As winter arrives in Alberta, fresh snowfall transforms Calgary into a beautiful, sparkling winter wonderland, but have you ever considered what all that heavy snow is doing to your roof?
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As winter arrives in Alberta, fresh snowfall transforms Calgary into a beautiful, sparkling winter wonderland. But have you ever considered what all that heavy snow is doing to your roof?
Calgary’s unique climate brings drastic temperature shifts, high winds and heavy snow falls that can quickly transform snow into a significant burden for your home’s exterior. From ice dams to heavy weight loads, winter weather affects your roof in several ways. This makes regular vigilance and proactive maintenance essential to protecting your home all season long.
Thankfully Guns N Hoses has had you covered for 20 years! In today’s blog we’ll go over common winter roofing ailments, the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, and when to call in our expert team for prompt repairs and roof replacement, any time of year. That’s right, our team roofs in the winter!
We’ve serviced thousands of homes in and around Calgary. We’re passionate about your home’s roof, so you don’t have to think twice about it. Contact us today to schedule your service.
Grab a cozy blanket and your favourite warm beverage and let’s dive in!
The Weight of Snow
Large amounts of snow can quickly cause structural stress and damage, especially after it sits a while and begins to get wet and melt.
That’s why trustworthy roofing companies, like Guns n Hoses, will take into consideration snow load calculations when repairing and replacing your roof.
Snow load refers to the massive gravitational weight and downward pressure exerted on your home’s roof as heavy snow and ice pile up.The factors that influence snow load are the pitch of your roof, how exposed your roof is to wind, and the heat of your building/quality of your home’s insulation.
When you choose our team, we’ll undergo a thorough evaluation of your existing roofing materials, take note of any damage caused by snow load, and where it’s located, before providing tailored recommendations to help prevent structural stress going forward.
Ice Dam Formation
Ice dams are an unfortunate byproduct of winter in Alberta. These ridges of ice form along the edge of your roof, preventing melting snow from draining properly, leading to leaks and water damage.
In addition to the risk of water damage, much like snow load, ice can cause significant structural stress and damage to your roof, especially during times of flash freezing and long-term low temperatures.
Ice dams form when heat loss from poor insulation, snow and fluctuating temperatures interact, causing snow to melt and refreeze. Ice dams are common in our area thanks to our chinooks and high number of sunshine filled winter days.
Attic insulation is a great way to help prevent ice dams from forming. At Guns N Hoses, we don’t just handle the exterior of your roof, we handle the inside as well with our industry leading attic insulation installation services.
Your attic and/or garage will be cleaned and cleared of obstructions and debris, and we’ll address any moisture or pest issues.
Your chosen insulation material is then applied throughout your space ensuring proper coverage. Special attention will be paid around vents, rafters and windows to prevent air loss.
Once the installation is complete, your contractor will conduct a final inspection to ensure quality workmanship. We’re proud to offer Leave No Trace Guarantees and year round service, at Guns N Hoses we stand behind our quality products.
Climate And Material Damage
Alberta winters come with their own special brand of havoc. High winds, freeze and thaw cycles can all cause significant damage to roofing materials when left unchecked.
Temperature changes and water damage can cause singles to expand and contract leading to cracks and damage. While high winds can rip them off completely, leaving the underlayer of your roof vulnerable.
So at the first sign of single damage, give our expert team a call! We use a minimum of 6 nails in each shingle to maximize wind protection and protection from the elements.
Prevention & Mitigation, What You Can Do!
Preparing your home before the cold sets in is one of the most effective steps you can take. Taking time for pre-winter prep, like double-checking your attic insulation and ensuring proper roof ventilation, keeps warm air inside and prevents heat from escaping into your roof.
Once the snow starts falling, staying on top of active snow management is key. Removing fresh snow accumulation safely to help lighten the structural load, or you can rely on a professional snow removal service to safely handle heavy, packed snow and hard-to-reach areas for complete peace of mind.
Winter weather doesn’t have to compromise the comfort and security of your home. By staying proactive with routine maintenance and addressing potential issues early, you can keep your roof strong and resilient through every Calgary snowfall. When you need dependable service, expert advice, or winter roofing repairs, the team at Guns N Hoses is always here to help.
Why Choose Guns N Hoses
We take pride in high-quality work you can rely on, this winter and beyond. We don’t give up until you are satisfied with our services.
Leave No Trace
We’re polite and clean up after ourselves. After we complete your shingle or siding replacement, you’ll never know we were there!
Zero Leaks, Guaranteed!
We ensure your projects are completed quickly, efficiently, and correctly, the first time.
