When fierce gusts rip shingles off, the first 24 hours matter. Here’s exactly what to do in Windsor–Essex to stay safe, protect your home, and get repairs moving—without headaches on insurance or permits.
1) Stay safe first
- From the ground, look for hazards. If you see or suspect downed power lines, stay back at least 10 m and call 9-1-1. Local utilities explain what to do: ENWIN power-outage & safety tips and Essex Powerlines outdoor electrical safety.
- Keep an eye on Environment Canada weather alerts for Windsor–Essex for real-time warnings and updates.
2) Prevent further water damage (your insurer expects this)
Insurers call it your “duty to mitigate.” If it’s safe, protect the interior until a roofer arrives:
- Move or cover valuables; place buckets/towels where needed.
- Don’t climb the roof—wait for trained crews with fall protection.
- For claim basics after severe weather, see Insurance Bureau of Canada: what to do after a disaster, and use our Storm-Damage Emergency Checklist to track steps and receipts.
Keep all receipts for tarping, drying or cleanup—adjusters often reimburse reasonable emergency costs that prevent further damage.
3) Document everything
- Take clear photos/video of missing shingles, interior spots, and debris.
- Note the date/time and grab a screenshot of your local alert from Environment Canada.
- Start a simple list of damaged rooms/contents.
4) Call a reputable local roofer (then your insurer)
- Need help now? Book Cleroux 24/7 roof repair for emergency tarping and a written inspection you can use with your insurer.
- Then call your insurer’s 24/7 claims line; claim guidance is here: IBC—making a home insurance claim.
5) Repair options we’ll walk through with you
After we inspect the deck, underlayment, and surrounding field shingles, we’ll recommend one of three paths:
- Spot repair — re-seal/replace a small number of tabs where adhesive failed but the field is sound.
- Section repair — replace a larger affected plane when multiple courses lifted. We use modern starter strips and a six-nail pattern for better wind hold
- Full replacement — when shingles are brittle, the underlayment is compromised, or damage is widespread. If you’re weighing options, read When to Repair vs. Replace Your Roof.
Repair Options by Damage Level
Permit note (Windsor): Like-for-like re-shingling is typically treated as maintenance. If structural work or new openings are involved, apply through Windsor Building Permits (Cloudpermit) and book inspections via Inspection Services.
6) How to speed up your insurance claim
Insurance Claim Speed Factors
- Share our written inspection report, photos, and estimate with your adjuster.
- Ask if they want a line-item/Xactimate-style estimate—we can provide it.
- Keep communication in writing and save all receipts (tarping, dehumidifiers, hotel if needed).
7) Upgrades that help against the next wind event
- Six-nail pattern + enhanced starters at eaves/rakes.
- Replace loose/rusted drip edge and add ice/water protection in vulnerable areas.
- Check ridge/box vents; re-fasten or upgrade to wind-rated vents.
- Trim overhanging limbs that act like sails.
- Consider newer shingles with improved wind warranties (follow the manufacturer’s installation and warranty booklet—see high-wind tips).
8) If your job needs a bin or hoarding on the road
Placing a dumpster or material hoist on the boulevard/roadway requires a City of Windsor Right-of-Way Permit.
We’re here 24/7
If a windstorm just took shingles off your home in Windsor–Essex, we can tarp today and repair or replace quickly—and we’ll provide the documentation your insurer needs. Start here: Cleroux roof repair.
