Canada is blessed with many things, but one of its most defining traits tends to be the long cold winters. While the harsh winters like in Calgary Alberta are good news for snow fights, they’re not so good for your Calgary roof. All that snow, hail, and ice can really take a toll on your roof. Below you’ll find some ways you can brace your roof for the impending winter doom and find the best roofing estimate.
What Shingle Materials to Consider
Not all shingle materials stand up to abuse. But some shingles stand up better than others to the harsh Canadian winters. Here are some of them:
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are a popular choice for winter climates. They are durable enough to withstand major damage, and they don’t warp with constant temperature changes. And they generally fare better than standard materials like asphalt.
If properly kept, metal shingles can last around five decades or more of use. The only drawback is their upfront cost is more costly. But when you consider the years of use It provides, it’s a fairly good deal.
Concrete
If it’s good enough to make entire buildings, it should be good for your roof. Concrete is tough and not as easy to break or damage as other materials. Concrete shingles are made up of cement, sand, and some pigments.
One thing to note is that concrete shingles can be fairly heavier than most other materials. If you’re planning on getting concrete shingles installed, you’ll need a reinforced roofing structure to handle it. Consider contacting a roofing pro to get advice and help to install concrete shingles.
Slate
Slate is a solid material that’s naturally formed from clay and volcanic ash that’s been deposited. This material tends to be hard and compact. This makes it the perfect material for waterproofing your roof.
Just like concrete, these shingles tend to be fairly heavy. This happens to them a good insulator, which is great for maintaining the temperature inside the house during summers and winters. But make sure you contact a pro to see if you can install them with your current roofing structure.
Slate can usually last indefinitely, with very little maintenance needed. You can easily install slate shingles and forget about them even in the most extreme weather conditions. That makes them a fantastic option.
How Shape Affects Roof Survivability
Not many people realize it, but your roof’s shape plays an important role in how it can stand up to undesirable conditions. The shape has a large effect on how your roof will play with Canadian winters.
A flat roof won’t well with all the snow and ice falling on it. The snow will accumulate, and the flat roof may even sustain some damage. On the other hand, a sloped roof will be able to give any falling snow and hail a chance to slip and slide off your roof.
Complicated shapes and roof designs make it easier for the snow to pile up. It can get stuck in crevices and corners. A simple design like a gable will fare much better here. Any additional features like chimneys or skylights will need professional guidance to install. So make sure you contact them before you decide to get any work done.
A roof is your savior from the outside world. They go through so much throughout the year, whether it’s harsh winters, damages, or scorching summers. That’s why it’s important to make sure that they can withstand what’s thrown at them. After all, they not only protect you but your home as well. That’s why they’re an investment. You should always ensure your roof is properly installed and gets repairs if it’s damaged. Contact your local roofing pro today to make it happen.
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