What did the August 2024 hailstorm cost Calgary?
The storm hit on August 5, 2024. The Insurance Bureau of Canada reported insured losses of $3.25 billion, more than 130,000 claims and nearly 60,000 homes impacted in the Calgary area. IBC calls it the second-costliest insured disaster in Canadian history.
Why does Calgary get so much hail?
Geography. In the words of the City of Calgary's hail and high wind guide, Calgary sits in "hail alley", the area that sees the most hail in Canada. The City's climate projections point to more severe thunderstorms, and with them more hail and larger hailstones.
What does the City advise for windows?
The same City guide tells homeowners to install impact resistant windows and doors, put a safety film on windows, and consider roll or storm shutters outside. It names older, low-quality windows that are not impact resistant rated as a weak point.
Is there a hail rating for windows?
This is the truth: I could not verify a Canadian residential hail rating for windows, the way roofs have Class 4. So I don't claim one. Ask any seller which impact test the glass unit has passed, and ask for the document. If there's no test, the window isn't rated.
Which glass build should I ask for?
On the sides that take the storm, ask about a laminated outer pane: glass bonded to a plastic interlayer, offered as an option on our REHAU builds. It depends on glass build — ask for the spec. What it can't do: guarantee nothing breaks. More on glass options in REHAU profiles and glass.
What does it cost per opening?
Installed prices per opening in Canadian dollars, by REHAU line and wall type, from our published table, with standard triple-pane glass. A laminated outer pane is quoted per opening after measurement. What moves a price is on the 2026 cost page; a whole house on the estimator.
| REHAU line | Standard retrofit | Stucco or brick wrap | Custom shape or structural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brilliant Design (70 mm) | $1,800–2,400 | $2,200–2,800 | $2,800–3,800 |
| Synego (80 mm) | $2,300–3,000 | $2,800–3,500 | $3,400–4,600 |
| Artevo (80 mm) | $3,500–4,800 | $4,200–5,500 | $5,000–7,500 |
Is hail damage covered by the window warranty?
I don't claim it is. The warranty covers 25 years on frames and sashes, 10 years on sealed glass units, 10 on hardware and 2 on installation. For storm damage, read the exclusions in the warranty terms and call your home insurer.
Do I need a permit to replace hail-damaged windows?
Usually not, if two things stay the same: the size of the opening and how the window opens. A slider swapped for a tilt-and-turn changes how it opens. The City's rule is quoted on window replacement permits in Calgary. Broken glass? Get the opening closed first, then plan the replacement.
How does buying work, and who installs?
It starts with you. Describe the project in four quick steps on the start page. I visit a home only when the homeowner invites me first. Then a free measurement, and PWS sends a written quote. Already holding another quote? Run it through the free Window Quote Check first.
Permanent Windows Solutions supplies and installs the windows. I'm a specialist there and I earn commission. European Window Guy is my practice at PWS, not a separate manufacturer or installer.