Top Materials for Custom Home Design That Handle Calgary's Harsh Winters

Calgary is popular for its Rocky Mountains as well as prairie landscapes. Its urban nature and parks grab people’s attention effortlessly. Not to forget its huge snowfalls and cold temperatures. Meaning, houses and houseowners have to repeatedly deal with freezing as well as snow loads. Shouldn’t the houses be made from the right materials to cope with the harsh winter season?

You can’t do much other than rely on the heating systems if you already own a home in Calgary and don’t want to reconstruct it. However, if you are thinking about custom home design in Calgary, you can select the building materials that offer warmth and safety during winter. In this article, we highlight the top building materials that can fight Calgary’s cruel winter season. Read this article until the end to take away a treasure trove of valuable details. Let’s begin.

5 Best Building Materials for Calgary’s Tough Winter Climate: A Guide to Custom Home Design in Calgary

The temperature in Calgary can drop to -20 degrees Celsius. It can go as low as -30 degrees Celsius. Such cold spells can increase heating needs. They can also stress building materials. Thus, choosing winter-friendly building materials is the key.

Here are the best materials to consider for your new custom home in Calgary.

1) Structural Insulated Panels

These panels are usually large and made in a factory. These are installed in the walls and roofs for effective heating.

Such panels have insulating foam cores fitted between two strong boards. 

Here is why structured insulated panels work in Calgary.

• These panels can create a continuous, well-insulated wall or roof. That reduces heat loss in the winter season. Meaning zero air leaks. Low heat loss implies fewer energy expenses. That means your hard-earned money is saved.

• These panels also fit tightly. That can reduce weak spots where cold air can enter or moisture can get trapped.

• Homes with structured insulated panels can heat up faster. They can keep the heat longer.  

2) Insulated Concrete Foams

These are hollow foam blocks that stack just like Lego to form walls. First, the stacking is done. Then, builders pour concrete into the hollow core.

Here is why insulated concrete foams work in Calgary.

• Concrete provides mass that resists temperature fluctuations. The role of the foam is to stop the heat from escaping. Result? Home remains warm as well as stable during cold spells.

• These materials are very durable. They can last for decades. They can resist winds as well as snow loads. The best aspect of such materials is that they give excellent performance in freeze-thaw conditions.

• Insulated concrete foams also reduce sound. They can be fire-resistant as well, relative to other wood-framed walls.

3) High-performance Insulations

Insulation materials usually go inside the walls, floors, and roofs. 

Builders can use these in custom home design in Calgary to beat winter attacks.

• Closed-cell spray foam

• Rigid foam board

• Mineral wool for high R-values

(R-value implies resistance to heat flow)

Here is why good insulation matters in Calgary.

• Proper insulation reduces heat loss. It keeps the indoor temperature stable. That means homeowners have to pay fewer energy bills.

• Insulation is the best choice for comfort as well as cost.

• Different insulation materials uniquely respond to moisture and temperature. Closed-cell spray foam acts as an air barrier. Mineral wool is fire-resistant as well as vapor-permeable. The choice of the material depends on where it will be used.

4) Fiber-cement Siding

Fiber-cement siding is made from cement as well as sand. Cellulose fibers are also used in their construction. They may look like wood. But they have strong resistance to the following elements.

• Moisture

• Rot

• Insects

Here is why Fiber-cement siding works in Calgary.

• It can last for several decades. It will not rot or swell when exposed to moisture, like wood. Even freeze-thaw cycles can’t beat this material.

• Use this material if the area where you want to build a custom home has severe weather fluctuations.

5) Metal Roofing

Metal roofs can use aluminum panels. Some builders use steel panels for roofing.

Standing seam metal roofs have raised seams. Modern houses may have them.

Here is why metal roofs are perfect for Calgary weather.

• Metal sheds snow very fast. Meaning? Zero chance of heavy snow buildup.

• Metals can last for a long time. They can resist wind as well as freeze-thaw cycles.

• Metal roofs need less frequent replacement relative to asphalt shingle roofs.

• Reflective coatings promote less heat gain in summer. Good insulation keeps the heat inside during the winter.

Winding Up

Some building materials can easily defeat Calgary’s cold weather. Here are those materials you can consider for the custom home design.

1) Structural Insulated Panels

2) Insulated Concrete Foams

3) High-performance Insulations

4) Fiber-cement Siding

5) Metal Roofing

You can count on Carter Home and Design for top-shelf designs and final plans to surpass your needs. Their custom home designers will guide you toward a perfect combination of architectural features, style, materials, and finishes.