Flat Roofers Calgary | Calgary is known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant urban life, but its weather is no friend to your roof. With dramatic shifts in temperature, heavy snowfalls, strong winds, and intense hailstorms, roofing in Calgary is a challenge. Understanding how the city’s unique weather conditions impact your roof can help you make informed decisions to extend its lifespan and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
In this blog, we’ll explore the effects of Calgary’s weather on your roof, with a special focus on flat roofs. We’ll also provide you with expert advice on what to do about it.
1. The Freeze-Thaw Cycle: A Major Threat
Calgary’s weather is notorious for its wild temperature fluctuations, even within a single day. These sudden shifts create a phenomenon known as the freeze-thaw cycle, which can significantly damage your roof, especially if you have a flat roof. When water from rain or melting snow seeps into cracks or joints and then freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause materials like shingles or membrane systems to crack or loosen.
Impact on Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are particularly vulnerable because they tend to retain more water. Without adequate drainage, water can pool on the surface, leading to leaks and structural damage. For homeowners with flat roofs, hiring professional flat roofers Calgary is essential for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure proper drainage and repair any minor cracks before they become a major issue.
Solutions:
- Install Proper Drainage Systems: Ensure that your flat roof has enough drainage outlets to prevent pooling.
- Regular Inspections: Have a professional inspect your roof at least twice a year—especially after the winter season.
- Quick Repairs: Address any signs of cracking or water pooling immediately.
2. Heavy Snowfalls: The Weight Problem
Winter in Calgary brings with it substantial snowfall. While a light dusting of snow won’t cause much harm, heavy and frequent snowfalls can place immense pressure on your roof. This added weight can lead to sagging, leaks, or even structural failure if the snow is not properly removed.
How It Affects Flat Roofs
Unlike sloped roofs, which naturally shed snow, flat roofs bear the full brunt of accumulated snow. The risk of collapse increases if snow builds up beyond the roof’s load capacity, especially in older buildings where roofs may not have been designed to handle today’s heavier snowfalls.
Solutions:
- Snow Removal: Remove excess snow regularly, but be cautious—using the wrong tools can damage the roof’s surface. It’s often best to hire professionals.
- Reinforce Your Roof: If you know your flat roof is prone to issues from heavy snow, consider reinforcing the structure before winter hits.
3. Calgary’s Hailstorms: The Roof Killer
Calgary has earned the unfortunate reputation of being a hailstorm hotspot. Hailstones in the area can be as large as golf balls, and these storms cause millions of dollars in damage annually. Even roofs with the sturdiest materials can suffer from the relentless pounding of hail.
Impact on Flat Roofs
Hail can cause dents and punctures in flat roofing materials, especially if your roof is made from less durable materials like modified bitumen or TPO membranes. These small punctures can lead to water infiltration and ultimately cause extensive internal damage.
Solutions:
- Hail-Resistant Roofing Materials: Consider upgrading to a hail-resistant material, such as a thicker membrane or a built-up roof (BUR) system with gravel that can help absorb the impact of hailstones.
- Post-Storm Inspections: After every hailstorm, have a professional inspect your roof for any signs of damage, even if it seems minor at first glance.
4. Intense UV Exposure: A Silent Roof Destroyer
Calgary experiences a significant number of sunny days each year, but with that sunshine comes UV exposure. Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can degrade roofing materials, causing them to become brittle and crack. This is a long-term issue that can be hard to detect until it has already caused significant damage.
How UV Affects Flat Roofs
Flat roofs, especially those with materials like EPDM (rubber) or TPO, are directly exposed to the sun’s rays without the benefit of sloping to help reduce exposure. Prolonged UV exposure can dry out the roof’s surface, leading to cracks and a weakened overall structure.
Solutions:
- Reflective Coatings: Apply a reflective coating to your flat roof to minimize UV damage. These coatings not only protect the material but can also reduce energy costs by keeping your building cooler in the summer.
- Regular Maintenance: Make sure to check for any signs of cracking or drying out, especially in areas that receive direct sunlight throughout the day.
5. Strong Winds: The Underestimated Culprit
Strong winds are common in Calgary, especially during the Chinook winds that sweep across the city. These winds can lift and dislodge roofing materials, particularly on flat roofs where the lack of slope allows the wind to catch the edges more easily.
Impact on Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are especially susceptible to wind damage, as winds can cause the roofing membrane to loosen, leading to seams opening up or even parts of the membrane being torn away. Once the wind gets beneath the membrane, it can cause significant structural damage.
Solutions:
- Secure Roofing Systems: Use high-quality adhesives and secure fasteners that can withstand Calgary’s strong winds.
- Edge Securement: Ensure that the edges of the roofing membrane are well-secured, as these are the most vulnerable to wind uplift.
- Windbreaks: If possible, install windbreaks or barriers around the building to reduce the direct impact of high winds on the roof.
6. Rain and Moisture: The Leaky Roof
While Calgary is relatively dry, the city still experiences periods of heavy rain, particularly during the summer months. Poor drainage and roof defects can allow water to seep into your roofing system, leading to leaks, mould growth, and damage to the underlying structure.
Impact on Flat Roofs
Flat roofs, by design, don’t shed water as effectively as sloped roofs. Without proper drainage systems, rainwater can pool on the surface, increasing the risk of leaks. Over time, constant exposure to moisture can degrade the roof’s membrane, leading to costly water damage.
Solutions:
- Upgrade Drainage Systems: Install or upgrade your roof’s drainage system to ensure water doesn’t collect on the surface. Consider scuppers, drains, or tapered insulation to guide water to the drains.
- Waterproof Membrane: Consider applying a waterproofing layer to your flat roof to enhance its resistance to Calgary’s periodic rainfalls.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared with the Right Maintenance
The weather in Calgary can be tough on your roof, but with the right preparation and maintenance, you can minimize the damage and extend the life of your roof. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and choosing the right materials for Calgary’s climate will ensure your roof stands up to everything nature throws at it.
For flat roof owners, hiring experienced flat roofers in Calgary is essential to address the unique challenges posed by the city’s harsh weather conditions. Proactive care will not only protect your investment but also save you from more costly repairs in the long run.