Winter Roof Maintenance Tips Every Edmonton Homeowner Should Know

Edmonton winters aren’t gentle heavy snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and brutal wind chills can turn small roofing issues into expensive leaks. A little maintenance now can save you thousands in spring.

1. Clear Excess Snow Before It Becomes a Problem

Snow load adds weight and traps moisture. Once it exceeds 12–18 inches, the pressure on your roof structure becomes risky. Use a roof rake from the ground never climb an icy roof.

2. Watch for Ice Dams

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your attic and melts the snow, which refreezes at the edges. This forces water under shingles.
If you see icicles or thick ice buildup, you likely have:

• Poor attic ventilation

• Insufficient insulation

• Warm air leaks

A professional assessment can fix the root cause.

3. Inspect Attic Ventilation

Proper airflow prevents condensation, mold, and premature shingle wear.
Signs of poor ventilation include:

• Frost on attic nails

• A musty smell

• Warm attic in winter

• Condensation on plywood

Adding baffles, vents, or correcting blocked soffits makes a huge difference.

4. Flashings To Be Checked After Big Temperature Drops

Freeze-thaw shifts metal flashings slightly, opening tiny gaps around:

• Chimneys

• Skylights

• Plumbing vents

• Gooseneck (Connected to bathroom exhaust fan)

• Roof-to-wall connections

A quick reseal prevents leaks once spring melt begins.

5. Book a Professional Winter Roof Inspection

Our Trained Inspector will safely:

• Lift shingles

• Check fasteners

• Inspect underlayments

• Perform attic Inspection

• Assess attic ventilation

• Identify early leak indicators

Edmonton winters are harsh your roof needs a strong defence.

2. Why Edmonton Roofs Fail in Winter (And How to Prevent It)

Most homeowners think roofs fail because of age. In Edmonton, winter is the real enemy.

1. Freeze–Thaw Cycles Tear Roofs Apart

Temperatures swing from +2°C to –20°C in the same week.
Shingles expand and contract, and older roofs crack or lift.
A winter inspection catches these weak spots before water gets in.

2. Poor Attic Ventilation Causes Condensation

When warm indoor air escapes into a cold attic, moisture forms on the plywood.
Over time, this creates:

• Mold

• Rot

• Sagging roof decks

• Wet insulation

Once the structure weakens, repairs become expensive.

3. Ice Dams Back Up Water Under Shingles

Ice dams are silent killers they can cause leaks even on brand-new roofs if vents are blocked or heat escapes.

4. Cheap Installations Don’t Survive Edmonton Winters

Fast, low-bid roofing jobs often skip:

• Proper nail spacing

• Underlayment protection

• Ice & water shield

• Ventilation calculations

Homeowners pay for it later especially during melt season.

Prevent Winter Roof Problems

• Inspect attic airflow

• Upgrade insulation

• Clear snow properly

• Repair loose shingles

• Have a roofer evaluate flashings and vent boots

A strong winter maintenance plan is the key to long roof life in Edmonton’s climate.

3. How to Protect Your Roof During Edmonton’s Deep Freeze

Winter is when your roof works the hardest and most homeowners don’t think about it until water starts dripping.

Here’s how to protect your roof during Edmonton’s coldest months.

1. Keep Gutters Clear to Prevent Ice Dams

If gutters are clogged, meltwater has nowhere to go and refreezes at the eaves. This leads to:

• Ice damming

• Shingle lifting

• Water intrusion

A simple cleaning can save a major headache.

2. Monitor Your Attic Often

Every few weeks, take a peek and check for:

• Frost buildup

• Wet insulation

• Dripping nails

• Dark stains on plywood

These are early signs of ventilation or moisture issues.

3. Repair Minor Damage Immediately

A loose shingle in summer is a small problem.
A loose shingle in January is a leak waiting to happen.

Winter winds in Edmonton can hit 80–100 km/h any weak point gets exposed.

4. Ensure Exhaust Vents Aren’t Blocked by Snow

Bathroom fans, furnace exhausts, and range hood vents must stay clear to avoid:

• Moisture buildup

• Ice blockages

• Carbon monoxide concerns

Shovel around them gently if drifted in.

5. Schedule a Professional Winter Roof Checkup

At PJ Roofing, we inspect:

• Flashings

• Plumbing boots

• Attic ventilation

• Ice dam risks

• Structural indicators

• Shingle seams & nail patterns

This is the smartest way to avoid spring surprise expenses.