A guide to roof inspection before and after winter

Canadian winters are unpredictable, and proper building maintenance is essential to help ensure that your property is protected this season. 

Getting ready for the winter

Performing regular maintenance checkups before, during, and after the winter season can help you stay on top of things. Watch out for these common signs of trouble:

Cracks on interior or exterior wallsWarping of interior or exterior finishesDoors jamming or rubbing against the frameConspicuous creaking noisesBuckling ceilingsAny other visible physical damage 

Your property includes another crucial component – your roof.

Types of roof coverings that can help during the winter

The roof of your property may be at risk from damages caused by heavy snowfall, so extra care should be taken to maintain its structural integrity. As a preventative measure, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof twice a year or more: once in the fall, and again in the spring. But not all roofs are the same.

Here are the most common types of roof coverings and what to watch out for:

Built-up roof coverings: This type of covering is composed of alternating layers of reinforced fabric and bitumen (asphalt), and finished with a top layer of construction aggregate, such as stone or gravel. If built-up roof coverings are poorly installed, pockets of air or moisture can become trapped between the layers. If these blisters burst, the resulting holes can increase the risk of water infiltration.

Modified bitumen roof coverings: This is a long-lasting option for flat roofs made of base and cap sheet membranes and topped with coloured granules, which are much like the gravel on built-up asphalt membranes. As mentioned above, poor installation can lead to water infiltration and premature ageing.

Single-ply membrane roof coverings: This includes Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) and Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), which are comprised of flexible sheets of synthetic polymer that can be divided into two main groups – thermoplastics and synthetic rubber. EPDM roofing expands and contracts with temperature changes. Special attention should be paid to the perimeter as the membrane can become unfastened in these areas.

Shingle coverings: This covering consists of flat or curved tiles that interlock or overlap in a way that channels water off a pitched roof. Shingle coverings require a suitable roof pitch, and their lifespan varies depending on numerous factors such as the type and quality of the material used, and the climatic conditions they’re exposed to.

How to safely remove snow from your roof

Avoiding excessive snow or ice buildup on your roof is crucial; it’s recommended that snow and ice be removed before their thickness exceeds 20 cm (8 in.). To help ensure that your roof is not damaged in the process, keep these tips in mind:

Use wood or plastic shovels and make sure not to shovel too close to the roof covering.Avoid sharp tools (e.g., axes or picks) and use rubber mallets to break up ice.Avoid using excessive heat (e.g., welding torches), which could damage the roof covering.Be careful when using de-icing salt, which can accelerate corrosion of the roof’s metal components.Ensure there is good water drainage.

To help keep track of all snow removal activities, download our snow removal log. Depending on the age and condition of your building, consider consulting a structural engineer to verify whether your roof can handle the stress of heavy snow loads. Excess weight can not only cause structural damage, but also create ice dams, which can damage the roof drainage system and increase the risk of water damage to the supporting structure of the building.

When to remove the snow from your roof

If you have the right equipment, you may choose to remove snow from your roof yourself. However, you should be prepared for the significant risks that come from performing this task, including personal injury and physical damage to the roof.

If you’re not confident in removing snow from the roof yourself, you may want to consider hiring a contractor to perform this task. Be sure to sign a written contract or service agreement that specifically defines the work to be done, as well as each party’s roles and responsibilities. Also, you should request a certificate of insurance from the contractor and ask your broker to confirm that it is suitable coverage.

What to do in the event of an accident

In the event of an accident, the complainant (or a witness) must complete an incident report. Copies of the report form must be kept on-site and include the individual’s contact information, the date when the form was completed, the signature of a manager or employee who witnessed the incident, and relevant details about the incident.

If possible, you should also take dated photos of the conditions at the scene of the incident, as well as the footwear that the injured party was wearing.

Protect your business with the right coverage

Performing a thorough roof inspection before and after winter can help protect your property. However, Canadian winters can be harsh, and you can’t always control what happens. The right policy can help ensure your roof is covered in the event of damage. Visit our Business Insurance page today to learn more.