The Right Way To Repair EIFS Stucco After A Hailstorm In Edmonton

Hail hits differently in Edmonton. One fast-moving cell across the Henday can pepper a south-facing wall in minutes and leave tiny blisters, hairline fractures, or punctures across an EIFS facade. Some damage looks cosmetic. Some damage opens a path for water that will quietly rot sheathing through winter. The right repair starts with knowing what took the hit, how water moves through the system, and where hail tends to break the envelope. This article explains how an experienced stucco crew approaches hail damage stucco repair Edmonton homeowners can trust to last through freeze-thaw cycles.

EIFS vs. traditional stucco: why hail damage behaves differently

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a layered system. From the studs out, a typical Edmonton installation includes sheathing, a weather-resistive barrier, adhesive or mechanical fasteners, EPS insulation, a fiberglass mesh in base coat, and an acrylic finish coat. Traditional hard-coat stucco uses lath and multiple cementitious coats with no exterior foam.

Hail interacts with each system in its own way. On traditional stucco, hail usually chips finish and creates small craters. On EIFS, hail can bruise the foam beneath the finish. A wall can look fine from five metres away, yet the base coat and mesh may be cracked under the acrylic. That hidden bruise is where water tracks in, freezes, and expands. Edmonton’s shoulder seasons push that cycle hard, so the repair method has to address what sits under the finish coat, not just the colour match on the surface.

How to tell if hail damage needs more than paint

An experienced inspector reads impact patterns and orientation. North walls in Edmonton often fare better. West and south walls take the brunt of larger stones during late-day storms. Any area near grade, eaves, or window returns deserves close attention.

The most telling field checks happen by hand and with light. A palm press over suspect spots can reveal foam compression. A raking light at sunrise or sunset shows raised rings around impacts that are invisible at noon. A coin tap test helps too. A tight, crisp sound suggests intact base coat; a dull thud points to delamination or crushed foam. Where there is doubt, a small destructive test confirms what cannot be seen: slice the finish at a single crater, peel a controlled patch, and inspect the mesh and foam. If the mesh strands are broken or the foam has a crater, a patch repair needs to go through to the insulation, not just skim the surface.

Why speed matters after a storm in Edmonton

EIFS sheds liquid water when intact, but it does not like prolonged moisture at the base coat. Hail damage opens the finish. Driving rain follows. In autumn, water sits in those microfractures and freezes overnight. Each freeze opens the crack a little more. By mid-winter, wind can push snow into those openings. The repair window is best within 2 to 8 weeks after the storm, before deep freeze sets in. Waiting until spring often converts a simple patch into a larger removal.

Insurers in Alberta typically accept claims within 60 to 90 days. A timely site inspection, a written scope with photos, and an estimate that references EIFS repair standards help speed approval. That is one reason homeowners search for hail damage stucco repair Edmonton right after a storm; the goal is to protect the wall assembly before winter locks it in.

What a proper EIFS hail repair looks like

A durable repair follows the assembly. It starts with containment and ends with a finish coat that matches in texture and colour. The crew does not smear acrylic over bruised foam. It removes failed material to sound substrate and rebuilds the layers. In practice, the steps are consistent across homes, but the judgment calls vary wall by wall.

Targeted removal: The crew cuts a neat rectangle around each impact cluster or a larger section where density of damage is high. The cut passes through the finish and base coat to expose the mesh and foam. If the foam is crushed, it is replaced to the plane of the wall. If the mesh strands are broken, new mesh laps 65 to 100 mm beyond the damaged area into sound base coat for strength. Rebuild to plane: Replacement EPS matches thickness and density of the existing board. The patch is rasped flush so the plane remains continuous. Adhesive or mechanical fastening mirrors the original system. A base coat embeds new fiberglass mesh with the correct weight for the system, not drywall mesh. Seal penetrations and transitions: Window trims, hose bibs, light fixtures, and kickout flashing often hide hairline damage. Sealants at these points are tested and renewed if aged or cracked. Where hail chipped finish near a control joint, the joint is cleaned and re-detailed to keep it moving as intended. Texture and colour match: EIFS finishes range from fine sand to coarse dash. A trained finisher reads the original aggregate size and repairs with the same texture. Colour matching in Edmonton light is a craft. UV exposure fades facades at different rates. To keep blends invisible, a crew often feathers the finish over a larger area and completes a planned break at a corner or joint. Moisture management: Before closing the repair, a moisture meter check at sheathing level verifies target readings. Edmonton baselines vary by season; experienced crews know what is normal in October versus June. Any elevated readings trigger a wider removal to root out hidden wet spots.

Where small repairs make sense and where they do not

EIFS is repairable. A wall peppered with isolated half-centimetre craters can be patched cleanly if the foam is intact and mesh unbroken. Driveways and corners that took glancing hits often fall into this category. The repair stays local, and the cost stays modest.

Large hail, rough winds, and older EIFS change the equation. If more than about 20 percent of a wall face shows bruising, patchwork starts to look like a quilt, and colour blending becomes difficult. At that point, a partial elevation resurfacing offers better value. The crew removes finish and base coat across a larger plane, installs new mesh where needed, and applies a full new finish from joint to joint. This approach costs more upfront but avoids a patchy look and restores the protective layer uniformly. In Edmonton, this pays back across winters because a full new finish seals countless microfractures that even a careful inspection might miss.

The Edmonton variables: freeze-thaw, wind, and dust

Local climate drives detail. Strong chinook swings and cold snaps stress EIFS patches. That is why lap lengths on mesh, corner reinforcement, and cure times matter here. Acrylic finishes cure faster in low humidity but can skin too quickly in hot sun. Crews watch shade lines and time applications to avoid dry edges. Summer dust from new subdivisions on the outskirts of Edmonton can also settle on fresh finish and dull colour. Smart crews stage work early or later in the day, and they mask more generously near active roadways.

Wind speeds east of Calgary Trail or across open fields near Windermere can whip up rain during a storm and drive it at odd angles. After hail, these same winds push water into tiny openings under eaves. The fix is careful attention at soffit returns and kickout flashing. Many hail jobs in Edmonton end with improved flashing details because the storm highlights where water prefers to travel.

Insurance, scope, and documentation that gets approved

Most Edmonton hail events trigger widespread claims. Adjusters work fast. Clean documentation helps. A thorough hail damage stucco repair Edmonton estimate typically includes a marked elevation map that shows impact clusters, photos at close and mid-range, and notes on mesh and foam findings at test cuts. A unit rate for patch size ranges keeps pricing clear: small patch, medium patch, large section, and full elevation resurfacing listed separately. Where building height requires boom or scaffolding, access costs sit on their own line. That structure helps adjusters approve what is necessary without endless back-and-forth.

Homeowners often ask if a repaint over EIFS is acceptable. Paint is not a finish coat for EIFS. Acrylic EIFS finishes are breathable and flexible. Standard exterior paints can change vapour permeability and crack under movement. Where colour uniformity is the goal after multiple patches, a new acrylic finish over a bonding coat provides the right performance.

Common EIFS hail damage mistakes and their real cost

Rushed skim coats trap problems. Smearing acrylic finish over cracked base coat hides the crack only until winter. Water gets in, freezes, and the finish shells off. Another mistake is using the wrong mesh weight. EIFS mesh comes in standard, intermediate, and high-impact weights. Repairs should match or exceed the original specification, especially near grade or in high-traffic areas. Drywall tape is not a substitute.

Another frequent error is ignoring movement joints. A repair that crosses a joint without re-forming the break creates a hard spot that will crack along the line next season. Good repairs respect the system’s need to move.

What homeowners can do in the first 48 hours after hail

A quick, safe walkaround helps. Take photos of each elevation, close-ups of visible craters, and any damaged fixtures or trims. Check deck walls, parapets, and garage returns that face west. If finish is cracked through at an exposed area, temporary protection with breathable building wrap taped over the spot can buy time until a crew arrives. Do not pressure-wash EIFS after hail. Water under pressure can drive into the system through microcracks.

For those with newer EIFS homes in neighbourhoods like Glenridding, Keswick, or Secord, check builder records for the EIFS brand and finish code. That information speeds colour and texture matching. In older areas such as Parkallen or Pleasantview, expect more fade and schedule a broader blend area to keep repairs invisible.

How Depend Exteriors approaches EIFS hail repair in Edmonton

A local crew that works EIFS day in and day out recognizes the patterns hail leaves behind in this city. The first visit is not a quick glance from the sidewalk. It is a hands-on assessment with raking light, tap tests, and at least one small test cut where damage density suggests hidden bruising. The estimator maps each facade and explains onsite what merits a patch, what calls for a larger section, and what makes sense as a full elevation resurface. The discussion includes cure times, weather windows, and how scaffolding or lifts will be staged to minimize disruption.

On approval, the crew schedules work in a weather window that suits EIFS curing. They protect landscaping, set safe access, and start with targeted removals. Each patch is rebuilt with compatible components. Mesh laps extend into sound base coat, and corners receive extra reinforcement. Before finish, a supervisor checks plane and texture readiness so the wall reads as one surface after colour. At the end, the homeowner receives photos of each repair area before and after, and notes on any detail upgrades, such as renewed sealant at penetrations or improved kickout flashing.

For larger jobs after citywide storms, Depend Exteriors coordinates with roofers and window contractors. Hail rarely hits one trade alone. Sequencing matters. Roof replacement should come before EIFS finish, and eaves work should precede final colour blending. That coordination protects the new finish from scuffs and ladder damage.

Cost ranges Edmonton owners actually see

Every house and storm is different, but clear ranges help with planning. Small EIFS hail patches that involve finish and base coat only often land in the low hundreds per location when grouped on the same elevation. Patches that include foam replacement and mesh reinforcement rise into the mid-hundreds per location. When damage density grows, a partial elevation resurface, including new mesh where needed and a full acrylic finish from corner to corner, typically ranges into the low to mid thousands depending on access and height. Full elevation renewals at two-storey homes vary widely with design, from several thousand into five figures if scaffolding is required across multiple faces. These numbers reflect Edmonton access, labour, and material pricing as of recent seasons; market shifts and access constraints can move them.

Insurance deductibles in the region often sit between $1,000 and $2,500 for hail. A thorough inspection and a precise scope help direct claim dollars to the areas that preserve building performance and visible appearance.

Maintenance that stretches the life of an EIFS repair

EIFS wants clean, flexible joints and good drainage. After a hail repair, a once-a-year walkaround each spring catches small issues before they grow. Check sealant at window perimeters, light fixtures, and hose bibs. Keep downspouts secure and kickouts aimed. Trim shrubs that trap moisture against the wall. If a soccer ball scuffs a repaired area near grade, a quick service call can touch it up before UV and water make the mark harder to blend.

Edmonton’s spring dust and fall leaves can mark lighter finishes. Gentle rinsing with a low-pressure hose and a soft brush keeps the acrylic looking fresh. Do not use pressure washers. They can cut the finish or force water into joints.

Why local experience matters more than a generic playbook

EIFS systems share core principles, but local weather, builder habits, and neighbourhood exposures shape outcomes. In newer south Edmonton neighbourhoods, large open exposures mean more wind-driven hail on west elevations. In mature central areas, trees help but also keep walls damp after storms. Crews who have repaired across these contexts know where to look and how to phase work with weather. They also know Edmonton inspectors and insurance adjusters, which hail damage stucco repair Edmonton smooths approvals and keeps projects moving.

Searches for hail damage stucco repair Edmonton surge after storms for a reason. Homeowners want a crew that understands EIFS, the city’s freeze-thaw rhythm, and the practical choices that balance cost and longevity. The right repair protects sheathing, keeps energy performance consistent, and preserves curb appeal across seasons.

Ready for a practical, durable fix

A short site visit answers the two questions every homeowner has after hail: is the damage superficial or structural, and what is the smartest repair for this wall in this climate. Depend Exteriors provides that answer with photos, a clear plan, and local pricing. For homeowners in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and nearby communities, booking an assessment hail damage restoration Edmonton Depend Exteriors within a week or two of a storm is the best way to protect the envelope before freeze-thaw takes hold.

Call Depend Exteriors or request an inspection online. Share a few photos, your neighbourhood, and the storm date. The team will confirm availability, verify access needs, and schedule a visit. With a proper EIFS repair, the next hail cell will meet a wall ready to shed water, flex with the seasons, and look right from the sidewalk.