the big 5 blog
Exterior Home Maintenance Articles
Practical advice for Albertan property owners created by a company born here. Boom to bust, we have Albertan’s backs.
How Long Does a Roof Last in Calgary?
Calgary’s climate is genuinely tough on roofs, and the generic timelines you’ll find online don’t tell the whole story. As a homeowner, there are a lot of things you might not know about how long your roof will last in Calgary, what shortens its lifespan, and when it’s time to stop repairing and start replacing. That’s why Big 5 is here.
The Best Type of Siding for Your Home
Here are the best siding types for starter, move-up, and estate homes—courtesy of the experts at Big 5 Exteriors. We show you what materials work best for each home type and why so that you can invest with confidence.
Your Roof Warranty Explained: Types, Lengths, and FAQs
When you’re ready to start your next roofing project, you need to know the roof warranty options available to you. The Big 5 Exteriors team breaks down the different roof warranty types, lengths, and other details about roof warranties so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What’s the Best Roof Shingles Brand in Canada?
Canadians have lots of options when it comes to roof shingles, so finding the best brand can be challenging. Let Big 5 Exteriors show you why we recommend BP Mystique or Malarkey shingles for most homes in the Calgary area.
Why the Alu-Rex Gutter Guard Is the Best Way to Keep your Eavestroughs Clean
Keep your gutters free from leaves and debris all year round with little to no maintenance required? It’s not a joke; it’s the Alu-Rex leaf-free gutter system. Let the experienced team of professionals at Big 5 Exteriors show you why this is the best way to guard your roof’s drainage system.
Is Your Home’s Exterior “Calgary Cold Front” Ready?
How should you make your downspouts and eavestroughs ready for winter in Calgary? What about your siding and the rest of your home? Let the experienced exteriors team at Big 5 show you in this step-by-step guide to making sure a cold snap won’t affect your investment.
How to Measure Gutter Size for Your Home
What do you need to measure the right gutter size for your home, how should you do it, and why? Learn all this and more in this guide from Big 5 so that you can make sure your roof’s drainage system functions properly.
Seasonal Guide: Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Now that the summer heat is dying down it’s time to prep your house for the colder climate. Here’s the Fall maintenance checklist to avoid any weather damage.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Soffit
Soffit plays an important role in how your home’s exterior and attic is protected from moisture, debris, and pests. Here’s the homeowner’s guide to soffit.
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
What should you do if your house has suffered damage? Learn about filing a claim with your insurance company and working with contractors here.
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
Updated April 2026 Summary: Neglecting your eavestroughs can lead to costly damage to your siding, foundation, and roof, so a proactive maintenance approach and timely replacement can save you money in the long run. Watch for rust, holes, leaking joints, eavestroughs...
Vinyl Siding vs. Wood Siding vs. Hardie Board Siding vs. Stucco
Vinyl, wood, Hardie board, and stucco all perform differently in Calgary’s climate. Here’s your guide to choosing between them when you’re buying new siding for your home, courtesy of the pros at Big 5 Exteriors.
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)
Seasonal Guide: Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition) Updated April 2026 Summary: Getting your home ready for an Alberta winter means working through the most vulnerable areas before the cold sets in. Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles,...
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)
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.
Is Your Roof Saying That It’s Time For a Replacement?
Your roof is what separates you from the extreme Albertan elements by acting as a lid on top of your home. Much like other lids, when a hole is present or damage has occurred, it doesn’t take much for liquid to penetrate.
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: Eight Ways to Reduce Hail Damage
Updated April 2026 Summary: When a hailstorm hits Calgary, your best defense is preparation. Choosing dent-resistant materials for your exterior and garage doors, installing window shutters, and keeping up with preventive roof maintenance, like inspecting for damaged...
The Most Common Causes of Roof Leaks (& How to Fix Them)
Updated April 2026 Summary: Roof leaks can cause significant damage if not repaired quickly, and the source is often not directly above where the water appears inside. The most common causes are clogged eavestroughs, broken or missing shingles, and cracked or damaged...
Why Hiring Roofers is Better Than DIY
Updated April 2026 Summary: Before you tackle a roofing project yourself, there are a few things to think about. Alberta's building codes set specific standards for ventilation, flashing, and materials that must be met. Improper installation can lead to expensive...
How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?
Updated April 2026 Summary: Alberta roofs are built to handle a minimum snow load of 22 pounds per square foot, slightly above the 21 pounds per square foot recommended by the National Research Council of Canada. This accounts for snow drifts over 4 feet high, the...
Do You Need a Downspout Extension or Repair?
Downspout extension helps you reposition the area where water flows off your roof and away from your home. Find out when you need to extend your downspout and when you can repair it instead, plus get details of each process from the Big 5 Exteriors team.
Assessing Your Home for Damage After a Hail Storm
When a hail storm strikes, you need to know how to spot damage to your roof, eavestrough, and siding. The Big 5 Exteriors team breaks down what to look for in each area of your home, plus when to call in the experts for a repair or replacement.