Snow on the roof? How to prevent a roof collapse
6 minute read Published on Feb 18, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
Canadian winters may see several freeze-thaw periods, which can cause water damage to your home through various points of entry, including your roof. In particular, homeowners should be mindful of potential roof damage that is caused by ice damming or snow load. To protect your home from snow accumulation this winter, stick around and read through our winter home checklist below.
What are ice dams?
Ice dams occur when ice and water accumulate on your roof due to melting snow, changing temperatures, and improper ventilation. As heat rises in your attic, ice will melt with the increased temperature and refreeze when the temperature drops.
As a result of this combination, water can start to build within the eavestroughs and under roof shingles. If the water has nowhere else to drain, it can enter from the roof into your home through the insulation and walls, causing water damage and even mould.
What is snow load?
On the other hand, a snow load is the pressure put on a roof from the weight of snow, water, or ice. This can be especially dangerous during long periods of winter weather where opportunities to remove heavy snow and ice are limited. This can cause structural damage to your roof such as a collapse or leaks.
How to manage a snow load and melting snow safely
As a homeowner, proper snow removal from your roof and other areas of your property is essential to preventing injuries, roof damage, and leaks in your home. To safely remove snow, here's some home protection tips you can use during the winter months:
Remove snow with a roof rake
If you wish to remove snow from your roof, do so safely. Do not climb directly on the roof or use a roof rake to remove snow as this can damage your roof. Consider hiring a professional contractor to clear snow and ice safely.
Keep your gutters clean
Be sure to remove any ice or snow from your eavestroughs so the snow melt can drain properly (for example, use a broom to safely knock down any icicles hanging from the gutters). Additionally, reposition any downspouts away from the house and check to ensure they are free of debris. If the extent of ice damming is significant, consider contacting a professional roofing contractor or gutter cleaning expert.
Inspect your attic
Check your roof from inside your home via the attic to ensure water is not entering. Look for signs of water damage such as staining, mould, mildew, and soggy ceiling tiles. As a reminder with any valuables or important items stored in your basement or attic, be sure to place them in plastic containers stored off the floor.
Ensure your home's insulation is sound
Check your home insulation in your attic to ensure it has been properly maintained. For example, is there enough insulation? Are weather stripping and seals properly installed? Read up on our winter home insulation tips for more information.
Be mindful of roof ventilation
Roof ventilation is extremely important and a well-maintained temperature can help eliminate the contribution to the freeze-thaw and accumulation of water. If you are unsure of your roof ventilation, consult a professional to inspect and advise.
Safety considerations to keep in mind
Removing snow from your roof covering and surrounding properties is hard work. Many homeowners are eager to jump in and prevent damage to their homes without taking into account how physical of a job snow removal is. Here's what to be aware of:
Physical health
If you have a history of heart issues or are not in good physical shape, , you are at risk of suffering a cardiac arrest during your snow removal. Call a professional snow removal company for assistance instead.
Freezing temperatures
Without proper clothing, you can put yourself at risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Make sure you dress warmly and take regular breaks in a heated area.
Power lines
If there is snow accumulation on your electrical lines, you could be experiencing a power outage. While it makes sense to try and clear the snow from your overhead power lines, these could still be live wires, putting you at risk of electrocution if you're using metal tools when clearing snow.
Slip and falls
Lastly, because wet snow and ice are slippery, removing snow on your roof and other areas of your property can cause physical injuries should you fall. Make sure to clear pathways on the ground and avoid using ladders in the cold.
I have a flat roof, how can I prevent snow and ice accumulation?
Snow and ice on flat roofs can be tricky. Unlike a sloped roof or pitched roof, where gravity works to pull the snow and ice downwards, when not taken care of correctly, flat roofs can lead to packed snow. To prevent ice dams that can lead to roof damage, you may want to consider working with a roofing contractor to install heating cables along your roof. These cables help melt all the snow, preventing the accumulation of an ice dam, while relieving the weight of the snowfall on the roof itself.
How much is too much snow on the roof?
In general, most roofs have the ability to handle 20 pounds of snow per cubic foot if their roof itself is in good shape to begin with. That said, the amount of weight your roof is able to hold can vary depending on the type of roof you have. If you're worried about your roof collapsing due to snow this winter, it's best to get a second opinion from a roof contractor who can inspect the condition of your roof and provide actionable steps to take to ensure your home is protected from damage.
Does my home insurance cover roof collapse due to snow?
Snowfall can cause a world of issues in your home. Luckily, if you have home insurance, you can rest assured knowing that should you experience a collapse or other type of damage to your roof that is caused by an ice dam or accumulated snow weight you'll be covered. One thing to note, however, is that you may have some difficulties claiming roof damage if your roof is older and not in good condition to begin with. Maintaining your roof and the rest of your property is key to ensuring you're covered in the event you need to file an insurance claim.
How can I save on my home insurance?
To protect your property and personal belongings from potential leaks and other significant damage, having the right home insurance in place is essential. If you're looking to save on your coverage, you may want to consider bundling home and auto policies with the same provider. By doing so, most insurance companies offer discounts to customers for having more than one type of insurance with them as a way of saying thank you for remaining loyal to their business. Another way you can potentially save on your home policy is to work with a broker. Brokers can help you compare insurance rates, unlock other discounts, and help you customize your coverage to meet your needs.
Should I worry about snow on my roof?
If you live in an area that experiences ongoing heavy snowfall throughout the winter with little rain in between, snow on your roof should be a cause of concern. Roofs can only hold so much weight. So, the more snow on your roof, the more of a hazard it becomes. To prevent a collapsed roof and water damage in your home, make sure you safely remove snow from your roof and surrounding property.
Contact BrokerLink for affordable home insurance
At BrokerLink we help homeowners and renters protect their investments with high-quality insurance coverage tailored to their unique needs and budget. With years of experience and access to some of the top providers in Canada, our brokers can help you acquire the following types of homeowners insurance:
To work with BrokerLink, don't hesitate to visit us at one of our many locations across the country. If we aren't in your neighbourhood, you can still contact us over the phone or email. Alternatively, you can get a free home insurance quote using our online quote tool!