Roofing & siding frequently asked questions

Why is ventilation important, won’t it cause heat loss?

Air needs to be able to escape or moisture can become trapped in your attic and roof. Trapped moisture can lead to all sorts of problems like:

• Blistering, curling and premature ageing of shingles
• Rotten wood decks
• Buckling
• Splitting
• Premature deterioration
• Ice dam formation in the winter
• Asphalt fumes inside the house in the summer

All of these issues lead to major damage and drastically shorten the lifespan of your roof. Protect your investment with the appropriate amount of ventilation.

How should I choose a roofing company?

Look for a company with a solid reputation and many years of experience like A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP. We have more than 60 years in the roofing business and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We’re so confident in the expertise of our technicians we even back up all our work with a 5-year workmanship warranty. We also carry full WCB coverage and fully insure all of our technicians so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. Contact our team in Calgary or Edmonton to learn more or to get a free quote!

What is an ice dam?

When heat escapes through the roof, the gutters can get backed up with half-frozen slush. The slush closest to the source of heat then melts and the meltwater penetrates the roof and causes a leak. Prevent ice dams with proper insulation and ventilation in your attic.

How can I get rid of algae growth?

Algae rarely interferes with the performance of shingle, but it can be unsightly. Many new shingles are algae resistant, so if you are about due for a new roof then be sure to ask your installation technician about algae resistant options. A lot of shingles are algae resistant, but if yours aren’t, there are a few things you can do, including:

• Install galvanized metal near the roof ridge to inhibit algae growth.
• Taking care not to make contact with nearby plant life or shrubbery, rinse the affected area with a mixture of 1 part chlorine bleach, 3 parts water, and 250ml trisodium phosphate to kill the algae and clean the area. Repeat this application every 3 years.
• Have the roof professionally cleaned.

What are these dark streaks on my roof?

North facing sections of roof often develop dark spots or streaks. They tend to look like a build-up of dirt and can be mistaken for granule loss on the shingles, but the streaks are usually caused by algae growth. This often occurs on areas of the roof that don’t get as much sun as the south-facing areas.

Can I just fix my roof myself? How hard could it be?

Weekend warriors may be tempted to tackle roof repairs themselves; however, homeowner maintenance should be limited to bi-annual inspections and gutter cleaning. It is not recommended that you try to repair your roof yourself unless you have the professional equipment, training, and expertise required to do the job safely and efficiently. Lack of experience can not only result in further damage to your roof, but also serious harm to your person.

What kinds of warranties are available?

A. Clark is unique among other Edmonton and Calgary roofing and siding companies in that we have more than 60 years experience and offer a 5-year workmanship warranty. In addition to our own personal guarantee on the quality of our work, when you install a new roof you’ll also be able to take advantage of the manufacturer’s warranty—which can last 20 years or more. Each warranty is different, with its own unique terms and conditions, so make sure you check the fine print.

How long does it take for you to replace an entire roof?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The length of time needed to replace the roof depends on the size and shape of the roof, the materials used, and whether or not the weather is cooperating. A small, flat roof with no major damage may take only a couple of days, while a larger more complicated roof with extensive damage might take weeks.

Is there anything I can do to make my roof last longer?

Proper maintenance is the key to a long-lasting roof. Clean your gutters regularly and keep an eye out for anything that comes in contact with the roof, like nearby tree branches. Watch out for loose or missing shingles, loose seams, or signs of deterioration, and repair any and all damage promptly.

How often does a roof need to be entirely replaced?

Your roof’s lifespan depends on a few factors, like the material used and how well the roof has been maintained over the years. As a general guideline, you should do a full roof inspection after about 20 years to determine the condition of your roof and the remainder of its lifespan.

Why does my roof need to be replaced if there’s just a little bit of damage?

It depends on how old your roof is and how extensive the damage is. If your roof is more than 20 years old, the cost of repairing it might not be worth it if it will need to be replaced soon anyway. And it’s hard to assess damage at first glance. A small leak coming through the ceiling may indicate major damage to your roof and the rafters and studs in your attic. Having your roof professionally inspected by one of the technicians at A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP can help you get to the root of your roof problems and determine what your best options will be.

Do you also take care of roof maintenance and repairs?

You bet! We have a full-time service department devoted exclusively to roof repair. They’re equipped to handle everything from small, regular maintenance jobs, to extensive emergency repairs. For roofing problems big or small, our technicians are always there for you.

Do you also do siding and eavestrough installations?

We sure do! New siding is a great way to increase your curb appeal and make sure that your home stands out. We’ve got 1 of the largest inventories of exterior products in Edmonton and Calgary, including:

• Aluminum siding
• CanExcel pre-finished siding
• Cedar siding
• Fibre cement siding
• Hardboard siding
• Insulated siding
• Premium cladding systems
• Premium vinyl siding
• And more!

You can also choose from an equally wide selection of eavestroughs systems, fascia, and soffit, like:

• Aluminum fascia
• Aluminum soffit
• Cedar fascia
• Continuous eavestroughs systems
• Hardie soffit
• Smartboard fascia
• Smartboard soffit

For more information, read our blog post on Choosing Your Home’s Siding. With so much to choose from, you’re sure to find the look you’re going for with A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP.

Do you have to remove the old roof? Can’t you just install the new roof over top?

Installing new shingles over top of the old ones might seem like a money-saving shortcut at first glance, but it can end up costing you big time further down the road. The old shingles may be hiding rot and/or ventilation problems that can worsen with time and damage the newly installed roof. And you might end up with an uneven roof that is more vulnerable to damage. But most importantly, you’ll void your manufacturer’s warranty by doing so. It is not recommended.

What does it cost to have a new roof installed?

There are many different factors that go into determining the cost of a roofing project, including the size and shape of your roof, the materials you wish to use, and whether or not there are repairs that need to be done first. We would be more than happy to provide you with a free estimate so you can come up with a budget.

What’s the longest lasting roofing material that you carry?

Different materials come with different lifespans. Take a look at the averages below:

• Asphalt— 25-50 years
• Wood— 15-30 years
• Slate— 30-100 years
• Metal— 40-50, or more, years

Keep in mind that these are only averages. The life of your roof also depends on the weather—which can be unpredictable in Alberta—and how much maintenance you do each year. There are also different levels of quality available for each material listed, which come with different levels of durability.

How do I decide which roofing material is right for my home?

Just like many major purchases, there are a number of different factors that you should consider before making a decision. To get an idea of what type of roofing material would look good on your home, you can look at the other houses in your neighbourhood, consider the style of your house and the overall look that you want to create, and of course,  take your own personal tastes into account.

How many different types of roofing materials are there?

When it comes to roofing materials, there are a ton of choices out there. There’s the always popular asphalt fibreglass shingles, or metal roofing, recycled composite, cedar shakes, and more. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP always uses the best quality products on all our roofing projects.