Calgary weather is tough on roofs. Hail, freeze-thaw cycles, Chinook winds and UV rays all impact your roof’s longevity. Rubber roofing is the superhero of roofs, as it takes on everything from hail to extreme cold while disguising itself as cedar shake or natural slate. But like any superhero, each version has its own strengths. Here’s how rubber shake, slate and EPDM compare.
Rubber Roofing Types
Rubber roofing is typically made from recycled materials such as tires, and it comes in two main forms: shingles that mimic shake or slate on sloped roofs, and EPDM membrane for flat or low-slope roofs.
Rubber Shake Roofing in Calgary
A top-quality roofing material, rubber shake roofing delivers durability, longevity, and style in one. Resembling cedar shake, rubber shake mimics a wood-grain look that adds style while staying affordable for homeowners. A rustic aesthetic is appealing without the fire hazards of a wood roof. Practically maintenance-free, rubber shake roofs can handle multiple hail strikes without damage that would affect a wood roof.
Rubber Slate Roofing in Calgary
A rubber alternative to natural slate, this roofing material suits high-end residential properties. It’s easy to install and long-lasting. Resembling a prestigious stone roof, rubber slate roofs are lightweight and less pricey than natural slate. If you’re looking for an affordable roof (material and labour) with curb appeal, this is it.
EPDM Roofing in Calgary
Made from synthetic rubber, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) is weather-resistant and ideal for low-sloping or flat roofs in Calgary. EPDM acts like a waterproof sheet that protects your home. This roofing material is best known for its thermal stability and longevity on flat roof surfaces.
Insurance Savings
Many Calgary insurers offer premium discounts of 5% to 20% for roofs with UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, including rubber roofing. Check with your provider to see what applies to your policy. That protection matters here. The hailstorm that struck Calgary on Aug. 5, 2024, resulted in nearly $2.8 billion in insured losses, making it the second-costliest insured event in Canada’s history after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire. It wasn’t a one-off, either: hailstorms in 2020 and 2021 caused more than $1.2 billion and $700 million in insured damage, respectively. With Calgary’s hail record, a rubber roof is a smart way to protect your home for decades.
| Rubber Roofing | Rubber Shake | Rubber Slate | EPDM |
| Looks Like | Cedar shake (wood grain) | Natural Slate | Smooth, seamless membrane |
| Roof Type | Sloped | Sloped | Flat or low slope |
| Hail Resistance | Class 4 | Class 4 | Highly resistant; easy to patch |
| Lifespan | 30-50+ years | 30-50+ years | 30+ years |
| Maintenance | Very low. No rot, curling or silvering | Very low | Low; simple repairs |
| Best For | Rustic, Mountain-type homes | High-end homes | Garages, additions, commercial buildings |
*Rubber roofing typically costs about double standard asphalt.
Choose the Right Rubber Roofing for Your Calgary Home
No Payne Roofing has replaced more than 2,000 roofs in Calgary and surrounding areas. Our team combines quality rubber roofing products with reliable quality and clear, transparent communication from start to finish. Contact us today to find the rubber roof that suits your home, style and budget.
