Shingle types we install
Architectural (laminate) shingles. The default for Calgary re-roofs. Two layers bonded together give depth, better wind resistance and longer warranties than old three-tab.
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. Built to pass the UL 2218 Class 4 hail test. They cost more but are the best asphalt option for Calgary’s hail exposure. See impact-resistant roofing.
Designer shingles. Heavier, thicker profiles that mimic slate or cedar shake. Good for character homes in inner-city neighbourhoods, though not all are impact-rated.
Three-tab repairs. We still repair existing three-tab roofs with the closest available match, but rarely recommend them for new installs.
How we install a shingle roof
- Deck check and replacement of any soft or damaged sheathing.
- Ice and water shield at eaves (where ice dams form), valleys and around every penetration.
- Synthetic underlayment across the rest of the deck.
- Drip edge at eaves and rakes so water clears the fascia.
- Starter strip at the eaves and rakes from the same manufacturer, for wind resistance at the edges.
- High-wind nailing pattern. Chinook gusts are a real load in Calgary. We follow the manufacturer’s enhanced nailing schedule.
- Balanced ventilation. Intake at the soffits and exhaust at the ridge or roof vents. Poor ventilation voids warranties and causes winter frost and ice dams.
- Matching hip and ridge cap, and new flashing at walls, chimneys and skylights.
Asphalt vs other materials for a Calgary house
| Architectural asphalt | Class 4 asphalt | Metal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Moderate | Highest |
| Hail performance | Fair | Very good | Very good; may dent cosmetically |
| Repairability after hail | Easy | Easy | Panel replacement |
| Typical install time | 1 to 2 days | 1 to 2 days | 2 to 5 days |
Most insurance replacements are like for like. If your current roof is architectural asphalt, that is what the claim usually covers, and any upgrade is your choice and cost.
What to compare between shingle lines
Shingle brochures look alike. These are the specs that actually matter in Calgary:
- Impact rating. None, UL 2218 Class 3, or Class 4. Only Class 4 is generally recognized by insurers as impact-resistant.
- Wind rating. Look for ASTM D3161 Class F or ASTM D7158 Class H. Both indicate a shingle tested for high winds, important for chinook gusts.
- Weight and thickness. Heavier laminate shingles generally lie flatter, resist wind lift better and hold up longer.
- Warranty structure. Most lines advertise a “limited lifetime” warranty. The part that matters is the non-prorated period at the start, and whether the full system warranty requires a certified installer and matching accessories.
- Algae resistance. Heavily marketed elsewhere, but less important in Calgary’s dry climate.
Ventilation: the hidden half of a shingle roof
Calgary winters punish poorly vented attics. Warm, moist air leaking from the house condenses on the cold underside of the roof deck and freezes into frost. When a chinook arrives, that frost melts and drips onto insulation and ceilings. Homeowners often mistake it for a roof leak.
Good ventilation balances intake at the soffits with exhaust at the ridge or roof vents. Building codes typically call for about 1 square foot of vent area per 300 square feet of insulated ceiling. Two common Calgary problems we fix during re-roofs:
- Blocked soffits. Blown-in insulation pushed into the soffit area chokes off intake air. We add baffles to keep the airway open.
- Mixed exhaust types. A ridge vent combined with box vents can short-circuit airflow, so the attic barely ventilates. We pick one exhaust system and size it properly.
Installation mistakes we see on Calgary roofs
When we inspect hail damage, we often find problems that were there before the storm:
- nails placed too high, above the manufacturer’s nailing line, so shingles lift in wind
- no starter strip at the rakes, leaving gable edges exposed
- old dented flashing reused under new shingles
- caulk used instead of proper step flashing where the roof meets a wall
- bathroom fans venting into the attic instead of outside
We point these out in your report. Some of them matter for your claim, because damage from poor installation is not hail damage.
What to expect on install day
Expect noise from about 7 am, a disposal bin or trailer on the driveway, and a crew on the roof most of the day. Move vehicles out of the garage the night before, take fragile items off walls on the top floor, and cover anything stored in the attic, since dust and granules shake loose during tear-off. We tarp your landscaping, protect windows and siding, and run a magnetic sweeper over the lawn and driveway when we finish.
Costs
See our roof replacement cost guide for Calgary for ranges by roof size and material. For a fixed price on your house, book a free inspection or call [403-XXX-XXXX].