Typically, there are two roof coverings: either pitched or flat roofing in Calgary. Whatever the type of roofing, it should withstand the load while providing adequate waterproofing to the house. Yet, what kind of flat roof lasts the longest? If you’re uncertain, you can find the answers here!

Understanding What Flat Roofing in Calgary Offers

Why People Choose Flat Roofs

Previously, flat roofing in Calgary was designed for industrial facilities. On rare occasions, you can find them in multi-story houses used for residential purposes. Until recently, flat coverings have made their way to residential houses. With improvements in technology and development in building components, it is now possible to use flat coverings even in individual houses.

The advantages of having flat coverings lie in how inexpensive they are and their simplicity. Besides, the components used in flat coverings provide the best waterproofing solution compared to other types of roofing.

The materials used in flat roofs have the following properties:

Lightweight
Durability
Heat insulation
Chemical protection
Fire-resistant
Biostability
Solar radiation resistant
Flexibility in application
Long-lasting quality
Cost-effectiveness

Additionally, flat roofs consist of materials that maintain waterproofing, including optimal microclimate.

These might include the following:

Use of primers for additional waterproofing, joint tightness, and reliable installation
Proper drainage system
Bituminous covering system
PVC membrane that creates a reliable and durable waterproofing layer

Types of Flat Roofing

In general, there are three types of flat roofs.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofs or EPDM

Polymer membrane has been popular in building coverings regarding decoration and repair areas. Membrane roofs come with a high-reliability factor, have good adaptability to varying temperatures, are available in rich colour palettes, and have a lifespan of up to 40 years.

However, EPDM roofs are the latest technology, with an average lifespan of up to 55 years. EPDM covering is made from eco-friendly rubber materials that are recyclable as well.

Pros: The coating is all-weather resistant, durable enough to last 30 to 50 years, and costs less than other membranes.
Cons: It absorbs more heat than reflects the same making it less energy-efficient

Built-Up Roof or BUR

This type of flat roofing uses gravel and tar to create a waterproofing layer. It’s one of the most costly flat coverings used in residential buildings.

Pros: With proper maintenance, they can last for about 10 to 15 years, have excellent protection against harsh weather conditions, ultraviolet rays, and water, and they have amazing durability.
Cons: Time-consuming installation, may damage due to extreme rain or wind.

Modified Bitumen

No wonder BUR has been the favourite option for most people for 60 years. But during the early 1960s, modified bitumen was introduced with proven effectiveness.

Pros: Needs low maintenance, available for various applications, provides better flexibility and elasticity, easy setup, affordable.
Cons: Seams that tend to overlap should be glued properly to prevent water leakage.

What Flat Roof Lasts the Longest?

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is a long-lasting flat roofing material. It can withstand extreme weather conditions and last for at least 30 years. With proper maintenance, it can last for up to 50 years. If you are interested in replacing and installing your flat roof with the best material, contact a team of professionals with the required knowledge and tools to undertake the job effectively.

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.

Asphalt and fibreglass shingles are two of the most common types of roofing shingles you can choose for your home’s roof. But which one is better? The answer will depend on several factors, such as your needs, budget, roof pitch, and local climate conditions in your area. Check out this guide to weighing out the pros and cons of asphalt and fibreglass shingles, so you can decide which is best when reaching out for roof replacement in Calgary.

What’s the Best Material for Roof Replacement in Calgary?

Roofers installing new roof

Asphalt Shingles For Roof Replacement in Calgary

Pros

Better Durability: Asphalt is rarely affected by the elements and can withstand some of mother nature’s harshest weather conditions. Replacing asphalt shingles is cheaper but can last up to three times longer than fibreglass shingles.
Better Protection: Asphalt shingles are usually thicker than fibreglass roofs and are, therefore, more resistant to hail damage and ice penetration.
Best for Colder Climates: Asphalt shingles resist heat better than fibreglass. These roofs are best for colder climates.

Cons

Heavier: Fiberglass shingles are lighter than asphalt and more prone to wind damage.
More Expensive Than Fiberglass: Asphalt shingles are much more expensive than fibreglass roofs. You can expect to pay up to $20 for each square foot of the roof, which is about twice the cost of a single-layer fibreglass roof.
Less Fire Protection: Fiberglass shingles are flammable. They don’t offer the same fire-resistance ratings as asphalt or rubber products.
More Scratching: Fiberglass shingles are slippery, so it’s easier to slip off them and fall off the roof. It can cause injury or damage to an expensive roof.

Fiberglass Shingles

Pros

Lighter in Weight: Fiberglass shingles are lightweight, making them easy to handle and transport.
More Fire Resistant: These shingles are not flammable, providing better fire resistance than fibreglass roofs.
Lower Cost: Asphalt shingles are more expensive than fibreglass, especially considering lifetime costs. One square of fibreglass costs around $5, while asphalt shingles cost up to $20 per square foot.
Easier to Install: Fiberglass shingles are lighter than asphalt, making them much easier to handle and install on a roof.

Cons

Lower Durability: These roofs are not as durable as asphalt or rubber roofing. They can last up to three times as long, but they’re more prone to water damage (which means more frequent roof inspections).
Not for Cold Climates: Fiberglass shingles are not recommended for cold climates because they tend to expand and contract too much. They are also more vulnerable to ice damage than asphalt shingles.

Although asphalt and fibreglass shingles each have pros and cons, it depends on your needs. Asphalt shingles are not as durable as fibreglass roofs, and they’re more prone to moisture damage but also cheaper. Fibreglass roofs can withstand the elements better than asphalt roofs, and they’re less likely to suffer from ice damage when installed in temperate climates. It’s also easier to install them in a home, but they cost more than asphalt, and they can be flammable, depending on the thickness of the shingles. But at the end of the day, your choice comes down to what works well for you.

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; 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.

Before jumping to the title, let us know what an actual roof shingle is. The roof shingles are nothing but roofing materials consisting of single elements that overlap one over the other. The roof shingles are flat and rectangular. These are made of wood, metal, plastic, slate, and many more. If you’re hoping to reach out for roof replacement in Calgary, it’s good to be acquainted with the materials. Along with that, you would want to know whether the thickness of roof shingles matters. Understand if that’s the case here.

Understanding Shingles for Roof Replacement in Calgary

What’s the Best Type of Roof Shingle?

Various types of roof shingles are available in the market, but asphalt roof shingles are the best and most popular among customers. They last up to 30 to 50 years. If you’re looking into roof replacement in Calgary, there are two types you can find: three-tab shingles and architectural shingles.

Three-Three-tab roof shingles: The lower part of every three-tab shingle is parted into three main sections. They are incredibly lightweight.

Architectural roof shingles: They are identical to the three-tab asphalt shingles but slightly different from each other. The lower part of the architectural shingles consists of an additional layer of asphalt and does not have any tabs. They are thicker than the three-tab shingles. They are also termed dimensional roof shingles.

Are Thick Roof Shingles Better?

The roof shingles need to be repaired with time. When you want roof replacement, the last thing you will think about is how thick your roof shingles should be. Now the lighter or thinner your roof shingles, the higher chances of roof corruption. You will need roof replacement if you choose lightweight shingles rather than thick ones. A thicker roof shingle will leak less, last longer, and resists hail much better than thinner roof shingles. The additional asphalt layer on the lower half provides many types of advantages.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Thicker Roof Shingle?

As you already got the answer to why thicker roof shingles are better, now you should know about all the benefits that the thick roof shingles provides:

Increased durability: Roof shingles made of metal, plastic, or slate don’t have any flexibility. They are tough, but because of their rigidity, they are also brittle. But the thicker roof shingles have such a composition that makes them flexible and cost-effective. They can withstand bad weather conditions such as snow, thunder, or hailstorms.
Underlayer protection: Proper protection is wanted for your roof decking so that it helps you from leakage, which will eventually destroy the trusses and the overall integrity of the roof. So when you opt for thicker shingles, you may remain confident about their qualities.
Low costs for roof repair & replacement: When you use lighter-weight roof shingles, you need to repair or replace them many times, which costs you more money. But when you change that with thicker roof shingles, you don’t have to fix it for a longer period and thus, it reduces the cost.

Apart from these benefits, thicker roof shingles also increase or enhance your home’s curb appeal. All these benefits of using a thicker roof shingle made it more popular among customers. Though every kind of roof is specific and its necessity is also different. Still, it would be best if you opted for a thicker roof shingle for many reasons, such as climatic conditions or location.

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; 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.

Regardless of how well you maintain your roof, there will come a time when you’ll need to either replace it or have some major repairs done. It would be best if you started planning for this sooner rather than later, as it’s one of the larger investments for your home. The season for roofing in Calgary usually begins once the coldest winter months pass and lasts most of the year. Of course, the best time varies depending on your and your particular contractor’s availability.

Calgary Roofing Seasons 101 – Everything You Need to Know

What Is The Ideal Weather?

Cold & Rainy

In general, snowy seasons are the least favourable for roofing in Calgary. They can cause a whole variety of problems. The slippery surface is unsafe for the workers, and installation can take much longer. For example, asphalt shingles react best in mild weather. If the temperature is below 40F, they become brittle and more prone to breaking. Snow and sleet can get in the way and even weigh down the surface, which can collapse if it isn’t secured properly. However, since winter is the least busy season, you have a lot of flexibility regarding scheduling. Still, waiting for more favourable conditions might be better unless you’re dealing with an emergency.

Dry or Mild

Fall is considered by many to be the best roofing season. It is due to the ideal conditions, which include pleasant temperature and relatively stable weather. Severe storms occur much more frequently during the spring and summer, and any potential damage to the roof can then easily be noticeable by fall. Thermal seals apply better at temperatures of around 50F, and they’ll have plenty of time to bond to the roof before winter starts. If they’re fairly mild and predictable, spring and summer can be favourable for roofing jobs. Keep in mind that contractors have plenty of work in the fall. It’s best to plan and get in touch with your chosen professionals at least two months in advance.

Don’t Wait For The Perfect Moment

If you’ve already noticed certain wear and tear, take action immediately. Maybe it’s a minor repair now, but it can quickly transform into a massive problem requiring full roof replacement.

Regardless of the season, you can receive roofing services at any time. The weather can quickly get worse, and once the water gets into your house, you’ll have much more to worry about than just the roof. Structural damage is a huge safety hazard for all residents. A healthy roof will save you money in the long run – especially regarding the energy bills, which can skyrocket with poor isolation and damage.

Most roofing contractors work all year round. In the winter, they must take additional precautions such as removing snow from the roof, bringing extra clothing, etc. The job can take a bit longer, but it’s better than waiting and prolonging the damage. If you think you’re dealing with a roof problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional as soon as possible – you’ll be glad you did it.

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; 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hailstorms can strike fast and hard, resulting in your home’s roof or exteriors being severely damaged. You’ll find poor insulation, higher energy bills and reduced curb appeal and value are some of the effects of hail damage.

Getting immediate hail damage repair in Calgary is necessary for lowering potential costly damages and repairs in the future. But how much will the project cost you?

We break down the potential costs of hail damage roof repairs by considering factors, the process and how insurance can help you.

Guide To Hail Damage Repair Costs in Calgary

Initial Assessment Before Costing

You cannot begin any hail damage repairs unless you hire a certified Calgary roofing contractor to undertake a diagnosis.

After a hailstorm, it is best to take pictures of damages that you can directly see (no climbing on the roof!) and then contacting the roofer.

The roofing professional will inspect the roof and exteriors of your home to determine the extent of the damage and the likely cost of the project.

At the same time, while this is occurring, it’s best to get in touch with your insurance company. Roof insurance claims can be stressful, but if you want to save money with the project you’ll need to get this process started sooner rather than later.

What Impacts the Cost?

Several factors can impact the overall cost of hail damage repairs in Calgary, including:

The extent of the damage and the work required

The more damaged the roof and the exteriors, the more work is required, the more it will cost you. The damage could be as minor as some repairs, or it could be as big as a replacement project.

The materials of the roof and exteriors

The quality and materials of your roof and exteriors will have a great impact on the final price. The better your material, the more the replacement cost will be.

The labour costs

The Calgary roofing contractor will charge their own rates when it comes to the work. Their costs will be impacted by their experience, the timeframe of the job and the requirements of the project.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover the Cost Of Repair?

Remember before when we mentioned that you should contact your insurance company? Well, it’s important that you do – it can make a difference to your finances.

If you have homeowner insurance, you should double-check if you have roof and hail storm coverage, which should cover any damage that happened beyond your control. If so, you can expect them to cover most of the repair or replacement cost.

If you are stressed about handling the complex nature of roof repairs itself, consider speaking to a roofing contractor that offers a roof insurance claim service to help you with your claim.

Average Cost of Hail Damage Repair in Calgary

List below are some examples of what the average cost of hail damage repairs:

Home Guide states that “the average costs for a new roof in Calgary, based on its materials, ranges from $5,400 and $9,000 for asphalt shingles, $7,858 and $14,412 for metal, $12,000 and $16,000 for wood and cedar, while slate roofs can set you back between $22,200 to $37,000.”
Home Advisor offers similar prices, stating that “the average cost of repairs is $8,761, and can vary between $2,381 and $15,205 depending on the true extent of the damage.”

When your home’s been hit, take proactive steps to ensure it gets repaired quickly. The longer you leave it, the worst the damage will be over the years.

Our roofs are an essential part of the overall structure of your home. They keep out the worst weather elements and prevent moisture from covering all of our belongings. As a result, they require the same care and attention as the rest of our home’s components.

Indeed, roof repairs in Calgary are essential to keep your home looking and functioning at its best. But, can you actually complete these repairs during the winter months?

Winter Roof Repairs in Calgary

Roofs are a collection of layers that work together for a multitude of functions. The insulation layer retains heat, the moisture barrier layer keeps out moisture, and the shingles prevent damage to the structure while helping moisture move to the outer edges. The whole system must be in place for optimal performance.

Therefore, exposing the inner layers during bad weather or winter can present numerous problems. Not the least of which is making the problem worse. But if there is already a leak in your roof, it might still be worthwhile to complete the repair. Although, safety should be your main concern.

Working at heights in slippery conditions and with cold temperatures is a recipe for disaster, so there are two main factors to ensure. First, that the Calgary roof repair is done on a day with good weather. Second, that you leave the repair up to a professional roofing company.

Yes, it might sound like a good idea to do the repair yourself, especially if you have worked on roofs in the past. But, it might cause serious injury or further damage. Instead, it is better to find a company that knows what they are doing. Ideally, a company that has prior experience with this type of task.

Why is the experience so necessary? One of the major reasons that most don’t consider is the adhesive used in roofing supplies. Most notably, asphalt shingles have an adhesive strip that sticks tightly to the roof and helps secure it in place before roofing nails are placed. This adhesive will not function properly in cold or humid conditions.

Contact Your Roofing Professional Today

Now that you have a clearer idea of what is necessary to do your roof repairs in winter, there is one last step. Namely, contacting the roofing company that you are going to use for the work. At Active Exteriors, we take pride in delivering high-quality roofing services, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.