Calgary, Find Your Ideal Roof Type

Metal (Traditional & Stone-Coated)

Metal roofing is still a rarity in most developed countries, but it is gaining traction as a building material. Most roofers will not roof in metal — you would need to locate a contractor who specializes in metal. Copper roofing material of the type seen in historic homes is beautiful, luxurious, and long lasting, but is far too expensive for most homeowners. Galvanized sheet metal is the better choice. As longevity is the strong suit of this roof type, it can be enjoyed upwards of 75 years before a replacement is required. This also means that metal roofing has the lowest running cost of all materials.

There are different types of materials used in metal roofing systems. The latest push for modern architecture and “green” products has brought stainless steel to the foreground. Stainless steel works great in hard conditions and also adds a distinctive design element. Metal roofs can also be formed to any desired profile.

Metal roofing does come with a catch; the noise level can be extremely irritating and the reflective nature of metal can make a home look very odd. This is why most metal roofs are used in commercial buildings.

To overcome these drawbacks, Envi Roofing and Exteriors Ltd. has brought stone-coated metal roofing systems to Calgary. The stone coat covers the shine of the metal and acts as a cushion so the sound of precipitation is dampened. This makes it simply the ultimate roofing material and system.

Advantages

• Metal roofing combines all the advantages of other products, including:
• Custom Shapes (Asphalt, Wood Shake, or Tile)
• Low Price (Slightly more than Asphalt Shingles)
• Non-Flammable
• Durable
• Wind Resistance

Disadvantages

• Shiny (Not Our Products, We are Stone-Coated)
• Loud During Precipitation (Not Our Multi-Layer Stone-Coated Variety)

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roof types in Canada. They are fairly easy to install, but the main reason for their popularity is their affordability.

The process of waterproofing the matting involves a glass fibre-reinforced mat that is bonded using urea-formaldehyde resin. The mat will receive several asphalt coatings, topped with a final coat of granulated asphalt, which protects the shingles against the sun’s rays and allows multiple colour and shape options.

Advantages

• Affordability (Low Cost of Materials & Labour)
• Durable
• Proven Product

Disadvantages

• Poor Fire Ratings
• Susceptible to Wind Damage (Lift & Tear)
• Short Product Life
• Low Durability
• Poor Insulation
• Poor Weather Resistance

Wood Shakes

There are two types of wood shingles, shingles and shakes. The most noticeable difference is in how they are made. While shakes are physically split, shingles are sawn to their desired size.

Advantages

The aesthetics of wood shingles are their primary benefit. Many consider their appearance to be beautiful and historically accurate on period style homes.

Disadvantages

• “Split Look” Leads to Leaking
• Not Durable in Calgary’s Climate
• Below Average Insulation
• Can Lead to Mold & Rot
• Highly Flammable

Concrete (Clay Tiles)

Concrete or clay tiles are one of the most sought-after roofing materials. They are considered to be the most aesthetically pleasing of all roof types, adding a historical, luxurious feel to the structure. At first, heavy concrete and clay were used, making then unpractical for some types of buildings and homes. Today, lightweight concrete tile options are available, to provide more flexible installation options.

Advantages

• Aesthetics
• Supreme Insulation
• Not Flammable

Disadvantages

• High Cost (Complexity & Weight)
• Engineer Inspections Required
• Brittle (Especially in Hail Storms)
• Risk of Freeze/Thaw Issues
• Tiles Outlast Underlayment (Costly Remove & Replace Process)

Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofs first appeared in Wisconsin around 40 years ago. Composed of recycled tires, saw dust, and slate dust, rubber roofing systems are more eco-friendly than many types of roofing materials. These roofs can be shaped to look like other roofing products, but look best when imitating a slate roof.

Advantages

• Environmentally Friendly
• Relatively Low Cost (Still More than Asphalt Shingles)
• Rubber is Very Water Resistant
• Long Product Life
• Can be Installed on Low-Pitched or Flat Roofs (Not Gravity Dependent)
• Good Insulation Value

Disadvantages

• Finding a Qualified, Reasonably Priced Installer
• Seal Leak Risks at Piping, HVAC Unit, Chimney & Stack Line Areas
• Easily Damaged from Branches, Foot Traffic & Hail
• Difficult to Find Leak Locations
• Roof Bubbles from Improper Installation