Calgary’s hail season runs from May through September, with the most damaging storms typically striking in June and July. After the devastating 2020 storm that caused over $1.2 billion in insured damage — and the significant events of 2023 — Calgary homeowners know that hail is not a hypothetical risk. It’s a regular part of living here.
If your home just took a hit, here’s exactly what to do, in order.
Step 1: Stay Safe — Don’t Inspect During the Storm
Wait until the storm has passed and it is safe to be outside before assessing damage. Hail-damaged roofing can create slip hazards. High winds and lightning can continue after hail stops. Do not go on your roof or ladder within 24 hours of a storm.
Step 2: Document Everything Within 24 Hours
Before touching anything, photograph and video the damage from multiple angles. This is your evidence for the insurance claim. Focus on:
- Siding panels: Capture every impacted elevation of your home
- Close-ups: Show cracks, dents, punctures, and shattered sections
- Gutters and downspouts: Hail dents here are powerful proof of the storm’s intensity
- Window screens and screens: Torn screens confirm the storm severity
- Landscaping: Stripped leaves and broken branches document the event
- Any vehicles: Dented hoods or roofs corroborate the storm’s size
Timestamp your photos. Cloud backup them immediately. This documentation protects your claim.
Step 3: Protect Exposed Areas Temporarily
If hail has broken panels and exposed your wall sheathing to the elements, you have a legal duty to prevent further damage. Acceptable temporary measures include:
- Tacking a tarp over heavily damaged sections
- Using temporary foam backer or plastic sheeting
- Noting in photos and in your claim that temporary protection was applied
Do not do permanent repairs before your insurance adjuster visits your home.
Step 4: Call Your Insurance Broker
Contact your insurance broker or company within 24–48 hours of the storm. Have ready:
- Your policy number
- The date and approximate time of the storm
- A description of what you observed
- Your documentation photos
Your insurer will assign an adjuster and schedule an inspection. In the aftermath of a major Calgary hailstorm, adjusters can be backed up — some inspections take 2–4 weeks to schedule. That’s normal.
Step 5: Get an Independent Contractor Assessment
Before or around the same time as your adjuster visit, get an independent assessment from a local Calgary siding contractor. This serves several purposes:
- Validates the scope: Adjusters can underestimate siding damage, especially on fiber cement or stucco
- Provides a second opinion: If you disagree with the adjuster’s assessment, a contractor’s written evaluation helps
- Speeds up the repair process: You’ll have a contractor ready to move when the claim is approved
At King’s Land Siding, we offer post-storm assessments and can accompany your adjuster on-site if needed to ensure nothing is missed.
Understanding the Types of Hail Damage to Siding
Vinyl Siding
- Spider cracks: Small radiating cracks from impact centers — most common on older, brittled vinyl
- Punch-throughs: Complete puncture of the panel — seen with larger hail (1.5 inches+)
- Dents or deformation: Typically visible on softer vinyl grades
- Cracked corners and trim: Corners, J-channel, and trim pieces are especially vulnerable
James Hardie Fiber Cement
- Chips and cracking: Fiber cement can chip or crack at impact sites; edges are most vulnerable
- Paint damage: ColorPlus finish can be cracked or delaminated at impact points, allowing moisture entry
- Through-cracks: Rare but possible with very large hail (2+ inches)
LP SmartSide
- Dents: Surface denting without penetration is common in milder impacts
- Paint and primer damage: Surface finish cracking at impact sites
Stucco
- Hairline and full cracks: Hail impacts on stucco create cracks that allow moisture infiltration — one of the more serious outcomes since moisture damage can go undetected for years
What Happens During Siding Repair After Hail
Once your claim is approved, the repair process typically goes like this:
- Scope confirmation: Contractor and homeowner review the approved scope from the adjuster
- Material ordering: Matching replacement panels are ordered — color and product matching matters, especially for partial repairs
- Installation: Damaged panels are removed and replaced; trim, corners, and flashing are inspected
- Inspection: Work is inspected by the contractor and ideally by the homeowner before final payment
One important note: if your home’s existing siding is discontinued or no longer available, your insurance claim may be entitled to full replacement rather than partial repair — called “matching.” Alberta insurance regulations support reasonable matching claims. Discuss this with your broker if you receive a partial replacement offer.
Red Flags When Hiring a Post-Storm Contractor
After every major Calgary hailstorm, the city is flooded with out-of-province “storm chasers.” Watch for:
- Contractors who knock on your door unsolicited and pressure you to sign immediately
- Anyone who asks you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) form
- Companies with no local Calgary address or physical office
- Contractors without WCB coverage and $2M liability insurance
- Quotes that don’t specify the exact product being installed
King’s Land Siding is Calgary-based, fully insured, WCB-covered, and has been serving YYC homeowners through multiple hail seasons. Contact us at (403) 555-0190 or request a hail damage assessment — no pressure, ever.