blog-banner

Are you looking for a contractor?

Submit our quick form and get quotes now!

Roof Snow Removal – Why Is It So Important?

By Editorial Team

Updated on February 21, 2025

 Snow-covered roof of a blue wooden house under a clear blue sky.

Winter transforms our landscapes into magical scenes, but the accumulation of snow on a roof can quickly become a major risk for your home’s structure and the safety of its occupants.

Why is it essential to clear snow from your roof regularly? What are the warning signs of potential danger? Are there safe methods to do it without damaging your roof covering?

In this article, we answer all your questions and explain how and when to remove snow from your roof to prevent structural issues or accidents.

5 Good Reasons to Clear Snow from Your Roof

Small blue wooden house with a snow-covered roof, located in a winter forest. Peaceful setting with snow-covered trees and a person in the background.

Source : Damapro inc.

1. Preventing the Risk of Collapse

Snow accumulation on a roof can put considerable pressure on the structure of your home. Depending on the type of snow (light and powdery or heavy and wet), the weight can increase rapidly, weakening the framework. Excessive load can lead to roof sagging, cracks, and, in extreme cases, partial or total roof collapse.

2. Avoiding Ice Dams

When snow melts and refreezes, it can create ice dams at the roof’s edge. These build-ups prevent the proper drainage of meltwater, leading to water infiltration under the shingles or into the home’s structure. The results can reduce your roof's lifetime with water damage, mold, and premature material deterioration.

3. Extending Your Roof’s Lifespan

Regular maintenance, including snow removal, helps preserve the integrity of your roofing materials. Excessive snow and ice accumulation can weaken shingles, deform gutters, and damage roof fasteners. By clearing the snow regularly, you minimize these risks and maximize your roof’s longevity.

4. Preventing Dangerous Snowfalls

Another risk associated with heavy snow accumulation is the sudden fall of large amounts of snow and ice. These roof avalanches can be dangerous for pedestrians, parked vehicles, and nearby properties. Regular snow removal helps prevent these hazards.

5. Reducing Repair and Insurance Costs

Damage caused by excessive snow or ice buildup can result in costly repairs and insurance claims. However, some home insurance policies may deny coverage if they determine that the roof was not properly maintained. Regularly clearing snow from your roof is a great way to protect your investment and avoid unexpected expenses.

When Should You Clear Your Roof? Signs to Watch For

 Two dormer windows of a blue house partially buried under a thick layer of snow.

Source : Soumission Rénovation

Snow and ice buildup on your roof can quickly become a hazard. It’s crucial to recognize the warning signs that indicate snow removal is necessary before it’s too late.

One of the first indicators of overload is ice formation on the roof, which weighs five times more than snow and can cause water infiltration. Uneven snow melting, often caused by heat escaping from the house, can also indicate insulation problems and increase the risk of ice dam formation.

Other, more concerning signs may appear inside your home. Doors that stick or don’t close properly, cracks in the walls, or unusual creaking sounds are all red flags that your structure is under excessive pressure. If your ceiling warps or you notice visible roof sagging, immediate action is necessary.

When in doubt, don’t wait for the situation to worsen!

How to Safely Remove Snow from Your Rooftop

Three men clear snow from a roof with shovels during snowfall.

Source : Soumission Rénovation

Roof snow removal is a risky task that requires special precautions to avoid accidents.

Essential Tools and Equipment for Effective Snow Removal

Before starting, it’s important to use the right tools to minimize damage and ensure an efficient job:

  • Roof rake or snow rake – Ideal for removing excess snow without damaging shingles or the roof membrane.

  • Safety harness – A must if you need to climb onto the roof, preventing falls.

  • Non-slip boots and proper clothing – Protects against the cold and reduces the risk of slipping.

  • Telescopic pole – Useful for removing snow from the ground, minimizing fall risks.

  • De-icing salt (without calcium chloride) – Helps dissolve ice without damaging roofing materials.

Safety Precautions When Removing Snow

  • Never clear snow alone - have someone available in case of an emergency

  • Work in small sections to avoid sudden weight shifts.

  • Avoid climbing onto the roof in bad weather (strong winds, ice, extreme temperatures).

Don’t take unnecessary risks—it’s better to prevent than to suffer the consequences of a collapse, which could endanger your home and safety. The best option is to hire a professional. A roofing snow removal expert has the necessary equipment and experience to complete the job safely.

Protect Your Home with Professional Roof Snow Cleaning

Snow accumulation on your roof can quickly become a major issue, jeopardizing your home’s structure and leading to costly repairs. Effective and safe snow removal isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity to extend your roof’s lifespan and prevent irreversible damage.

Hiring a professional ensures a well-done job, free from risks to your safety or property. Thanks to their expertise, snow removal specialists use proper techniques to protect your shingles, prevent water infiltration, and avoid structural sagging due to snow weight.

Don’t take unnecessary risks! Hire an expert for fast, efficient, and safe service, so you can enjoy winter worry-free.

FAQ on Roof Snow Removal in Québec

What's an easy way remove snow from a roof?

Use a roof rake with a telescopic pole to remove snow without damaging the surface. For sloped roofs, start by clearing the edges and work your way up, ensuring you don’t pile too much snow in one area.

How do you remove heavy snow accumulation from your roof?

If there is significant accumulation, it’s best to hire a professional, especially if the roof is sloped or hard to access. Avoid metal tools that could damage the surface, and never leave large snow piles on one side to prevent imbalance.

When should you remove snow from your roof?

It’s recommended to clear your roof when the snow depth exceeds 60 cm (24 inches) or after a wet snowstorm, which is heavier and puts more pressure on the structure. You should also act before another major snowfall or when you notice signs of overload, such as creaking ceilings or misaligned doors. Before a thaw period, removing snow helps prevent ice formation and water infiltration risks.

How much does professional roof snow removal cost?

In Canada, roof snow removal costs between $300 and $1,000, depending on the roof size, snow thickness, and building accessibility. For flat or hard-to-reach roofs, prices may be higher, especially if safety harnesses are required.


Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?


Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

6 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

History of Buildings: The Evolution of Roofs

While having a stable roof over your head is certainly not a modern-day concern, we still have to put it out there: roofs and their features have greatly evolved over time. Whether it’s shape, length, features, or even the amount of sides, roofs can differ amply.

Roof
5 min read

Cynthia Pigeon

07 Nov 2023

Everything About Insulated Roofing Panels

Considering that buildings can lose up to a quarter of their heat by way of their roofs, and on top of that cold air can seep through an improperly insulated roof, it's easy to gauge the importance of opting for well-insulated roofing panels.

6 min read

Editorial Team

07 Nov 2023

8 Materials That are Used for Balcony Floors

Choices, we make them daily, some more significant than others. Since we are living in a world of abundant options, it shouldn’t be any different for home reno and decor. If you’re one of the lucky ones or living in a fancy high-rise condo, you’ve likely got a balcony.

Renovation tips
5 min read

Editorial Team

18 Apr 2024

How to Fix a Crawl Space Humidity Issue

Have you noticed the presence of traces of humidity in your crawl space? You're right to wince because a buildup of moisture is never good news.

4 min read

Karine Dutemple

07 Nov 2024

Renovation Project Plan: Who Should You Contact?

Whether we’re talking about small or large-scale projects, managing a building or a renovation project is not always obvious and it’s really easy to get overwhelmed. Whether it’s for organizing, reaching out to contractors or final decisions, everything can seem like a real puzzle.

Questions about renovations

Looking for a contractor?

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes now!