Calgary Roofing FAQ

Question 1

How long does a typical roof replacement take in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

For an average-sized home (1,500 to 2,500 sq ft), a complete replacement usually takes 1 to 2 days, weather permitting. We ensure your property is cleaned up daily including magnetic nail pickup across your lawn and driveway.

Question 2

Do you help with insurance claims for hail damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We specialize in insurance restoration. We provide a free 50-point hail inspection with GPS-timestamped photo reports, meet your adjuster on-site to ensure all damage is documented, and file supplement claims to recover missing items like drip edge, ice & water shield, and disposal fees.

Question 3

What warranties do you offer on a new roof?

Accepted Answer

We offer industry-leading warranties: limited lifetime manufacturer warranties on Class 4 SBS-modified shingles (Malarkey Vista or Legacy) and our own 10-year workmanship warranty. Certified installer status ensures non-prorated coverage, meaning the manufacturer pays 100% of replacement costs, not a depreciated amount.

Question 4

Can I replace my roof in winter in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with important qualifications. We use SBS-modified polymer shingles that remain flexible to −20°C rather than cracking, and hand-seal every shingle tab with cold-rated roofing mastic since factory tar strips require solar heat to activate. Emergency tarping is available at any temperature. We recommend booking spring replacements early as calendar slots fill in March and April.

Question 5

How often should I have my roof inspected?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a professional inspection every 2 to 3 years, and immediately after any major hail or wind storm. Calgary sits in Canada's 'Hail Alley', and hail damage is often invisible from the ground and must be documented within 1 year of the storm date for insurance claims.

Question 6

How much does a new roof cost in Calgary in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Roof replacement costs in Calgary range from $4.00 to $5.00/sq ft for standard architectural asphalt ($8,000 to $10,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home), $5.00 to $6.50/sq ft for Class 4 impact-resistant shingles ($10,000 to $13,000), $10.00 to $14.00/sq ft for Euroshield rubber, and $12.00 to $18.00/sq ft for standing seam metal roofing.

Question 7

What are Class 4 Impact Resistant shingles and are they worth it?

Accepted Answer

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are SBS-modified (rubberized) asphalt shingles certified to withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet twice in the same spot without fracturing. They cost $1,500 to $2,500 more than standard shingles, but qualify for 10% to 25% home insurance premium discounts in Alberta. For most Calgary homeowners, the insurance savings pay back the upgrade cost within 5–7 years.

Question 8

What is the difference between vinyl siding and James Hardie board?

Accepted Answer

Vinyl siding is the most affordable option ($6 to $10/sq ft installed), maintenance-free, and never needs painting. James Hardie fiber cement (HZ5 product line) costs 40 to 50% more but is Class A fire-rated non-combustible, deflects hail impacts, and achieves the premium shadow-line aesthetic of authentic cedar that vinyl cannot replicate. Hardie board substantially increases resale value and is the best long-term investment.

Question 9

How do I know if my roof has hidden hail damage?

Accepted Answer

Hail damage is often invisible from the ground. Signs include: dark bruises or soft spots on shingles where granules were knocked away, dents on aluminum gutters/downspouts/vents (if these are dented, surrounding shingles were also hit), excessive granule accumulation at the base of downspouts, and crescent-shaped cracks in shingles. Call us for a free 50-point inspection and photo documentation.

Question 10

What causes ice dams on Calgary roofs and how do I prevent them?

Accepted Answer

Ice dams form when heat escaping from your living space warms the attic, melting the underside of roof snow. The meltwater trickles to the freezing-cold eaves and refreezes into a solid dam. The permanent fix is upgrading attic insulation to R-50 to R-60 (prevents heat escape), ensuring proper balanced ventilation from soffit vents to ridge vents (keeps roof deck cold), and installing Ice & Water Shield membrane across the bottom 3 to 6 feet of the roof.

Question 11

Do you offer roof financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We partner with Financeit and HomeTrust for contractor financing: fully digital application, approval in 10 to 15 minutes with no obligation. We offer 60 to 120 month payment plans and no-interest deferred options. Financing is unsecured (no home equity is used as collateral). Visit our Financing page for details.

Question 12

What areas do you serve in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

We serve the full Calgary metropolitan area (NW, NE, SW, SE), plus Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere, Okotoks, High River, and Strathmore. For large commercial projects, we can travel further across Southern Alberta.

Question 13

What is the difference between an eavestrough and a gutter?

Accepted Answer

There is no difference. They are two words for the same thing: the trough along the edge of your roof that collects rainwater and snowmelt and carries it to the downspouts. 'Eavestrough' is the common Canadian term, because the trough sits on the eave of the roof, while 'gutter' is used more in the United States. If you ask us for either one, you are asking for the same job.

Question 14

How do I choose a good roofing company in Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Ask four questions. Do they tear off to the deck rather than laying new shingles over old ones? Do they use a 6-nail pattern, which is what holds shingles down in Calgary wind? Will they correct attic ventilation as part of the job, since a new roof over a poorly ventilated attic fails early? And can they produce current liability insurance and WCB clearance on request? A contractor who answers all four clearly is doing the work properly. Also be wary of anyone offering to waive or absorb your insurance deductible, which is fraud in Alberta.

Question 15

Should I repair my roof or replace it?

Accepted Answer

Repair is usually right when the roof is under about 15 years old, the damage is confined to one area, and the shingles elsewhere are still flexible with their granules intact. Replacement makes more sense when you are calling about a different leak every season, when granule loss has left large bald patches, when shingles are curling across whole slopes, or when the roof is past 20 years. Any contractor who inspects a single leak and immediately quotes a full replacement deserves a second opinion.

Question 16

Can my siding be repaired, or does it all need replacing?

Accepted Answer

Often it can be repaired. If damage is confined to one elevation, typically the north or west wall that took a hail hit, and the rest of the cladding is sound, we replace the affected panels. Be aware that sun fading means new panels can look brighter than the surrounding wall at first. Full replacement makes more sense when panels are cracking in several places, or when there is moisture staining or soft sheathing behind the siding. If hail or wind caused it, it may be an insurance claim rather than an out-of-pocket repair.

Question 17

How much does a roof inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

Our roof inspection is free, including the written report with photographs. We offer it at no charge because a large share of the roofs we inspect turn out not to need work yet, and we would rather you know that and come back to us when you do. The report covers the shingle field, all flashing points, vents, valleys, eavestroughs, and where accessible the attic and ventilation, with a realistic remaining service life estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions