Why hail matters so much here
On August 5, 2024, a hailstorm with hailstones reported as large as chicken eggs struck Calgary. Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. (CatIQ) estimated nearly $2.8 billion in insured damage, making it the second-costliest insured event in Canadian history, after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire.
If your roof, siding or windows need replacing, choosing materials that resist impact is one of the most practical upgrades you can make in this city.
Class 4 impact-resistant roofing
Impact-resistant roofing is rated Class 4 under the UL 2218 test, in which a 2-inch steel ball is dropped onto the material from about 20 feet. Asphalt, metal and synthetic products are all available with a Class 4 rating.
Ask your insurer whether they offer a discount for a Class 4 roof, and keep the product certification and invoice on file, because you may be asked for proof.
Siding, windows and the details
- Fibre-cement and engineered siding resist impact far better than vinyl, which can crack in cold-weather hail. Kay2's 2026 cost guide puts installed fibre-cement (Hardie) siding at $12 to $22 per square foot.
- Look at window and door frames, capping and vents: dented aluminum capping and cracked vent covers are common hail repairs.
- Plan eavestroughs and downspouts at the same time, so drainage is right when the exterior is rebuilt.
What happened to the City's roofing rebate
Calgary's Resilient Roofing Rebate Program paid $3,000 toward certified Class 4 roofing. It issued about 1,600 rebates before ending in 2022, when its funding ran out. In 2026 the Insurance Bureau of Canada has been calling for it to return, but no City rebate is open as of this writing, so budget without one.
Permits
The City of Calgary does not require a permit to replace or repair roofing materials. Structural changes, new windows in new openings, or work combined with an addition or renovation can still need permits, so confirm the scope with your contractor.
A rebuild is a chance to redesign
Exterior work after hail is often the moment to change the look of the whole home. Kay2 designs and builds exterior renovations across Calgary, from siding and stone to windows, entries and rooflines. Book a consultation to plan an exterior that looks better and lasts longer.
Sources
- Insurance Bureau of Canada / CatIQ: August hailstorm in Calgary results in nearly $2.8 billion in insured damage (2024)
- Insurance Business: IBC wants Calgary's cancelled roofing rebate back (Aug 2026)
- City of Calgary: Resilient Roofing and Hail brochure
- City of Calgary: Storm damage and repairs
Checked October 5, 2026. Programs and rules change; confirm current details with the source before you rely on them.
Talk it through with Kay2
Every project starts with a complimentary consultation with one of our estimators.
