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].

Winter ushers in a sudden drop in temperatures that don’t go unnoticed by everyone in the city. Naturally, the shift to colder conditions has many homeowners planning to find ways to make their homes warmer. One such method is by finding parts of the house to insulate. However, for those with flat roofing in Calgary, it has them wondering whether it’s possible to insulate. Find the answer here if you have been pondering whether it’s possible.

Insulation For Flat Roofing in Calgary

How Insulation For a Flat Roof Works

For those with flat roofing, insulating is possible! Yet, when it comes to installing insulation, there are various ways of going about it. For instance, you can install insulation from the inside or the outside.

Here are a few of the following methods to consider:

Inside Insulation

Many roofing companies in Calgary may refer to inside insulation as a hot roof. What exactly does this mean? For the most part, hot roofs are where the insulation is attached to the floor decking and rafters. In turn, it helps create thermal protection. However, this form of insulation has its limitations. If your ceiling height is limited, the insulation will reduce not only the room’s height but may impede doors and windows opening too. It’s why these are mainly common for pitched roofs.

Outside Insulation

Regarding outside insulation, it’s also commonly referred to as a cold roof. Typically, this type of installation involves proper ventilation through the layer of insulation, waterproofing, and the rest of the roof. The process is done by applying a strong adhesive to the foam board, laying it down on the roof surface, and securing it with washer head nails. After, the rubber waterproof membrane adheres to the surface of the foam board. More layers of foam board are normally used in this application to achieve the needed R-value. Yet, for this method, be mindful of insulating rim joists – without doing so can create moisture and air infiltration issues.

Materials Used for Flat Roof Insulation

Beyond choosing to insulate inside or outside, you must also discern what materials to use. It’s important to understand what materials there are to know which would work better than others. Check out the following insulating materials down below:

Polyisocyanurate: It’s the most popular flat roof insulation option – and for a good reason. This material achieves a high R-value even with minimal thickness as closed-cell foam. Its thinness is great for working on a flat roof with little space.
Expanded Polystyrene: Just installed a flat roof? If so, this material is best. However, avoid this for existing flat roofs since it works by expanding into crevices. It must be dealt with much care to avoid cutting off ventilation.
Extruded Polystyrene: This material may not have high performance. However, if you’re looking for an easy installation for an existing roof, this is for you.

The Benefits of An Insulated Flat Roof

For any Calgarian, the common reason to consider insulating their flat roof is to stay warm during the cold winter months. Yet, an insulated flat roof brings plenty of other benefits.

Check out a few of the benefits here:

Stays cooler during hot summer weather
Reduced carbon emissions
Less energy consumption
Lower heating bills
Improved energy rating

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.

When it comes time to replace your roof, most homeowners are looking for the perfect combination of stylish, long-lasting, and cost-effective roofing. Calgary roof repairs and replacements can be a fairly expensive home renovation project, so it makes sense that you’d want your roof to hold up to the elements for a considerable amount of time while looking good in the process.

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing options for homeowners in North America, in part due to their cost. But does the lower price tag correlate with a shorter lifespan? Let’s take a look at how long asphalt roofing can last.

Understanding How Long An Asphalt Roof Lasts

When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are a couple of options to choose from. Standard, 3-tab asphalt shingles are most homeowners’ go-to. Durable and reliable, these shingles are more than prepared to withstand the harsh Canadian winters. 3-tab shingles typically last between 15 and 18 years.

Meanwhile, if you opt for a more architectural-style asphalt shingle, you can expect to get a few more years out of your roofing, with the average lifespan jumping to between 24 and 30 years.

However, the longevity of an asphalt roof actually depends on several additional factors.

3 Factors That Impact The Longevity Of An Asphalt Roof

Sun Exposure

The sun is incredibly powerful and has the ability to wear down your roof over time. Between the UV rays and the intense heat, your roof can begin to break down, thus compromising the protection it normally provides to you and your home.

Fortunately, there are protective sealants that can be applied to your roof every five years or so, allowing you to get a few more good years out of your roof.

Roof Colour

This factor relates to the damage caused by sun exposure. The darker your roof colour, the more sun it will absorb, thus increasing your roof’s vulnerability to the heat. Breakage, melting, and the need for roof repairs in Calgary are more frequent with darker coloured roofs.

Roof Slope

Many homeowners do not consider their roof’s slope to be a contributing factor, but a high pitch is actually preferable when it comes to your roofing’s lifespan. This is because there is a reduced likelihood of damming, seepage, and general collection of precipitation and moisture.

Your region will have a fairly significant impact on your asphalt roof’s longevity. Therefore, when it comes time to replace or repair your roof, speak to your roofing contractor, as they will be able to offer a more exact timeline.

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].

As a first-time homeowner, it can often feel as though you are constantly working to keep up with your house. Without a landlord to manage the day-to-day maintenance and major renovation projects, it can be tricky determining which areas of your home need attention.

Your roof is an incredibly important element of your home that may require some love while in your possession. Fortunately, your roofing system makes it easy to know when a Calgary roof replacement is needed.

Let’s explore some of the signs that your roof needs to be replaced.

4 Signs That You Need A Roof Replacement

Curling Shingles

The majority of residential properties have asphalt shingles, so this sign will likely apply to your home. If you notice that your shingles have begun to curl upwards off your roof and no longer lie flush with the surface, then this is one of the most reliable signs that your roof is showing signs of its age.

Curling shingles can be a problem in that they are no longer as effective at protecting your home against water and moisture damage. Shingles generally overlap each other, ensuring there is no weak spot for water to seep through. However, curling opens up gaps and creates more vulnerable places in your roofing system.

If you notice that your shingles are cracking as well, it’s best to contact a roofing company sooner rather than later.

Granules in the Eavestrough

If you notice that specks of your asphalt shingles are accumulating in your eavestroughs, this is another indication that your roof is getting old. Asphalt shingles are generally quite durable. However, as they begin to age, any impacts they withstand start to take a toll, causing the material to slowly rub off.

Emerging Greenery

If plants such as small shoots or moss have begun to make a home on your roof, then it’s safe to say that you’re in need of a Calgary roof replacement. This greenery is a sign that there is excess moisture existing on your roofing system, which can compromise your home’s integrity and structural soundness.

Missing Shingles

Missing shingles may be an indicator of needing a new roof, or you may be able to get away with a simple repair. If a particularly nasty storm was able to blow off a couple of shingles, it’s likely that your roof is still in good condition and can essentially be patched. If there are sections of shingles that have slowly gone missing over time, then a roof replacement may be in your future.

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.

Roof replacements in Calgary can sometimes feel like a daunting project to tackle as you attempt to balance preferences with cost. Each roofing material offers its own pros and cons, so deciding which one best suits your needs and budget can be tricky.

One such material that Canadian homeowners are turning to time and time again is Euroshield. But what exactly is Euroshield, and how much will it cost for an entire roof replacement? Let’s explore the material below.

Breaking Down The Cost Of Euroshield Roofing

What is Euroshield roofing?

Created 20 years ago, Euroshield is an environmentally friendly rubber roofing material that can be manufactured to fit your design aesthetic. So whether you want a shake or slate style, Euroshield’s got you covered as they transform old tires into sustainable and reliable roofing systems.

What is the cost of Euroshield roofing?

In Calgary, the average cost of Euroshield roofing is $9 per square foot. This price will vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the job and the accessibility of your roof.

What are the benefits of Euroshield roofing?

Great Value

When you combine the cost of Euroshield roofing with its lifespan, durability, and reliability, you’ll quickly realize that your money is being well-spent. While the initial upfront investment may be higher than with some other roofing materials, the upkeep, repairs, and eventual replacement will be less frequent, thus saving you money down the road.

Durable

Rubber is incredibly impact-resistant, which can be a particularly attractive feature in areas that experience their fair share of hail and intense storms. So rather than dealing with a damaged roof following extreme weather, you get to simply continue on with your day!

Eco-friendly

250 to 1,000 rubber tires are used in the production of a residential home– that means hundreds of tires are saved from the landfill during each roof replacement in Calgary. With Euroshield, you can have a roof that you can feel good about that still looks beautiful.

So when it comes time for your roof replacement in Calgary, consider experimenting with a new roofing material and giving Euroshield a chance! You’re sure to be pleased by the lasting impact it will have on your home.

Maintaining the roof of any home or commercial property is incredibly important to the integrity of the building. Not only does it keep warm air from escaping the home in the winter, but it also protects against the elements and pesky critters from entering the building. When you notice the shingles on your property have begun to curl or crack, taking that first step of contacting a roofing company is a smart one.

But while roof repairs in Calgary are vital to the structure of your home, they can admittedly be a bit distracting to your daily lives. Planning ahead for your reshingling can allow you to find alternative places to work or hang out during the day if needed. So how long exactly might it take to reshingle a roof? Let’s take a look.

The Amount Of Time It Takes To Reshingle A Roof

Variables

There are several variables that can impact how long it takes to reshingle a roof. Roof repairs cannot be rushed, so the following will influence the rate at which the reshingling can be accomplished.

Weather

Naturally, a perfectly sunny day is the ideal weather for reshingling roofs. However, Alberta weather is fickle, so we don’t always luck out. Rain can slow or even halt the process altogether, while snow prevents the reshingling from starting altogether.

House Size

The larger the home or property, the longer the project will take. A smaller, one-storey home may be able to be accomplished in a day, but if you have a larger, two-storey home, be prepared to tack on a few extra days.

Shingle Materials

The type of shingle material you select can also impact the amount of time it takes to install it. Some are heavier and more complicated to install than others, and the type of underlayment required may differ between materials as well.

Estimated Timeframe

If all the conditions are perfect, then an estimated timeframe for a roofing repair in Calgary is as follows:

Asphalt Shingles: 1-3 days
Wooden Shingles: 3-4 days
Slate Shingles: 6-7 days
Concrete Shingles: 8-9 days

Ultimately, when it comes time to book your reshingling, your contractor will provide you with a more accurate quote, allowing you to have a better understanding of how long the project will take.

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].