I Do First?

Here is a simple step by step guide when a storm hits:

Step 1

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Let your insurer know you suspect hail or wind damage. Open a claim and write down your claim number and adjuster’s name.

Step 2

Notify Them of Any Emergency Repairs

If your roof is leaking or there is broken glass, your insurer needs to know right away. Most policies allow temporary emergency repairs to prevent further damage.

Step 3

Speak With Your Adjuster About the Storm Damage

Share what you are seeing: missing shingles, dents in soft metals, damaged siding, broken windows, water spots on ceilings, and so on. Ask what the next steps are and what they will be looking for.

Step 4

Secure a Contractor You Trust

Whether your insurer assigns a preferred contractor or you choose your own, you need a team that:

  • Knows how to work within insurance guidelines

  • Can handle roofing, exteriors, and glass, not just one trade

  • Communicates clearly and stands behind their work

Step 5

Review and Confirm Your Estimate

Make sure the scope of work actually matches the damage, roof, siding, soffit, fascia, eavestroughs, windows, and glass. If something is missed, we can help you ask for a supplement or revision.

Step 6

Sign the Contract and Begin Repairs

Once you are comfortable with the plan, we lock in the details, schedule your work, and keep you informed from start to finish.

My Storm Damage Claim Is Approved.

What Happens Next?

Once your claim is approved, you usually have two main options:

1.

Use a Preferred Vendor Chosen by Your Insurer

Your insurance company may recommend or assign a contractor. The benefits typically include:

  • A warranty backed by both the insurer and the contractor

  • A process they already know well internally

This can work well if the contractor truly cares and communicates. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

2.

Choose Your Own Contractor (Like Fortress)

You are never required to use the insurer’s preferred vendor. As the homeowner, you always have the right to:

  • Select your own contractor, as long as they work within the approved scope and pricing guidelines

  • Choose based on local reputation, years in business, reviews, and warranty

  • Ask questions about how they will handle your roof, exteriors, and any glass or window damage

In some cases, depending on the size of the claim and how the deductible is structured, there may be ways to soften the impact of your deductible. We will walk you through what is realistic and what is not, and we will never put your coverage at risk just to “save a few dollars” today.

One Call Handles Roofing, Exteriors, and Glass

At Fortress Roofing & Exteriors, we can handle every exterior trade related to hail and wind damage:

  • Roofing (asphalt, rubber, metal)

  • Siding, soffit, fascia, and metal cladding

  • Eavestroughs and downspouts

  • Windows, doors, and residential glass

  • Skylights and roof-side glass

  • Painting and small exterior carpentry tied to the storm work

That means:

  • One point of contact instead of juggling multiple trades

  • One schedule, one standard of quality across your whole exterior

  • Fewer gaps between “what insurance covers” and “what actually needs fixing”

We speak your insurer’s language, but we always stand with you.

How Fortress Supports You Through the Claim

Full Damage Assessment

We inspect your roof, exteriors, and glass, then give you clear photos and a written summary you can share with your adjuster.

Scope Review & Supplement Support

We compare your insurer’s estimate to what your home actually needs. If something is missing, we help you request adjustments or supplements, using proper documentation.

Clear Communication With You and Your Adjuster

We keep you informed at every step and coordinate directly with your insurer when needed, so you are not stuck in the middle.

Quality Repairs With Real Accountability

All core roofing and exterior work is backed by our 10 year, no excuses workmanship guarantee. If something is not right, we fix it. No pushback.

You are not just a file number to us.

You are a neighbour we intend to support for years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage & Claims

How can I tell if my home has hail damage?

Common signs include:

• Large loss of shingle granules or pieces of shingles on the ground after a storm

• Dark “pock marks” on the shingles in the direction of the hail

• Dents in vents, soft metal flashings, gutters, and downspouts

• Splits or impact marks on wood shakes or siding

• Cracked, chipped, or broken windows or glass units

Damage is not always visible from the ground. That is why a professional inspection is so important

How long do I have to file a hail or wind claim?

Most insurers allow between 12 and 24 months after a storm to file a claim, but every policy is different. We always recommend:

• Calling your insurer as soon as you suspect damage

• Getting a professional inspection early, before leaks or hidden damage get worse

Waiting too long can sometimes limit your options.

Can I “cash out” my claim and keep some of the money?

In many policies, you can choose to receive a cash settlement and handle the work yourself, or even delay it.

However, there are real risks:

• If repairs are not done properly, future damage may not be covered

• Leaving damage unrepaired can lead to leaks, rot, or mold

• In some cases, your insurer can refuse future claims or even cancel coverage if known damage is ignored

We always recommend using qualified professionals and completing the work, so your home stays fully covered and secure.

Can my deductible be reduced or waived?

Sometimes, depending on how your claim is structured and the total value of the work, there may be ways to ease the impact of your deductible. We will always be transparent about what is possible within the rules and will never put your policy at risk just to make a sale.

Ask us about your specific situation and we will walk through it with you.

My roof and siding are older. Can I still make a claim?

Often, yes, with some limits.

• If your roof or siding is at or near the end of its life, the insurer may apply depreciation, which can reduce the payout.

• You may still qualify for a partial claim if hail or wind caused new, sudden damage.

If you are unsure, contact your insurer to open a claim, then have us inspect and document the damage so you can make an informed decision.

Local, Family-Owned, and Here for the Long Haul

  • Serving Calgary and Southern Alberta homeowners since 2001

  • A+ Better Business Bureau rating and strong review history

  • Hundreds of storm and insurance-driven projects completed every year

  • 10 year workmanship guarantee on our roofing and core exterior work

We are not storm chasers. We are your local, family owned roofing, exteriors, and glass partner who will still be here years after the storm has passed.

Hit By Hail?
Talk to a Team That Has Your Back.

Storms are stressful enough. You should not have to fight through confusing paperwork, low estimates, and rushed repairs on your own.

With Fortress, you get:

  • A free roof and exterior assessment after hail or wind

  • Help understanding your policy and your insurer’s estimate

  • One coordinated team for roofing, exteriors, and glass repairs

  • A 10 year workmanship guarantee and ongoing support

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