Hail Protection for Your Home
Hail storms can strike without much warning, leaving you with little time to react. Being prepared in advance — and knowing what to do — can help you stay safe and keep damage to a minimum.
What Is Hail?
Hail is a type of solid precipitation, distinct from, but often confused with sleet. Sleet generally falls in colder temperatures while hail growth is inhibited at very cold temperatures. Hail creation is possible within thunderstorms and is formed when water vapor in updrafts reaches a freezing point. Ice then forms and is suspended in the air by updrafts and falls down to be coated by water again. This process can occur over and over adding many layers to the hailstone. Hailstones can be as small as peas or as large as softballs, and hailstones become destructive when they are about the size of a quarter or larger. The average hailstorm lasts only a few minutes, but hailstorms can cause billions in damages. The Calgary hailstorm on June 13, 2020 resulted in approximately 70,000 claims and over $1.3 billion in insured damages*.
How to Minimize Hail Damage During a Storm
- Whenever possible, park your vehicles inside a garage or under a carport.
- Large hail can shatter windows. Closing the drapes, blinds or window shades can help prevent the wind from blowing broken glass into your home or buildings.
- Patio and lawn furniture can be dented, broken or even shattered by hail. Move these items indoors or under a covered area when not in use.
How to Protect Your Home from Hail Damage
- During hail events, your roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. If you have plans to replace the roof covering on your home or business, consider using impact-resistant roofing cover if you live in a hail-prone area (for example, UL 2218 Class 4 shingles).
- For more tips on protecting your home, including information on siding, skylights, windows and doors, see https://www.hail-smart.com/homeowners/.
Useful links
- HailSmart – Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR)
- Understanding Hail Damage to your Roof
- Sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts – via Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA)