Your gutter system funnels rainwater off your roof and towards a designated drainage area, keeping your foundation and your home free of water damage. However, if you’re a regular gardener, this water may seem wasted. Adding a couple of rain barrels to your eavestrough system can help minimize your water usage. Today, we’ll look at four benefits of adding rain barrels as part of your water collection system.

Rainwater is untreated with the chemicals and minerals found in tap water. This makes it better for your plants and your yard. Over time, the minerals from tap water can build up in the soil, decreasing the fertility of your garden. Using rainwater will keep your plants and your soil healthier in the long run.
Much of the treated water in our city contains a higher concentration of salts than rainwater. These salts can dry out your pet’s skin and hair, giving them a horribly itchy coat after a bath. Using the rainwater collected in your rain barrel to bathe your four-legged friend eliminates this problem.
Rain barrels can decrease your water bill. You’ve probably noticed the significant increase in your water utility bill when you start working on your garden. Rain barrels give you access to water that otherwise would have run off into a drainage area, reducing your reliance on city water, reducing your monthly bill.
Just about any home can make use of a rain barrel!

If you want to set up a rain barrel for use in your garden and around your home, call Urban Siding today. We can direct your eavestroughs and downspouts to the rain barrel without compromising the rest of your rain gutter system. Contact us today to learn more!

Installing a new roof is an opportunity to change the look of your home. At Urban Siding, we work with a variety of materials to give you the roof you want. Clay tiles make a great addition to any home and can suit a wide array of architectural styles. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits and disadvantages of clay tiles.

The Pros:

Clay tiles are long-lasting. Unlike asphalt or cedar shingles, clay tiles won’t break down, weakening the integrity of your roofing system.
Insects and pests won’t damage clay tile, making it a perfect choice in areas full of wildlife that seek refuge in attics.
Tile requires very little maintenance because it does not break down due to regular weather conditions.
Tile roofs are fireproof. If you live in an area prone to wildfires and dangerous embers, tile may protect your home from fire damage.

The Cons:

Clay tiles are heavy. Some roof frames may not be able to support the weight of the tile. If this is the case, you’ll need to reinforce the framework, adding to the cost of replacing your roof.
Tiles are more fragile than asphalt shingles, making them more prone to hail and storm damage. Additionally, clay tiles need to be serviced by roofing contractors experienced in working with them. Contractors who are unfamiliar with how to walk on the tiles may crack them and damage your roof.
Clay tiles are one of the more expensive roofing options. However, they’re designed to last, so if you’re planning on staying in your home for many years to come, they may still be a worthwhile investment.

If you’re interested in installing a clay tile roof in your Calgary home, contact Urban Siding today. Our experts will install the roof you need while staying within your budget. If you’ve already received a quote from another roofing company in Calgary, give us a call. We’ll beat their quote by 5 percent!

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.

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.

Now that winter has passed, many people in the Calgary area are looking to replace their old or damaged roof. Replacing your roof is not a simple undertaking. Your old roof has to be removed and new material laid down. However, before you get the replacement, you’ll have to pick out the right material for your new roof. While your contractor will be able to offer suggestions based on your budget, having an idea of what you’re looking for can help expedite the process. Here are a few things to consider before you schedule your estimate.

Appearance

Your roof’s appearance will largely depend on the type of shingle you select. Wood shingles give a more rustic look while metal sheeting provides a contemporary and durable style. If you want a more standard look, consider using asphalt shingles. These shingles are available in a wide range of colors sure to tie in with your home’s look.

Material

Roofing materials are all designed to protect your home, but some offer distinct benefits over others. Metal roofs offer fire and wind resistance, but can be damaged by hail. Wood shingles require frequent maintenance, but are great for windy areas. If you’re unsure of what you need, ask your Urban Siding roofer for advice.

Budget

Your budget will often be a determining factor in the type of material you choose for your roof. While wood shingles give your home a natural look, they’re more expensive than asphalt options. Fortunately, many asphalt shingles can mimic the aesthetics of more expensive material, making it easier to achieve the look you want without going over budget.