Canadian winters are tough on roofs. Heavy snow, ice dams, freeze–thaw cycles, and strong winds can quickly turn small issues into leaks, mold, and expensive repairs. A simple winter roof maintenance routine can protect your home and extend your roof’s life.

Use this checklist to prep your roof for winter and keep it in good shape until spring. When you need a professional inspection or repair, you can connect with local roofers through RoofingDirect:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/
https://roofingdirect.net/services/
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

1. Before the Snow Falls: Fall Roof Prep

Do these checks in late fall or early winter, before the first big snowfall.

Do a visual roof inspection from the ground

Walk around your home and look up at the roof. If you have binoculars, use them for a closer look.

Check for:

  • Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
  • Exposed nail heads or rusty flashing
  • Damaged or loose metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
  • Moss, algae, or dark streaks that could hide damage

If you notice widespread wear or multiple problem areas, it’s worth having a roofer take a closer look:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

Clean gutters and downspouts

Clogged gutters are a major cause of winter leaks and ice dams.

  • Clear out leaves, needles, and debris from gutters
  • Make sure downspouts are open and draining away from the foundation
  • Check that gutters are securely fastened and not sagging

Clean, free-flowing gutters help meltwater leave the roof instead of backing up under shingles.

Trim overhanging branches

Branches hanging over your roof can:

  • Scrape shingles in the wind
  • Drop heavy snow loads or ice onto the roof
  • Break off during storms and cause damage

Have an adult or professional trim any branches that touch or hang close to the roof.

2. Check Your Attic: Insulation and Ventilation

Your attic is where many winter roof problems start.

Look for signs of moisture

With an adult, safely go into the attic and look for:

  • Damp or moldy insulation
  • Dark stains on wood
  • Frost or ice on nails or roof boards in very cold weather

These are signs of heat loss and poor ventilation, which can lead to ice dams and roof damage.

Check insulation levels

Insulation should be:

  • Deep enough (often 12–16 inches for many Canadian homes, though building codes vary)
  • Evenly spread, without bare spots
  • Dry and fluffy, not matted or wet

If insulation is low, improving it can reduce ice dams and help your roof last longer. A roofer or insulation pro can advise you on upgrades:
https://roofingdirect.net/services/

Make sure your attic can “breathe”

Good ventilation helps remove moisture and keep attic temperature closer to the outside:

  • Confirm that soffit vents (at the eaves) are not blocked by insulation
  • Check that ridge or roof vents are open and not covered from the inside
  • Look for signs of stale, stuffy air or strong odors

If you suspect poor ventilation, mention it when you book a roof inspection:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

3. Ice Dam Prevention Essentials

Ice dams are ridges of ice that form along the eaves, trapping meltwater and forcing it back under shingles.

To reduce ice dam risk:

  • Improve attic insulation to limit heat loss
  • Ensure proper ventilation (soffit + ridge vents working together)
  • Seal obvious air leaks from the house into the attic (around lights, plumbing vents, attic hatches)

Even with good insulation and ventilation, extreme weather can still cause ice dams. That’s why ongoing checks during winter matter.

For more education on roof issues like leaks and ice dams, you can read additional guides on the RoofingDirect blog:
https://roofingdirect.net/blog/

4. During Winter: Ongoing Roof Care (From the Ground)

Never climb onto a snowy or icy roof. Focus on what you can safely do from the ground.

Use a roof rake when snow builds up

If snow is piling up:

  • Use a long-handled roof rake from the ground to gently pull snow off the lower few feet of the roof
  • Work in small sections to avoid damaging shingles
  • Keep clear of falling snow and ice while you work

Avoid:

  • Metal shovels that scrape or gouge shingles
  • Standing on ladders in icy conditions without proper safety precautions

If you’re not comfortable raking the roof or the pitch is steep, consider hiring a professional.

Watch for warning signs inside

During winter, check inside your home regularly for:

  • New water stains on ceilings or upper walls
  • Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
  • Musty smells near the top floor
  • Doors suddenly sticking (can sometimes signal structural movement)

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to talk to a roofer:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

5. What NOT to Do to Your Roof in Winter

A few common “DIY fixes” can actually create bigger problems.

Avoid:

  • Climbing onto the roof in snow, ice, or high winds
  • Chopping or hammering ice dams with a shovel, axe, or chisel
  • Using rock salt directly on shingles (it can damage roofing and gutters)
  • Power-washing the roof in freezing weather
  • Covering attic vents trying to “keep heat in” (this usually makes moisture problems worse)

When in doubt, call a professional roofer rather than risking your safety or your roof.

To see what kinds of services roofers can offer (snow removal, ice dam mitigation, repairs, replacement), check:
https://roofingdirect.net/services/

6. When to Call a Roofer Immediately

Don’t wait if you notice:

  • Active leaks or dripping inside the house
  • A sagging roof line or ceiling
  • Large or recurring ice dams that keep coming back every winter
  • Shingles blown off in a storm, exposing bare roof
  • Significant damage from a fallen branch or high winds

In these situations, you should request a professional inspection or emergency roof service as soon as possible:
https://roofingdirect.net/contact-2/

If you’re not sure which companies serve your area, start by checking the service area map:
https://roofingdirect.net/locations/

7. Simple Winter Roof Maintenance Checklist

Use this checklist each year as you head into winter:

Before winter (late fall):

  • Walk around the home and visually check the roof for damaged or missing shingles
  • Inspect flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights from the ground
  • Clean gutters and downspouts so water can drain freely
  • Trim back overhanging branches from the roof line
  • Check the attic for moisture, mold, or frost on nails
  • Confirm insulation is deep, even, and dry
  • Make sure soffit and roof vents are open and not blocked

During winter:

  • Monitor snow buildup on the roof after major storms
  • Use a roof rake from the ground to clear heavy snow from eaves (if safe)
  • Watch for new ceiling stains or musty smells inside
  • Look for large ice dams forming at the roof edge
  • Document any issues with photos to show a roofer

After storms or thaws:

  • Check ceilings and upper walls for fresh water marks
  • Look at gutters from the ground for ice, sagging, or damage
  • If you see problems, schedule an inspection or repair

For professional help with winter roof inspections, repairs, or planning a future replacement, use these RoofingDirect pages as your next step:

Comments are closed here.