Are you in the middle of looking for roofing contractors in Calgary? If so, you need to ensure you have a professional handle it. Hiring a qualified and experienced roofer can make all the difference in protecting your home from the elements. Learn roofers’ qualifications and training requirements so you can make an informed decision and receive quality roof repair in Calgary.

Understanding the Qualifications of Roofing Contractors in Calgary

Different Types of Roofers

There are different types of roofers with varying areas of expertise. Roofers can specialize in flat roofing, shingle roofing, tile roofing, metal roofing, or asphalt roofing. It’s important to hire roofing contractors in Calgary who are experienced in the type of roofing material you use. Another important thing to note is that some roofers specialize in residential roofing, while others work on commercial and industrial buildings. Understanding where a roofer’s expertise lies can help you determine the best route for roof repair in Calgary.

Qualifications & Training For Roofing Contractors in Calgary

Roofers must have a basic knowledge of construction and building codes. They should be able to read and interpret blueprints and understand the principles of engineering, mathematics, and physics. Roofers must also be familiar with the tools and equipment used in roofing, such as hammers, saws, ladders, and scaffolding. In addition to knowledge and experience, roofers must also have a valid license. To obtain a license, roofers must complete a certain number of hours of training and pass an exam. Training hours vary from province to province, which may require a certain amount of classroom and hands-on training.

What the Expectations in Training Are

Becoming a qualified roofer comes with various requirements to meet the qualifications for training. Check out more of them in-depth here.

Roofing Certification: In Calgary, roofers must obtain the right roofing certifications in Alberta. According to ALIS, “the term of apprenticeship in Alberta is four years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,420 hours of on-the-job training and six weeks of classroom instruction in each of the first three years. Also, it requires 1,600 hours of on-the-job training in the fourth year. Apprentices must find suitable employers willing to hire and train apprentices.” The exam covers building codes, roofing materials, and safety regulations. After passing the exam, roofers must also complete four hours of continuing education annually to maintain their certification.
Experience Requirements: In addition to training, roofers must also have years of experience in the roofing trade. Depending on the place, it requires at least two years of experience, while some may require more. Experienced roofers are better equipped to handle complex roofing jobs and provide quality work.
Physical Qualifications: Besides knowledge and experience, roofers must also be physically fit. Roofing is a physically demanding job that requires a lot of strength, endurance, and agility. Roofers must be able to climb ladders, carry heavy materials, and work in uncomfortable positions for long periods.
Safety Training: Roofers’ safety is a major concern as they work in dangerous conditions. They must be trained in safety protocols and use equipment such as harnesses and lanyards when working at heights. Roofers must also understand how to work with electricity, as many roofs are equipped with electrical systems.

Benefits of Hiring Qualified & Experienced Roofers

Hiring an experienced, qualified roofer has many benefits. Professional roofers will better understand the latest building codes and regulations and the best materials and techniques for your project. They are better equipped to handle difficult jobs like steep roofs or complex repairs.

Active Exteriors has one mission: to provide the highest quality roofing in Calgary at competitive prices while satisfying our customers’ needs. We have established ourselves as Calgary’s go-to roofing contractors through our industry-setting levels of professionalism, integrity, and fairness. Offering roof replacement and repairs, siding repairs, installation and exterior renovations in Calgary is not just a job for us; its a matter of pride. You’ll experience workmanship that is well worth the value and will transform your property. Contact your trusted roofing company in Calgary at 403-717-0515.

Leaks are bound to happen one way or another. No roof is immune to it – even flat roofs. Unlike other types of roof repair in Calgary, flat roofs need a certain approach to tackling leaks. Yet, what can be done? Find out how you can stop your flat roof from leaking here.

What Proper Flat Roof Repair in Calgary Requires

How Leaks Occur

There are plenty of reasons why a flat roof may have leaks. Yet, it’s important to know the factors that can cause leaks to occur in the first place.

Here are a few things that can lead to a leaky flat roof:

Old Age: A flat roof loses strength from its material deteriorating over time from poor maintenance and rough weather conditions throughout the year. These take a toll and create damages that result in leaks.
Shoddy Installation: Using the best materials for a flat roof is wasted when installed poorly. They’re vulnerable to weak points from the near non-existent pitch if not done right.
Pitch Isn’t Right: Calgary is no stranger to heavy snowfall or rain. However, if a flat roof’s pitch can’t effectively shed water or snowfall away, it will cause ponding water – which can deteriorate your roof and cause water damage.

These are just a few of the common reasons leaks can occur. But ultimately, whatever it may be, the only way to handle it is by looking for proper roof repair in Calgary.

What to Do About Leaks

Before tackling the leaks, it’s important to consider the material of your flat roof and its severity. When any leaks occur, it’s best to call a professional to fix them. Yet, until you can get them to do so, you can use a flat roof sealant as a temporary fix. It’s a waterproofing paint that’s easy to apply, but don’t do so if you have multiple sources of leaks across a wide area. Trying to do so is inefficient and leads to more issues later.

Another good reason to have roofing experts handle flat roof leaks is because of the various kinds of roofing material. They’re familiar with repairing many different ones since they all require individual fixes.

Here are the following types of flat roofing material:

Fibreglass (GRP)
Rubber
Felt
Concrete

How to Prevent Future Leaks

Knowing what causes leaks and how to fix them is important. However, what’s just as important is learning how to prevent future leaks. Once you know how to avoid leaks, it can help save you time and money.

Check out what you can do for prevention here:

Inspect your roof twice a year
See how your roof is after any harsh weather (e.g. heavy snow, rain, or hail)
Check gutters for clogs & clean them
Have flashings installed
Replace your flat roof

There are just a few measures you can take. By making a proactive effort with these tips, you can prevent leaks from happening in the future.

Living in Calgary, it’s likely you’re no stranger to hail damage. While flat roofs are incredibly durable and designed for commercial use, it doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. Therefore, you may find yourself dealing with a small leak or damaged roof as a result of our Canadian weather.

However, your flat roof can look like new once more without having to pay for a complete roof replacement. Instead, depending on the scale of ageing or damage, you can actually just have your flat roof repaired.

But how much might it cost to repair your flat roof in Calgary? Let’s explore some potential price points.

The Cost of Flat Roof Repairs

The amount of money needed to repair a flat roof largely depends on the extent of the damage. Naturally, if the contractors are required to repair more square footage and tackle more extensive issues, the cost will increase.

Therefore, you could be looking at anywhere between $800 and $5000. While this isn’t an inexpensive project, a repair certainly saves you money compared to an entire roof replacement.

Common Issues That Require Flat Roof Repairs

Drainage Problems

It’s important to note that flat roofs aren’t entirely flat; dips are built into the structure to allow water to flow off the roof. However, if you notice that pools of water are forming, first check your drainage system. It’s not uncommon for water to back up on the roof because it is unable to go anywhere else. However, if your drainage system is fine, then reach out to a contractor.

Leaks in the Roof

If you are experiencing a leak in the middle of your property, rather than along exterior walls, then you may have a punctured membrane. The membrane is an underlay that acts as an additional barrier against water and moisture. However, if it is compromised, a Calgary roofing professional will need to be brought in to repair both the membrane and the overlapping materials.

Leaks Around Vents and Chimneys

Flash roofing is the metal that surrounds vents, chimneys, and other structures that deviate in direction from the slope of the roof. This metal acts as an extra water barrier, as corners are generally the most susceptible to weak spots. However, over time, the flash roofing will begin to age and deteriorate, thus placing the integrity of your roofing system at risk. Fortunately, you do not need to replace your entire roof to swap your old flashing out for a new one.

Active Roofing Exteriors has one mission: to provide the highest quality roofing in Calgary at competitive prices while satisfying our customers’ needs. We have established ourselves as Calgary’s go-to roofing contractors through our industry-setting levels of professionalism, integrity, and fairness. Offering roof replacement and repairs, siding repairs, installation and exterior renovations in Calgary is not just a job for us; it’s a matter of pride. You’ll experience workmanship that is well worth the value and will transform your property. Contact your trusted roofing company in Calgary at 403-717-0515.

Your roof is an integral part of your home. It works hard to protect you and your family from those extreme Canadian temperatures and pesky little critters. Repay the favour by taking the time to maintain your roof, and replace it when necessary.

But how often should you be booking a roof replacement in Calgary? And how can you tell when your roof is beginning to lose its strength? Let’s take a look!

Knowing When To Replace Your Roof

How often should you replace your roof?

The materials used for your roofing will likely determine how often you should be replacing your roof. While each type of roofing material comes with its own pros and cons, there are some that are able to last longer than others. For a rough estimate, consider the following timelines:

Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years

Wood Shingles: 20-25 years

Rubber Roofs: 30-50 years

Metal Roofs: 50-75 years

The climate and weather conditions can affect where your roof’s lifespan falls within the above time frames. Severe winters or harsh winds can actually wear out materials more quickly, which naturally isn’t ideal for Canadian households.

How do you know when to replace your roof?

Fortunately, there are signs that allow you to determine that your roof is damaged or beginning to age. It’s recommended that you inspect your roof twice a year, providing you with the opportunity to catch any roofing problems or concerns before it poses an actual risk to your home’s structure. Some signs of an ageing or damaged roof include:

Cracked or curling shingles
Missing shingles
Granules of roofing material in your eavestroughs (dependent on the type of roofing material)
Greenery growing on your roof
A sagging roof
Mould or rot
Sunlight entering your attic
Signs of water damage

If you are unsure whether you need a roof replacement in Calgary, don’t hesitate to reach out for a second opinion! By being proactive, you can prevent a problem roof from compromising your home.

Part of maintaining your home and its structure is by looking for roof replacement in Calgary when it starts to show signs of ageing or damage. Curled-up shingles or exposed underlayment indicate that your home is no longer protected as well as it should be, thus risking water damage or small critters making their way into your attic.

The process of installing roofing is fairly straightforward, however, there is some planning required before you get to that stage. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when replacing your roof.

4 Considerations For Roof Replacement in Calgary

Budgeting For Roof Replacement in Calgary

As with any home improvement project, establishing a budget is fundamental. From a simply financial standpoint, it allows you to determine how much money have and are willing to spend on your roof replacement in Calgary. Roofing is important, but if your roof can last another year, thus affording you the time to save up the money you need, then consider that option.

Your budget will also dictate which choices you have when it comes to roofing materials. Some will be more expensive than others, so be mindful of that when selecting your roofing.

Materials

Aside from playing a part in the budget, materials are important to consider when thinking about the lifespan of your roof. Some are more durable than others and more equipped to take on those harsh Canadian storms. Others require more maintenance to ensure top-quality performance. There are even a few that boast fire-resistant features.

There’s not a poor option when it comes to roofing, but some are designed to last longer. However, these typically come with a higher price tag. If you’re able to afford that initial pricer investment, perhaps spending that money would be worth it, as you won’t have to worry about another roof replacement for years to come, if at all.

Colour

The colour you choose for your roofing is another element to consider. More than just adding to the aesthetics of your home, the colour can also be used to factor in the heat. Darker shingles will absorb the sun in Calgary, whereas lighter ones will allow the rays to bounce right off. Consider your climate and what makes the most sense for your home.

Noise

This one is less to do with the actual selection process and more about scheduling. Getting your roof replaced is a fairly loud process. Consider what your schedule might look like around that time and try to adjust it so your day won’t be interrupted. Whether that’s choosing to work at the office or nixing that afternoon nap, it’s always good to be prepared so your day won’t feel chaotic.

When it comes time to replace your roof, don’t be afraid to shop around and consider all your options. A reputable roofing company will be more than willing to answer any questions you may have.

Canadians are no strangers to bad weather. While hail storms may not be a surprise to us, it doesn’t mean we get used to the damage they cause to our roofs. Roof replacements can be pricey. However, if just a small portion of your roof shows signs of ageing or damage, perhaps a roof repair would be better suited to you. Let’s take a look at when roof repairs are needed and how much residential roof repair in Calgary might cost.

Understanding The Cost of Residential Roof Repair in Calgary

When To Repair Your Roof

Roof repairs are often a desirable option, as they are more affordable than roof replacements yet still elevate the appearance of your home.

Situations in which you may consider reaching out for roof repair in Calgary include:

Missing shingles
Damaged flashing
Nail pops
Curling or cracked shingles

It’s important to be critical of your roof when deciding between roof repairs and replacement. If these concerns only appear in select areas of your roof, then choosing to repair it makes the most sense.

Benefits of Repair

Repairing your roof is an aspect of its regular maintenance. While perhaps not the most exciting household chore to manage, repairing your roof comes with many benefits.

Extends the life of your shingles, reducing the need for costly replacements
Improves curb appeal and performance
Prevents your roofing warranty from becoming void

Cost of Repair

The cost of your repair will depend on several factors.

The materials you have chosen for your roof will be one of the largest components in determining cost. Asphalt shingles are less expensive than metal or cedar shake shingles to install, so naturally, they will be less expensive to repair.

The size of the area impacted will also affect the price. Naturally, if you are needing to fix more of your roof, it will cost more.

In general, a roof repair can cost anywhere from $500 to $1500.

When considering residential roof repair, it is recommended you speak with a professional as they can provide you with a more exact quote.