Hail is a particularly unpredictable form of precipitation that consists of solid pellets of ice. According to Environment Canada, hailstones can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit, and they can cause significant damage. Knowing these hailstorm basics can help you protect your home and property:

Where do hailstorms occur in Canada?

Hailstorms can occur anywhere, but the storms causing the greatest damage are most common in Alberta, the southern Prairies and southern Ontario. The most destructive hailstorm to ever hit Canada happened in Calgary on June 13, 2020, and resulted in damages totaling almost 1.2 billion dollars. Peak hail season in Canada is from May to October with July typically being the most active month.

What type of damage does hail cause?

Hail can damage many parts of your home, but certain areas are more vulnerable. These include:

Roof

Hail can destroy standard asphalt shingles. If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, consider installing impact-resistant shingles the next time you replace your roof. These can help minimize damage during severe weather and even extend the life of your roof.

Eavestroughs

If your roof has been damaged by hail, it's likely your gutters have been affected too. Hail can damage even the strongest of gutter systems by causing dents that may lead to leaks and pooling water. This can affect how water is directed away from your home and may cause water leaks in your basement.

Windows and skylights

Large hailstones can easily damage skylights. If your home has the older 'plastic bubble' skylight, consider replacing it with a modern skylight made of high impact glass. Although less common, hail that falls at an angle could also shatter your windows.

Backyard decks

Hail can dent and chip your wooden deck, leaving it susceptible to water damage. Depending on the severity of the storm, your deck may need to be refinished or entire sections replaced.

Landscaping and outdoor equipment

Strong winds and hail accumulation can destroy shrubs and flowerbeds and cause trees to fall during a storm. Hail can also damage any equipment kept outdoors such as air conditioners. Hail dents the thin metal fins on the air conditioner which restricts airflow and reduces the unit’s efficiency.

Vehicles

Large hailstones can dent the body of your vehicle, scratch your paint and crack your windows and windshield. If the damage is extensive, you may need to replace entire panels on your vehicle.

How can I protect my property from hail damage?

Here are 6 things you can do before a hailstorm to help prevent damage to your property:

1. Trim your trees regularly. Remove branches that could land on your roof, as well as any dead or weak ones.
2. Before storm season, inspect your roof for damage and repair any issues.
3. If a storm is imminent, park your vehicles in the garage. If you don’t have one, you may want to consider purchasing a heavy-duty car cover.
4. Store any smaller outside items and cover your patio furniture with a well secured tarp.
5. Close your windows and shut your curtains to help prevent broken glass from falling into your home.
6. Move valuable items such as electronics away from windows.

The storm has passed – now what?

After a storm, inspect your property and take pictures of any damage. These may come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim. Make any necessary temporary repairs, like covering broken windows, to prevent further damage. Let your insurer know if your home or car was damaged so they can help you through the claims process.

For more on this topic, visit:

How to Protect your Property from Windstorms

Public Safety Canada – Hail

Public Weather Alerts for Canada