Name: City Roofings & Exteriors
Address: Calgary Alberta Canada, AB
Telephone: (403) 608-9933

You can find several buildings or homes with flat roofing in Calgary. Yet, what is it about that’s made it so commonplace? Where and when did this type of roof become popular? Learn everything you need to know about the origins of flat roofs here.

Why Flat Roofing in Calgary Exists Today

Origins of Flat Roofs

For the most part, some of the first homes and buildings were constructed with flat roofs. Flat roofs were typically found in dry climates, where infrequent rainfall and freezing temperatures were a rarity or non-existent. So, it was no wonder how flat roofs were common in places like the American southwest and the Middle East since the climates matched those ideal conditions. However, you can get a good idea of how far back they date based on flat roofs characteristic of the Egyptian, Persian, and Arabian styles of architecture.

Factors Towards Building Upon Flat Roofs

The early foundations of flat roofs used easily accessible materials such as leaves, straws, and branches. Creating a flat roof involved using those materials and pressing them into clay to fill the empty spaces and create a solid barrier for the top of homes and buildings. However, due to the limitations of materials used, a flat roof’s biggest flaw at the time was needing a basic drainage system.

Despite this flaw, it inspired the need to innovate on flat roofs in various ways—these range from using more durable, suitable materials for certain climates and structuring flat roofs differently. For instance, places experiencing snow benefit from a sloped roof to avoid leaks from seeping inside. Over time, these factors help facilitate the evolution of the flat roof, eventually leading it to become a staple type of roofing across the globe.

Foundation of Modern Flat Roofs

In 19th century America and Europe, modern flat roofs found popularity. By this time, better waterproof materials, like concrete and steel, were readily available. Various metals such as lead, tin, copper, and asphalt were deemed the most effective since they were durable for many years.

Once the late 1950s and 1960s rolled in, a notable material called mineral felt – bituminous felt roofing sheet – became popular since it was lightweight and affordable. However, its drawback was it’s prone to leaks. Thankfully, the issue was short-lived from using better materials like TPO, PVC and EPDM rubber roofing.

EPDM has been one of the most popular materials since the late 1970s and remains as such until this day. It makes sense since this material is cost-effective, with the lowest cost per square foot. TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is another common material that modern flat roofs can use. Like EPDM, it’s also very durable and heat resistant since it is made of a vinyl composite. However, it’s a tad better since it offers a higher degree of UV protection and structural integrity, allowing it to support more weight.

With these new materials, modern flat roofing in Calgary wouldn’t have existed without innovations making it possible.

City Roofing & Exteriors consistently takes pride in serving Calgarians. At City Roofing, we understand the importance of customer satisfaction. We put safety, quality work and on time delivery as our top priority. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet their budget and needs. We offer completed roofing services in Calgary and area on both residential and commercial projects. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work and recommend City Roofing as your roofing consultant and contractor. Give us a call at 403-608-9933 or send an email to [email protected].

You would think the summer heat wouldn’t affect any roofing in Calgary after the long winter months. Many would be sorely mistaken with that assumption. Like winter, summer can leave its mark on your roof in numerous ways.

Learn how the summer can affect your roof so you know what to expect this season!

The Impact of Summer Heat on Your Roof

Calgary is no stranger to the heat – especially during the summer. However, getting acquainted with what the summer heat can do to your roof would be in your best interest.

See the many ways the summer heat can affect your roof down below:

Coating Damage

On particularly hot days, there is no escaping from the sun’s UV rays. That includes your roof. Your roof is completely vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays as it takes its full impact. When this occurs, the heat from the sun can cause your shingles to buckle. Not only does it create unsightly peeling and splitting, but it eventually causes the protective oils in your roof to dry out and become brittle.

Once a roof becomes brittle, it naturally ruins its ability to expand and contract with the changing temperatures. That can lead to the coating eventually cracking, leaving your roof vulnerable to damage from water. As a result, it can weaken the structural integrity of your roof and reduce its lifespan.

Bleaching

Are you hoping to sell your home this summer? If so, you need to check your roof for signs of bleaching. During the summer, its heat can cause your roof’s material colour to fade out. In some cases, it can even leave it looking completely white. For darker roofs, it’s hard not to notice when it’s there. In which case, it can make your roof look rather unsightly, unkempt, and even older than it seems. That can pose an issue if you’re planning to sell your home. It may seem like a minor cosmetic problem, but it can bring down the value of your home.

Combatting the Summer Heat on Your Roof

The summer heat might be relentless, but it doesn’t mean you can’t prevent it from damaging your roof.

See what ways you can combat the summer’s heat from your roof:

Attic Ventilation

Ventilation is important to keep in mind year-round. You can keep the hot summer air from entering while simultaneously preventing condensation issues that can lead to moisture accumulating. In turn, it helps keep your home cool.

Regular Maintenance

Being consistent with your roofing maintenance can’t be stressed enough. By doing so, you can spot damages that might need repairing. Better to get things done sooner than later, or the summer heat can ensure even more damage if you leave everything unaddressed.

Roof’s Colour

Have you ever been told not to wear darker clothing in the summer? If so, the reasoning you got was that dark colours like black absorb sunlight. As a result, you end up hot – which can be the case for your roof if it’s pitch black. In which case, use this summer as an opportunity to change the colour with a neutral colour like grey or one that compliments your home’s existing colour palette. Not only will it help stave off the heat from your roof, but it will also give your roof a nice facelift!

Not everyone has money to spare on roofing projects.

Being strapped on cash can harm homeowners who need work done on their roofs the most. They might feel the need to compromise their home’s security and not pursue a necessary roofing project because of their financial situation.

Homeowners shouldn’t have to feel that way. In this case, it begs the question: is it possible to find roofing in Calgary that provides any means of financing?

If you have been contemplating this, read on to see if financing might be an option for a roofing project.

Ways to Finance a Roofing Project

Not only is it possible to finance your roofing project, but you can finance it in various ways. These include the following:

Cash
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Government Loans
Credit Cards
Rebates
Company Financing

These are viable ways to finance your roofing project. But, if you need your roofing project to get done immediately, a few of these avenues can prove to be an issue since they require you to wait for their approval. In which case, this is where financing from a roofing company can prove to be an ideal option to take.

How Roofing Companies Help Finance

Financing from a roofing company is rather straightforward. Get a quote from your roofing contractor on how much the project can cost you. Once done, your roofing contractor will need information from you to determine if your roofing project can be approved for financing.

These include your credit score is acceptable to their standards, proof of how much you make for income, and possibly any debts you might have. Depending on what roofing company that you go with, they might require more or less documentation for financing.

Typically, a roofing company can quickly pre-approve you for a roofing project before offering you a choice of lender. From there, they work with you to create affordable monthly payment options within your budget.

If you’re planning on financing from your home insurance, some roofing companies in Calgary can handle the insurance claim, so it’s hassle-free!

Benefits of Financing Your Roof

Some might worry about financing as an option because of potential debt. It’s a valid concern. However, your home is your biggest asset, that financing your roof can benefit you in numerous ways.

Firstly, if you need roofing repairs done quickly, by financing, you don’t need to wait around to get the funds needed to get roofing repairs. It’s quick and simple to get approved, which can help ensure your home’s security sooner than later.

Beyond roofing necessities, financing your roof can help increase your home’s value. In turn, you can expect your home’s equity to build if you had none before.

Furthermore, financing keeps in mind your current financial situation. By offering payments tailored to your income, you don’t need to worry about the monthly payment’s price changing unexpectedly with no hidden fees. If you want to pay earlier than scheduled, financing won’t penalize you for that!

Summer weather can be rather unpredictable in cowtown. A day of scorching heat that has you sweating all day. In contrast, another day might bring potential thunderstorms or even damaging hail, like Calgary’s July hailstorm in 2021. In which case, any roofing in Calgary could face these conditions at some points.

Learn how to prepare your roof for this summer so that you can expect the unexpected!

Man working on roof using electric screwdriver.

Inspection & Repairs

The first thing you should do to prepare your roof for summer is by inspecting it. You want to check for debris like leaves and branches to get rid of to keep your roof clean. By doing so, you can effectively inspect your roof for any repair signs—for example, the condition of your shingles. Some shingles may have lost their grit, cracked, or fallen away that can leave your home vulnerable to the elements by not addressing these repairs. Keep an eye out for any sags or warping in your roof – it indicates your decking has been damaged or is rotted.

Clean Out Gutters

Cleaning out your gutters is one of the best ways to prepare your roof for the summer. What reason is that? As you may know, Calgary is no stranger to sudden heavy rainfalls. When that happens, your gutters help to redirect the extra water from the rain and away from your home. However, when gutters are overflowing with debris, your gutters aren’t able to do that. As a result, it leaves excess water around your roof that can lead to water damage.

Check Attic Ventilation

When people think about summer preparation, they don’t think about looking into their attic. However, ensuring your attic has proper ventilation is important, especially during potential heat waves this summer. An attic that’s not properly ventilated can make dealing with the heat worse because it will trap hot air inside. Furthermore, the stagnant air can lead to damage when moisture gets to your roof’s wood decking and rafters.

Trim Nearby Trees

Do you have any trees near your house? If so, it would be best to consider trimming them. As established, Calgary has unpredictable weather. With that, severe thunderstorms or a hailstorm can cause tree branches to tear from trees and onto your roof. These can have lasting damage to your roof, which can lead to further issues down the line if not addressed. By trimming your trees, you can prevent that from occurring.

Consider Upgrading

Preparing for summer doesn’t always mean a checklist of chores to do. For some, it might be the opportunity to upgrade your roof. If your roof is old and worn out, it’s best to consider looking for a roofing company in Calgary to give it a complete facelift. As the weather heats up, it’s a great time to get any roofing work done by enhancing your roof with better materials to fight against the elements and prolong its lifespan. This way, you can guarantee that you will be fully prepared for whatever summer conditions occur.

How to Identify Signs of Hail Damage on Your Roof in Calgary

As the summer months roll in, many Calgarian homeowners rejoice with the arrival of the warm weather, but they also know to be prepared for hailstorms and subsequent hail damage as well. Every homeowner should know how to identify hail damage and what key indicators to look for on their property and roof.

After the storm has passed, it’s crucial that homeowners inspect their property and roof to identify any possible hail damage. Some homeowners may have some questions regarding hail damage that can range from “How much does hail damage repairs cost?” to “How do I know if I have hail damage?”.

To help homeowners identify signs of hail damage on their roof, here are some of the most common signs of hail damage and what to do afterwards.

A professional roofer fixing a roof with hail damage. — A professional roofer replacing shingles after a hailstorm.

Dented Shingles

Depending on the size of the hail and how hard it hits, this can affect the shingles on your roof. When hail hits a standard asphalt shingle hard enough, it can crush the fiberglass matting inside of it and leave a dent or indentation on the surface. Typically, these dents will be asymmetrical in shape and the shingle will feel softer than undamaged shingles.

This type of damage shouldn’t be overlooked and should not be chalked up to cosmetic damage. When your shingles are compromised they become less effective in protecting your roof and can lead to a variety of problems which include leaks, structural damage and decreased property value.

Damage to the eavestroughs, flashing, and vents

If you don’t wish to go up onto your roof, one of the easier identifiers of a hail-damaged roof is seen on other surrounding surfaces. This can include dents on your eavestroughs, metal flashings or vents. The damage on these types of fixtures can range from small dents to significant divots. If you are seeing dents or divots on the surface of these fixtures, this is a clear indicator that your property has sustained hail damage and you should get your roof inspected by a professional roofing company.

Damaged siding or skylights

Another indicator of hail damage will be present on any siding, window sills, window screens and skylights. Large hail will leave visible damage on these surfaces which result in impact marks, cracks, small holes or dents. It’s important to keep in mind that your roof is not the only vulnerable area. Checking your siding for damage is just as important as it protects your home’s exterior and compromised or damaged siding is a repair you should not ignore.

It’s best practice to take clear photos for documentation, check your insurance policy and then call a professional to perform a thorough inspection.

What to do after you find hail damage on your roof or property

After completing some preliminary investigation and finding evidence of hail damage, the next step is to have your roof professionally inspected to evaluate all damage and assist you in documenting it as well. A good roofing company will assist you in getting the proper documentation to help make filing an insurance claim easier on you. Depending on your insurance policy, they may be able to cover all or a substantial amount of your roof replacement or repairs.

Additionally, it’s strongly recommended to choose a roofing company that specializes in both roofing and siding as well. This will help ensure that you get a thorough, quality inspection and repair job as well.

The choices for home exteriors can be overwhelming, but if you’re thinking about replacing your old siding, it might greatly benefit your heating bill to choose a side best suited to the winter months. Let’s take a look at your options.

Your Siding Options for Calgary Winters

We’ve written a bit about your options for home exterior siding, and they are many. But the possibilities grow fewer if your home needs an extra boost against Calgary’s four-seasons-in-a-day weather. Despite the variability of the weather, the crushing cold of winter’s daily low temperatures can undoubtedly impact your home. Just because it’s warm sometimes doesn’t mean your siding will always keep the heat in.

Wood has high insulation value, but wood can come with its own problems. One thing to note is how much maintenance wood needs. Vinyl is very economical and durable, but the insulation isn’t optimal. So what does that leave?

What Is the Best Siding for Winter & Why Is it Hardie Board?

Hardie board, also known as fibre cement siding, is gaining popularity. The first thing that comes to mind when we’re talking about the benefits of Hardie board is its insulating properties. It has good insulation by way of its materials.

Hardie board is made of the following:

Cellulose wood fibres
Water
Sand

These ingredients form a mixture that becomes like cement, so it can be shaped for aesthetics and curb appeal just as much as durability.

Fibre cement can operate as a fire barrier because it’s heat resistant. And this quality works both ways; room-temperature heat escaping past the interior insulation out into the cold snap of winter just bounces right back into the lining.

Moreover, Hardie board has excellent water resistance. That solves a critical problem. Humidity and temperature changes all the time in Calgary winters, leading to a dizzying cycle of condensation, frosting thereof, and frost melt once the chinooks roll in. Hardie board doesn’t experience the same water penetration with that cycle, so it’s impervious rot and moisture.

Once the Calgary spring arrives, all that moisture can make an inviting home for bugs, termites, microscopic organisms, and other pests. This water resistance ensures that your home’s foundation and structure are protected from any potential dangers by guaranteeing that your exterior doesn’t degrade and rot. While Hardie Board has a similar look and feel to wood siding, it requires far less upkeep. Rather than sanding, painting, or worrying about bugs, you can just wash off your siding without worrying about dirt, bugs, or water penetration.

At the end of the day, there is more thought that can go into your choice of siding for colder winters. But siding is an unsung hero in the layers of insulation available to your home. If you have any questions about whether Hardie board would be the best choice for you, please contact us!

At City Roofing and Exteriors, we take pride in our work and serving Calgarians. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet your budget and needs. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work. Give us a call at (403) 608-9933 or email us at [email protected]tyroofing.com.

The largest surface area of your home’s exterior is in its siding. And the options for siding are almost as vast. Generally, however, they fall into a few major categories. Stucco is one option, and it’s been popular for decades in Calgary. But more often than not, we perform exterior work by installing cladding or layered siding. Siding is a perfect balance between protection from the elements, economic value, and curb appeal. Still, siding is a world of its own, with material and colour choices requiring careful thought.

What Are the Options for House Siding?

Options are plentiful depending on what exteriors company you go with. When it comes to City Roofing & Exteriors, we cover every angle of your exteriors, and we’re no stranger to siding. Variety in siding is no guarantee when you’re looking for an exteriors company, but we’ve got a choice selection of cladding and traditional siding. A few great options exist for those wondering about siding.

Wood Siding

Wood is the traditional siding option, but it’s labour intensive unless specially treated. Many newer houses have employed more advanced materials, so you don’t have to perform routine maintenance.

Wood Shingle Siding

Wood shingles can be used for siding as well, as long as the home’s flashing is all shored up. Replacing damaged shingles is a lot more DIY friendly than other options, and it can present a lot of curb appeal depending on the house.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is perhaps the most popular choice we encounter, and it’s great value, economical on installation, and comes in a slew of great colours, textures, and styles. Like wood shingles, it can be put down on older shingles or clapboards, provided it’s in good condition.

Hardie Board Siding

One exciting new option we’ve adopted is Hardie board siding. When exposed to direct heat or flames, Hardie Board will not ignite or make fuel for the fire. This siding can function as a barrier to nearby fires, giving rescue teams more time to react. Hardie Board is resistant to more than decay and dampness.

Bugs, termites, tiny creatures, and other pests are all avoidant of it. This feature protects your home’s foundation and structure by ensuring that your exterior protects against any potential threats. While Hardie Board has the same appearance as wood siding, it requires far less maintenance. You can just hose clean your siding with grime buildup rather than worrying about sanding, painting, or pests.

So there you have it! There are plenty of options available, but as you might have guessed, it all depends on your house and how you want it to look. We can certainly advise if you’re spoiled for choice!

At City Roofing and Exteriors, we take pride in our work and in serving Calgarians. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet your budget and needs. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work. Give us a call at (403) 608-9933.

When it comes time to replace the siding on your home, you’ll quickly realize there are several options to choose from. But one type of siding that is rising in popularity for Canadian homeowners is Hardie Board.

Durable and easy to maintain, Hardie Board is ready to prove it can withstand the harsh Canadian elements. But what exactly is Hardie Board, and what is it made of? Let’s take a look!

Understanding Hardie Board

Hardie Board is a type of fibre cement siding available in Calgary. Fibre cement siding is made up of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibres. However, each manufacturer has the ability to alter the composition. Hardie Board, in particular, features a formula that includes property additives that enhance the performance of the product.

The Benefits of Hardie Board

Durable

With cement being a primary ingredient in Hardie Board, it’s safe to say that this type of siding is ready to handle whatever you throw at it. Plus, it is resistant to moisture and rot, ensuring that you do not have to replace your siding due to unforeseen circumstances.

Non-Combustible

Hardie Board will not ignite when exposed to direct fire or flames, nor will it act as fuel to a fire. This can offer peace of mind to homeowners, as the siding can act as a buffer to neighbouring fires, affording rescue crews the time to respond.

Resistant

Hardie Board repels more than just rot and moisture. It is also resistant to bugs, termites, small critters, and other pests. This ensures that your exterior remains strong against any potential risks, thus keeping the foundation and structure of your home intact.

Low Maintenance

While Hardie Board offers the same visual aesthetic as wood siding, it comes with significantly less upkeep. Rather than worrying about sanding, painting, and infestations, you can simply hose down your siding when you feel it’s getting dirty.

Storm Tested

Siding in Calgary is known to experience its fair share of hail damage. Hardie Board is specifically designed to be storm-resistant, thus saving you the headache of replacing your siding after a particularly bad storm.

At City Roofing and Exteriors, we take pride in our work and by serving Calgarians. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet your budget and needs. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work. Give us a call at (403) 608-9933 or email us at [email protected].

When you begin to see signs of ageing or damage to your roof, it’s wise to start looking into Calgary roof repairs or replacements. Your roof is an integral part of your home, so ensuring it is performing properly is key to maintaining your home’s structural soundness.

Fortunately, replacing your roofing can be a rather exciting project, as you can use it as an opportunity to refresh your home’s appearance and have it better reflect your personal tastes. With several roofing material options available, the possibilities feel endless.

Metal and asphalt roofing are two of the more popular options that homeowners are gravitating towards. But how do you know which one makes the most sense for you? Let’s explore their differences below.

Comparing Metal and Asphalt Roofing

Affordability

When it comes to cost, there’s a reason that asphalt shingles have been the most popular roofing material for homeowners for decades. Asphalt is one of the least expensive roofing materials available and is quite simple to install, thus decreasing labour costs as well. If you’re interested in metal roofing, expect the price tag to double in cost, if not more.

Longevity

When considering the lifespan of your roof, it makes sense for homeowners to want a material that lasts. Roof repairs in Calgary can be a bit of a financial investment, so decreasing the number of times you need to replace your roof is just smart thinking. In this comparison, metal roofs are the one to beat. Asphalt shingles typically last around 30 years, while metal roofing averages closer to 50 years.

Durability

Metal roofing also comes out on top when considering durability. Lightweight and resistant to water, metal roofing can stay in place during the roughest of storms. However, this isn’t to say that asphalt roofing is unreliable. Its heavier weight makes it less prone to uplift, and it is actually able to withstand dents from hail better than metal roofing.

Appearance

Both asphalt and metal roofing have their own respective strengths in this category. Metal roofing offers a more modern aesthetic, and there is enough variety to choose from to ensure that it properly matches your home. Asphalt also offers choice while providing a more consistent appearance to the rest of the neighbourhood; as it is the most common roofing material, your home is more likely to fit in with those around you. However, if you’re hoping for your house to stand out, perhaps metal’s more agricultural or industrial look will be preferable.

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofing takes top marks in this category as well. Metal is incredibly energy efficient, thus allowing your energy bills to decrease, while also being a recyclable material. Asphalt tends to be a darker material, thus increasing the amount of sunlight and UV rays it takes in. However, there are protective sealants that can be applied to asphalt shingles to help improve energy efficiency and prolong their lifespan.

While often overlooked, eavestroughs are integral parts of any home. Collecting rain, snow, and other precipitation and debris, eavestroughs deposit the runoff away from your house, ensuring the foundation and roof remain safe and intact. Cleaning your eavestroughs every six months or so is a great way to maintain their condition.

(For more information on how to clean eavestroughs, click here!)

That said, as with most things, eavestroughs will begin to show signs of wear and tear as they begin to age. Therefore, it’s important to reach out to a roofing company that specializes in gutter repairs as soon as you notice any issues.

As with any home improvement project, determining a budget is important. Therefore, we lay out the potential costs associated with an eavestrough installation.

The Cost Of An Eavestrough Installation

There are several variables that can affect the cost of an eavestrough installation:

Materials

Two of the most popular material options that homeowners tend to gravitate towards are aluminum and vinyl. Vinyl tends to be on the lower end of the price range, generally costing between $3 to $5 per linear foot. Aluminum, meanwhile, is often on the higher end of the spectrum, costing anywhere from $5 to $10 per linear foot.

House Size

Naturally, the larger the home or property, the more materials will be required in order to wrap the entirety of the home. Additionally, homes with more than one storey and a more complex roof slope will likely cost more due to the extra labour that is needed.

Labour

Paying for professionals to install your eavestroughs will make up a large portion of your budget. The average worker takes seven hours to complete a 50 feet segment, so a few days may cost a few thousand dollars. However, you can be confident that the eavestroughs are installed correctly and will not falter during rough weather conditions.

Removal and Disposal

The old eavestrough will need to be taken away at the end of the installation, which generally costs around $100.

When you’re ready to have new eavestroughs installed, don’t hesitate to call a contractor or roofing company. They will be able to provide you with a quote so that you can better plan for how much an installation will cost for your home.

At City Roofing and Exteriors, we take pride in our work and by serving Calgarians. We work hard to assist our customers in providing proper roofing systems to meet your budget and needs. We guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work. Give us a call at (403) 608-9933 or email us at [email protected].