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Member KNOWLEDGE CENTER

member Knowledge center

The Knowledge Centre provides CHBA members with access to information and resources. It is a growing resource that is currently focused on updating members about national building code information. Please note that this information is a benefit of your membership, and should not be shared beyond your company/organization.

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Protecting Homes from Hail

Protecting Homes from Hail

Tech Essentials

April 1, 2025


Protecting Homes from Hail

Hailstorms are a significant concern in some regions, for example in Calgary, AB, and can cause severe damage to homes including:

  • Roof damage: Asphalt shingles crack and rupture or come loose
  • Damage to Windows and Doors: Glass panes and window frame can shatter and crack
  • Siding: Some siding, such as vinyl, can crack, chip, or experience paint damage

Figure 1: Damaged roof

Figure 2: Damage window

Figure 3: Damaged siding

Homebuilders, developers, and renovators can install impact-resistant components to protect homes from hail:

  • Install Class 4 impact-resistant roofing such as some shingles, rubber, metal or slate (although some aesthetic damage may still occur)
  • Install impact-resistant siding products, such as engineered wood, fibre-cement, brick, stone, brick or stone veneer, or stucco
  • Install impact-resistant roof vents

These following measures can also help reduce damage to homes:

  • Install wind-born debris-resistant windows or shutters on windows
  • Install polycarbonate skylights or those with exterior pane of tempered glass
  • Apply a 4mil safety film to windows and glazed portion of doors to make them shatterproof
  • Install aluminum eavestroughs and install metal gutter guards.

How do I know if hail is a concern for my area?

There are very few national hail risk maps. You could however estimate whether hail is a concern using this map of the Northern Hail Project. Unfortunately, outside of known hail-hazard areas, like Calgary, AB, hail maps may not offer a good assessment of local risk. Insurance companies may also have hazard information if they offer their products in a region. Ask for premium reductions.

Where can I find additional resources?

Additional information can be found in this guide Prepare Your Home for Hail and High Wind (City of Calgary),  or in Home Hail Protection Infographic or Protect Your Home from Hail (Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction).



This information is provided by CHBA for informational purposes only and cannot be used as an official or authoritative document.
The content of this document does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.
The mention of trade names and commercial products does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of use.


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