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The Best Type of Siding for Your Home
Summary: Choosing the right siding can boost curb appeal and increase the value of your home. Some options also make your home more energy-efficient or resistant to the elements. For homeowners in Canada, siding is rarely one-size-fits-all. Your home type, style,...
Your Roof Warranty Explained: Types, Lengths, and FAQs
Summary: If you’re looking to replace your roof or have roof damage, homeowners should know the different types of roof warranties available to them and what they cover. There are three types of roof warranties: standard manufacturer, workmanship, and extended...
What’s the Best Roof Shingles Brand in Canada?
Summary: BP Mystique shingles offer some of the best protection in Canada, while Malarkey's use of upcycled materials highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Other common brands like Atlas Pinnacle Pristine, CertainTeed Landmark, and IKO Cambridge tend to...
Why the Alu-Rex Gutter Guard Is the Best Way to Keep your Eavestroughs Clean
Summary: Eavestroughs need to be kept clear of leaves and other debris to prevent them from clogging—which can cause water to flow down the sides of your home and eventually cause the eavestroughs to detach from the home over time due to the extra weight. Instead of...
Is Your Home’s Exterior “Calgary Cold Front” Ready?
Summary: Winter in Calgary can be hard on homes due to freeze-thaw cycles, snow, and ice dams—which can damage eavestroughs, downspouts, and siding, as well as other areas. To prepare eavestroughs for winter, either install high-quality gutter guards or regularly...
How to Measure Gutter Size for Your Home
Summary: Properly measuring gutters helps prevent issues like water overflow and erosion. Essential tools for measuring gutters include a tape measure, ladder, notepad and pen, safety gear, and a level. You’ll need to measure the troughs (including shape and size),...
Seasonal Guide: Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Summary: With Alberta's brief autumn, it's crucial to prepare your home for harsh weather early, focusing on the roof and water drainage systems. Inspect your homes roof for damages like curling or missing shingles and trim overhanging trees to prevent debris...
The Homeowner’s Guide to Soffit
Summary: Roof care involves tree trimming, inspection, and potential shingle or entire roof replacement, if necessary. Regularly cleaning and inspecting eavestroughs and downspouts can prevent water damage and structural issues. Checking and repairing home siding can...
Living Through a Roof Replacement: What to Expect, What to Look For, & What to Do Once It’s Done
Summary: Prepare your property by ensuring pets are secure, parking your car safely, removing wall hangings, covering items in the attic, and storing outdoor furniture and appliances. Remove any rooftop antennae or satellite dishes before the project begins. Locate...
The Complete Guide to Shingles (& What Type Is Best for You)
Summary: Various shingle types, such as asphalt, metal, wood, rubber, and solar shingles, are discussed. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are suggested due to their affordability and durability, particularly. Wood shingles provide insulation but require frequent upkeep....
Claiming House Damage: How to Work with Insurance Companies & Contractors
Summary: Guidance on how to claim house damage and work with insurance companies and contractors. After severe damage, it is advisable to call your insurance company and follow a simple claim process. Homeowners have the option to choose their own contractor for...
Hail Season Can Damage Your Roof: Here’s What to Look For
Summary: Hail season can cause damage to roofs in Alberta during severe thunderstorms. There are no foolproof ways to prevent hail damage, but there are ways to mitigate it. To mitigate hail damage, deal with pre-existing roof damage, remove flimsy trees, and consider...
6 Gorgeous Homes with Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding
Summary: Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners in Calgary due to its versatility and durability. Hardie board siding is built for Alberta's unpredictable climate and can mimic the look of various materials. Vinyl siding is low-maintenance, immune to...
Sure Signs You Need to Replace Your Eavestroughs
Summary: Neglecting eavestroughs risks costly damage; proactive maintenance and timely replacement will help you save money. Watch for rust, holes, leaking joints, detachment from fascia, exterior stains, or poor drainage as cues for replacement. Consider quality...
Vinyl Siding vs. Wood Siding vs. Hardie Board Siding vs. Stucco
Summary: Vinyl, wood, Hardie board, and stucco are common siding choices for homes in Calgary—but not all of these materials perform equally well in Calgary’s unique climate. Homeowners should consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and...
What Water Does When it Sits at the Base of Your Foundation (& How Your Eavestrough Can Help)
Summary: Water can cause damage to a home's foundation, even if it's not moving quickly Water can collect in a variety of ways, including from poorly designed gutters Water around a foundation can cause hydrostatic pressure, leading to stress on the substructure of...
Seasonal Guide: Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Summary: Roof Maintenance: Assess for damaged shingles annually and repair before winter. Eavestroughs: Clear debris and consider installing leafguards to prevent ice dams. Siding & Windows: Check for cracks/damage; ensure windows seal properly. Foundation &...
Seasonal Guide: Summer Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Summary: Summer is an ideal time of the year for preventive checks without weather interruptions. Perform roof inspections for damaged/missing shingles; ensure waterproofing is intact. Identify cracks/warps in siding; consider paint to prevent moisture absorption....
Seasonal Guide: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Summary: Roof Maintenance: Inspect for damage, clear debris, check shingles, vents, and skylights, and address potential leaks. Eavestroughs & Gutters: Clean out debris, ensure structural integrity, check for optimum drainage, and consider alu-rex leaf guard...
Is Your Roof Saying That It’s Time For a Replacement?
Summary: Roofs protect your home from extreme elements; damaged roofs lead to leaks. Curled, missing, or cracked shingles signal a need for replacement. Moss retains moisture, potentially damaging roofs; sagging roofs require immediate expert attention. Neighbors...
Check Your Home for Wind Damage!
Summary: Look for shingles, asphalt debris, eavestrough damage, soffit harm, and siding issues to assess wind impact from below. Without risking safety, check for shingles folding, bowing, or loosely attached, signaling potential future hazards. For thorough, safe...
How to Clean Your Eavestrough Safely (Calgary Edition)
Summary: Cleaning your eavestrough is important for preventing water damage to your home. Many homeowners ignore their eavestrough or attempt to clean it without the right skills or tools. Alu-Rex Leafguard can be a smart investment for homes near trees or with trees...
Three Common Roof Repairs Your Home Will Eventually Need
Summary: Your roof will eventually need repairs or replacements after a couple of decades. Leaks are the most inconvenient roofing problem that you can encounter. Eavestroughing and downspouts can become clogged with debris and require regular cleaning. Shingles can...
Preparing Your Home for Hail: Five Ways to Reduce Hail Damage
Summary: Exterior doors should be made of dent-resistant materials. Building window shutters onto the exterior wall can help minimize damage. Preventative roof maintenance, such as inspecting for damaged shingles, can help protect your roof. Landscaping around your...
The Three Most Likely Reason Your Roof Leaks
Summary: Roof leaks can cause significant damage if not repaired immediately. Water can travel away from the leak, making it difficult to locate the source. The three likeliest reasons for leaks are clogged gutters, broken or missing shingles, and cracked or damaged...
Why Hiring Roofers is Better Than DIY
Summary: Consider doing your own roofing work if you have experience and the necessary skills. However, there are building code standards that must be met and deviating from them can be costly. Proper ventilation is important to avoid moisture-related damage to the...
How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?
Summary: National Research Council of Canada suggests a minimum roof snow load is 21 pounds/sq ft. Alberta's building codes suggest a minimum 22 pounds/sq ft, accounting for 4+ feet snow drifts. Ice buildup in Alberta poses a risk due to freeze/thaw cycles. Alberta...
Do You Need a Downspout Extension or Repair?
Summary: Downspouts are responsible for carrying rainwater away from your roof after it flows into your eavestroughs, and depositing it at a safe location. When downspouts are damaged or improperly placed, they can’t do this effectively and your property can become...
Assessing Your Home for Damage After a Hail Storm
Summary: When a hailstorm hits, it can cause a lot of damage to your home—some signs of damage are more obvious and some areas may need closer inspection. Homeowners should assess their home for physical damage including tears, dents, and other damage to their roof,...