Roofing & siding frequently asked questions

Air must escape, or moisture can become trapped in your attic and roof. Trapped moisture can lead to all sorts of problems, such as:

• 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
• Attic rain damage

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

Look for a company with a solid reputation and many years of experience, like A. Clark Roofing & Siding.

We have over 60 years of experience with A+ ratings with the BBB and the CHBA (Canadian Homebuilders Association). We’re confident in the expertise of our technicians that we even back up all our work with a 5 or 10 year workmanship warranty with some warranty upgrades up to a lifetime workmanship warranty. We also carry full WCB coverage and fully insure all of our technicians, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

When heat escapes from the home to the roof, the snow on the roof melts then freezes where it is colder (often the leaves, but not always). This ice forms a dam which backs up meltwater and finds its way back up into the roof or penetration and causes a leak. Prevent ice dams with proper insulation, ventilation and other controls.

Algae rarely interfere with the performance of shingles, but it can be unsightly. Many new shingles are algae-resistant, so if you are about due for a new roof, 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 (which has zinc coating) near the roof ridge to inhibit algae growth.
• Avoid contacting nearby plant life or shrubbery; rinse the affected area with 1 part chlorine bleach, three parts water, and 250ml trisodium phosphate to kill the algae and clean the area. Repeat this application every three years.
• Having the roof professionally cleaned.

North-facing sections of roofs 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 roof areas that don’t get as much sun as the south-facing areas.

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 result in further damage to your roof and severe harm to your person.

A. Clark is unique among other Edmonton and Calgary roofing and siding companies in that we have more than 70 years of experience and offer a 5 or 10 year workmanship warranty with some warranty upgrades up to a lifetime workmanship warranty. In addition to our guarantee of 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 unique terms and conditions, so make sure you check the fine print.

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 significant damage may take only a couple of days, while a larger, more complicated roof with extensive damage might take weeks.

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

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.

It depends on how old your roof is and how extensive the damage is. If your roof is over 20 years old, 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 through the ceiling may indicate significant 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 can help you get to the root of your roof problems and determine your best options.

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. Our technicians are always available for you for roofing problems.

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

• Vinyl Siding
• Composite Siding
• Cedar siding
• Metal Siding and Metal Cladding
• 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

With so much to choose from, you’re sure to find the look you’re going for with A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP.

Installing new shingles over top of the old ones might seem like a money-saving shortcut at first glance, but it can cost you big time further down the road. The old shingles may hide 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. It is not recommended.

Many factors 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 are happy to provide you with a free estimate so you can come up with a budget.

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

• Asphalt— 20-50 years
• Wood— 15-50 years
• Concrete/Slate— 30-50 or more 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 varying levels of durability.

Just like many major purchases, there are several 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 you want to create, and of course, take your tastes into account.

When it comes to roofing materials, there are many choices out there. There are always popular asphalt fibreglass shingles, 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.

We have locations in Calgary and Edmonton and provide services in their surrounding areas.

Roofing contractors with plenty of experience and superior workmanship. Our technicians and roofing contractors have over 100 years of combined experience in roofing and siding, earning us a reputation for quality and trustworthiness.

Roof repairs become less cost-efficient when it leaks than a complete roof replacement.

Before and after the winter months, as this season can be the most taxing to your roof.

The average roof replacement cost is around $8,000.00, depending on your needs. If you need a quote, our experienced team can provide a free, no-obligation estimate.

We install various roofing systems, from asphalt fibreglass shingles to metal tiles. We guarantee you a new, modern roof you’ll love for years.

Yes, We are also a preferred contractor for insurance claim inspections, repairs, and replacements.

We recommend doing so to prevent your roof from getting too heavy, but it depends on the materials used. Contact us for more information.

Having your roof professionally inspected is the easiest way to determine whether you should opt for roof repair or an entire roof replacement.

When we evaluate the best approach to your roof problem, we can help you determine whether a roof repair or replacement is the best course of action. We will always try to maintain the integrity of your roof through a simple repair.

There are several signs to watch for to indicate that your roof needs some attention, including:

1. Curled, cracked or missing shingles
2. Wet and dark shingles
3. Gutters full of shingle granules
4. Cracking, tearing, bubbling or blistering on flat roofs
5. Excessive pooling of water
6. Excessive discoloration
7. Peeling exterior paint due to moisture
8. Water stains on walls and ceiling

If your roof is still relatively young and only has minor issues, such as missing shingles, you may only have to replace it partially. Timely and professional roof repair can help your roof last for several more years.

Roof repairs can vary depending on the damage, the materials used, the size, etc. We will gladly provide a free estimate, or you can contact A. Clark Roofing & Siding.

With over 70 years of operating in the local region, our experienced roofing team has worked on many repair projects and can confidently and accurately communicate with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure your insurance claim for your roof repairs has been made.

Taking care of this process for you ensures you aren’t left with any extra stresses when already faced with an accident or emergency roof situation in your home.

The most obvious answer to this question is when it leaks, but most people will want to do a roof replacement before their interior gets damaged. And in some cases, you may not see the water penetrating through the interior for years, depending on the amount of water and vapour barriers. This gap in actual water penetration and awareness of the problem can be long enough for mould and other issues to arise.

Another common situation is when roof repairs become less cost-efficient than a complete replacement. Or if the roof is just starting to look very unappealing, as appearances do hold weight for resale value. Some insurance companies may not give hail or storm insurance to older roofs.

When we evaluate the best approach to your roof problem, we can help you determine whether a roof repair or replacement is the best course of action. We will always try to maintain the integrity of your roof through a simple repair, and we will be honest if there is no need to replace your roof.

Each type of roof shows wear differently and for different reasons. Metal roofs will need to be replaced if there is excessive rust, loose fasteners and broken seals, but they may just need repairs depending on the scope of these issues. Metal roofs can also be repaired with re-ply roofing products instead of a full roof replacement, saving time and money in the long run.

Like metal roofs, Cedar roofs and tile roofs tend to split, crack and come loose. Cedar roofs also start to cup or fray.

Call us as soon as it becomes clear that a roof repair is in your future, or get a free quote. Our full-time roof experts are standing by and available to help when you need it.