Roof Snow Sliding onto Steps and Walkways: What to Watch For

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Which roofs shed snow

Any roof can drop snow, but some do it more suddenly and in bigger amounts:

• Metal roofs, which are smooth and warm up quickly in the sun, often shed snow in large slabs.
• Steep roofs on newer homes and dormers let snow slide once the bottom layer starts to melt.
• Porch roofs, garage roofs and awnings sit right above doors and steps, so whatever slides off lands on the path.
• A roof over a heated space melts snow from underneath, even on cold days.

Look at your home from the walkway and the driveway and note where each roof edge sits. The ground right under those edges is the drop zone.

Why it matters

• Safety. Sliding snow and the ice that comes with it are heavy. Nobody should stand, play or park a stroller under a roof edge that is loaded with snow.
• Blocked doors. Snow that lands in front of a door, a garage side door or a basement entrance can pin it shut.
• Refreeze. A pile of roof snow on the steps melts on warm afternoons and freezes into a hard, uneven layer overnight. Our guide why steps and walkways get icy before driveways explains why those spots freeze first.
• Damage. Falling slabs can bend railings, gutters, light fixtures and anything parked below.

Plan your paths around the drop zone

• If the main walkway runs right under a roof edge, consider using a different route or entrance on days when the roof is loaded and the sun is out.
• Do not pile cleared snow right under a roof edge. The pile grows when roof snow lands on it and can reach the gutter.
• Park cars, bikes and bins away from roof edges that face the driveway.
• Keep the space in front of every door clear, including the side and back doors, so nobody gets trapped inside if one is blocked.
• Watch for icicles over steps and doors. Never knock them down while standing underneath.

Gutters, downspouts and ice

Roof snow does not only come down in slabs. It also melts and drains through gutters and downspouts. If a downspout empties onto the walkway or the driveway, that water refreezes into a slippery patch. Make sure downspouts are clear and point away from paths. Our guide why ice forms under downspouts covers simple fixes. Heavy icicles and ridges of ice at the roof edge can be a sign of an ice dam; see what to do about ice dams.

Should you clear the roof yourself?

Climbing onto a snowy roof is dangerous, and we do not recommend it. If you are worried about the amount of snow, sliding slabs or ice dams, call a roofing contractor. Snow guards, which hold snow on a metal roof so it melts in place, are something a roofer can advise on. Our guide the safest way to clear snow from your roof covers the risks, and do snow companies handle roof snow removal? explains why roof work is a separate job. Roof work is not part of our plans.

Between visits

A snow removal visit clears what is on the ground when the crew arrives. Snow that slides off the roof later in the day is something to watch for. After a mild, sunny afternoon, check the steps and door areas under roof edges before evening, and add salt or sand if a pile has started to melt.

How a seasonal plan helps

A seasonal snow removal plan clears your driveway automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit. Edges, steps and drains are marked before the season. Add walkway and steps, plus seasonal salt for freezing rain and refreeze visits, so the path to your door is covered too.

Prices (all plus HST):

• Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
• Double driveway: $815
• 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
• Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
• Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
• Pet-safe de-icer: $120
• Priority early-morning clearing: $125
• Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95

Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.

Get a quote

Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 639-2069.