Hailstorm season is upon us, and if there’s one thing the Calgary hailstorm of 2024 taught us, it’s that preparation is key to minimizing hail damage and protecting what matters most. That storm, which caused $3.25 billion in insured damages, impacted tens of thousands of homes and vehicles. While extreme weather can strike any time, you can take realistic precautions to protect your home and car from hail damage, no matter where you live in Canada.

Here’s a practical guide to keeping your property safe during hailstorm season.

Safeguard Your Home

Your home is your sanctuary, and hail damage can affect roofs, windows and siding. Take these steps to reduce potential damage and protect your investment.

Upgrade to Impact-Resistant Materials

When it’s time to replace or repair your roof, consider impact-resistant materials like Class 4 roofing shingles. These are designed to withstand hail impacts and reduce the likelihood of cracks and leaks. Similarly, upgrading to durable siding, such as fiber cement or stone veneer, can prevent holes caused by hail.

You can find these materials at home improvement stores or local hardware suppliers. Prices vary depending on the material, but certain upgrades are surprisingly affordable in the long term, especially when weighed against potential repair costs.

Install Window Safety Films and Storm Shutters

Hail can shatter windows, leading to more extensive hail damage inside your home. Safety films can reduce the risk of shattering, while storm shutters provide additional protection. These items are available at home improvement stores, and you’ll also find installation guides online.

Keep Eavestroughs Clear

Clogged eavestroughs can lead to water pooling on your roof when combined with heavy hail and rain. Regularly clear out debris to ensure proper drainage. A gutter cleaning tool or ladder is all you need for this task.

Protect Outdoor Items

Move patio furniture, barbecues and potted plants indoors if possible. Use protective covers, which are affordable and widely available online or in-store, to shield larger items from hail damage.

Protect Your Vehicle

Vehicles are highly susceptible to hail damage, but a little foresight can go a long way.

Park in Covered Areas

The simplest way to protect your car? Keep it in a garage or under a carport. If these aren’t options for you, consider investing in a portable car shelter, often priced between $150–$300 at home improvement stores.

Use Padded Covers for Added Protection

If you’re caught without covered parking during a storm, car covers designed specifically for hail can cushion the impact of hailstones. These covers, available through auto supply stores and online retailers like Amazon, cost around $100–$200 depending on the size and features.

Stay Alert to Weather Warnings

Use weather apps or subscribe to local alerts to receive notifications about hailstorms in your area. Advance warning helps you make quick decisions, like moving your vehicle or securing outdoor areas.

Lessons Learned from the Calgary Hailstorm of 2024

The devastating hailstorm in Calgary affected roughly 60,000 homes and hundreds of thousands of vehicles in just a few hours, creating a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared. Hailstones as large as golf balls smashed windows, damaged roofs and shattered vehicle windshields. Many residents faced long wait times for repairs due to strained supply chains and a high volume of claims.

What can we learn from this? Preparation makes a difference. Simple steps, like covering vehicles or using hail-resistant building materials, can reduce financial losses and stress.

A Plan for All Canadians

Hailstorms aren’t just an Alberta problem. Provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and even Ontario experience damaging hailstorms from May to October. The tips above apply to homeowners and drivers across Canada, so take action today!

Affordability and Accessibility

The good news? Many protective measures come at a low upfront cost or are investments that save money in the long term. Roofing upgrades, car shelters and window films are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. For smaller fixes, such as eavestrough cleaning tools or protective covers, you can often find budget-friendly options online or in-store.

Final Thoughts

Hailstorm preparation doesn’t have to be daunting, and every small step you take helps protect your home and car from potential hail damage. Whether it’s moving your car into a garage, upgrading your siding or simply staying on top of weather alerts, proactive measures can save you significant money and stress.

At Sharp Insurance, we’re always here to support our clients. By preparing early and protecting your property, you can confidently face whatever Mother Nature sends your way this hailstorm season. For more information, follow Sharp on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram. To get a quote, click here!