Disclaimer: The content of this Climate Ready Home Evaluation Report is for informational purposes only and cannot be construed as technical advice with respect to any particular building(s) or construction project(s). This Report does not recommend or endorse specific products or companies. All products and measures should be installed by a professional contractor, according to manufacturer specifications and following all City Bylaws and codes.

Based on your evaluation responses, the following actions are recommended to improve the climate resilience of your home and protect your belongings and health from hazards that are being made worse by climate change. Where relevant, this report also contains references to further information, including rebates and/or insurance discounts for which you may be eligible. 

As a renter, there are many low cost, easy actions you can take to reduce your vulnerability to climate change. Our top recommendations are listed in this report.

Start by talking to your landlord about the ways you can work together. Use this report to talk with them about any concerns or ideas you have for improving the climate resilience of your home. Some of these actions will not only improve your health and safety but may also save the landlord some money. Approaching it from a stance of savings and benefits could be a good way to initiate the conversation.

To better understand how Calgary’s temperature and precipitation patterns are changing over time, and what our climate will look like in the future, check out Calgary’s climate projections.

To learn more about what The City of Calgary is doing about climate change, visit calgary.ca/ClimateProgram.

To better understand how Calgary’s temperature and precipitation patterns are changing over time, and what our climate will look like in the future, check out Calgary’s climate projections.

To learn more about what The City of Calgary is doing about climate change, visit www.calgary.ca/climateprogram.

1.0 Heavy Rain and Flooding

With climate change, rain events are happening more often and getting heavier. In Calgary, we can expect rainstorms less than a day in length to have about 28% more volume by the 2050’s, which will make stormwater flooding more common.

Most homes in Calgary are at risk of flooding, not only those near the river. For your home and property, the most common concern is basement flooding. Flooding can be caused by higher river levels and/or heavy rainfall, and can lead to water spreading rapidly over land, seeping through the ground and into basements, overflowing from stormwater drains, or sewer backing up from the sanitary system through basement drains, sinks, and toilets.

1.1 General Actions

Review your insurance policy every year when it renews. Products or your eligibility for coverage may have changed. Recovering from flooding is costly and having adequate insurance can help you recover as quickly as possible. Contact your insurance agent to learn about the different coverages they offer and your eligibility. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Damage from water is generally not covered as part of a standard home, tenant or condo insurance policy, but this type of coverage is now offered by several insurers as an optional add-on.
• Insurers may provide coverage for water damage resulting from sewer back-up, overland water or groundwater incident. Consider your property’s level of flood risk and ask your insurer what form of coverage is most suitable for you.
• Shop around and check with several insurance companies to compare policy coverage limits, exclusionary language, deductibles, and premiums.
• If your property isn’t eligible for flood insurance, ask what measures you can take on your property to become eligible.
• Visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website at https://www.ibc.ca/ for more information on water damage, flood protection, and FAQ’s for reviewing policies.

Create an emergency plan with your family or housemates. Download an emergency action plan and learn more at calgary.ca/getready.

• Choose a meeting space. Ensure you and your family or housemates know where to meet and who to call in case you need to leave your home quickly.
• Have an emergency supply kit ready to go. This should include essentials like prescriptions, medications, items for your pets and children, cell phone chargers and personal documents. Get the checklist for what to put in your emergency kit here.

You have an emergency action plan and kit in place – that’s great! Compare the contents of your emergency supply kit with recommendations from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency. Your emergency supply kit should include essentials like prescriptions, medications, items for pets and children, cell phone chargers and personal documents.

You know your neighbours – that’s great! Continue to reach out to neighbours to learn who may need extra help or transportation during an evacuation, and the people who could help you during an emergency. 

You know some of your neighbours - that's great! Getting to know the people in your community, especially those who live alone, is one of the best things we can do to build resilience.

• Continue to reach out to neighbours. Learn who may need extra help or transportation during an evacuation, and the people who could help you during an emergency.
• Exchange cellphone numbers, so you can call or text each other during an emergency.

Get to know your neighbours. Getting to know the people in your community is one of the best things we can do to build resilience.

• Learn who may need extra help or transportation during an evacuation (such as elderly, people living alone, or single parents), and the people who could help you during an emergency.
• Exchange cellphone numbers, so you can call or text each other during an emergency.

Since you live in the floodway, flood fringe or overland flow zone, specific land use regulations apply. For more information on the development and building regulations that apply in each designated flood zone, please refer to Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw, Part 3 Division 3 (calgary.ca/lub). 

Understand your river flood risk by reviewing Calgary’s flood maps at calgary.ca/Flood. If you live in the floodway, flood fringe or overland flow zone, specific land use regulations apply. For more information on the development and building regulations that apply in each designated flood zone, please refer to Calgary’s Land Use Bylaw, Part 3 Division 3 (calgary.ca/lub).  

Park your vehicle(s) on higher ground, avoiding low spots where water collects, during periods of flood risk or heavy rain. 

1.2 Basement

Although you don’t have a basement or below-ground unit, you may still want to make sure the lower levels of your home or building are protected from flooding. Below are some best practices and actions that you may want to consider, or ask your landlord or building management about.

Maintain your weeping tiles regularly to minimize basement flooding from overland flooding due to excessive rainfall events.

To prevent weeping tile from becoming clogged, it is important to have it marinated. Inspect your property for soft ground and soggy soil and look for leaks in your basement.

Get the weeping tiles cleaned regularly by a professional basement waterproofing contractor.

Inspect and maintain your sump pump at least once a year to ensure it is properly draining. You can do this by pouring water into the sump pit and seeing if the pump starts automatically. 

Having a sump pump can lower your insurance coverage costs since it lowers your risk of a claim, so make sure your insurer knows you have one.

Make sure your sump pump has a back-up power source that can keep the pump working when you need it, even in the event of a power outage. Talk to your plumber or electrician about options.

Consider installing a sump pump with a backup power supply if you feel your home may be vulnerable to basement flooding. A sump pump is a device that sits in a pit, or “sump”, in your basement; when the pit fills with water the sump pump moves the water out of your basement and away from the house to where it won’t be a problem. Sump pumps can help protect your basement from flooding and mold caused by dampness, and prevent water from damaging your foundation.

Installing a sump pump could get you a discount on your insurance premium. If installing one, ensure there is a check valve on your sump pump discharge pipe to prevent recycling of pumped water, and consider adding a moisture alarm to it that detects water rising to a critical level. These alarms can also be set to trigger when the primary pump fails to engage. Purchasing a sump pump and battery backup costs approximately $400 to $800 and installed costs range from approximately $600 to $1,200. The installation of a sump pump may require a plumbing permit. The City’s Technical Assistance Centre can answer many common plumbing and gas questions. Submit an online inquiry or contact 311 to speak with one of our safety codes officers about code requirements, to complete your project correctly and safely.

This video series includes information on sump pumps: Are you Ready? Prepare your home video series (calgary.ca).

Install and maintain water alarm(s) in your basement to detect the presence of water in locations where water should not be. Water alarms will alert you when water is backing up. Having a water alarm could get you a discount on your home insurance premium. They range in cost from $20 to several hundred, depending on the type of detector.

Inspect and clean the backflow prevention device located in your basement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, remove cap, ensure the flapper moves freely, ensure that the gasket is in good condition and remove debris. If repairs are needed, contact a licensed plumber.

Every home in the city that is subject to sanitary or stormwater backflow from the municipal system is required to have backflow protection as per The National Plumbing Code. The most common form of backflow protection is a backwater valve, which is a device that is installed on your sewer pipes. It allows water to flow in one direction (out), but not in the other direction (in). It greatly reduces the risk of sanitary and stormwater flowing into your basement when a sewer system backs up.

If one is needed, install and maintain a backflow prevention device on your sewer pipe to help protect your home from sewage backups. A plumbing permit is required to install a backflow prevention device. The City’s Technical Assistance Centre can answer many common plumbing and gas questions. Submit an online inquiry or contact 311 to speak with one of our safety codes officers about code requirements, to complete your project correctly and safely. If you do experience a sewage backup, visit The City of Calgary’s Sewage Backup webpage.

This video series includes information on backflow valves: Are you Ready? Prepare your home video series (calgary.ca).

Seal cracks in foundation walls and basement floors. Even small cracks in the basement floor can allow moisture, water and radon to enter the basement. Ask for products at your local hardware store.

Look for cracks in foundation walls and basement floors. If you find them, seal them. Even small cracks in the basement floor can allow moisture, water and radon to enter the basement. Ask for products at your local hardware store.

Move valuables and documents out of your basement if possible. It’s best to avoid storing anything of great value in your basement, especially if you live in a flood prone area. If you must store in the basement, store valuables and hazardous materials in watertight plastic containers and use shelving racks to keep items at least 30 cm off the ground.

As much as possible, try to store valuables and hazardous materials in watertight containers and/or use shelving racks to keep items like electronics off the ground. Keep floor drains clear, and consider choosing water resistant furniture. 

If practical to do so, consider elevating your utilities (e.g., furnace, hot water tank) above the floodplain level by installing them on a raised platform or building a utility room on a higher floor.

Ensure your window wells are installed so that the tops sit 10-15 cm above the ground and consider upgrading to water resistant windows. Ensure any windows close to the ground are in good condition, as any cracks and loose seals are a water entry point. Make sure your window wells have the required drainage and clean them out of any leaves or debris.

1.3 Outside

Clean your eavestroughs and downspouts of debris. Remove needles, leaves, etc. so excess rainwater doesn’t run down the side of your house and seep into your basement. Gutter guards or leaf screens can be installed to prevent debris from entering the eavestroughs.

Direct rainwater away from your home. Eavestroughs and extensions should drain at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from your home and your neighbours’ home.

Direct downspouts and sump discharge pipes onto a landscaped areas (e.g., lawn, rain garden or green surface) so the water has the opportunity to soak into the ground. When eavestrough extensions or downspouts drain directly only a street, land or sidewalk, gravel and other debris can enter stormwater drains which may increase the chance of flooding in your community, and/or water can cause damage to gravel lanes. 

Consider replacing paved areas on your property with permeable materials. Permeable pavement is a type of hard surface with large spaces that allows stormwater runoff to drain into a drainage layer, or the underlying soils below. This water either replenishes ground water sources or is removed by a sub-drain (placed in a drainage layer) that connects to the existing stormwater system. Permeable pavement is one of many low impact development practices that helps manage Calgary's stormwater system.

Construct a rain garden to manage stormwater runoff. Rain gardens can reduce localized flooding and runoff by allowing for stormwater to soak into the ground. They also protect our watershed by managing the amount of sediment and pollutants that reach our rivers from our stormwater system. Learn more at Calgary.ca/YardSmart.

Construct a rain garden to manage stormwater runoff. Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with loose soil and planted with water-wise plants. When the downspout from your roof is directed toward the rain garden, water is captured and retained for longer. Rain gardens can reduce localized flooding and runoff, by allowing for stormwater to soak into the ground. They also protect our watershed by managing the amount of sediment and pollutants that reach our rivers from our stormwater system. Learn more at Calgary.ca/YardSmart.

If you’re landscaping your yard, improve your lot grading so that it slopes away from the foundation. This will ensure that surface water is directed away from your home or building. Visit calgary.ca/LotGrading for more information. If you live in a condo or apartment, this is something you can advocate for to your building management.

Check the storm drains in the street near your home and, if necessary, safe and possible, clean leaves, yard waste and snow or ice away from the local storm drain or catch basin. If you’re unable to clean a storm drain, or if the water on the road or street hasn’t drained after 90-120 minutes, contact 311.

If you notice rain water collecting near the foundation of your building, consider working with your building management to improve lot grading so that it slopes away from the foundation. This will ensure that surface water is directed away from your building. Visit calgary.ca/LotGrading for more information. 

2.0 Extreme Heat

Calgary’s temperatures are increasing and will continue to rise due to climate change. High heat days (temperatures reaching 29°C or higher) are projected to increase from our current average of six days per year to an average of 28 days per year by the 2050s. Our hottest days will become hotter than what we have experienced in the past. Extreme heat can make our indoor living environments uncomfortable or unbearable, and can have serious impacts on our health.

No matter where you live in Calgary, you could be vulnerable during heat waves. However, people who live closer to the downtown core, or in a more built-up area with minimal vegetation are typically more vulnerable to extreme heat due to the urban heat island effect. 

2.1 General Actions

Plan ahead and have an action plan ready for heat waves:

• Use the map at calgary.ca/heat to find the closest place(s) you can go to cool down and escape the heat if your home is uncomfortably hot.
• Register for heat alerts on your phone (e.g., through the WeatherCAN app).
• Help your more vulnerable friends, family and neighbours prepare, and have a plan to check on them during heat waves.

During a heat wave, lower demand on the energy grid and keep your home cool by:

• Avoiding using your oven or stovetop, as this can heat up your home. Instead, cook outside or make heat-free (no bake) meals.
• Use a clothesline instead of a clothes dryer, if possible.
• Sleep in your basement or coolest space of your home (instead of turning up the A/C).

2.2 Windows and Doors

Being triple pane, your windows already have excellent insulation. However, if you think your windows still let in too much heat on hot days, consider:

• Choosing windows with a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), particularly for the south and west-facing windows. SHGC is a measure of the amount of solar radiation that is admitted through the window. The lower the SHGC rating, the more effective the window is at blocking heat gain from the sun. Windows with "Low-E" glass have a special coating that reflects heat, so these Low-E windows generally have a lower SHGC rating and will keep your home cooler in the summer. Caution is advised when selecting west or south-facing windows with passive solar heat gain values above 0.45; this has potential to cause uncomfortably warm room temperatures. That said, in general in Canada you don’t want a SHGC that is too low, since solar heat gain in winter helps to warm your home. A SHGC of about 0.50 typically offers a good balance. Check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for window upgrades
• Applying a window film that is designed to protect against solar heat gain. These window films can help to keep your home cooler on hot days. (Films designed to protect against solar heat gain are less than 1 mm thick and is different than safety film, which is designed to make your windows impact resistant and shatterproof.) To ensure window warranty coverage, manufacturer’s instructions must be carefully followed, as well as applicable building code requirements.

Consider applying a window film to protect against solar heat gain through existing windows. This is a lower-cost option that can help to keep your home cooler on hot days. (Films designed to protect against solar heat gain are less than 1 mm thick and is different than safety film, which is designed to make your windows impact resistant and shatterproof.) To ensure window warranty coverage, manufacturer’s instructions must be carefully followed, as well as applicable building code requirements.

If replacing your windows, choose triple pane windows. With three panes of glass, triple pane windows have more room for insulating gas and therefore are better than double pane windows at keeping your home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter).

Also choose windows with a lower solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), particularly for the south and west-facing windows. SHGC is a measure of the amount of solar radiation that is admitted through the window. The lower the SHGC rating, the more effective the window is at blocking heat gain from the sun. Windows with "Low-E" glass have a special coating that reflects heat, so these windows generally have a lower SHGC rating and will keep your home cooler in the summer.

• Caution is advised when selecting windows and sliding glass doors with passive solar heat gain values above 0.45 that will face south or west, especially if there is more glass area than exterior wall area (high window to wall ratio), as this could cause uncomfortably warm room temperatures and higher cooling costs.
• That being said, in general in Canada you don’t want a SHGC that is too low, since solar heat gain in winter helps to warm your home. A SHGC of about 0.50 offers a good balance.
• To better understand window technology and which type of window(s) you have, visit Technology primer (canada.ca).  
• Check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for window upgrades.

Apply a window film on existing windows to protect against solar heat gain. This is a lower-cost option that can help to keep your home cooler on hot days. (Films designed to protect against solar heat gain are less than 1 mm thick and is different than safety film, which is designed to make your windows impact resistant and shatterproof.) To ensure window warranty coverage, manufacturer’s instructions must be carefully followed, as well as applicable building code requirements.

When your home is feeling hot inside, open your windows before you go to bed at night to cool off your home if safe to do so. (However, if wildfire smoke coincides with hot temperatures, it’s important to keep windows and doors closed. Visit Wildfire smoke 101: Combined wildfire smoke and heat - Canada.ca to learn how to protect your health when experiencing smoke and heat together).

If possible, ensure you have at least some windows that can open, particularly to the prevailing wind direction (south-west) to provide ventilation. Ideally, operable windows should be on opposite sides of building, and/or at different heights, and in each habitable room, for maximum cooling effect.

(If wildfire smoke coincides with hot temperatures, it’s important to keep windows and doors closed. Visit Wildfire smoke 101: Combined wildfire smoke and heat - Canada.ca to learn how to protect your health when experiencing smoke and heat together).

If possible, install shading devices on the indoor side of your windows, such as cellular (or “honeycomb”) shades. Cellular or "honeycomb" shades are designed to trap air within their core, offering an extra layer of insulation to help keep your home cooler in the hot months and warmer in the cold months. They are cost competitive with other internal shading options.

If possible, install exterior shading devices, especially on the sunny side of your home. Both exterior roller shades (fabric) and roller shutters (aluminum or plastic slats) will reduce solar heat gain; roller shutters provide additional protection against other climate hazards such as hail. (Note that shutters must have an auto-release function for safe egress). Fixed or retractable awnings can also manage solar heat gain while directing water away from your home, and they can be closed to allow solar heat gain in the cooler winter months. 

Exterior shading devices work even better than interior shades at reducing indoor temperatures. 

Apply weather stripping around doors and windows that open to improve home air tightness. This action could be eligible for rebate; check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for window upgrades.

If replacing your door(s), choose one with good insulative value. Look for an ENERGY STAR certification. Purchasing an ENERGY STAR certified door may qualify for a rebate; check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for upgrades.

2.3 Siding and Insulation

Ensure your walls and attic are well-insulated. Consider the following:

• The “R-value” is a measure of how well a two-dimensional barrier, such as a wall, window or ceiling, resists the conductive flow of heat. The higher the R-value, the better it is at insulating, protecting you from extreme heat (and cold) and also reducing your energy bills.
• Interior wall insulation (between the studs in the wall) is the typical way most older homes are insulated. National Building Code – Alberta Edition requires R22 in the wall cavities and R60 in ceiling below attics. To keep your home comfortable during heat waves and keep your energy bills low, your walls/attic should have at least this R-value, if not more. If your home gets hot in the summertime, consider improving your interior insulation for an increased R-value.
• For even better results, consider also installing an additional layer of exterior wall insulation, which is a great way to improve the thermal comfort of your home.
• If you are upgrading your wall insulation, also consider installing siding with a higher R-value. Just as with insulation, the higher the R-value of your siding materials the better it will be at preventing heat from entering or leaving your home.
• Use a reflective wall air barrier to protect against extreme heat impacts. A wall air barrier is the material (typically felt paper, or polyethylene or polypropylene wrap) that goes on the outside of your wall sheathing, before you put your siding material on. A reflective wall air barrier can help protect against extreme heat.
• Upgrading your building envelope (such as insulation) may be eligible for federal or municipal rebates or incentives. Check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, and The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program to learn more.
• Talking with an energy advisor is the best way to start. They can provide a home energy evaluation and label to identify the best ways to improve the insulative value of your home, thereby keeping it cooler in hot months (and warmer in cold months). Working with a qualified contractor will help you get the right type of insulation for your home. For more information on the value of Home Energy Audits and Labels visit Home Energy Labelling (calgary.ca).

2.4 Outside

Plant trees to lower the temperature around your home. Plant deciduous trees on the south, east and west sides of your house to provide shade in the summer and shed leaves in the winter to let sunlight in. (In places at risk of wildfire, the use of vegetation must be considered alongside FireSmart guidance.)

Maintain any existing trees well. Maintaining existing trees is even better than planting new, as newly planted trees take time to establish before they provide shading.

Visit calgary.ca/trees for information on tree maintenance, planting and protection, including which trees are most suitable for Calgary’s climate. Visit The City of Calgary’s Branching Out Program webpage for information about how to get a tree at no cost from The City of Calgary to plant on your property.

Add a pergola, sunshade, or umbrella to your outdoor space to keep your space cool.

Place tall potted plants, sunshades, or umbrella(s) on your balcony to keep your space cool.

If choosing hardscaping materials when landscaping on your property (walkways, paved patios, etc.), choose materials with high reflective ability (“albedo”), such as light-coloured materials, permeable pavements, or vegetation cover. Painting hard surfaces with light-coloured, heat-reflective paint can help to reduce temperature.

Where possible, use vegetative cover instead of pavement to reduce surface and air temperatures. Avoid using artificial turf, which gets very hot.

If you live in a condo or apartment, this is something you can advocate for to your building management.

If you are replacing your roof, consider using lighter colours, or cool roof shingles, for your roofing materials. Cool roof shingles have been engineered to reflect sunlight and decrease the amount of heat transferred into your home, reducing heat stress. Cool roof shingles can cost about 45% more than standard asphalt shingles but can protect your health as well as reduce your cooling bills in the summer months.

A cool roof system can also be achieved by using light coloured roofing materials or painting your roof white, or with heat reflective paint. Lighter surfaces, if used throughout a region/neighbourhood, can help reduce the urban heat island effect at a community scale.

2.5 Roof

If you are replacing your roof, consider installing a green roof, which consists of a thin layer of soil, with live plants growing on the top of your house or garage.

Green roofs can keep your home and neighbourhood cooler during heat waves, reducing cooling costs by as much as 25%. They can also reduce heating costs, reduce stormwater runoff from your property, improve local air quality, capture and store carbon, provide habitat and biodiversity benefits, can increase property value, and are resistant to strong winds and hail. 

Visit Green Roofs (calgary.ca) to learn more, and contact a professional contractor if pursuing a green roof project.

If you are replacing your roof, consider using reflective roof underlayment (or "radiant barrier") to protect against extreme heat and reduce home cooling costs. A radiant barrier is a reflective surface that prevents radiant heat from entering a home. Radiant barrier sheathing, which is plywood or OSB board with foil adhered to one side, is often used in new homes, with the foil facing into the attic space. Older homes can be retrofitted for extra energy savings by attaching radiant barrier material to the attic ceiling or floor.

Consider adding insulation to your attic space to help stabilize the temperature of your home in both hot and cold conditions. Because hot air rises to escape, roof insulation is one of the most important factors in protecting a home from extreme heat (and cold). This could be eligible for a rebate – check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for insulation upgrades.

Although someone other than you makes decisions about your roof, there are actions you can advocate for to ensure your roof is designed to help lower local temperatures and reduce your energy bill during heat waves in the future. Here is a list of actions to consider discussing with your landlord or building management team if they are considering renovating your roof:

• Consider using reflective roof underlayment (or "radiant barrier") to protect against extreme heat and reduce home cooling costs if you are replacing your roofing materials. A radiant barrier is a reflective surface that prevents radiant heat from entering a home. Radiant barrier sheathing, which is plywood or OSB board with foil adhered to one side, is often used in new homes, with the foil facing into the attic space. Older homes can be retrofitted for extra energy savings by attaching radiant barrier material to the attic ceiling or floor.
• Consider using lighter colours, or cool roof shingles, for your roofing materials. Cool roof shingles have been engineered to reflect sunlight and decrease the amount of heat transferred into your home, reducing heat stress. Cool roof shingles can cost about 45% more than standard asphalt shingles but can protect your health as well as reduce your cooling bills in the summer months. A cool roof system can also be achieved by using light coloured roofing materials or painting your roof white, or with heat reflective paint. Lighter surfaces, if used throughout a region/neighbourhood, can help reduce the urban heat island effect at a community scale.
• Consider installing a green roof, which consists of a thin layer of soil, with live plants growing on the top of your house or garage. Green roofs can keep your home and neighbourhood cooler during heat waves, reducing cooling costs by as much as 25%. They can also reduce heating costs, reduce stormwater runoff from your property, improve local air quality, capture and store carbon, provide habitat and biodiversity benefits, can increase property value, and are resistant to strong winds and hail.
• Consider adding insulation to your attic space to help stabilize the temperature of your home in both hot and cold conditions. Because hot air rises to escape, roof insulation is one of the most important factors in protecting a home from extreme heat (and cold). This could be eligible for a rebate – check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for insulation upgrades.

2.6 Indoor Cooling and Ventilation (HVAC)

Installing a ceiling fan(s) or free-standing portable fan(s) in the room or rooms of your home that typically get hot in the summer can help lower your cooling costs without having to rely quite so much on energy intensive A/C.

You can also cool your home by using the summer or fan setting on your furnace. This will push cooler air from the basement (if you have one) or lowest area of your home to the hotter parts of your home.   

Consider installing an energy efficient air conditioning system to help keep your home cool. Keep in mind that air conditioning units are energy-intensive, and running them can be costly and contributes to climate change, so ideally they should be used only after, and in conjunction with, passive cooling measures that don’t require energy. For example, good quality shading devices on the inside or outside of your windows, improved insulation, and functioning weather stripping are all measures that cool your home without using energy.

A heat pump is an ideal air conditioning system because it is an energy efficient way to cool your home in the hot months, and it also provides heating in the cold months. For more information or to learn whether a heat pump is right for you, watch this video: The City of Calgary - CEIP Energy Savers Episode 4: Heat Pumps (youtube.com) and talk to an energy advisor about the heat balance of your home.

The Canadian Climate Institute has a heat pump calculator tool that allows you to compare the cost of heat pumps to other home heating and cooling options in cities across Canada.

There are federal and municipal incentives available to install heat pumps. Check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, and The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program to learn more. Be sure to use a qualified contractor if installing a heat pump in your home.

You can also consider installing a window air conditioner unit in rooms that cannot be cross-ventilated effectively.

Rearrange furniture to ensure nothing is blocking your A/C vents. Blocked vents could increase energy demand and slow down the cooling of your home.

Routinely replacing and cleaning air filters can lower your A/C system’s energy consumption. Have an HVAC technician check your cooling system annually to ensure optimal performance.

Keep in mind that air conditioning units are energy-intensive, and running them can be costly and contributes to climate change, so ideally they should be used only after, and in conjunction with, cooling measures that don’t require energy. For example, good quality shading devices on the inside or outside of your windows, improved insulation, and functioning weather stripping are all measures that cool your home without using energy.

3.0 Hail and High Wind

Calgary is located in “hail alley”, a hotspot for hailstorms in Canada. Hail can cause significant damage to your home and property. According to climate projections, hail events may happen more often and be more intense in the future, and it is more likely that they’ll occur throughout more of the year.

In Calgary, the strongest winds are usually caused by severe thunderstorms, intense low-pressure centers and cold fronts, and chinooks. With a changing climate, we will continue to experience high wind gust events in Calgary, which also have potential to damage your home.

3.1 General Actions

Consider options for protecting your vehicle(s) from hail – either a garage, carport or other covered parking space.

Learn how to stay safe during a hail event, and what to do after your home has been damaged by a hailstorm at calgary.ca/hail.

Monitor local weather forecasts and Alberta Emergency Alerts for storm watches and warnings. Visit calgary.ca/alerts to learn about the best ways to obtain information during an emergency. Learn how to stay safe during a hail event, and what to do after damage from a storm.

Review your insurance policies to ensure you are covered for hail damage. Sometimes specific types of damage can be excluded depending on your policy, or policy deductibles may vary depending on the cause of damage. Insurers can identify common sources of damage that you should watch for.

Hail-related insurance claims involving homes are often to repair visible damage only. However, large hail events result in claims for replacement of damaged roofs, shredded and missing siding, and broken windows and skylights – all of which can allow water into a home, leading to even more damage. From an insurance perspective, most of the largest hail damage events recorded in Canada have occurred in Alberta.

Visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website at https://www.ibc.ca/ for more information on hail protection, and FAQ’s for reviewing policies.

3.2 Windows and Doors

If installing new windows and doors, choose ones that are rated for impact resistance (IR). IR-rated windows and doors are made to withstand high debris impact, and can protect against flying objects, hail and high winds.

If new windows aren’t an option for you, instead consider applying a 4 mm thick safety film to your windows, which can improve impact resistance and protect them from shattering during a hailstorm. You can also install protective shutters to help make your windows impact resistant and shatterproof. (Note that shutters must have an auto-release function for safe egress).

3.3 Siding and Insulation

You have aluminum siding. Hailstorms and debris driven by high winds can cause aluminum siding to dent or scratch (but will not affect the integrity of your home). Refer to the Climate Ready Home Guide at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome for more details on the resilience of various siding options. If replacing your siding, make sure your new siding material is resilient and durable, and that your walls are completely and properly sheathed to create more shear strength and stability in severe wind. 

You have vinyl siding. Standard vinyl siding is not recommended for resilience as it is susceptible to damage from hail, fire and high winds. It is, however, the least expensive, and most common siding material in Calgary. Insulated vinyl siding (which uses a foam board backing to fill what is otherwise gaps behind the material) does provide some impact resistance against hail and high winds. If you want to improve the resilience of your home, you should consider upgrading to a more resilient and durable material, such as fibre cement or brick. Refer to the Climate Ready Home Guide at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome for more details on the resilience of various siding options. If replacing your siding, make sure that your walls are completely and properly sheathed, to create more shear strength and stability in severe wind.

You have brick siding. Brick siding is highly resilient against hail and high wind, as long as the fastening system or mortar is in good shape.

You have stone siding. Stone siding will not damage easily in high winds or hail.

You have stucco siding. Stucco will hold up well to flying debris in moderate wind and hail, but severe storms can cause damage. If you are redoing your siding and want to improve the resilience of your home, you could consider upgrading to a more resilient and durable material, such as fibre cement or brick. Refer to the Climate Ready Home Guide at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome for more details on the resilience of various siding options.

You have fibre cement siding. Fibre cement board (Hardie Board) is one of the most resilient siding types for hail and high wind.

You have wood siding. Some siding materials, such wood, can be more susceptible to damage from hail and high wind than others. If replacing your siding, consider upgrading to a more resilient and durable material, such as fibre cement or brick. Refer to the Climate Ready Home Guide at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome for more details on the resilience of various siding options. If replacing your siding, make sure that your walls are completely and properly sheathed, to create more shear strength and stability in severe wind.

If replacing your siding, choose a material that is resilient to hail and high wind, such as fibre cement or brick. Note that some materials, such as vinyl and aluminum, can be more susceptible to damage from hail. Refer to the Climate Ready Home Guide at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome for a table that compares the resilience of various siding options. If replacing your siding, make sure that your walls are completely and properly sheathed, to create more shear strength and stability in severe wind.

3.4 Outside

Securely anchor outdoor accessories such as barbecues and trampolines, so they won't blow over or away during a high wind event. This includes accessories that may be on a balcony.

If possible, plant coniferous trees in a row on the side of your house that is exposed to the most wind (typically west), far enough away that falling branches will not cause damage.

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and maintained to limit impacts from hail, wind, heavy snow and ice. A certified arborist can help advise how best to prevent damage from falling branches.

3.5 Roof

Because your roof is relatively flat, it may be more susceptible to hail impacts than a steep roof would be.

If redoing your roof, choose roofing materials that are rated as Class 4 for impact resistance. Materials with this rating are the most impact resistant products available and can be made out of materials such as asphalt, metal or rubber. They will provide increased resistance to tears, splits, and water damage that can be caused by hail, high wind, and rainfall. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners that use Class-4 rated shingles. Visit Calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome and click on "Roof" to learn more about the resilience of different types of roofing materials. If redoing your roof, also:

• Ensure your roof is completely and properly sheathed to create more shear strength and stability in severe wind.
• Apply two layers of continuous underlayment or waterproof ice and water shield on the entire roof deck, and additional fasteners (spaced closer together) for the shingles. (Consult manufacturer’s installation/warranty guidelines).
• Most roofing materials, and asphalt shingles in particular, should be installed in warmer months to ensure they adhere properly. Shingles installed during the cold months can be damaged or even blow off in moderate wind.

Ensure your ridge and off-ridge vents are rated for high winds (i.e., over 100 km/h), otherwise they can be prone to damage.

Although someone other than you makes decisions about your roof, there are actions you can advocate for to ensure your roof is resilient to hail and high wind. Here is a list of actions to consider discussing with your landlord or building management team if they are considering renovating your roof:

• Consider choosing roofing materials that are rated as Class 4 for impact resistance. Materials with this rating are the most impact resistant products available and can be made out of materials such as asphalt, metal or rubber. They will provide increased resistance to tears, splits, and water damage that can be caused by hail, high wind, and rainfall. Visit Calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome and click on "Roof" to learn more about the resilience of different types of roofing materials.
• Consider applying two layers of continuous underlayment or waterproof ice and water shield on the entire roof deck, and additional fasteners (spaced closer together) for the shingles. (Consult manufacturer’s installation/warranty guidelines).
• Most roofing materials, and asphalt shingles in particular, should be installed in warmer months to ensure they adhere properly. Shingles installed during the cold months can be damaged or even blow off in moderate wind.
• Ensure your ridge and off-ridge vents are rated for high winds (i.e., over 100 km/h), otherwise they can be prone to damage.

4.0 Drought

When we turn on the tap in Calgary, it may feel like our city will always have an abundant supply of water. In reality, our water supply is finite and increasingly under pressure. Calgary relies solely on the Bow and Elbow watersheds for our source water, which face stressors such as climate change and population growth. Calgary will experience hotter, drier, and longer summers, meaning drought conditions may become more common and widespread.

Looking ahead, we all have a part to play in using water wisely. Making water efficiency a way of life will help make drought less disruptive to our homes and businesses. Pay attention to current conditions in Calgary to understand when there is a drought occurring. When conditions become very dry, The City implements mandatory watering restrictions. Visit calgary.ca/drought to learn about current conditions and the four stages of watering restrictions.   

Below are some actions that can help you to create a water efficient home and yard prepared for drought conditions.

4.1 Indoor Water Use

Check your toilet for leaks every six months by putting a few drops of food colouring in the tank. If water in bowl changes colour after 15 minutes, you have a leak.

When it comes to household leaks, toilets and faucets are the most common culprits. Most toilet leaks are silent, so you may not even know you’re wasting water, and the costs can really add up. 

Use your water meter to check for leaks every six months. In Calgary most water meters are installed inside the house where the water pipe enters your home. This is usually in the basement, near your main water shut-off valve. If you live in a unit within a larger building, you may not have access to your water meter.

1. Turn off all taps and water appliances (dishwashers, washing machines).

2. Watch the flow register on the face of the meter. The register could look like a gear (round or triangular, black or red) or a needle depending on the model of meter you have.

3. If it keeps turning, you have a leak somewhere in your house.

4. Check all water devices, such as your taps, humidifier, hot water heater and water softener.

For more detailed instructions on finding a leak, use the City of Calgary's High Water Consumption Investigation Checklist.

What to do when you find a leak? Follow our toilet repair or faucet repair steps at calgary.ca/WaterGuide if those devices are the issue. Visit a hardware store for repair tips and parts.

Continue to check both your toilet and water meter for leaks once every six months. Use The City of Calgary’s High Water Consumption Investigation Checklist if you think you may have a leak.

If you have travel plans, ask someone to check on your home while you’re away. This is commonly required by insurance plans. If you are leaving for an extended period, consider being proactive by turning off your main water supply. If a household leak occurs while you are away, there is potential to waste a lot of water and your water bill will increase substantially.

Install water efficient fixtures. Water efficient (low water use) fixtures are designed to conserve water while maintaining the same level of performance as older fixtures. All new homes and commercial construction, including renovations that require a plumbing permit, must install low water use fixtures per the Water Utility Bylaw. Look for WaterSense labelled toilets, faucets and showerheads ​when upgrading fixtures. All WaterSense products are independently, third-party certified to meet standard for water efficiency as well as performance. Based on your evaluation responses, you could install:

A water efficient toilet(s). 

A low-flow model showerhead(s).

Low-flow aerators on your bathroom and kitchen faucets.

Low water-use clothes washer.

Low water use dishwasher.

Take shorter showers. A five-minute shower with an old showerhead can easily use 75 litres of water, so a shorter shower could save you water, time and money!

When bathing children in a tub, only fill the tub halfway.

Consider using your dishwasher only when you have a full load, or run it on a shorter cycle if you must run it when not completely full. If you wash dishes by hand, keep the drain plugged to save water. 

Try to wash only full loads of laundry. Set the water level appropriately if you must wash a small load of laundry. 

4.2 Outside: Be “YardSmart”

Observe sun exposure and water drainage to choose plants for your yard’s unique conditions. Visit Calgary.ca/YardSmart for garden bed designs and plant species that will be most appropriate for the conditions of your yard.

Consider removing lawn where you can and replacing with drought tolerant gardens and ground coverings.  Rock gardens, or low water-use shrubs, flowering trees and ground cover use less water and require less maintenance than grass, and can act as wonderful filters and sponges to help absorb rainwater.

• Choose drought tolerant perennials and grasses, and hardy trees and shrubs that thrive in Calgary. Native plants are a great option as they also support our pollinators. Once established, plants labelled Hardiness Zone 2 or 3 means your yard will stay beautiful for longer during hot and dry weather. Visit Calgary.ca/YardSmart for plant lists as well as a garden bed design guide series that includes layouts for all areas of your yard.
• If you want to keep your lawn, avoid Kentucky Bluegrass mixtures which require much more irrigation and maintenance than drought tolerant seed mixes. Or consider alternative lawn options such as creeping thyme or clover.

Where you do have a lawn, do not mow the grass too short. Keep it 7 cm high to shade the soil and retain moisture.

• However, note that under The City of Calgary’s Community Standard Bylaw, property owners must keep grasses and herbaceous plants under 15 cm in height, unless they are in maintained gardens. A naturalization project on private property that is “maintained and displays purposeful design” (borders, edging, etc.) is within City bylaw.
• Watering your lawn less will also help to develop a deeper root system, which will also help it stay resilient to hot and dry weather. Remember that lawns can go several weeks without water and still survive. When lawns turn brown they are initially going dormant and will bounce back to being green after a good rainfall.

Install a rain garden. Rain gardens are shallow depressions filled with loose soil and planted with water-wise plants. When the downspout from your roof is directed toward the rain garden, water is captured and retained for longer, minimizing the need for watering. Rain gardens not only help reduce the impacts of heavy rain and flooding, they also are a great landscape feature from a drought perspective, when placed in a low-lying area of your yard.  For more information, go to calgary.ca and type Rain Garden into the search bar.

Add a base of at least 20 cm of good quality soil for a healthy garden or lawn that retains more water and therefore requires less watering. You can find a topsoil calculator at calgary.ca/YardSmart to find out how much topsoil you need for your yard.

Checking soil moisture with a soil moisture meter both before and after watering is the best indicator of adequate watering. Soils in Calgary are generally clay based and retain more moisture than it might appear.

Add mulch around trees and shrubs and in flower beds to retain moisture (by reducing evaporation from your soil) and keep an even soil temperature. Adding mulch (e.g., bark, wood chips) or stones will also slow weed growth and decrease erosion. To find out how much mulch you need to buy for a flower bed, visit calgary.ca and type “plan your YardSmart yard" into the search bar.  

Only give plants the water they need. Some plants need regular watering, others less. How you water new plants affects the root development, which affects how much water they will consume in the future. Read plant tags to know how much to water your garden, and put plants in the right place based on their needs (e.g., full sun, part shade, shade, etc.). Visit calgary.ca/YardSmart and look for the Watering 101 - mature landscaping and Watering 101 - new landscaping guides for watering tips.

Watch the forecast and skip watering when it has rained or is forecast to rain.

Water when it’s coolest – early in the morning or later in the evening. Watering before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. will reduce evaporation.

Water low and slow – use a soaker hose, watering can or drip irrigation for your garden, rather than sprinkling, to conserve water. Never apply water faster than your soil can absorb.

Schedule annual maintenance with an irrigation professional and check often for leaks. Irrigation systems are one of the most common household leaks. For more information on irrigation, visit calgary.ca and search "Irrigation Setup and Maintenance Tips".

Drain your irrigation system before it freezes in the Fall.

Capture and use rainwater collected in a rain barrel(s) to water your shrubs, trees and flower beds. Plants prefer rain water over water from the hose. Calgary's average rainfall of 5 cm per month will provide approximately 4,000 litres of water. That can fill a typical 45-gallon rain barrel 20 times. Learn more, including about how to get a rain barrel at a reduced rate through Green Calgary, at calgary.ca/YardSmart. Make sure the overflow drain pipe or your downspout is set at least 1.5 metres away from your house.

Use a downspout extender to direct runoff away from hard surfaces and into landscaped areas of your property, such as rain gardens. This helps retain rainwater on site and keeps your lawn and garden from drying out.

Sweep your sidewalk and driveway rather than washing with water.

5.0 Wildfire and Smoke

Wildfires are happening more often because of climate change. Calgary has experienced a significant increase in smoky conditions over the last 30 years and will continue to experience more smoky conditions as Calgary’s summers get hotter, drier, and longer, and with more potential for storm events that cause lightning. Regardless of where you live in Calgary, you have potential to be impacted by wildfire smoke.

While Calgary is not as exposed to wildfire as northern and mountain towns, some communities in Calgary are situated beside forested areas, grasslands and parks that have potential for fire control problems. If you feel your home is exposed to fire or wildfire risk (i.e., you live beside a forested area, grassland, or park), the following fire protection actions may be worth considering.

5.1 Indoor Air Quality

Before a wildfire smoke event:

• Download the WeatherCAN app for the Air Quality Health Index and current and forecasted smoke conditions in Calgary. Visit Canada.ca/Wildfire-Smoke for info about smoke and your health.
• If ever replacing your HVAC system or building a new home, consider incorporating an air purifier into your central air system to protect your health during smoke events.

During a wildfire smoke event:

• Keep all windows and doors closed, and turn off bathroom or kitchen fans to keep smoke from entering your home.
• Some people, such as seniors, are at higher risk of health problems from smoke. Check on family and community members during smoke events and help those that may be more susceptible to health issues.
• Reduce sources of indoor air pollution such as air fresheners, candles, gas stoves, vacuums, and cleaning products. If possible, prepare meals that don’t involve cooking, especially frying and broiling, as it can affect indoor air quality.
• Make sure A/C filters and furnace filters are clean and replace them when necessary. For your furnace, choose a filter with a MERV 13 rating, or as high a rating as your system fan and filter slot can accommodate. 

Repair damaged windows and replace worn or missing weather stripping. Improving the air tightness of your home in this way will help to keep your home smoke-free during smoke events.

Purchase a portable air purifier with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that traps microscopic particles. Air purifiers can be plugged in and used in most rooms in your home.

5.2 Windows and Doors

If replacing your windows and doors, make sure they are fire rated.

Tempered, thermal (double paned or greater) windows are recommended for fire protection. Single pane windows provide little resistance to heat from fires.

5.3 Siding and Insulation

Aluminum siding is relatively resilient to fire. It can withstand extreme heat, and will not easily ignite, burn or melt if exposed to fire.

If redoing your siding, consider choosing siding materials that offer good protection against fire. Cement fibre, brick, or metal are better siding options than vinyl for protection against fire. Vinyl siding is not recommended; since it is made out of manufactured plastic, it quickly melts when exposed to the high heat of a fire. (Cheaper vinyl can also be damaged by extreme heat, crack with fluctuating weather, and can be easily damaged by hail and high winds.)

• For fire safety, ground to siding clearance should be a minimum of 15 centimeters. For more information about the resilience and relative cost of different types of siding materials, visit calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome.

Brick cladding is highly resilient against fire. For fire safety, ground to siding clearance should be a minimum of 15 centimetres.

Stone siding is resilient against fire. For fire safety, ground to siding clearance should be a minimum of 15 centimetres.

Stucco siding is resilient against fire. For fire safety, ground to siding clearance should be a minimum of 15 centimetres.

Fibre cement board is resilient against fire. Many fiber cement products carry a Class A fire rating and can withstand several hours of heat from fires before failing. For fire safety, ground to siding clearance should be a minimum of 15 centimetres.

Wood and engineered wood siding (wood composite) are less fire-resistant materials, compared to other siding materials that have a Class A fire rating, like fibre cement, metal and brick. If re-doing your siding, consider choosing siding materials that offer good protection against fire. For more information about the resilience and relative cost of different types of siding materials, visit calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome.

Learn more about the type of siding material that you have, and how resilient it is to climate hazards such as fire. If replacing your siding, consider upgrading to a resilient material, such as Class-A rated fibre cement or brick. Refer to the Climate Ready Home Guide at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome for more information on the resilience of various siding options.

5.4 Outside

Remove needles, leaves and other combustible materials from your roof, vents, and eavestroughs. Sparks and embers can easily ignite these dry materials. Consider screening your eavestroughs with a metal mesh to reduce the amount of debris that can accumulate.

Consider screening your eavestroughs with a metal mesh to reduce the amount of debris that can accumulate.

If you consider your property to be potentially exposed to wildfire (e.g., in close proximity to a natural area), if possible, keep anything that is combustible (firewood, lumber, etc.) at least 10 m away from your home. FireSmart Alberta recommends that this should be a fire-resistant zone, free of all materials that could easily ignite from a fire. If possible, cut and water grass within 10 meters of your home. Also try to maintain a 1.5 m non-combustible surface around your home and deck by sweeping or raking down to mineral soil, rock, or concrete, and prune all trees branches within 2 meters of the ground.

Use non-combustible materials when building or maintaining your outdoor structure(s). If these are within 10 meters of your home, treat them with the same fire safety considerations as you would your home (e.g., 15 cm of ground-to-siding non-combustible clearance; 1.5 meters of non-combustible ground coverage around the building, etc.).

Try to maintain a 1.5 m non-combustible surface around your home and deck by sweeping or raking down to mineral soil, rock, or concrete. Continue to keep anything that is combustible (firewood, lumber, etc.) at least 10 m away from your home; this should be a fire resistant zone, free of all materials that could easily ignite from a fire.

If possible, consider using non-combustible materials when building or maintaining your deck. Sparks and embers can collect under spaces like decks, so consider enclosing the underside of your deck with flame retardant materials to prevent the collection of flammable materials. The base of the deck should be sheathed with fire resistant material as well.

According to FireSmart Alberta, wooden fences can create a direct path of fire to your home. Separating your house from the wooden fence with a minimum 1.5 metre metal gate and keeping any dry grass next to the fence cut can slow the advance of fire.

Choose fire resistant shrubs and trees for landscaping. Plant fire-resistant trees and shrubs, which are those that have moist, supple leaves, accumulate minimal dead vegetation, have water-like sap, and have a low amount of sap or resin material.

All fires in your firepit must be kept to a reasonable size (1 meter high and wide), and a mesh screen or ‘spark guard’ is required to reduce the spread of embers and sparks from wood burning fire pits. Keep the area within 3 meters of your fire pit free of combustible material. Before starting a fire, always check if a Fire Ban is in effect at calgary.ca.firebans, and consider that high wind speeds may pose a fire hazard.

Visit FireSmartAlberta.ca for more information about protecting your home from wildfire.

5.5 Roof

If re-doing your roof, consider choosing roofing materials that are less susceptible to fire. A Class A fire-rated roof cover offers the best protection, and can be made of metal, asphalt, clay or rubber. The fire resistance rating of your shingles may depend on your underlayment, so also choose underlayment with Class A fire rating, and fire-rated roof sheathing. For more information about the resilience of different types of roofing materials, visit calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome.

Soffits and facia should be fitted on your eaves to reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the wooden rafters of your home. 

If your home has roof eaves that overhang the walls, even by just a few inches, you probably have soffits. The soffit is the material beneath the eave that connects the far edge of your roof to the exterior wall of your house. They are often vented. Soffits should be fitted on your eaves to reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the wooden rafters of your home.

Add a non-combustible 3 mm screen to external vents (except dryer vents) to keep embers out.

Installing a chimney spark arrestor screen can help protect your home from fire.

Although someone other than you makes decisions about your roof, there are actions you can advocate for to ensure your roof is resilient to fire. Here is a list of actions to consider discussing with your landlord or building management team if they are considering renovating your roof:

• Consider choosing roofing materials that are less susceptible to fire. A Class A fire-rated roof cover offers the best protection, and can be made of metal, asphalt, clay or rubber. The fire resistance rating of your shingles may depend on your underlayment, so also choose underlayment with Class A fire rating, and fire-rated roof sheathing. For more information about the resilience of different types of roofing materials, visit calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome.
• If your home has roof eaves that overhang the walls, even by just a few inches, you probably have soffits. The soffit is the material beneath the eave that connects the far edge of your roof to the exterior wall of your house. They are often vented. Soffits should be fitted on your eaves to reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the wooden rafters of your home.
• Add a non-combustible 3 mm screen to any external vents (except dryer vents) to keep embers out.
• Installing a chimney spark arrestor screen can help protect your home from fire.

5.6 General Fire Safety Actions

• Have a home fire extinguisher or know where one is stored in your apartment or condo. A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the #1 priority for residents is to get out safely.
• Be aware of local fire bans.
• Ensure your smoke and CO alarms are working properly. Visit Are you Ready? Prepare your home video series (calgary.ca) for information about smoke and CO alarms.
• Practice a home escape plan.
• Visit calgary.ca/fire for more information about protecting yourself from fire risk at home.

6.0 Winter Storms

Winter storms can include snowfall events, freezing rain, ice storms, and rain-on snow events. Winter storms can happen in the spring and fall, not just in winter. Climate change is increasing the amount of winter precipitation and winter temperatures, although average winter temperatures are projected to remain below 0°C, on average, by the 2080s. This means that Calgary will continue to experience the high impact frozen and freezing precipitation events and heavy snow loads that often occur when temperatures near, but remain below, 0°C.

6.1 Roof

Removing heavy snow from your roof after a snowstorm will help mitigate moisture issues and avoid a sagging roofline. Be sure to do so in a way that is safe, such as by using a roof rake to clear snow while still standing on the ground.  

Ice damming is one of the most common causes of roof damage for Canadians . To prevent ice damming:

• Improve your attic insulation. This action could qualify for a rebate - check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for insulation upgrades.
• Consider installing heat trace cables (a wire that gives off heat) to melt the snow on the roof and throughout the roof drainage system, particularly near the eaves, which can minimize the effects of snow and ice buildup.
• Inspect your eaves periodically: check your eaves for rot, and make sure your eavestroughs fit properly. Clean all debris from gutter/eavestrough and downspouts in the spring and fall to ensure water has a clear path of travel away from the home.

To limit damage caused by ice damming:

• Ensure your soffits are vented for air flow in the attic, which helps to dry our any condensation, leakage, or moisture build-up in your attic. Check vented soffits at least once per year to ensure screens aren't blocked by insulation or debris.
• If redoing your roof, install two continuous layers of waterproofing underlayment (ice and water shield) over the entire roof deck.

Although someone other than you makes decisions about your roof, there are actions you can advocate for to ensure your roof is resilient to ice damming and safe in the winter. Here is a list of actions to consider discussing with your landlord or building management team:

To prevent ice damming:

• Improve your attic insulation. This action could qualify for a rebate - check out the Canada Greener Homes Grant, The City of Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program and the Home Energy Upgrades Program to learn about available incentives for insulation upgrades.
• Consider installing heat trace cables (a wire that gives off heat) to melt the snow on the roof and throughout the roof drainage system, particularly near the eaves, which can minimize the effects of snow and ice buildup.
• Ensure your eaves are inspected periodically: have your eaves checked for rot, and make sure your eavestroughs fit properly. Clean all debris from gutter/eavestrough and downspouts in the spring and fall to ensure water has a clear path of travel away from the home.

To limit damage caused by ice damming:

• If applicable, ensure your soffits are vented for air flow in the attic, which helps to dry our any condensation, leakage, or moisture build-up in your attic. Check vented soffits at least once per year to ensure screens aren't blocked by insulation or debris.
• If your roof is being re-done, install two continuous layers of waterproofing underlayment (ice and water shield) over the entire roof deck.

 If snow builds up on your roof after a snowstorm and creates unsafe conditions, make sure it is safely removed. This will help mitigate moisture issues and avoid a sagging roofline. 

6.2 Outside

Prune trees for structural health as needed by a certified arborist to ensure branches don’t break during heavy snowfalls. 

6.3 General Actions

Winter storms can lead to power outages. To protect your home from power outages, incorporate a back-up power supply into your home design.