Snow Load: Protect your roof during heavy snow fall

Some Canadians hope for heavy snowfalls in the winter to enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding and making snow angels. Despite what your feelings are towards winter there are some necessary home maintenance precautions to avoid winter roof malfunctions that are caused by snow and ice.

Roof collapse due to snow conditions is a common issue but can be prevented during the winter season. Heavy snow load can cause ice build-ups that end up affecting the structure of a home. And when the inevitable comes that is melting snow and or ice, (if drained improperly) can lead to water damage inside the home. Your roof should be strong enough to handle the worst weather conditions to keep you and your home intact.

Did you know? Flat or lower sloped roofs and rough roofing material tend to gather more snow.

Canada has a wide variety of climates which means different amounts and consistencies of snowfall. Depending on the climate zone you live in, your roof should be able to withstand the expected amount of snow for your region.

According to the National Research Council of Canada, the minimum snow load amount that a roof should be able to handle is 21 pounds per square foot (22 pounds if you live in Alberta). That’s about 2 to 2.5 feet of packed snow! Knowing how much snow your roof can hold will depend on many factors such as the type of snow, roofline and the condition of your roof material. Fall is a good time to start preparing your house for winter with tasks like checking the condition of your shingles and cleaning out the gutters to avoid leaf buildup. However, if you need a full roof replacement, spring is the best time to get this done.

Come winter, keep an eye on the forecast to be aware of when big storms could arise. Examine your roof ahead of snowstorms to determine if there will be significant buildup in specific areas or over the whole roof. It’s also important to be mindful of where the snow could land if shifted by the wind or when it starts to melt. Doorways and walkways can be a potential hazard area if the snow from the roof comes down.

Signs pointing to a potential roof collapse

If you notice any of these warning signs in your home, your roof could be in danger of collapsing:
Ceiling is sagging
Cracks have appeared in ceilings or interior walls
Roof leaks
Unusual cracking or popping sounds
Doors and windows that won’t close or are hard to open
Utility pipes showing signs of bending or warping

How to prevent roof collapse

Perform regular maintenance on your roof - ensure necessary repairs are done and that it’s in a good shape
Keep your roof clear of snow. If you’re able to access your roof from the ground, you can use a snow rake (similar to a regular rake but with a telescopic handle and no prongs) to pull snow off the roof and onto the ground. Otherwise, your best bet is to hire a qualified (and insured) snow removal company to ensure it’s done correctly, and no one gets injured
Install heating cables in the spring or fall which will speed up the snow melting process
Keep roof drains, gutters and downspouts clear and unblocked by cleaning your gutters ahead of winter
Avoid piling snow against downspouts

You can also use these tips to protect other structures on your property, like your garage or shed.

If your roof does collapse due to snow load, your insurer will most likely investigate to ensure that it was caused by the weight of the snow and ice and not from a defect or wear and tear. Review your policy ahead of time to know if you're covered in the event of a roof collapse.

Protect your home and the things you love most.