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.
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)
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, clear your eavestroughs to prevent ice dams, and check your siding and...
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: Five 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...









