Southwestern Ontario summers bring fast-moving thunderstorms — high winds, hail, and wind-driven rain that can damage a roof in minutes, often in ways you can't see from the driveway.
If a summer storm just rolled through, the safest move is to inspect from the ground, document anything you see, and call a roofer for anything beyond the obvious — never climb up yourself. Here is how summer storms damage roofs, the warning signs, and exactly what to do next.
How summer storms damage a roof
- Wind: Gusts lift and crease shingles or tear them off entirely, breaking the seal that keeps water out. Once the seal is broken, leaks can appear in the next rain even if the shingle is still there.
- Hail: Impacts knock the protective granules off asphalt shingles and can dent metal flashing, vents, and eavestroughs, shortening the roof's life.
- Wind-driven rain: Water is forced sideways under shingles and flashing, bypassing defenses that handle normal rainfall.
- Debris: Branches and airborne objects puncture or scrape the surface.
Signs of storm damage to look for
- Missing, lifted, curled, or creased shingles
- A surge of granules in eavestroughs and at the bottom of downspouts
- Dented or displaced flashing, vents, or eavestroughs
- Shingles or debris in the yard
- New water stains or daylight visible in the attic or on top-floor ceilings
A lot of wind and hail damage isn't visible from the ground, so after a significant storm a professional roof inspection is the surest way to know where you stand.
Right after the storm — do this: Stay off the roof. Photograph visible damage for your records and insurer. Move valuables away from any interior leak and catch drips with a bucket. Then call a roofer to inspect and, if needed, safely tarp the area. Temporary fixes and ladders after a storm are how people get hurt — leave the roof to a pro.
Insurance and storm damage
Most Ontario home insurance policies cover sudden wind and hail damage, though deductibles and terms vary. Report it promptly, keep dated photos, and get a documented inspection report — a clear record from a roofer helps support your claim.
When to call — and who to call
Call right away if you have an active leak, missing shingles, or visible structural damage. 519 Roofing provides emergency roof repair across Southwestern Ontario and often responds the same day.
Storm just hit? For an active leak, call our emergency line at (519) 808-9444. To book a storm inspection, reach us below.
Book a Storm Inspection