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Seasonal Guide: Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
The leaves are falling, and the skies are grey—it’s that time of year again where we say goodbye to the late sunsets of summer and start prepping for Alberta’s fall weather. As most Albertans know, fall doesn’t last long before winter rolls around—which is why it is...
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
Your eavestroughs play an incredibly important role in protecting your roof and the foundation of your home, but you probably don’t think about them that often. In fact, if you’re like most people, you most likely ignore your eavestroughs completely until they stop...
Vinyl Siding vs. Wood Siding vs. Hardie Board Siding vs. Stucco: Pros & Cons for Each
Summary Vinyl, wood, hardie board, and stucco are common siding choices for homes in Calgary. Not all of these materials perform equally well in Calgary's unique climate. Homeowners should consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and aesthetics...
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 the...
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!
Wow, that was some intense wind! Environment Canada issued a wind warning for Calgary (and many other areas in central Alberta). Calgary saw gusts top 100 km/hr. With Winds Like That, You'll Want to Inspect Your Home for Damage. Winds gusting that hard can blow...
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 be...
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...
Cold Overnight Lows Are Coming. Is Your Home Ready?
SUMMARY: Calgary often experiences early winter; prep for colder temperatures is crucial. Building exterior: Clear eaves, ensure downspout drainage, and address siding damage. Garage & Lawn: Store hoses, sprinklers, flush water lines, store batteries indoors, and...
If You Have Damaged Downspouts, Fix Them Before Winter
Summary It's important to take care of your eaves and downspouts before winter. Damaged downspouts can cause problems when they back up, especially in the late fall and throughout winter. When downspouts are sealed shut because they're frozen, water can collect near...
Assessing Your Home for Damage After a Hail Storm
Summary Hail can cause damage to roofs, siding, and eavestrough. Homeowners should assess their eavestrough for physical damage, damaged downspouts, and clogged eavestroughing. Vinyl siding can peel, be removed, or have holes after a hail storm. Homeowners should...