Materials & Products
Questions about building materials, products, brands, and selection
How long does vinyl siding last in Calgary with chinooks and hail? The contractor said 25 years, but that seems optimistic?
Your contractor is being optimistic – in Calgary's extreme climate, vinyl siding typically lasts 15-20 years, not 25. The combination of chinook tempe...
Is quartz or granite better for a kitchen renovation in Calgary's humid summers and dry winters?
For Calgary's extreme climate swings, quartz is generally the better choice due to its non-porous surface and superior durability against temperature...
What flooring is best for aging in place, non-slip, but still looks good, not hospital tile?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with textured surfaces is your best bet for aging-in-place flooring that's both safe and stylish. Modern LVP offers excellent...
We're replacing the siding on a 1980s two-storey home in Renfrew. Is vinyl still the best bang for your buck, or should we go with fiber cement?
For a 1980s two-storey in Renfrew, fiber cement siding offers significantly better long-term value than vinyl, despite the higher upfront cost. While...
Our west-facing windows get destroyed by chinooks and sun. What is the best material that won't warp every winter?
Fiberglass windows are your best bet for Calgary's brutal west-facing chinook and UV exposure. Unlike vinyl that becomes brittle in extreme cold or wo...
Our townhouse in Shawnessy has zero insulation in the party wall. Can we add it without tearing down the drywall?
Adding insulation to your party wall without removing drywall is extremely difficult and generally not recommended. While blown-in insulation can some...
Should we go with quartz or granite for kitchen counters? I've heard that quartz doesn't hold up great to heat from pots?
Both quartz and granite are excellent choices for Calgary kitchens, but they have different strengths. Your concern about quartz and heat is valid but...
My deck boards are cupping after 3 years in Walden. Is this a material defect or did they install them upside down?
Deck board cupping after 3 years is typically caused by improper installation rather than a material defect. The boards were likely installed with the...