Best Roofing Materials for Calgary's Climate

Calgary sees temperature swings of 50°C or more, sometimes within a single day during a chinook. At over 1,000 metres elevation, UV exposure is also significantly higher than at sea level. Roofing materials need to handle expansion, contraction, hail, and high wind.

Architectural asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice — affordable, widely available, with 30–50 year warranties. Look for impact-resistant (IR) rated shingles if you're in a hail-prone zone.

Standing-seam metal is increasingly popular for its longevity (50+ years), snow-shedding ability, and excellent hail resistance when impact-rated.

Synthetic slate and shake products offer the look of premium materials with much better UV and cold-weather durability.