Hail that starts right overhead
Calgary’s worst hailstorms often begin as thunderstorms forming along the foothills in the afternoon, then drift east. Cochrane is where many of them first get going. On August 5, 2024, the storm that became Canada’s costliest hail event formed in the foothills and crossed Cochrane before hitting northwest Calgary. Environment Canada received reports of hail the size of hen’s eggs near Cochrane.
Because storms are still building as they pass, hail size in Cochrane can vary a lot from one neighbourhood to the next. Damage on one street does not mean damage on the next, and no visible damage does not mean your roof is fine.
Wind is the other Cochrane problem
Cochrane’s position in the Bow Valley exposes it to strong west winds and chinooks. On roofs, that shows up as:
- shingles creased or torn along the top edge
- missing ridge cap and hip shingles
- lifted starter course at the rake edges
- flashing pulled away from walls
Hail-bruised shingles lose their grip faster, so a storm that brings both hail and wind can cause damage that looks like wear. We document each type separately for your adjuster.
How we build roofs for Cochrane
- High-wind nailing to the manufacturer’s enhanced pattern, with nails placed exactly in the nailing zone.
- Manufacturer starter strip at eaves and rakes, so the first course seals properly.
- Hand-sealing on cold-weather installs when seal strips cannot activate on their own.
- Ice and water shield at eaves and valleys for winter melt cycles.
- Class 4 options for homeowners who want hail resistance too, see impact-resistant roofing.
Cochrane homes we work on
Cochrane has grown fast since 2000. Communities like Sunset Ridge, Fireside, Heritage Hills, Riversong and Heartland are full of two-storey homes with large roof areas and steep gables facing west. Older areas such as Glenbow, Bow Meadows and the streets around downtown include bungalows and split-levels, often on their second roof. We also work on acreages in Rocky View County around Cochrane.
Book a free hail roof inspection in Cochrane or call [403-XXX-XXXX].