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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: Soffit helps protect homes from pests and the elements while improving air quality and ventilation.Soffit is often made from wood, plastic, or steel—but perforated aluminum is often the most effective for Calgary’s varied conditions.Your soffit might need...
Living Through a Roof Replacement: What to Expect, What to Look For, & What to Do Once It’s Done
Having your roof replaced is an excellent way to ensure your home stays protected from water damage while improving its curb appeal and overall value—but what’s the roof replacement process actually like? And what should you do ahead of time to make sure your roof...
The Complete Guide to Shingles (& What Type Is Best for You)
A roof is easy to take for granted—until there’s something wrong with it. When the roof on your home is working properly, you’ll almost never think about it. But when the shingles on your roof become damaged, it can lead to widespread water damage throughout the rest...
Claiming House Damage: How to Work with Insurance Companies & Contractors
Damage to your house can be distressing enough on its own—you shouldn’t have to struggle with your insurance company as well. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unsure of how to properly file a claim for damage to their house, which can lead to delays and even denials...
Hail Season Can Damage Your Roof: Here’s What to Look For
As Albertans, we breathe a giant collective sigh of relief when the snow melts and the weather turns warm… well, warmer, anyway. However, once the snow is gone there’s something else to look out for: severe thunderstorms. The province’s weather patterns and...
6 Gorgeous Homes with Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding
Some people think of vinyl as the “default” siding material, since it’s such a popular choice among Calgary homeowners. However, while it’s true that you’ll certainly see a lot of houses in Southern Alberta with vinyl siding, that doesn’t mean this type of material...
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
Calgary homes come in many shapes and sizes, and the siding used for different houses varies greatly too. Vinyl, wood, hardie board, and stucco are all common choices, but deciding which of these materials will serve you best can be much harder than most people think....
What Water Does When it Sits at the Base of Your Foundation (& How Your Eavestrough Can Help)
Water is essential for life on our planet, but it can also be pretty destructive — just think about floods, hurricanes, and tidal waves. However, water doesn’t even need to take such dramatic forms for it to cause damage. In fact, one of the most subtle ways that...
Seasonal Guide: Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Winters in Alberta are tough, especially on your home. In order to keep your home snug, warm and dry here is a seasonal guide to home maintenance. With this simple checklist, you can make sure your house stays in good shape for years to come. Check Your Roof Missing...
Seasonal Guide: Summer Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
When most people think of summer, they think of relaxing in the backyard, hiking in the Rocky mountains or having a barbecue with friends and family. The last thing on most people’s mind is home maintenance, but summer is the perfect time to give your home a good once...
Seasonal Guide: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and hats and mitts are packed away; spring has sprung. It’s never too early to check off a few items on that spring maintenance checklist. The cold, snowy winter can do some real damage to parts of your home’s exterior....
Is Your Roof Saying That It’s Time For a Replacement?
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to a nasty rain storm? Between the loud pelting of rain and roars of thunder shaking your home, it may be difficult for you to sleep. As you lay awake, have you ever been thankful that the bad weather is out there and...
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)
Many homes in Calgary and the surrounding regions are two-story homes where getting on the roof to clean your eavestrough can be risky. Whenever working on your roof or eaves, take your safety seriously and ensure you are not taking unnecessary risks. If your home is...
Three Common Roof Repairs Your Home Will Eventually Need
Unlike fine wines, which mature and develop character over time, the best and strongest years for your roof are the earliest ones. Given enough time - two decades or so will usually do the trick - you’ll experience the inevitable leaks, breaks, cracks and standing...
Preparing Your Home for Hail: Five Ways to Reduce Hail Damage
Summer weather can really do a number on your home. Stormy summer weather in Calgary can almost knock your house down- especially when the currents hit us hard as they steamroll over the rocky mountains. By the time summer rolls around, Calgarians are ready to spend...
The Three Most Likely Reason Your Roof Leaks
Your home is probably your most important investment. Roof leaks can cause significant damage to your home if not repaired immediately. The source of a roof leak can often be difficult to locate as water can travel away from where the leak is located. Whether your...
Why Hiring Roofers is Better Than DIY
If you’re handy, the thought that you could save a bunch of money by doing your own roof yourself has probably crossed your mind. Don’t let us discourage you, either. If you’ve got the chops needed to complete the project, do it! There’s nothing better than the...
How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?
When I was young I used to sneak out my bedroom window and sit on my roof. My Dad (Al Perzylo, original founder of Big 5) would have been mortified if he knew, but it’s probably part of the reason I wound up getting into the family business. While on the roof I used...
Cold Overnight Lows Are Coming. Is Your Home Ready?
Well Calgary, we hope we aren't the bearer of bad news, but it's official: overnight lows at or below 0 are coming, and fast. Last month we posted about why it's important to ensure your eavestrough and downspouts are ready for winter. Check it out here if you haven't...
If You Have Damaged Downspouts, Fix Them Before Winter
We know it's cliche coming from an eavestroughing company, but take good care of your eaves and downspouts. They perform an important job and generally require very little care. Here are a few things about your downspouts you should know: Dented & Damaged...
Assessing Your Home for Damage After a Hail Storm
It's that time of year again. If you've lived in Calgary for a year or more, you're probably well aware of what's coming: thunderstorms and hail. One creates an incredible visual spectacle, and the other creates the same (but for different reasons). Whenever we get...