the big 5 blog
Exterior Home Maintenance Articles
Practical advice for Albertan property owners created by a company born here. Boom to bust, we have Albertan’s backs.
The Best Type of Siding for Your Home
Here are the best siding types for starter, move-up, and estate homes—courtesy of the experts at Big 5 Exteriors. We show you what materials work best for each home type and why so that you can invest with confidence.
Your Roof Warranty Explained: Types, Lengths, and FAQs
When you’re ready to start your next roofing project, you need to know the roof warranty options available to you. The Big 5 Exteriors team breaks down the different roof warranty types, lengths, and other details about roof warranties so you can make an informed decision for your home.
What’s the Best Roof Shingles Brand in Canada?
Canadians have lots of options when it comes to roof shingles, so finding the best brand can be challenging. Let Big 5 Exteriors show you why we recommend BP Mystique or Malarkey shingles for most homes in the Calgary area.
Why the Alu-Rex Gutter Guard Is the Best Way to Keep your Eavestroughs Clean
Keep your gutters free from leaves and debris all year round with little to no maintenance required? It’s not a joke; it’s the Alu-Rex leaf-free gutter system. Let the experienced team of professionals at Big 5 Exteriors show you why this is the best way to guard your roof’s drainage system.
Is Your Home’s Exterior “Calgary Cold Front” Ready?
How should you make your downspouts and eavestroughs ready for winter in Calgary? What about your siding and the rest of your home? Let the experienced exteriors team at Big 5 show you in this step-by-step guide to making sure a cold snap won’t affect your investment.
How to Measure Gutter Size for Your Home
What do you need to measure the right gutter size for your home, how should you do it, and why? Learn all this and more in this guide from Big 5 so that you can make sure your roof’s drainage system functions properly.
Seasonal Guide: Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Now that the summer heat is dying down it’s time to prep your house for the colder climate. Here’s the Fall maintenance checklist to avoid any weather damage.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Soffit
Soffit plays an important role in how your home’s exterior and attic is protected from moisture, debris, and pests. Here’s the homeowner’s guide to soffit.
Living Through a Roof Replacement: What to Expect, What to Look For, & What to Do Once It’s Done
Summary: Prepare your property by ensuring pets are...
The Complete Guide to Shingles (& What Type Is Best for You)
Summary: Various shingle types, such as asphalt, metal,...
Claiming House Damage: How to Work with Insurance Companies & Contractors
What should you do if your house has suffered damage? Learn about filing a claim with your insurance company and working with contractors here.
Hail Season Can Damage Your Roof: Here’s What to Look For
Summary: Hail season can cause damage to roofs in Alberta...
6 Gorgeous Homes with Vinyl & Hardie Board Siding
Summary: Vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners...
Sure Signs You Need to Replace Your Eavestroughs
Summary: Neglecting eavestroughs risks costly damage;...
Vinyl Siding vs. Wood Siding vs. Hardie Board Siding vs. Stucco
Vinyl, wood, Hardie board, and stucco all perform differently in Calgary’s climate. Here’s your guide to choosing between them when you’re buying new siding for your home, courtesy of the pros at Big 5 Exteriors.
What Water Does When it Sits at the Base of Your Foundation (& How Your Eavestrough Can Help)
Summary: Water can cause damage to a home's foundation,...
Seasonal Guide: Winter Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Summary: Roof Maintenance: Assess for damaged shingles...
Seasonal Guide: Summer Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
Summary: Summer is an ideal time of the year for...
Seasonal Guide: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist (Alberta Edition)
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and hats and mitts are packed away; spring has sprung. It’s never too early to check off a few items on that spring maintenance checklist. The cold, snowy winter can do some real damage to parts of your home’s exterior. That’s why when spring rolls around don’t waste any time getting outside to see what needs to be done.
Is Your Roof Saying That It’s Time For a Replacement?
Your roof is what separates you from the extreme Albertan elements by acting as a lid on top of your home. Much like other lids, when a hole is present or damage has occurred, it doesn’t take much for liquid to penetrate.