When upgrading the siding on your home, you have a variety of choices to choose from. Over the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of homeowners opting for vinyl siding. At Urban Siding, we believe that vinyl siding makes a fantastic addition to any home’s exterior. Today, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of vinyl siding.

The Pros:

Vinyl siding is easy to install, saving you money on installation costs. Our experts at Urban Siding will install your vinyl siding as quickly as we can, reducing any inconvenience and saving you time and money.
Siding is available in a wide variety of colors to suit your aesthetic desires. Unlike paint that chips and fades, vinyl’s coloring is designed to last, even against sun fading and heat damage. This siding does not require seasonal painting in order to maintain its vibrant color.
It’s available in a variety of finishes. Whether you’re wanting to preserve the look and texture of your wood siding, or want a sleek and easy to clean option, vinyl will work for your home. You don’t have to settle on a finish you don’t want in order to install vinyl siding.

The Cons:

Vinyl can be damaged by severe weather. Because vinyl is not impact-resistant, strong winds and flying debris can leave large dents in your siding.
You will need to clean it. Vinyl can get just as dirty as wood siding and requires regular cleaning in order to preserve the color of your siding.
It’s not waterproof. Like most siding, vinyl is not waterproof and should be inspected regularly for signs of water damage.

If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s siding, vinyl can be a fantastic option for your home. Contact the experts at Urban Siding today. We’re proud to be your trusted local siding company in Calgary.

Damaged shingles can spell disaster for your roof. Leaks, pests, and damage to the insulation of your attic can all result from damaged shingles. Hail, wind, and extreme weather all place your asphalt shingles at risk. One of the most easily identifiable signs of damage is curling.

What is Curling?

Yes, curling is a fantastic sport, but it’s also an early warning sign of roof damage. When asphalt shingles are damaged, their edges curl up or under the shingle, giving the appearance that the material is bent. When left untreated, these shingles pose a hazard to your roof’s integrity, increasing the risk of leaks and wind damage.

What Causes Curling?

There are many causes of curling shingles.

Exposure to continuous dry and wet cycles causes moisture to accumulate on the underside of the shingle as it never evaporates completely. This can cause the edges of the shingle to curl up.
During snowy periods, the shingles may curl due to the low temperature. When snow sits on the roof, the temperature of the shingles lowers to the point that the surface material contracts and bends while the underside struggles to remain flat.
Poor installation can lead to curling. If the shingle was not nailed down properly, the shingle may move over time, placing strain on the material.
Poor roof ventilation causes a buildup of moisture in the attic. As the moisture condenses, it can accumulate on the underlayment and the shingles, resulting in a curled shingle.
Improperly installed adhesive keeps the shingle from laying flat against the roof. Over time, exposure to weather and changing conditions will cause the shingle to expand and contract.

The best way to prevent curling is routine maintenance. Having a licensed roofer, like the experts at Urban Siding, inspect your roof twice a year will go a long way in reducing your risk of leaks.

Crazy winters and wet summers can wreak havoc on your home’s siding, causing damage and warping that weakens the integrity of the material. In a previous blog, we discussed five signs of siding damage to watch for. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace the siding. At Urban Siding, we work with a wide array of siding materials and want to help you make the right choice for your home. Here’s a brief overview of the types of siding we work with:

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is a great material for those looking for minimal maintenance and incredible durability. This material comes in a variety of different colors, is dent resistant, and does not require routine painting to maintain its appearance.

Wood Siding and Cedar Shakes

A favorite among Craftsman style homes, this siding provides a natural, classic look that is incredibly durable and offers fantastic insulating properties. Wood is easily stained or painted to achieve the look you’re going for.

Aluminum Siding

Like vinyl siding, aluminum siding resists corrosion due to water damage or moisture. Additionally, it is resistant to pests and will not fall prey to termite damage. Aluminum also offers excellent insulation against heat loss in the winter, making it a fantastic choice for your Airdrie home.

Composite Siding

Composite siding is made a combination of materials to create a durable and versatile siding option. Depending on your home, Urban Siding can help you determine which type of composite siding will work best for your structure. As with the other options, composite siding comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

If you have questions about your home’s siding, or believe it’s time to replace your old siding, send us a message today. Urban Siding offers free on-site estimates for your Airdrie home.

Choosing the right type of shingle for your home is an important step in replacing your old or damaged roof. While there are many materials available, each has its own distinct benefits and downsides. Today, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of wood shingles.

The Pros

Wood shingles provide a natural roof style with a distinct character unlike more common asphalt shingles. Over time, the color will fade from the light cedar brown to a silver gray, giving your home a classic look.
These shingles are available in a variety of sizes to work with your roof and design.
Wood shingles are incredibly light and will not require additional structural improvements to support the weight of the roof. Materials like clay tiles and slate often require reinforcement of the roof structure due to the increased weight of materials.
When properly treated, wood shingles are less likely to sustain damage from storms and may last longer than asphalt shingles.

The Cons

Wood shingles are more expensive than metal and asphalt shingles due to the cost of material and difficulty of installation. While many people are able to install asphalt shingles, it takes more experience to properly install wood shingles on a roof.
They require more frequent maintenance than other roofing materials due to the porous nature of the wood. Over time, mold and lichen will build up on the shingles and must be cleaned to prevent damage.
Wood shingles are less likely to resist pests. Just like wood siding, shingles are vulnerable to termite damage and may need to be replaced if the damage is extensive.

When you’re ready to upgrade your roof’s appearance, talk to the experts at Urban Siding.