Calgary suffered another devastating storm in August 2024. We can’t say for sure that this was due to global warming, although it is worth noting the city declared a climate emergency on November 15, 2021. Thunderstorms can be severe during summer in Calgary, and being in ‘hailstorm alley’ damaging hailstones can pelt us, followed by a posse of storm chasers.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada subsequently reported that the severe hailstorm was ‘the second-costliest event in Canadian history’. The bureau assessed the damage at close to $2.8 billion. This ranks it second after the Fort McMurray 2016 wildfire.
Hail Tears Through Parts of Southern Alberta
When Calgary residents stepped outside after the storm had passed, they gathered in small groups to view what the hail and rain had left behind. Areas in the domestic terminal at the international airport were shuttered off until further notice.
There was no shortage of smashed building and vehicle windows in parts of northwest Calgary either, that received the most intense hail. Siding was hanging loose from some buildings, and there were tiles lying on the ground. It was not long before crows, ravens and magpies arrived to see what they could scavenge from the refuse.
Valiant Exteriors Takes an Unprecedented Number of Calls
Our phones rang incessantly that day, as we did what we could to respond to the high number of calls. Our teams focussed on the really urgent needs first, advising callers with cosmetic damage to be patient as our resources were limited. Others in our line of business were in a similar position.
Another flock of crows, ravens and magpies arrived in our devastated city within a few hours. We call these contractors ‘storm chasers’, because their office is the back of a van, and their address is wherever they are at the time. They have few overheads, meaning they can undercut local prices.
The Storm Chasers Tempt With Special Offers, But …
Those storm chasers from out of town, as we call them, have low overheads and can afford to cut corners. That’s because they are highly unlikely to return to Calgary at least until the next severe storm, by which time any warranties have expired.
Valiant Exteriors has being doing business in Calgary since 2007, when we began providing siding, soffit, and fascia installation services to the new home industry. We gradually expanded into the restoration and renovation sector, although we have never compromised our high standards.
We rigorously maintained our policy of delivering high quality for a fair price ever since then, regardless of the competition we face, and the storm chasers who arrive out of nowhere. Please remember us if you need any siding or eavestrough work done, at a fair price and with a decent warranty too.
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Inspecting Gutters For Hail Damage