By Tom Bailey, Owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exterior
As someone who has called Calgary home for most of my life, I understand how our unique climate puts every part of a home to the test—especially the roof. I started Cowboys Roofing & Exterior with a mission: to help Calgary homeowners protect what matters most, using quality materials and good old-fashioned workmanship. Over the years, I’ve seen just how reliable and energy-efficient metal roofs can be, but only when they’re properly maintained. That’s why I wanted to write this blog—to help you get the most out of your investment.
Whether you’re a new homeowner with a freshly installed steel or aluminum roof, or your metal panels have weathered a few Calgary winters, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your roof in peak condition for decades.
Let’s dive in.
Calgary’s climate throws everything at our homes: blistering summer sun, sub-zero winter temps, heavy snowfall, ice dams, hailstorms, and high winds. That’s why metal roofing has become such a popular option across the city and surrounding areas like Airdrie, Okotoks, and Cochrane.
Metal roofs offer:
Longevity (40–70 years when properly maintained)
Fire resistance
Excellent snow-shedding capabilities
Wind and hail resilience
Energy efficiency (reflective coatings reduce cooling costs)
But even though metal roofs are built to last, they aren’t completely maintenance-free. Letting small issues go unchecked can reduce their lifespan and cost you more in the long run.
Living in Alberta means sudden weather shifts are the norm. After a heavy hailstorm, windstorm, or blizzard, do a visual inspection (from the ground or with binoculars—no need to get on the roof unless you're a pro). Look for:
Dented panels or flashing
Missing fasteners
Displaced snow guards
Scratches or exposed metal (which can lead to rust)
Signs of ice dam formation near eaves or valleys
Tip: If you're unsure what to look for, book a professional inspection. Cowboys Roofing & Exterior offers seasonal inspection services throughout Calgary.
Clogged gutters are a leading cause of water damage—especially when combined with Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles. Debris like pine needles, leaves, and roof granules can block drainage, causing ice dams, backup, or rust at the seams.
✅ Clean out your gutters twice a year—once in spring and again in the fall.
✅ Check for leaks at seams and joints.
✅ Ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
Tree branches, twigs, and other windblown debris can trap moisture and scratch the metal’s protective coating, leading to corrosion over time.
If safe, use a soft broom or leaf blower (never a metal rake) to remove debris. Focus on:
Valleys (where debris tends to collect)
Behind chimneys or vent stacks
Around skylights and solar panels
Pro Tip: If you’re in a heavily treed area like Bearspaw or Springbank, consider more frequent cleaning—especially during fall and after windstorms.
Most Calgary homeowners don’t realize that extreme temperature swings cause metal to expand and contract, which can gradually loosen screws and fasteners.
At least once every 2–3 years, hire a roofing technician to:
Re-tighten exposed fasteners
Replace any missing or rusted screws
Check for rubber washer degradation
This is especially important for older exposed-fastener systems or corrugated roofs.
The sealants around vents, skylights, and flashing points can break down over time due to UV exposure and temperature stress—both of which are frequent here in Calgary.
Look for:
Cracks or shrinkage in caulking
Lifting or gapping flashing
Leaks inside the attic near flashing points
When in doubt, reapply sealant with a roofing-grade product or contact a pro to replace worn materials.
Most metal roofs are coated to resist rust, but scratches, aging, or improperly sealed penetrations can lead to corrosion. If you spot rust:
Clean the affected area with a non-abrasive cleaner
Lightly sand to remove oxidation
Apply a roof-safe metal primer and touch-up paint matching your roof’s coating
Avoid household paints—they don’t adhere well and won’t protect against Calgary’s harsh climate.
Not only do trees drop debris, but during storms they can scratch, dent, or even pierce a metal roof. Keep limbs at least two metres away from the roofline.
Plus, trimming trees helps reduce the chance of animals (like squirrels or raccoons) accessing your roof and creating damage near vents or eaves.
Metal roofs typically shed snow efficiently, but sometimes the snow builds up in valleys, around chimneys, or along north-facing slopes.
Excess weight can stress the roofing structure—especially in older homes or homes with lower pitches.
Consider:
Installing snow guards or snow rails to manage sliding snow
Using a roof rake with a telescopic handle to clear snow from key areas (never stand on the roof yourself)
Watching for signs of sagging, creaking, or leaking
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles are notorious for creating ice dams. Though metal roofs are less prone to ice damming than shingles, it can still occur—especially if:
Your attic is poorly insulated or ventilated
Gutters are clogged
Roof valleys collect excess meltwater
Combat this with:
Proper attic ventilation
Heated cables in problem areas
Professional insulation upgrades if necessary
Many Calgary homes have painted steel or standing seam metal roofs with protective coatings like Kynar 500 or SMP (Silicone-Modified Polyester). These coatings:
Improve UV resistance
Prevent chalking and fading
Add visual appeal
To maintain their look:
Wash your metal roof every 1–2 years using mild soap and a soft brush
Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washing
Spot-treat bird droppings, tree sap, and airborne pollutants quickly
When it comes to metal roof maintenance in Calgary, what you don’t do can be just as important as what you do.
🚫 Don’t walk on your roof unless absolutely necessary – Metal can be slippery, and missteps can cause dents or scuffs. Always call a professional if inspection or repairs are needed.
🚫 Don’t use abrasive tools or wire brushes – These damage the finish and reduce corrosion resistance.
🚫 Don’t ignore minor leaks – Even small drips can lead to structural rot, mold, and insulation damage if left unchecked.
While basic maintenance like gutter cleaning and debris removal can be done DIY-style, other tasks are best left to the pros—especially in Calgary where seasonal safety hazards like icy roofs and strong winds can make roof work risky.
Consider hiring Cowboys Roofing & Exterior for:
Annual inspections
Post-storm assessments
Fastener retightening and flashing replacement
Rust treatment and roof painting
Snow guard installation
Full-service metal roof repairs
With over 15 years of experience working in Calgary’s harshest weather, we know how to protect your home—and your warranty—while extending your roof’s life.
Metal roofs are a smart investment in Calgary—offering durability, energy savings, and peace of mind. But like any high-performance system, they need the right care. A little maintenance now prevents major issues later, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
If you’d like a professional inspection, repair, or just a bit of friendly advice on keeping your metal roof in tip-top shape, give us a call at +1 844-991-7663. At Cowboys Roofing & Exterior, we treat every roof like it’s protecting our own family—because here in Calgary, community comes first.
Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there!
— Tom Bailey