What's the Best Way to Prepare Your Roof for Heavy Snow Loads

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Roofs in London are built to handle typical winter snow loads, but a heavy, wet snowfall or a series of storms without a thaw in between can add more weight than most homeowners realize. Preparing your roof before winter starts is a simple way to avoid surprises later in the season.

The first step is clearing gutters of leaves and debris in the fall, since clogged gutters trap melting snow and encourage ice dams to form along the roof edge. It is also worth doing a visual check of your roof structure, or having a professional look at it, especially if your home is older or has had any visible sagging. Trees with branches overhanging the roof should be trimmed back, since added snow weight on branches can cause them to break and damage shingles or gutters below.

During the season itself, watch for unusually deep or wet snow accumulation, particularly after a series of storms with little melt in between. A long-handled roof rake used from the ground can safely remove excess snow from lower roof edges without anyone needing to climb up. For flat or low-slope commercial roofs, snow load becomes a more serious structural concern, and professional roof snow removal is often the safer route.

If you ever notice new cracks, sagging, or doors and windows that suddenly stick, these can be signs that snow load is affecting your home's structure and worth having assessed quickly. Acting early is always easier than dealing with damage after the fact.

Thames Valley Snow focuses on ground-level snow and ice management, but we are happy to flag any roof concerns we notice on a property during regular visits, and can point you toward the right resource if a professional roof assessment is needed.

Keep the ground safe too

Heavy roof snow can slide off onto steps and walkways, and melt can refreeze below. Walkway and steps clearing ($150–175) and salting ($175) cover those areas.

Leave roof work to specialists

Driveway crews do not usually work on roofs. Use a roof rake from the ground, or hire a roofer, rather than climbing onto an icy roof.

Signs of trouble

Sagging ceilings, doors that suddenly stick, or creaking can indicate too much load. Contact a professional right away.

Frequently asked questions

Do you clear roofs?

Roof work is not part of standard plans. Ask the team.

Will snow from the roof be cleared from the driveway?

Yes, if it is on the driveway at the next visit.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.