Calgary Roofing Company

What Siding Material is the Best?

Siding is a huge part of your home’s exterior, as it keeps you and your family safe from the elements. But did you know that there are also many different types of materials? If not, now’s the perfect time to learn about them to make an informed decision when it comes time for your home improvement project. Learn what materials you can find for siding in Calgary here! 

Siding Material in Calgary

Types of Materials Used for Siding in Calgary

 

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is the most common type of exterior siding in the world. It’s lightweight and easy to install, which makes it one of the most affordable materials available. Vinyl is also very durable, so it will last a long time before needing any repairs or replacements. Vinyl comes in various colours to match your home’s style and personality. You can get vinyl in traditional wood grain patterns, like cedar shake or shingle, smooth surfaces that resemble stone (like marble), and even textured finishes like a brick.

 

Wood Siding

Wood siding is another popular choice for homeowners. It’s made from thin sheets of wood and can last for decades without needing major repairs. You can choose to paint or stain it to match the colour of your home or add some contrast to its appearance. It comes in many styles and colours, so you’ll surely find something that fits your taste!

Metal Siding

Metal siding is your best bet if you live in a hot and humid climate or a cold and dry climate. This material will be able to withstand harsh weather conditions easily. They are typically installed on homes that are exposed to high winds as well as strong rainfalls. In addition to being durable, metal siding adds beauty to any home since it comes in various colours and textures.

Brick Siding

Brick siding is another ideal choice for homeowners. It’s a classic look that is easy to maintain and looks great on homes with a colonial or modern style. It can be installed vertically, as you might see in an older home or horizontally, giving it an updated look.

Fibre Cement Siding

Fibre cement siding is a popular choice for exterior siding because it’s durable and low maintenance. It’s made of a mixture of calcium-based cement, sand and cellulose fibres bonded together with water. The material has a look and feel of wood but is more resistant to moisture. This material also works well in coastal areas where wind and salt are common problems, as it will not rot like wood or corrode like metal.

For the most part, vinyl siding remains a popular option compared to other types of siding materials. If you are looking for the most durable, lightweight, and affordable exterior siding, vinyl siding is your best bet. It’s an excellent option for homeowners with a limited budget who want to make their homes look attractive without spending too much. However, depending on your preferences and needs, any of these materials will do your home justice! 

Cleaning your eavestroughs is crucial to the safety of your home. If your home needs eavestrough repair, installation or maintenance, contact the professionals at Alpine Eavestrough. We’d love to hear from you.

Siding Eavestrough Calgary

Signs You Need Siding Work Done

Siding can help transform your home’s look and protect it from weather, but this exterior covering can wear down over time and require replacement. If you’re wondering whether you need it replaced, consider these signs that indicate it’s time to call a Calgary siding contractor.

Signs to Call a Calgary Siding Contractor

Siding Calgary
Siding of a home.

Cracks & Gaps Are Appearing

Cracks can be dangerous, letting water into the insides of your walls, potentially causing damage to your home, health and belongings. As a rule of thumb, any cracks in the siding should be repaired within 90 days to prevent huge problems. If you live in a region prone to earthquakes or have older siding cracked over time, look for gaps between your siding and windows or doors.

Broken or Loose Trim

Trim, such as molding, is placed on the exterior of your home to add a decorative touch and help maintain the integrity of your home exterior. Broken trim should be replaced, especially if it’s not secured with nails, because it can allow water to accumulate underneath and cause damage. If you want to know whether the trim needs replacing or not, check for broken nails and gaps between the siding and trim. 

Peeling Paint

Siding and trim lose their ability to protect your home from weather and other toxins, like mold and mildew, and will start to decay as you see chipping paint. Peeling paint can also be a sign it is rotting or becoming brittle. If you see peeling paint on your siding, look for cracks, gaps or other damage in addition to replacing the colour. 

Cracked or Broken Windows & Doors.

Windows and doors are more than just openings for light and keeping the outside world outside. Hinges, window glass, frames and other parts should be in good condition to keep the opening secure and standing strong. If you notice cracks or gaps in your exterior doors or windows or broken pieces such as handles, it’s time to call a siding contractor to replace what needs replacing before it causes damage.

Siding Is Coming Off Your Home’s Frame

Though the siding might be in good condition, it will start to come away from your home because of weakness or rot. The siding might not just be peeling or falling off, but actually being torn or coming away from your home, which can have serious implications. You could experience broken windows and doors if the siding comes loose, water infiltration that further damages your home and health issues like mold exposure that can make you sick. 

Rotten Wood & Rot Stains

Siding and trim also deteriorate from the chemical compounds in wood that cause decay, including wood rot and mold. The only way to know whether your siding is decaying naturally or needs replacement is by checking the quality of your wood. If you have damaged siding because of rotting wood, it’s time to replace what needs replacing before the rest of your home is affected.

Cleaning your eavestroughs is crucial to the safety of your home. If your home needs eavestrough repair, installation or maintenance, contact the professionals at Alpine Eavestrough. We’d love to hear from you.

Phone: 403-242-7868

Multicolored vinyl siding with simulated wood texture. Plastic wall covering for exterior decoration of house. Abstract background for your design

The Best Vinyl Siding on the Market

The path to finding the best vinyl siding on the market is not a straightforward one. Indeed, there are many top brands that compete on relatively equal footing for the title. Plus, the criteria for what constitutes “best” in terms of siding is varied and immeasurable. Therefore, you need not look for the best vinyl siding, but rather the top contenders.

Many siding companies in Calgary and elsewhere are proud of the materials they produce and stand behind their outstanding quality, but we will only look at three of them today. These companies are James Hardie, Alcoa and CertainTeed. Each one of these magnificent manufacturers provides something unique and valuable with their particular brand of siding, and they all deserve a portion of your attention.

Here Are Three Excellent Siding Companies, Calgary!

James Hardie

Our first siding company is James Hardie board siding . They produce a fibre cement siding that mimics traditional vinyl siding’s look and feel, but with a more natural look. Plus, the material difference allows them to offer exceptional variety in colour, which is fantastic for people looking to find a specific colour.

However, James Hardie also provides other benefits. For example, the fibre cement is more durable than vinyl, making it easier to clean with pressure washing equipment and heavier-duty alternatives to handwashing. As well, many people celebrate the material as an excellent replacement for cedar boards because of the similarities in texture and colour.

 

Alcoa

Alcoa is a business with a very long history. They began in 1888 and continue to provide exceptional quality through stylish, colourful product offerings. However, it is the environmental considerations of this company that make them a contender for the best vinyl siding on the market.

Firstly, all of their products are recycled material, which dramatically reduces their environmental impact. Additionally, they engineer energy-efficiency into all of their siding materials. This method is a boon for the homeowner and builder alike. Overall, Alcoa’s classic architectural look makes them a healthy all-around choice for siding companies in Calgary

CertainTeed

The final company on our list is CertainTeed. They are well known for their unique shapes, such as their half round cedar shingling. Plus, they also have an environmentally-conscious manufacturing approach, which can be seen in their new solar roofing tiles and National Green Building Standards (NGBS) approval. 

However, the benefits do not end there for CertainTeed. They differentiate themselves from the competition with affordable pricing. Although that means you may end up getting what you pay for in some circumstances, they are a great choice for building contractors throughout the country.  

An African-American man on a ladder and fixing vinyl siding on a house
Alpine Exteriors – Siding and Roofing 148 Fairview Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1B2 +14032427868

Cleaning your eavestroughs is crucial to the safety of your home. If your home needs eavestrough repair, installation or maintenance, contact the professionals at Alpine Eavestrough. We’d love to hear from you.

Phone: 403-242-7868

Alpine Exteriors – Siding and Roofing 148 Fairview Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1B2 +14032427868
James Hardie siding

Everything You Need To Know About James Hardie Siding

Looking for an extremely durable and attractive siding option for your home? Consider James Hardie siding. This popular choice offers a number of benefits to homeowners.

Here’s what you need to know about James Hardie siding in Calgary

What is James Hardie Siding?

James Hardie siding is the most popular type of fibre cement siding in North America. Fibre cement siding is made of wood pulp and silica sand or fly ash bound together with cement.

Types of James Hardie Siding

Your siding should complement your home, so one advantage offered by James Hardie siding in Calgary is the range of siding styles. It’s available in plank, shingle, panel, and artisan styles with various options in each style. You can also choose to get it primed and painted after installation or get it factory-finished with one of their colour options. This provides a stronger finish that typically lasts longer than traditional paint.

 James Hardie siding calgary

Advantages of James Hardie Siding

Fibre cement siding offers numerous advantages. It’s highly resistant to cracking, fading, warping, and fire and heat. It’s also strong and thick and resistant to damage in general. The maintenance requirements are minimal and manufacturer warranties are lengthy, usually 30 years. It offers a great return on investment for homeowners and is receptive to deep stylish embossing. James Hardie siding in Calgary is also a greener, more sustainable option. It’s more expensive upfront than some siding options like vinyl, but typically is more affordable in the long run.

The Importance of Proper Installation

To get the most out of your James Hardie siding, choose a professional Calgary roofing company. This is particularly important if you choose a pre-finished product because all the open edges must be properly caulked and sealed.

When choosing a siding for your home, be sure to consider James Hardie.

Cleaning your eavestroughs is crucial to the safety of your home. If your home needs eavestrough repair, installation or maintenance, contact the professionals at Alpine Eavestrough. We’d love to hear from you.

Phone:  403-242-7868

cleaning vinyl sliding

How to Properly Clean Vinyl Siding

Keeping your home looking its best means keeping the siding clean. If your siding is vinyl, you’re in luck. This type of siding is easy to maintain and durable, so it can look great for years. Here’s how to clean vinyl siding.

Prepare a Siding Cleaning Solution

There are a number of cleaning solutions that you can mix up using common household products. The most basic is a solution of 70 percent water and 30 percent white vinegar. It makes a great all-purpose cleaner that can handle light mildew and mould stains. For something a little stronger, combine a third cup of powdered laundry detergent and two-thirds cup of powdered household cleaner with one quart liquid laundry bleach and a gallon of water. You can also purchase solutions formulated for use on siding and eavestrough in Calgary.

Hand Clean Your Vinyl Siding for Best Results

The best method for cleaning vinyl siding is by hand. Spray down the siding with a hose, then use a soft-bristled brush or a soft cloth dipped in a cleaning solution to scrub from the bottom to the top by your eavestrough in Calgary. Rinse each section as you go from top to bottom.

Pressure Wash Your Vinyl Siding in Calgary

Depending on your siding, you may also be able to use a pressure washer to clean it. Always check and follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you want to go this route. Some manufacturers don’t recommend pressure washing and others do only at certain pressure levels. If you can use a pressure washer on your siding and eavestrough in Calgary, always use caution and keep the water pointed straight at the siding so you don’t get water behind it.

Now that you know how to clean vinyl siding, give the exterior of your home a little attention and help it look its best.