By Alberta Allied Roofing Association. 

Many different areas have seen an increase in extreme hail events. Learn about the different shingles designed to withstand these storms. 

A roof’s first and foremost job is to protect the rest of the home and the inhabitants. As climate change continues to become an increasingly critical issue, we have seen a rise in extreme weather events, like hail, that test the protective nature of roofs. Experts report that hail, while rarer than sleet, heavy rain and wind, is one of the more dangerous weather conditions for a roof; and often costs more to repair. But there are many manufacturers out there designing shingles to lower the risk and cost in the case of a storm. Here at Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA), we have seen the damage of hail firsthand and want to help you choose the right shingle for your home! 

Alberta, Canada: An example of severe weather strikes 

In 2021, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (ICB) put out a bulletin warning homeowner about an uptick in hailstorms. From 2010 to 2020, severe weather events hit Alberta more than any other region in Canada. Hail damage claims can be costly — running into the billions. Impact-resistant, class 4-rated shingles are the gold standard for protecting homes and their inhabitants. 

Proven protection against hail 

Shingles are the first line of defense against the elements. Contractors and homeowners quickly realized shingles are not created equal. In 1966, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) developed an industry-standard testing protocol — UL 2218 — designed to mimic the impact of hail or other objects, then rated accordingly. 

• Class 1: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 1.25 diameter steel ball 
• Class 2: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 1.50 diameter steel ball 
• Class 3: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 1.75 diameter steel ball 
• Class 4: Withstands two hits in the same spot by a 2.00 diameter steel ball 

Roofing products rated class 4 are the best protection against hail. These materials are proven to hold up in harsh conditions. But that’s just a baseline for many companies. Manufacturers have developed their own specialized technology to safeguard against extreme heat and cold, mold and algae and fire, all with an eye on curb appeal. 

Roofing materials have become high-tech 

As weather events become more extreme and material costs and insurance go up, companies have turned to technology to help set them apart from competitors. And Albertans are reaping the benefits. The Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) works with suppliers and manufacturers that have stepped up their shingle game. 

GAF: Multi-talented performance 

GAF’s Timberline® ArmorShield II shingles are not only Class 4 impact resistant, but they also help protect your roof from wind uplift and algae discoloration! Other features include:  

• 5-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty 
• 15-year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty 
• Layerlock™ technology that creates a StrikeZone™ nailing area which provides up to 99.9% nailing accuracy.  

Designed using GAF’s proprietary SBS-modified asphalt formulation, all of these shingles pass UL’s toughest impact-resistance test — UL 2218 Class 41. That means they can really take a punch from Mother Nature.  

Malarkey: Performance, sustainability and style 

Malarkey’s Legacy shingle features a proprietary industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt for superior performance. These best-in-class shingles feature: 

• Rubberized shingles that respond better to varying and extreme weather 
• Synthetic rubber polymers add pliability and resilience to resistant impact and tears 
• Legacy® Scotchgard™, featuring Scotchgard Protector™, resists algae and helps prevent streaks 
• Enhanced durability and less waste, thanks to upcycled materials 
• ‘Your Choice’ warranty that allows homeowners flexibility to choose 

Designed in the popular architectural style and made with the industry-leading NEX® Rubberized Asphalt, Legacy® shingles deliver superior all-weather resilience, a Class 4 hail impact rating and include granules that help clean the air of emission pollutants. 

Euroshield: Your roof – covered in style 

Years of research and development have led to the creation of Euroshield’s unique formula, containing approximately 95% recycled materials, for the production of the world’s finest synthetic roofing products available on the market today. Highlights include: 

• Four unique and aesthetically pleasing shingle designs available in a variety of colors 
• Sound deadening and insulating capabilities 
• Durable, walkable, affordable and long lasting 
• Maintenance free roofing that adds value to your home 
• Hail warranty and transferable limited lifetime warranty 

All Euroshield® rubber roofs have achieved the highest rating, UL2218 Class 4 for Impact and are Listed and Labelled with QAI Labs (an accredited testing facility for the U.S. and Canada). 

CertainTeed: Strength plus style 

CertainTeed has developed NorthGate ClimateFlex. Highlights of these class 4 shingles include: 

• Polymer-blended asphalt 
• Offer the highest industry-rated enhanced protection against weather extremes 
• Algae-resistant thanks to StreakFighter 
• Comes with a lifetime limited warranty. 
• Multiple color palettes available 

They also created NailTrak, which helps ensure shingles are correctly installed and industry-leading Quadro-Bond adhesive. CertainTeed’s designer shingles come in a variety of colors to help provide long-lasting curb appeal. Design a roof today with CertainTeed’s ColorView visualizer. 

BP Canada: Proven performance 

As part of BP’s Weather-Tite Technology, Vangard 42 IR shingles were created specifically to protect against a roof’s number one enemy — hail. Highlights of this 42-inch laminate shingles include: 

• Proprietary new generation polymer modified asphalt (SBS compound) 
• Protected from UV degradation 
• Resilient under weather extremes and stress 
• Water infiltration resistant 
• High wind and limited lifetime warranties 

Vanguard shingles are offered in five colors and composed of an ultra-strong fiberglass mat coated on both sides with elastomeric modified asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. The patented SBS compound significantly increases the shingle’s ability to retain its integrity under stress. There is also a BP’s visualization tool that lets people design the perfect roof. 

How do you know if you have class 4 shingles? 

Unfortunately, you can’t determine the class of a shingle by looking at it. For homeowners, it is key to work with a contractor that they trust. For contractors, the same is true for manufacturers. By working together, you all should be able to determine the right product for your roof. AARA can connect homeowners with professionals who are not only knowledgeable but certified to properly install class 4-rated roofing materials. This is worth the time and cost; when not installed correctly, a roof could fail during a severe weather event, elevating the risk to the family within the home. 

Original article and photo source: Alberta Allied Roofing Association 

By Alberta Allied Roofing Association. 

Learn how to spot attic rain in your home and prevent further damage.  

Leakage and attic rain are often difficult to notice when you do not spend much time in your attic. Before realizing it, rain can seep into the ceilings and walls and cause considerable damage. Moisture finds a way to enter the home and can ruin much of the materials used in the home construction. Attic rain can cause homeowners many problems, but it is preventable. Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) has prepared the information to identify attic rain and intercept indoor water damage before it’s too late. 

What is attic rain? 

In cold winters, moist air accumulates in the attic then freezes along the roof deck. The frost typically melts into the insulation and evaporates without causing a problem. If there is poor ventilation, the condensation remains, refreezes and thaws with each passing cold snap. Homes are especially vulnerable to this rain-like effect during long stretches of freezing temperatures. It also depends on how quickly a warm-up follows a freeze. 

Homeowners who live in damp climates, like Alberta, aren’t strangers to condensation issues. Metal and glass surfaces tend to collect condensation when the temperature outside is much colder than inside. Attic rain is slightly different. Not only is condensation trapped, but more moisture from improperly sealed kitchen appliance vents or bathroom exhaust fans may be pumped into the attic. It usually indicates possible insulation, vapor barrier or ventilation issues throughout the attic.  

Unless you check your attic periodically throughout winter, you may not be aware of attic rain. Homeowners usually spot water damage on the ceiling and mistakenly think it’s a roof leak. Greg Garcia, president of AARA member Elite Roofing, told CTV News, “It’s not a huge problem, don’t panic,” said Greg. “You’ll see a little bit of water and maybe some stain here and there. Call your roofing company just to make sure everything is fine.” 

By Alberta Allied Roofing Association.

Members of the Alberta Allied Roofing Association can now acess and use the association's new software management tool — GlueUp!

Throughout the summer, the Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) office has been hard at work with digital technology management experts, Bison & Bird, customizing a software management tool for our association. Over the next few months, we will be transitioning from traditional emails and invites to our new member management software, GlueUp. As our association continues to grow, so does our administration and customer management duties.

The AARA Board recognized the need to automate tasks, become more efficient and limit the time spent in the office in order to bring the AARA to the next level.

Moving forward into 2024, all communication, member management and invoicing will be done via our new CRM tool. During our upcoming membership meetings, the AARA Board will be discussing and assisting our members implement the GlueUp platform.

Shortly, members will receive an email from the Glue Up platform inviting you to complete your member profile. Please note, your profile will be on an individual basis using your AARA member company details. So please use your work email and contact details.

Below are some instructional videos to assist you in completing your member profile and how to navigate the GlueUp platform:

• Member sign up
• Platform navigation
• Personal settings
• Business cards
• Mobile navigation

As we navigate through implementation, Bison & Bird will be available for support as well as the AARA office. We will introduce the software and go more in detail during our upcoming membership meetings.

By Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA). 

Don't get left behind on the putting green, sponsorship opportunities to support this non-profit are available! 

June 16, 2022 is the Alberta Allied Roofing Association annual golf tournament at The Winston Golf Club! You won’t want to miss this 'best ball' tournament, which includes a round of golf with power carts, a buffet meal, prizes, complimentary drink tickets and so much more! Plus, this event is the perfect time to celebrate the AARA as a non-profit, non-bias association, and to generally contribute towards building a better industry. 

We offer a variety of sponsorships that provides a fantastic opportunity to promote your business to the 120+ golfers who attend the tournament plus additional exposure through our website, print and digital tournament marketing. Promote your business to industry members, affiliates and guests while supporting Alberta's roofing industry! 

Dinner sponsor — $3,500.00    

• Includes two golf participants. 
• Includes hole sponsorship.  
• Large signage with company thanked at dinner. 
• Logo printed and thanked on dinner menu on each table. 
• Company logo on signage at registration. 
• Customized Pin Flag of included hole sponsorship with your logo. 
• Opportunity to set up table display, marketing and company rep on your included hole sponsorship.  
• Company logo and recognition on website and mobile tournament app. 
• Opportunity to include item in each swag bag. 
• Hole in One insurance available if needed. 
• Recognition on post event wrap up video.  

Cart sponsor — $2,500.00  

• Includes two golf participants. 
• Signage on all golf carts. 
• Company logo on every player’s scorecard. 
• Company logo on the event leaderboard. 
• Company logo on signage at registration. 
• Company logo and recognition on website and mobile tournament app. 
• Recognition on marketing material at dinner. 
• Opportunity to include items in swag bags. 
• Recognition on post event wrap up video.   

Prize sponsor — $1,500.00 

• Large signage with logo on Prize Table. 
• Recognition and thanked at Awards Ceremony. 
• Company logo on signage at registration. 
• Company logo and recognition on website and mobile tournament app. 
• Recognition on marketing material at dinner. 
• Opportunity to include item in each swag bag. 
• Recognition on post event wrap up video.  

 Hole sponsorship — $500.00     

• You will be recognized as the sponsor of that hole on digital tournament website and mobile app. 
• Company logo on signage at registration. 
• Customized Pin Flag with your company logo. 
• Opportunity to include items in swag bags. 
• Opportunity to set up table display, marketing and company rep on your hole. 
• Hole in One insurance available if needed. 

Visit the event page to learn more about the tournament and how to become a sponsor.

Learn more about AARA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.albertaroofing.com.  

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

On June 13 Canada’s 4th costliest natural disaster hit Southern Alberta causing $1.2 billion (and counting) in damage. 

Last summer, hail the size of tennis balls rocketed down at speeds of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour on Calgary, Alberta. The hail shredded homes, destroyed roofs, smashed windows and obliterated cars. The storm occurred on June 13 and is recorded as the 4th most expensive natural disaster in Canadian history. However, an estimated two-thirds of damage is yet to be handled and costs are estimated to be near $500 million dollars.  

“It looks like a war zone,” said Chelsea Broadbridge, Executive Director at Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA). “It destroyed absolutely everything in its path and homes are still boarded up just waiting to be fixed.” 

Too many Alberta homeowners either lack the proper home insurance to cover the extensive damage or do not have home insurance. However, those who do have home insurance are not seeing a ton of results. Most insured homeowners are still living in damaged homes, waiting for a call back from their insurance company – nearly seven months after the storm. To make matters worse, Alberta is currently in the height of their winter season. 

“It’s very common in Alberta that we get crazy, crazy winters” said Chelsea, “Minus 20 is normal, but we do get as cold as minus 45, and that can sometimes last weeks. So, people are being left without the proper siding or insulation and with holes in their roof. When it snows and gets really cold and it's just not safe for a family to be in the home.” 

Despite this storm's abnormal intensity, it was not considered “unforeseeable” in the eyes of the Alberta and federal government and therefore does not qualify for additional assistance. In short, homeowners are being left out in the cold, not qualifying for help from either the government or their insurance companies. 

“I think the insurance companies are learning the hard way that they were not equipped to deal with such a large influx of claims,” said Chelsea. 

A lot of insurance companies also have preferred contractors that homeowner clients are directed to use to fix their roofs and homes. However, AARA is finding that many of these “preferred contractors” are not actually qualified roofing contractors. 

“A lot of consumers are getting their work completed through their insurance company, but it's actually really poor workmanship and their homes are still needing further repairs.” 

AARA is in discussions with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to get them to review their processes on how they “qualify” a roofing professional. Additionally, there are currently no requirements or licensing programs to become a roofing contractor in Alberta. Which, to put lightly, has become a large problem as Alberta has now seen a large influx of illegitimate roofing contractors looking to make a quick dollar. 

“Anybody in Alberta with no experience, that’s never gone to school, that’s never been in the roofing industry, could just have a truck and a ladder and put on their vehicle that they’re a roofer and become a roofer. It doesn’t take much,” said Chelsea. “Before the storm happened, there were about 200 known roofing contractors in Calgary. After the storm, there were close to 2,000 contactors listed in southern Alberta alone.” 

Chelsea explained that Alberta used to be a large oil hub, but in the last few years the oil and gas industry faced a rapid decline, and many people lost their jobs. After that, COVID-19 struck, making a bad economic downturn worse. With so many people needing roofing and siding recovery replacements and with the lack of roofing requirements and certification in Alberta, many people saw the storm as an opportunity to make money. 

“We've got a number of inexperienced roofers that are taking money from homeowners, very vulnerable homeowners. These ‘contractors’ will take a $5,000 deposit and never come back to complete the work, which is illegal. In the province of Alberta, you cannot take a deposit from anybody unless you are licensed with Service Alberta, which there is only a handful of contractors in this province that actually are licensed with Service Alberta.” 

The influx of illegitimate contractors has also driven up the price of supplies, which are now being stolen from job sites and re-sold at double the cost. 

"Contractors have to lock up their materials because people will actually go on the roof and steal shingles and tools. It's happening daily,” said Chelsea. 

Another issue stemming from the influx of illegitimate contractor companies is their complete lack of knowledge about the roofing trade. Very few of them know how to bid on a job or pay their workers properly. Most are promising their workers double what they actually pay them or fail to pay them at all. They do not provide safety training or proper equipment either, which has resulted in many injuries, fines and even fatalities. “Someone fell off a roof because there was no safety training. He wasn't harnessed in, he didn’t have a helmet, and unfortunately he fell off the roof, and it was fatal.” 

Going forward, AARA’s main goals are to educate the homeowner on what to look for when finding and hiring a roofing contractor, pushing the insurance companies to use a qualified roofing professional for repairs and replacement work and driving the government towards licensing the roofing trade.  

If you are interested in supporting the community of Alberta, you can donate or sign this petition designed to get the attention of government officials and to raise money for homeowners. 

Learn more about AARA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.albertaroofing.com.  

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

From marketing to shipping, AARA knows how to treat its members. 

Cutting operational costs in the midst of an already flowing business is a worthy but often demanding and time-consuming challenge. Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA) recognizes this and partnered with Savings4Members to bring AARA members the additional support and benefits they deserve to make cutting costs painless.  

Below is a comprehensive list of some of the new member benefits available to all AARA members. 

Email marketing 

Enjoy a free 60-day trial and explore the features of the email marketing and online survey tools. This free 60-day trial comes without the hassle. There are absolutely no obligations and no credit cards required. There is also no internet-slowing software to download. 

Additional benefits include: 

• 20% off 6 pre-paid months 

• 25% off 12 pre-paid months 

• Contact management  

• Customizable templates 

• User friendly drop-and-drag editing 

• Social media integration 

• Real-time reporting 

Uniforms   

AARA members can build their brand with a full-service uniform program. Order apparel, safety gear and office supplies customized for your business from more than 35,000 brandable SKUs. UniFirst Facility Service Solutions will handle pickup, delivery, laundering, maintenance and ordering. 

During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, UniFirst can help lower housekeeping costs and enhance cleaning solutions. They will come to your place of business on a regular schedule to replace soiled floor mats, old mops and other products with new, clean ones. 

Additional benefits include: 

• Coast-to-coast coverage 

• Easy re-stock for cleaning and safety supplies 

• Access to GOJO/Purell sanitizer 

Check guarantee 

Save even more time by accepting checks virtually from any customer and ditch the bank fees or extra collections through United TrazActions (UTA). Since 1991, UTA has been the industry leader in check guarantee services and AATA members have access to the highest floor limits with automatic approvals. Now you can deposit your checks knowing they are fully guaranteed. 

Shipping  

Did you know that shipping is the third or fourth highest expense for an independent business? Now AARA members have the ability to cut this large expense and access pre-negotiated rates on national and international shipments through Lamprey Systems.  

Worry less and focus on managing your business by letting Lamprey take care of shipping. Lamprey will submit claims for inaccurately billed shipments of service failures for you. With no additional effort, you could see immediate reductions on your FedEx/UPS expenses today.  

Additional benefits include:  

• Save per package and get credited for late shipments by FedEx and UPS 

• Track ground, air and international shipments 

• No long-contracts, minimums, or additional fees 

• Get access to a no-cost evaluation of your current shipping operations 

View your savings dashboard and see how much time and money you could save though your enhanced AARA membership.  

Learn more about AARA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory. 

AARA represents commercial and residential roofing contractors in Alberta, Canada. 

RoofersCoffeeShop, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information, and everyday business, is pleased to welcome Alberta Allied Roofing Association (AARA). AARA represents member companies providing residential and commercial services on sloped and flat roof applications in the Province of Alberta.

AARA has a mission to build consumer confidence and offer peace of mind, by connecting customers with reputable roofing professionals who are dedicated to the roofing industry and have a proven history of integrity, quality products and workmanship that is unsurpassed in our industry.

Members of AARA benefit from aligning their companies with a trusted and respected brand that stands for quality and integrity. They also have the opportunity to engage with a community of professionals who are dedicated to the roofing industry.  Members-only access is provided to valuable resources for your business and education programs are available at a reduced cost to members.

Contractor members can also win more business from potential customers who trust AARA’s pre-screening process through the membership application. It is AARA’s vision to be the first place consumers go to find trustworthy roofing professionals.

RoofersCoffeeShop is proud to welcome AARA.

Learn more about AARA in their RCS directory.

About AARA

We come together to coordinate policies and industry requirements that would benefit the roofing industry as a whole.  The roofing industry is constantly changing, and it is imperative that we, as a group, are informed of these changes and agree to adhere to standards for the good of the industry as well as our customers.   We stand by our members and offer support to those new to the Association and the industry. We believe our Association can make a difference for the Roofing industry by continuing to improve the quality of installations which ultimately will increase the reputation of our roofing trade. Learn more at www.albertaroofing.com