What’s the best roofing material in Calgary? Calgary’s extreme weather, from heavy snow to intense summer heat, means that materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing and rubber membranes provide reliable protection.
At Angel’s Roofing, our experience gets you the correct answer for your home or business. Browse our high-quality selection and receive a free quote to get your roofing project underway.
Calgary’s Climate Challenge
Calgary’s One of a Kind Climate – The Challenges for Homeowners Choosing the Right Roofing Material. The city braves the extremes of weather, from snow and hail in winter to heat and sun in summer. Throw in seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, particularly in winter, and you have an expansion-and-contraction nightmare.
These all highlight the importance of having roofing that’s ultra-durable and adaptive to Calgary’s unpredictable environment. Roofing materials must withstand Alberta’s brutal winters and heavy snow loads. Cheaply selected materials can crack, warp, or fail in such conditions.
Likewise, Calgary’s hail and high winds require impact-resistant roofing. Asphalt shingles, for example, are popular because they’re inexpensive and can withstand moderate weather. High-end options, such as Class 4 impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing, provide the best protection against hail and storm damage.
Metal roofs, in particular, excel at shedding snow and withstanding high winds, making them a prime choice for homes in Calgary. Key factors that enhance protection against Calgary’s extreme temperatures include:
- Durability: Materials that resist cracking, warping, and weathering due to temperature changes.
- Impact Resistance: Roofs capable of withstanding hail and debris during storms.
- Snow Shedding: Designs that prevent snow accumulation and reduce structural stress.
- UV Protection: Materials that resist fading and damage from prolonged sun exposure.
More importantly, investing in a roof that meets these criteria doesn’t just prevent having to fix it again and again — it prolongs the life of your home’s exterior. Routine care, like post-storm checks, is just as important.
Best Roofing Material Calgary
Striking a balance between durability, cost and weather resistance is key to choosing the best roofing material in Calgary. The city’s distinctive climate — characterized by hailstorms, heavy snowfall, and extreme temperature fluctuations — requires materials that can meet these challenges and deliver long-lasting performance.
1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Roofing Materials
- Asphalt Shingles: Affordable and versatile, asphalt shingles are a top choice for Calgary homeowners. They withstand temperature swings with ease, resist cracking, and have an average lifespan of 25 to 30 years. Regular shingles aren’t as effective as hail-proof options unless they are Class 4 impact-rated, which adds to the expense.
- Metal Roofing: Known for its longevity, metal roofing can last 40–70 years with proper care. It resists hail, high wind and heavy snow. It is a strong choice for Calgary’s weather. The primary downside is the initial expense, which exceeds that of asphalt.
- Recycled Rubber Shingles: This eco-friendly option offers excellent durability and flexibility, making it well-suited to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and hail. Availability and price might be an issue.
2. Benefits of Durable Roofing Materials
Tough roofing materials minimize maintenance and extend the roof’s lifespan in Calgary’s challenging environment. Class 4 shingles, for instance, drastically reduce hail damage expenses. Materials like metal or rubber will ensure you never have to worry about the dreaded freeze-thaw cycle and ice dams again, providing peace of mind during the winter.
3. Recommendations for Weather Resilience
For Calgary’s hail-prone climate, impact-resistant options, like high-quality asphalt or metal roofing, are highly recommended. These materials resist hail impact and snow loading, keeping your roof intact through severe weather.
Homeowners should favour styles that suit their home’s design and local climate needs.
Asphalt vs Metal Roof
Whether it’s asphalt shingles or a metal roof, it takes a lot to decide the best roofing material for Calgary’s weather. Asphalt shingles excel in some areas, but metal roofs shine in others.
Cost Differences and Long-Term Savings
Asphalt shingles are the most inexpensive, costing $2 to $8 per square foot to install. They last only 12 to 20 years, requiring replacement much sooner than metal roofs.
Although metal roofing is more expensive initially ($10 to $25 per square foot) it really pays for itself down the road, as these roofs last anywhere from 40 to 70 years with very little maintenance. Metal roofs can have reflective coatings that reduce energy bills during Calgary’s sweltering summers by helping homes stay cool.
Weather Resistance: Hailstorms and Snow
Calgary’s volatile weather demands resilient roofs. Metal roofs excel in wind resistance and can even withstand hail better than average asphalt shingles, which are known to crack upon impact.
Heavy snow is even less of an issue for metal roofs, as their slick surface causes snow to slide off, resulting in less stress on the structure. On the other hand, asphalt shingles can degrade over time when exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles and UV rays.
Aesthetic Versatility
Architectural asphalt shingles offer an enormous variety of colours and textures, making them perfect for homeowners who want either a traditional or modern look. Others, such as 3-tab and textured shingles, can replicate the look of wood or slate for less.
Or, for a sleek, modern look with clean lines, you can opt for the standing seam metal roofs. While offering fewer design options than asphalt, metal roofs complement minimalist and industrial designs well.
- Asphalt shingles: Ideal for short-term budgets, traditional aesthetics, or low-maintenance needs.
- Metal roofs: Best for long-term savings, extreme weather, or sustainable choices.
Cedar Roof Pros and Cons
Cedar shake roofs are renowned for their natural beauty and timeless appeal. With its rich texture and warm tones, cedar lends any home a rustic yet elegant charm – one of the most beautiful roofing materials available. Here in Calgary, where curb appeal is king, cedar roofing can make a home stand out from the rest, fitting in effortlessly with our natural environment. This upscale look is part of why cedar is so popular among homeowners.
However, cedar roofing is high maintenance. It’s an organic material which makes it susceptible to rot, moss and pests, especially in humid environments. Routine cleaning, sealing, and inspections are necessary to prevent these issues. Without maintenance, the life of a cedar roof can be significantly shortened, especially when you live in Calgary’s harsh climate, where weather fluctuations increase wear and tear.
Another consideration is the high up-front price of cedar roofs. Installation costs average between $4 and $7.25 per square foot, placing it among the pricier roofing options. Although the upfront cost is significant, cedar roofs typically outlast asphalt shingles by 10 years. If well-maintained, they can live on for 30 years or more. This durability can make the expense worthwhile for those looking for long-term value.
Additionally, cedar is a natural insulator, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This may lead to reduced energy bills, adding to the overall appeal of cedar roofing.
One disadvantage is the limited availability of cedar shingles, as they are sourced from distinctive regions such as Southwestern Canada. This can cause delays in sourcing, especially during busy building seasons. For Calgary homeowners, these logistical considerations might influence project schedules.
Checklist: Pros and Cons of Cedar Roofs
Pros:
- Exceptional curb appeal and natural aesthetics
- Long lifespan with proper care (up to 30+ years)
- Natural insulation for improved energy efficiency
Cons:
- High upfront costs ($4 to $7.25 per square foot)
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent rot and moss
- Susceptible to pests and environmental wear
- Limited availability may cause delays
The Chinook-Proof Roof
Calgary’s weather is extreme, and Chinook winds are among its most trying elements. These warm, dry winds can cause dramatic temperature shifts, which can sometimes increase by 20°C within a few hours. With gusts up to 100 km/h, Chinooks deliver special stresses for roofs. Added to that are Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles, which necessitate that roofs can withstand the rapid melting of snow into slush – the durability and resilience requirements are particularly harsh.
Metal roofing is one of the best roofing options for homes in Calgary due to its resistance to high winds and temperature fluctuations. Aluminum and steel, for example, are Chinook-proof materials, as they resist corrosion and respond well to sudden gale-force weather fluctuations. Another good choice is rubber roofing, which handles thermal expansion due to fast temperature changes very well.
For homeowners seeking a more traditional look, premium-quality asphalt shingles are an option; however, their longevity can be compromised in extreme conditions. You have to choose shingles rated for winds of up to 170 km/h.
Installation is the key to wringing maximum performance from a roof under Chinook stress. Loosely attached materials are more prone to letting go in strong gusts or heavy snow that rapidly turns to water. A professional installation with an extra water-resistant layer can help prevent leaks and structural damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
Regular inspections, particularly in winter, are just as critical for locating weaknesses before Chinook winds or snow drift build-up, which can cause significant issues. Wind-resistant shingles and meticulous craftsmanship guard Calgary homes.
Whether it’s snow, slush, or sudden gales, your investment in a Chinook-proof roof is a lifetime investment.
Your Long-Term Investment
Choosing the right roofing material is a tough decision for Calgary homeowners, but it’s a long-term investment. With the region’s punishing climate—encompassing everything from brutal winters to summer hailstorms—focusing on strength and durability means your roof will withstand years of abuse, shielding your property.
Long Lifespans: A Worthwhile Priority
Your roof’s lifespan is directly related to its value. Our premium materials, such as slate or metal roofing, can last over 70 years – providing outstanding durability in Calgary’s weather conditions. Metal roofs, in particular, don’t leak in vulnerable locations like wall edges or chimneys, so they’re a good long-term option.
If you’re somewhere in between, asphalt shingles are a budget-friendly choice that comes with a solid 30-year lifespan. Things like cedar shingles, while beautiful at first, might fade and need replacement sooner – thereby diminishing their investment value.
Cost-Effectiveness of Durable Materials
By investing in quality stuff, you won’t have to fix or replace things as often, saving you money in the long term. A coat of maintenance — like treating your roof every three years — extends its life even more by protecting you against rot or fungus.
Putting away scrap during installation means you’re ready for repairs to come in under budget. Although premium materials may be initially more expensive, they provide significant savings by reducing maintenance costs.
Resale Value and Professional Installation
A quality, professionally installed roof does more than protect your home — it increases the resale value of your home, too. Calgary buyers love homes with good roofs — they know the repairs don’t come cheap.
Professional installation is crucial—it ensures the right fit, optimal material performance, and typically offers warranties of 10 years or longer. These warranties provide peace of mind, further justifying the investment in a dependable roofing system.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect roof for your Calgary home involves finding the ideal combination of resilience, aesthetics and functionality. With punishing winters, swift temperature changes and ferocious Chinooks, your roof has to take it all. Asphalt shingles offer both affordability and convenience, while metal roofs deliver unbeatable durability, and cedar introduces an organic elegance. Each has its advantages, and the best choice for you depends on your budget, preference, and long-term objectives.
At Angel’s Roofing, we understand Calgary’s roofing needs—backed by decades of experience and a delivery built to last. If you require guidance, repair or replacement, our team has got you covered. Contact us now for a complimentary estimate or consultation. Let’s arm your house with a roof you can rely upon.
