🌨️ After another destructive hailstorm, it's clear Calgary needs to rethink building codes! 🏠 Discover why durable materials are crucial and how we can better protect our homes. #Calgary #Alberta
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The Wrath of Nature
In recent years, Calgary has been no stranger to the fury of Mother Nature, with severe hailstorms becoming a near-annual occurrence. The most recent storm left tens of thousands of homes in North Calgary with shredded siding and damaged roofs. As homeowners grapple with the aftermath, many are left wondering how to better prepare for the inevitable return of such destructive weather.
But the question remains: Are Calgary’s homes truly built to withstand the forces they face? Experts and local officials are beginning to doubt it, and the conversation around changing building codes is gaining momentum.
The Hailstorm’s Toll: A Community in Recovery
The community of Evanston, along with other parts of North Calgary, was hit particularly hard by the latest hailstorm. Vinyl siding and standard asphalt shingles, common building materials in the area, were no match for the aggressive hail that pummeled the region.
Julian Brimelow, a researcher with the Northern Hail Project, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding how hailstorms might evolve as the climate changes. However, one thing is certain: these storms are not going away. Brimelow emphasizes that the current construction materials used in many Calgary homes are inadequate for such severe weather events.
“If I could wave a magic wand, [for] certain communities that are prone to hail, there would be different building codes in place to make sure that you do have siding that’s hail resilient and shingles that are resilient to hail,” Brimelow said.
Why Does North Calgary Bear the Brunt?
As residents of North Calgary face the reality of increasingly frequent and severe hailstorms, questions are being raised about why this part of the city seems to suffer more than others. While the exact reasons remain unclear, the data is indisputable: an estimated 36,000 homes were affected by the latest storm, with insured damage costs predicted to rival the $1.2 billion incurred by a similar storm in 2020.
Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal is among those advocating for change. Many of his constituents have been hit by severe hail damage multiple times in the past few years, prompting calls for the city to take action. However, Dhaliwal points out that municipal governments are limited in what they can do, as building codes fall under federal and provincial jurisdiction.
“These areas that are prone to these kinds of damages every second year, every third year — let’s make sure that the builders are required to put in the material that can withstand these kinds of storms in the future,” Dhaliwal urged.
The Material Debate: Vinyl vs. More Durable Options
The conversation around building materials is not a new one, but recent events have brought it back into sharp focus. Vinyl siding, while affordable, is notoriously vulnerable to hail damage. Mairead Walsh, a building envelope consultant with Keller Engineering, advocates for more durable materials, such as fiber cement siding or traditional stucco, which offer greater resistance to hail.
“There are other products on the market, like fiber cement siding or traditional stucco, that have more hail resistance than vinyl siding,” Walsh said.
However, the transition to more resilient materials is not without its challenges. The cost of these materials is significantly higher than vinyl, and with the ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry, there is concern about whether the necessary training and installation can keep up with demand after a catastrophic event.
Walsh remains optimistic that over time, as more durable materials become commonplace, the cost will decrease, making them a more viable option for homeowners. “I don’t think it will ever fully outstrip the amount of vinyl that’s installed, but I do think we will see a narrowing of the gap,” she added.
The Cost-Benefit Conundrum: Affordability vs. Resilience
Affordability is a significant factor in the ongoing debate over building codes and materials. Dave Turnbull, president of Enerspec Energy Consulting, notes that vinyl’s relative affordability is why it remains so prevalent in Calgary. He also points out that the federal building code, which governs construction standards, has already been finalized for 2025, meaning any significant changes wouldn’t be seen until at least 2030.
“One thing that codes have to do now is they have to take into consideration a cost-benefit analysis. So it might be rather difficult just because of the exceptional cost difference between going from vinyl to the next step up,” Turnbull explained.
This balancing act between cost and resilience is further complicated by the push for a harmonized building code across Canada. While the provincial government does have the ability to make adjustments, the momentum is currently toward standardization.
Looking Forward: The Future of Calgary’s Homes
Despite the challenges, there is hope that Calgary’s homes can become more resilient to hailstorms in the future. Some builders are already making strides in this direction. For example, in the Livingston community, a new condo and townhouse complex suffered only minor damage during the recent storm. Reilly LePage, sales and marketing manager for Logel Homes, attributes this to the use of fiber cement siding and ChamClad, a more durable type of siding.
“If there’s an option to increase the exterior and spend a little bit more on that fiber cement or a more durable type of siding, I think last week taught us that that’s a good investment,” LePage said.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead
As Calgary continues to face the threat of severe hailstorms, the discussion around building codes and materials is more relevant than ever. While affordability remains a significant concern, the growing frequency and severity of these storms suggest that a change in approach is necessary.
For homeowners, investing in more durable materials, even at a higher cost, may prove to be a wise decision in the long run. And for policymakers, the challenge lies in finding a balance between cost and resilience, ensuring that future homes are built to withstand whatever nature throws their way.
The conversation is far from over, and as climate change continues to impact weather patterns, it’s clear that Calgary — and other hail-prone regions — will need to adapt to protect their communities.
Actionable Takeaways:
Consider Resilient Materials: Homeowners in hail-prone areas should explore more durable building materials, such as fiber cement siding or stucco, despite the higher initial cost.
Advocate for Code Changes: Engage with local and provincial representatives to push for updates to building codes that reflect the increased frequency and severity of hailstorms.
Stay Informed: Keep up with weather patterns and predictions, especially if you live in a high-risk area, to better prepare for potential storms.
Evaluate Insurance Options: Review your home insurance policy to ensure it adequately covers hail damage and other natural disasters.
Support Harmonized Codes: While a harmonized building code across Canada might take time, supporting initiatives that aim to balance resilience with affordability can benefit homeowners in the long run.
By staying informed and proactive, Calgary’s residents can better protect their homes and communities against the increasingly severe weather events that have become a part of life in the region.