By Tom Bailey, Owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors
Howdy Calgary!
I’m Tom Bailey, proud owner of Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years of helping homeowners around this great city, it’s that your house is more than just walls and a roof—it’s your safe place, your investment, and your pride. And just like we take care of ourselves with a little self-care from time to time, our homes deserve the same kind of attention—especially when it comes to siding and gutters.
Siding and gutters might not be the flashiest parts of your home, but they’re the unsung heroes that protect everything else. The siding shields your walls from Calgary’s wind, hail, and snow, while your gutters quietly move water away from your foundation to prevent flooding and damage. Take care of them, and they’ll take care of you.
So today, I’m sharing five self-care tips for your siding and gutters—practical, easy-to-follow steps that will keep your home looking sharp and standing strong for years to come. Let’s get started!
Just like brushing your teeth keeps your smile healthy, regular cleaning is the foundation of siding and gutter care. Calgary’s weather gives us everything from dusty chinooks to messy spring snowmelt, and that means your siding and gutters collect a surprising amount of dirt, debris, and even mold over time.
Use a garden hose with a soft spray nozzle to wash away dirt twice a year—spring and fall are ideal.
For stubborn stains, mix a gentle soap (like dish detergent) with warm water and apply with a soft brush or sponge.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh chemicals, as they can strip protective coatings or fade siding colours.
Pay special attention to shaded areas where mold and mildew can develop.
Clear out leaves, twigs, and other debris at least twice a year, or more if you live near lots of trees.
Flush gutters with water after clearing to make sure downspouts are draining properly.
Watch for shingle granules (tiny sand-like particles) in the gutters—this could be a sign your roof shingles are wearing down.
Why it matters: Clean siding and gutters don’t just look nice—they prevent clogs, stains, and long-term damage that could shorten their lifespan.
Think of this as your home’s version of an annual check-up. By giving your siding and gutters a regular inspection, you’ll spot little problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Look for cracks, chips, or warping—these can let moisture sneak behind the panels.
Check for discolouration or bubbling paint—a sign that water may be trapped underneath.
Watch for loose panels or gaps that could have been caused by Calgary’s notorious wind gusts.
Look for sagging or pulling away from the house—this may indicate loose fasteners or too much weight from debris.
Check seams and joints for leaks during rainfall.
Make sure downspouts are directing water at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation.
Pro tip: Do a quick inspection after every major storm. Calgary hail and high winds are famous for causing damage that homeowners miss until it’s too late.
Just like you’d put a bandage on a scrape, your siding and gutters need a little tender loving care when small issues pop up. Leaving them untreated can snowball into bigger, pricier problems down the line.
Replace cracked or missing panels immediately to prevent moisture intrusion.
Re-caulk edges and trim once a year, especially around windows and doors. Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles can dry out or crack caulking quickly.
Repaint or reseal fibre cement or wood siding every 7–10 years to maintain protection.
Tighten loose hangers and brackets to keep gutters aligned and functional.
Reseal leaky seams with a quality gutter sealant.
Consider installing gutter guards to reduce debris buildup if your home is surrounded by trees.
Why it matters: Regular upkeep adds years to the life of your siding and gutters and keeps Calgary’s wild weather from turning a small issue into a major headache.
If there’s one thing that siding and gutters have in common, it’s their battle against moisture. In Calgary, where snow melts, freezes, and melts again, moisture control is everything.
Make sure your home’s grading slopes away from the foundation so water doesn’t pool against the siding.
Keep plants and shrubs trimmed at least 1–2 feet away from the house. Trapped moisture can cause mold, mildew, and staining.
Inspect caulking and flashing around windows, doors, and rooflines to ensure water can’t sneak in behind siding.
Check for ice dams in winter. These form when melting snow refreezes at the roof edge, preventing gutters from draining. Insulation and proper ventilation in your attic help prevent them.
Use downspout extensions to push water farther away from your home’s foundation.
After heavy storms, walk around your house and make sure water is flowing away properly—not pooling near the base.
Pro tip: Moisture is sneaky. Even small amounts over time can rot wood, weaken siding, or crack foundations. Stay vigilant!
The final self-care tip is one that often gets overlooked: know your limits. While there’s plenty of siding and gutter care you can handle on your own, some things are best left to the pros.
If you notice large sections of damaged siding or panels pulling away from the house.
If gutters are consistently overflowing even after you’ve cleaned them—there may be a slope or alignment issue.
After major Calgary storms, especially hailstorms. What looks like minor dents can actually compromise siding and gutter performance.
If you’re considering upgrading to new siding materials or seamless gutters. Professional installation ensures everything is watertight and built to last.
Why it matters: Professional inspections and repairs give you peace of mind. At Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors, we know Calgary’s weather patterns inside out, and we’ll spot issues most homeowners miss. Plus, we’ll make sure your siding and gutters are ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at them next.
Now, you might be thinking—“Do I really need to do all this?” The answer is yes, and here’s why:
Protect Your Investment: Siding and gutters aren’t just cosmetic; they’re essential for keeping water, wind, and pests out of your home.
Save Money: Small maintenance steps cost a fraction of what you’d pay for full replacements caused by neglect.
Boost Curb Appeal: Clean, well-maintained siding and gutters make your home look sharp and inviting.
Extend Lifespan: With proper care, your siding and gutters can last decades longer, even in Calgary’s extreme weather.
Think of it like exercise—you don’t go to the gym once and call it done. Consistency is key to seeing results.
At the end of the day, your home deserves the same care you give yourself. By cleaning regularly, inspecting often, repairing quickly, managing moisture, and calling in the pros when needed, you’ll keep your siding and gutters in tip-top shape.
Here in Calgary, where weather can turn on a dime, it’s all about being proactive. A little attention today saves you from stress (and big bills) tomorrow.
If you ever feel unsure about your siding or gutters—or just want the peace of mind that comes with a professional inspection—reach out to us at Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors. We’ll treat your home with the same care and respect we’d give our own.
Stay safe, stay proactive, and remember—when you show your home some self-care, it will take care of you right back.
All the best,
Tom Bailey
Owner, Cowboys Roofing & Exteriors