Your roof is so much more than just a “cover” for your house. It’s a mighty shield and a powerful style statement.
Whether you’re building your dream home or giving your current abode a glow up, choosing the right roof isn’t a decision you should take lightly—trust us, you’re future self will thank you for thinking this through very carefully. Calgary’s unique climate demands materials that can withstand heavy snow, gusty winds, and sunny summers. Luckily, you don’t have to figure out what the best choice is all by yourself—as one of the leading roofing companies in Calgary, that’s what we’re here for. So feel free to put the load on our shoulders.
From sturdy metal to classic asphalt shingles (that most homes in the city feature), and from sleek modern flat roofs to charming gables, we’ve got all the details you need to make an informed decision minus the guessing game. Dive into a world of possibilities, armed with insights into durability, aesthetics, and climate suitability. Let’s ensure your home not only stands strong against the elements but also shines with impeccable style you could stare at all day.
Table of Contents | The Ultimate Guide to Roofing Options in Calgary: Materials, Styles, and More
Roof Materials Used By Roofing Companies Calgary
- Asphalt Shingles
- Metal Roofing
- Synthetic Roofing
- Wood Shingles and Shakes
- Clay and Concrete Tiles
- Slate Roofing
- Flat Roofing Materials
Roof Styles
- Gable Roof: The Classic Peak
- Hip Roof: The Wind Warrior
- Flat Roof: The Modern Minimalist
- Mansard Roof: The Elegant Expansionist
- Shed Roof: The Contemporary Choice
- Gambrel Roof: The Barnyard Beauty
- Skillion Roof: The Asymmetrical Accentuator
How To Choose The Right Material and Style for Your Roof
Roofing Company Calgary: Jamieson Roofing
Roof Materials Used By Roofing Companies Calgary
1. Asphalt Shingles
- Materials: Fibreglass or organic mat covered with asphalt and granules. Their affordability, ease of installation, and wide range of aesthetic options have turned them into a go-to choice in the city.
- Style: Available in various colours and styles such as 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles.
- Durability: Typically lasts 15-30 years when installed by professional roofers Calgary.
- Climate Suitability: Good for Calgary’s climate—provides adequate protection against cold and moderate winds.
2. Metal Roofing
- Materials: Steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc.
- Style: Available in panels or shingles, with finishes that mimic other materials like slate or wood.
- Durability: Can last 40-70 years depending on the material used by the roofing company Calgary you choose to work with.
- Climate Suitability: Excellent for Calgary’s climate, as it handles snow, ice, and wind well; also reflects sunlight, which can help regulate indoor temperatures.
3. Synthetic Roofing
- Materials: Composite materials designed to mimic slate, wood, or tile.
- Style: Versatile in design, lighter than natural materials.
- Durability: 30-50 years.
- Climate Suitability: Offers good durability and weather resistance suitable for Calgary’s climate.
4. Wood Shingles and Shakes
- Materials: Cedar, redwood, or pine.
- Style: Shingles are sawn, whereas shakes are split, giving a more rustic appearance.
- Durability: 20-40 years, depending on wood type and maintenance.
- Climate Suitability: Provides good insulation and is suitable for the city, but requires regular maintenance by roofing companies in Calgary to prevent rot and insect damage.
5. Clay and Concrete Tiles
- Materials: Natural clay or concrete.
- Style: Spanish, mission, French, or interlocking flat designs; available in a range of colours.
- Durability: Can last 50 years or more.
- Climate Suitability: Heavy and durable, good for Calgary’s climate but may require additional structural support due to weight.
6. Slate Roofing
- Materials: Natural slate stone.
- Style: Classic and elegant, available in various sizes and colours.
- Durability: Can last over 100 years—in other words, it’s the most durable option there is!
- Climate Suitability: Extremely durable and weather-resistant, but heavy and expensive— suitable for Calgary if the structure can handle the weight.
7. Flat Roofing Materials
- Materials: EPDM rubber, TPO, PVC, or modified bitumen.
- Style: Typically used in commercial buildings, but also in some modern residential designs.
- Durability: 15-30 years, depending on the material.
- Climate Suitability: Requires careful installation and maintenance to manage water drainage in Calgary’s snow-heavy environment.
Roof Styles
Now let’s talk about roof styles—because there’s no way you’re going to let your home fall behind in the aesthetics department.
1. Gable Roof: The Classic Peak
- Description: Triangular shape with two sloping sides that meet at the top.
- Benefits: Simple design that allows for effective water and snow drainage.
- Aesthetic: Offers a traditional look, adaptable to various home designs.
- Climate Suitability: Excellent for Calgary’s snowy climate, as the slope allows snow to slide off easily.
2. Hip Roof: The Wind Warrior
- Description: All four sides slope downwards to the walls, usually with a gentle slope.
- Benefits: Provides extra stability and is more resistant to high winds.
- Aesthetic: Gives a more complex, symmetrical appearance.
- Climate Suitability: Ideal for areas with strong winds, like Calgary; also sheds snow well.
3. Flat Roof: The Modern Minimalist
- Description: Horizontal or nearly horizontal roof that’s often used in commercial and modern residential architecture.
- Benefits: Easier and safer to access for maintenance and provides extra usable space (e.g., for rooftop gardens).
- Aesthetic: Offers a sleek, modern look.
- Climate Suitability: Requires excellent drainage solutions to handle snow accumulation in Calgary.
4. Mansard Roof: The Elegant Expansionist
- Description: A four-sided gambrel-style hip roof characterized by two slopes on each side, with the lower slope being steeper.
- Benefits: Maximizes living space in the attic or upper floors.
- Aesthetic: Adds a classic, French-inspired architectural flair.
- Climate Suitability: Handles snow reasonably well but may require more maintenance to prevent leaks.
5. Shed Roof: The Contemporary Choice
- Description: A single sloping roof surface, similar to half of a gable roof.
- Benefits: Simple and cost-effective, ideal for extensions and modern homes.
- Aesthetic: Provides a contemporary, minimalist look.
- Climate Suitability: Good for water drainage but may not be ideal for heavy snow loads without proper angle and support.
6. Gambrel Roof: The Barnyard Beauty
- Description: A two-sided roof with two slopes on each side, the upper slope being less steep than the lower.
- Benefits: Offers additional headroom and storage space in the attic.
- Aesthetic: Gives a traditional, barn-like appearance.
- Climate Suitability: Can handle snow well if slopes are steep enough; more common in rural areas.
7. Skillion Roof: The Asymmetrical Accentuator
- Description: Similar to a single sloping roof, often used in modern and minimalist designs. It’s often steeper than a typical shed roof and featured in multi-level roof systems.
- Benefits: Simple to construct and provides a unique, modern look.
- Aesthetic: Creates an eye-catching, contemporary appearance.
- Climate Suitability: Effective water drainage; suitable for regions with moderate snow.
How To Choose The Right Material and Style for Your Roof
- Assess Your Climate Needs: Calgary’s weather can be challenging. That’s why it’s best to lean toward materials like metal or asphalt shingles that withstand snow and wind excellently.
- Consider Durability: Roofing projects aren’t easy to oversee and they play a major role in protecting your home—so it pays to think long-term. Materials like slate and metal offer decades of reliability, but you’ll want to weigh out the initial investment at the same time.
- Match Your Home’s Style: Ensure your roof complements your home’s architecture. Gable roofs are classic, while flat roofs offer a sleek modern touch.
- Budget Wisely: Balance quality with cost. Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly, while clay tiles, though pricier, provide unique aesthetics.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult with expert roofing contractors to tailor choices to your specific needs—their insights will be instrumental in finalizing on a material and style that’ll truly make you feel safe in and proud of your home!
- Reflect on Maintenance: Consider how much upkeep you’re willing to do—some materials require more care, such as wood shingles, clay, and concrete tiles.
Considering the above factors, asphalt reigns supreme as a winning choice in Calgary thanks to its perfect blend of quality, affordability, wide range of aesthetic options, and ease of installation.
Roofing Company Calgary: Jamieson Roofing
Struggling to find the perfect roof? Don’t stress yourself out—with Jamieson Roofing, homeowners can breathe easy. Known as one of the top-quality Calgary roofing companies, we offer solutions that fit both your needs and budget.
Our expert team of Calgary roofers is here to deliver reliable, durable, and stylish asphalt roofing options—ensuring your home is well-protected against the city’s unique weather conditions with top-quality materials and installation. Count on us to provide personalized service and expert advice every step of the way.
Reach out today to get a free quote—it’s time to discover how easy and stress-free it can be to find the perfect asphalt roof for your home.
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- Jamieson Roofing Calgary: A Spotlight on Quality and Affordability
