Calgary is well-known for severe weather, particularly hailstorms, but the 2024 storm has broken records, surpassing even the infamous 2019 hailstorm. This year’s storm caused extensive damage, leaving residents and businesses scrambling to recover. Why has this storm been so costly, and how is High Skills Exterior LTD, a leading repair company, helping the community rebuild?
The Scale of the 2024 Hailstorm
In July 2024, Calgary experienced a massive hailstorm with hailstones the size of golf balls. The storm caused widespread damage across the city, affecting homes, cars, crops, and infrastructure. It lasted over an hour in some areas, leaving a long trail of destruction.
Early estimates suggest the damage will surpass $1.5 billion, far more than the $1.3 billion damage bill from the 2019 storm. Companies like High Skills Exterior LTD, which specialize in exterior repairs, are seeing a significant increase in calls to repair roofs, siding, and windows that were severely impacted by the hail.
Why Was 2024 Worse?
Several factors contributed to making the 2024 storm more destructive and expensive:
- Larger Hailstones: The hailstones were larger and heavier than those in 2019, leading to more severe damage. Homes and vehicles throughout Calgary were hit hard, causing major damage to roofs, windows, and siding. High Skills Exterior LTD has been working non-stop to repair and replace damaged roofs, install hail-resistant siding, and fix broken windows.
- City Expansion: Calgary has grown rapidly over the past few years, with more homes, businesses, and vehicles in harm’s way. As the storm impacted more densely populated areas, the number of damaged properties increased, driving up repair costs. High Skills Exterior LTD has been called upon to repair numerous homes and commercial buildings across the city.
- Rising Costs: Since 2019, the cost of labor and materials has increased. Repairing storm damage today is far more expensive, whether it’s replacing shingles, repairing siding, or installing new windows. High Skills Exterior LTD, which uses durable and advanced materials, has noted that while repairs are more costly, these stronger materials can help protect homes from future storms.
The Role of High Skills Exterior LTD in Recovery
For many Calgary residents, High Skills Exterior LTD has been a trusted partner in the recovery process. Specializing in exterior repairs, they have played a key role in helping homeowners and businesses repair the damage caused by the storm.
The company is well-equipped to handle various exterior repairs, from fixing roofs and siding to replacing windows. They also offer solutions using hail-resistant materials to help protect homes from future weather events. By upgrading to stronger, more resilient materials, High Skills Exterior LTD is not only helping residents recover but also better preparing them for the next storm.
Impact on Residents and Businesses
The 2024 storm has had a profound impact on both residents and businesses. Thousands of vehicles were damaged, and homeowners are dealing with shattered windows, damaged roofs, and broken siding. With the high demand for repairs, High Skills Exterior LTD has been working around the clock to meet the needs of those affected.
Local businesses have also been hard-hit, with many storefronts, particularly those with large windows, suffering damage. Car dealerships have been especially affected, with hundreds of vehicles dented and scratched by the storm. High Skills Exterior LTD has been a go-to solution for businesses needing repairs to keep their doors open.
Looking Ahead: Is Calgary Prepared?
As the city continues to grow, and the threat of extreme weather increases, Calgary needs to prepare for future storms. This means not only improving infrastructure but also investing in better materials for homes and businesses. High Skills Exterior LTD is at the forefront of this effort, offering advanced materials like hail-resistant shingles and siding that can withstand future storms.
City officials are also discussing the possibility of updating building codes and requiring more resilient materials in construction. These changes will help reduce the damage caused by hailstorms, but residents must take proactive steps to protect their homes and properties.
Conclusion
The 2024 hailstorm in Calgary has proven to be one of the costliest in the city’s history, surpassing the damage from the 2019 storm. Companies like High Skills Exterior LTD have been instrumental in helping the city recover, providing high-quality exterior repairs to homeowners and businesses.
As Calgary continues to face the challenges of extreme weather, it’s clear that preparing homes with more durable, weather-resistant materials is crucial. With the help of High Skills Exterior LTD, the city is working toward a future where homes and businesses can better withstand the impact of severe storms.
