When living in Calgary and surrounding Alberta communities, hailstorms aren’t just a possibility—they’re a reality. In fact, Calgary is often dubbed the “hailstorm capital of Canada.” With storms causing billions in property damage over the years, homeowners must prepare their homes to stand up to unpredictable weather. One critical area that often takes a beating? Your vinyl siding.
At Total Exteriors Ltd., we specialize in exterior restoration and storm damage remediation, helping Calgary homeowners protect and repair their properties after harsh weather events. In this guide, we dive deep into vinyl siding’s ability to withstand hail damage, what to look for after a storm, how to protect your siding, and why quality installation and materials matter.
Table of Contents
- What Is Vinyl Siding?
- Understanding Hail Damage: Calgary’s Ongoing Challenge
- Is Vinyl Siding Hail‑Proof?
- How to Tell If Your Vinyl Siding Has Hail Damage
- Hail-Resistant Vinyl Siding Options
- Other Exterior Components Vulnerable to Hail & Wind Damage
- Vinyl Siding vs Other Materials in Hailstorms
- What to Do After a Hailstorm in Calgary
- Why Choose Total Exteriors for Vinyl Siding & Storm Damage Restoration
- Tips to Protect Vinyl Siding from Hail Damage
- Exterior Restoration Services Offered by Total Exteriors
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is one of the most popular cladding choices for Canadian homes—and for good reason. It’s durable, low-maintenance, cost-effective, and available in a variety of colours and textures. Typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, vinyl siding is engineered to resist moisture, UV rays, and temperature swings.
Benefits of Vinyl Siding:
- Weather-resistant
- Affordable and widely available
- Easy to maintain
- Variety of design and colour options
- Lightweight for easier installation
- Can mimic wood, stone, or other materials
However, while vinyl siding performs well under many conditions, its resilience to hail and wind damage can vary depending on its thickness, quality, and installation.
Understanding Hail Damage: Calgary’s Ongoing Challenge
Calgary and southern Alberta experience more than their fair share of severe hailstorms. In fact, some of Canada’s costliest hailstorms—including the infamous 2020 Calgary hailstorm, which caused over $1.3 billion in insured damages—have occurred here.
Why Calgary Gets Hit So Often:
- Location near the foothills of the Rockies
- Collision of warm prairie air and cold mountain air
- Rapidly shifting weather patterns
How Hail Affects Homes:
Hailstones—especially those over 2 cm in diameter—can:
- Dent or crack vinyl siding
- Punch holes in soffits or fascia
- Loosen or dislodge siding panels
- Chip paint and coatings
- Cause structural stress over time
These damages not only impact your home’s curb appeal but also compromise your home’s protective exterior envelope—which can lead to water infiltration and even mold growth if left unrepaired.
Is Vinyl Siding Hail‑Proof?
The honest answer? No siding is completely hail-proof. But high-quality vinyl siding, when properly installed, can be hail-resistant.
What Affects Vinyl Siding’s Hail Resistance?
- Thickness of the Panel:
Thicker panels (0.044 inches and up) resist impact better than thinner, builder-grade options. - Material Composition:
Premium PVC blends offer more flexibility and resilience to impact. - Temperature at Impact:
Vinyl siding becomes more brittle in colder weather, making it more prone to cracking when hit by hailstones. - Installation Quality:
Siding installed too tightly (without room to expand/contract) is more likely to crack during impact. - Age of the Siding:
Older vinyl becomes more brittle with UV exposure and time, reducing its resistance to storm damage.
How to Tell If Your Vinyl Siding Has Hail Damage
Some signs of hail damage on siding are obvious, while others can be subtle. It’s important to inspect your siding after any major hailstorm.
Look For:
- Cracks or holes in the panels
- Chipping or discoloration
- Warped or buckled panels
- Loosened siding
- Dents or dimples
- Damage concentrated on one side (typically the storm-facing side)
If you spot any of these issues, it’s time to call in storm damage professionals like Total Exteriors for a full inspection and exterior restoration plan.
Hail-Resistant Vinyl Siding Options
If you’re upgrading or replacing your siding, consider choosing products that are rated for impact resistance.
Features to Look for:
- ASTM D3679 compliance – A standard for vinyl siding quality
- Thicker gauge panels (≥0.046 inches)
- Impact-resistant or reinforced back siding
- Siding with foam insulation backing for added rigidity
Popular Hail-Resistant Vinyl Brands:
- Royal Building Products
- Gentek Sequoia Select
- CertainTeed Monogram
- Mitten by Ply Gem
While these products offer improved resistance, always pair them with expert installation for maximum protection.
Other Exterior Components Vulnerable to Hail & Wind Damage
Vinyl siding isn’t the only part of your exterior that suffers during a storm. At Total Exteriors, we inspect and restore the entire exterior envelope:
- Roofs: Shingle bruising, granule loss, missing shingles
- Soffits & Fascia: Cracking, denting, water exposure
- Eavestroughs (Gutters): Dents, clogs, loosened hangers
- Cladding & Stone Accents: Chips, cracks, mortar breakdown
- Windows & Doors: Frame damage, broken seals, shattering
After a hail or wind storm, it’s crucial to have a full inspection by professionals—not just a visual check from the ground.
Vinyl Siding vs Other Materials in Hailstorms
Wondering how vinyl stacks up to other siding types in terms of hail resistance?
| Siding Material | Hail Resistance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | Moderate | Affordable, better if thicker gauge |
| Fiber Cement (e.g. HardieBoard) | High | Durable but more expensive |
| Aluminum Siding | Low–Moderate | Dents easily, less flexible |
| Wood Siding | Low | Cracks or rots when damaged |
| Engineered Wood | Moderate | Varies by manufacturer |
| Stucco | Low | Cracks, chips from direct impact |
What to Do After a Hailstorm in Calgary
- Inspect Your Property: Look at siding, roof, gutters, and decks.
- Take Photos of Damage: Document everything for insurance.
- Call Total Exteriors: We’ll provide a full exterior inspection and quote.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider: Start the claim process early.
- Book Your Exterior Restoration: We handle siding, roofing, eavestroughs, and more.
Why Choose Total Exteriors for Vinyl Siding & Storm Damage Restoration?
Total Exteriors Ltd. is Calgary’s trusted source for full-service exterior renovations and storm damage restoration.
What Sets Us Apart:
✅ One-Stop Storm Damage Experts
We handle everything from vinyl siding and roofing to fascia, soffits, and stone cladding.
✅ Insurance Claims Support
We work directly with your insurance provider to ensure proper coverage and efficient repairs.
✅ Local Calgary Experience
We know the weather patterns, bylaws, and common home styles in Calgary and surrounding areas like Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestermere.
✅ High-Quality Products
We use industry-trusted siding and roofing materials rated for Canadian weather.
✅ Skilled Craftsmanship
Our trained crews ensure every installation is done to manufacturer specifications for long-term performance.
Tips to Protect Vinyl Siding from Hail Damage
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to minimize hail damage risk.
Pro Tips:
- Install thicker gauge, impact-resistant vinyl siding
- Maintain trees & remove overhanging branches
- Add storm shutters or protective panels
- Keep insurance updated with current value estimates
- Use foam-backed siding for additional rigidity
Exterior Restoration Services Offered by Total Exteriors
We provide full-envelope remediation services for both residential and commercial clients in Calgary and beyond:
- Vinyl siding replacement & repair
- Roof repair & re-roofing
- Soffit & fascia installation
- Eavestrough (gutter) repair/replacement
- Stone cladding repair
- Full post-storm exterior restoration
- Emergency repairs following wind, hail, or impact damage
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether your vinyl siding is hail-damage proof, the real answer depends on the quality of the material, the method of installation, and how proactive you are in maintenance and upgrades.
For Calgary homeowners, dealing with hail damage, wind storms, and extreme weather is a way of life. But you don’t have to go it alone.
Let Total Exteriors Ltd. be your partner in exterior protection and restoration. Whether you need to repair storm-damaged siding or upgrade to a more hail-resistant material, we’re here to help—backed by experience, integrity, and craftsmanship.
Call Today for a Free Vinyl Siding Inspection in Calgary
Don’t wait for the next hailstorm to find out if your siding can take a hit. Call Total Exteriors Ltd. today at 403‑830‑3709 or contact us online for a free consultation and storm-ready siding assessment.