PITBULL DOORS GUIDE • 11 MIN READ
Hail hit your vinyl windows? Photograph these 6 areas before the damage is overlooked
After a hailstorm, broken glass is easy to notice. Smaller cracks, punctures and impact marks on vinyl profiles, glazing stops, screens and exterior capping can be missed unless every opening is documented systematically.
Begin with one wide photo of every affected elevation
A wide photograph establishes where each window or door is located and helps organize several impacts at the same property. Photograph the front, rear and affected sides from a safe position before moving to close details.
For multi-unit or partner work, identify building, unit, elevation, floor and opening number. Consistent identifiers prevent photographs from being separated from the correct scope.
1. Inspect exposed vinyl frame and sash surfaces
Look for punctures, cracks, chips, splits and concentrated impact marks. Photograph the complete product first, then the damaged area with enough surrounding profile visible to understand its location.
Repair suitability depends on the profile, dimensions, colour, damage location, weather exposure and compatible material or component availability. A photograph supports review but does not by itself prove that a repair is structurally or weather-sealing appropriate.
2. Check vinyl glazing stops around the glass
Glazing stops are the retaining profiles positioned around the glass. Exposed sections can crack or break during hail. A compatible replacement requires the correct profile and dimensions; similar-looking pieces are not automatically interchangeable.
Take close photos straight on and from an angle. Include a wider photo showing which side of the glass is affected and whether any section is loose or missing.
3. Photograph screens and screen frames separately
Hail can tear mesh, bend frames or damage corners while the window itself appears intact. Photograph the full screen and close details of the damaged mesh, frame and corner pieces.
State whether the request involves replacing mesh in an existing frame or building a new screen frame. Measurements and profile details may be needed before work is confirmed.
4. Look at the glass without touching unstable areas
Record cracks, impact points, failed sealed units and visible damage to doorlite or window glass. Do not press on cracked glass, remove loose pieces without proper protection or climb to reach unsafe openings.
Glass-only replacement may be possible when the sash, frame and surrounding components remain suitable. Tempered, laminated, decorative or other safety-glass requirements must be confirmed for the specific location.
5. Include exterior aluminum capping or cladding
Dents and punctures in exterior capping or cladding are a separate scope from vinyl-frame repair. Photograph both the overall opening and the affected metal so the requested work is described accurately.
If a roofing or restoration company is coordinating the claim, include its work-order number, project contact and approval process. This keeps assessment, authorization and invoicing connected.
6. Test operation only when it is safe
Where safe, note whether the sash opens, closes and locks normally. Impact, movement or damaged components may affect locks, handles, hinges, rollers, drainage paths or weather seals. Do not force a window or door that binds or contains unstable glass.
Record the symptom and the opening identifier. Operational information helps distinguish cosmetic impact marks from damage that affects use or weather resistance.
Understand the possible next steps
The result may be a compatible vinyl-component repair, glazing-stop replacement, screen work, insulating-glass replacement, exterior finishing work or complete product replacement. Not every impact follows the same path, even at one property.
Some hail-related exterior assessments or repairs can be completed without entering the home, although access, gates, pets, elevation and ladder requirements must be confirmed. A two-hour visit per property is a planning guide, not a fixed promise for every scope.
Send the photos while the openings are clearly identified
Submit the address, affected elevations, approximate quantities and images soon after documentation. Homeowners can request a hail-damage review; restoration companies, roofing companies and property managers can send the business name, work-order number, service address and requested scope.
Pitbull works on products originally supplied or installed by other companies. The final repair or replacement recommendation depends on site condition, compatibility, safe access and available components.
Service across Calgary and surrounding communities
Pitbull Doors serves Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks and High River. Projects farther away can be reviewed individually. Product availability, travel and installation conditions are confirmed before work is scheduled.
Free consultations are available for replacement projects. Most repair requests are reviewed from a description and photos first so the team can identify the likely service requirements.