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After a major B.C. windstorm, the first priority is safety—not getting onto the roof. Missing shingles, bent flashing and fallen branches matter, but so do downed electrical lines, unstable trees, wet ceilings and debris that can shift without warning.
What should you do in the first 30 minutes after a major windstorm?
Check for immediate hazards
Stay away from downed power lines, unstable trees, broken glass, sagging ceilings and damaged areas that could collapse.
Look for active water entry
Use containers or move belongings only if the area is safe and there is no electrical hazard.
Photograph what you can safely see
Take ground-level photos of missing roofing, branches, metal, siding and interior water damage before cleanup changes the scene.
Contact your insurer when damage may be significant
Report the event and ask what documentation or emergency mitigation they want you to preserve.
Arrange temporary weather protection if needed
Use a qualified contractor when the roof is open or unsafe rather than climbing onto a damaged roof yourself.
How do you make the property safe after the storm?
Do not enter areas where the ceiling is bulging or where water is near electrical fixtures. If you smell gas, see damaged service equipment or suspect structural movement, follow emergency utility and local-authority instructions.
IBC's windstorm guidance emphasizes cautious re-entry, checking for electrical and gas hazards, and avoiding damaged roads, fallen objects and downed wires.
What should you photograph before cleanup?
- the overall building and affected roof slope from the ground;
- missing shingles, bent metal or displaced ridge material;
- tree or branch impact locations;
- damaged gutters, soffits, siding or windows;
- interior ceiling stains and wet finishes;
- water-damaged belongings;
- temporary protection once it is installed.
Keep invoices and receipts for emergency work. IBC's claims guidance recommends detailed documentation and photographs and advises keeping damaged items unless they are unsafe or your insurer agrees they can be discarded.
How should you limit further water damage?
Insurance policies generally require policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage when it is safe to do so. That can mean moving undamaged belongings, placing containers under a manageable drip or arranging temporary roof protection.
IBC specifically notes that temporary measures can include boarding openings or placing tarps over damaged roofs, but unsafe work should be left to qualified professionals.
For active roof openings or water entry, use emergency roof repair.
When should you contact your home insurer?
Contact the insurer promptly when the damage is more than a minor maintenance issue, especially when the storm caused an opening, water reached the interior or trees and debris struck the building. Ask what they need before permanent repairs begin.
IBC says most home insurance policies cover wind or tornado damage such as flying debris, fallen trees/branches and water entering through openings suddenly created by wind. Coverage still depends on the policy, deductible and cause of loss.
For a deeper explanation of roof-leak coverage, see does home insurance cover roof leaks in British Columbia?
What should a roofer inspect after high winds?
Storm damage can be subtle. The roof inspection should look for:
- missing or displaced shingles;
- lifted or creased shingles that settled back down;
- failed ridge and edge details;
- bent or loosened flashing;
- branch punctures and impact damage;
- damaged vents and penetrations;
- gutter, fascia and soffit movement;
- new interior moisture patterns.
The earlier guide on how wind damages shingles and flashing explains why the roof can look mostly intact while seals and edges are already compromised.
What is the difference between temporary and permanent storm repair?
A temporary repair is meant to reduce further water entry until safe, compatible permanent work can be completed. Examples can include emergency tarping or temporary sealing of an opening. A permanent repair rebuilds the damaged roofing, flashing or assembly to the required standard.
Do not let an emergency patch become the final roof detail by default. Document what was temporary and schedule follow-up when conditions allow.
What should you avoid after a windstorm?
- Do not climb onto a wet or visibly damaged roof.
- Do not dispose of damaged materials before documenting them unless they are hazardous.
- Do not sign a full replacement contract under pressure before the damage scope is understood.
- Do not assume every interior stain proves the whole roof needs replacement.
- Do not make permanent alterations that could complicate an insurance inspection without discussing the claim process first.
Once the immediate damage is controlled, use the repair-or-replacement guide to evaluate the long-term path.
Frequently asked questions
Does home insurance usually cover wind damage?
Most Canadian home policies generally cover wind damage, but deductibles, exclusions and the exact cause of loss still matter. Confirm your own policy with the insurer.
Should I call the insurer or roofer first?
If there is immediate danger, deal with safety first. If water is actively entering, arrange reasonable emergency mitigation while also contacting the insurer promptly so you understand claim documentation requirements.
Can a roofer tarp the roof before the adjuster sees it?
Often reasonable emergency mitigation is appropriate, especially when it prevents further damage, but document the condition first when safe and confirm claim requirements with your insurer.
What if no shingles are missing?
The roof can still have lifted, creased or loosened shingles, displaced flashing or impact damage that is difficult to see from the ground.
Should I replace the whole roof after wind damage?
Not automatically. The decision depends on the extent of storm damage, roof age, repairability, product availability and the condition of surrounding materials.
Insurance/safety reference: Insurance Bureau of Canada guidance recommends prioritizing safety, documenting losses, taking reasonable steps to prevent further damage and contacting the insurer promptly. IBC also notes that wind damage is commonly insured, including water entering through storm-created openings, subject to the actual policy.
Make the property safe, then define the damage.
Emergency protection should stop additional loss. The permanent repair decision should follow once the roof can be safely inspected and the storm damage is documented.
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