Edmonton’s winter is not just a cold season; it is an extreme one. The freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls, and strong winds combined with hail and rapid freeze-thaw cycles make it difficult for Edmonton’s residents and businesses to cope with some of the most severe roofing problems in Canada. No matter if your roof is made of metal, shingles, or is a flat commercial one, winter weather can very soon reveal the weaknesses in your roofing system.
As one of the top roofing companies in Edmonton, Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd has assisted thousands of homeowners and property managers in guarding their roofs against expensive winter damage. This detailed guide discusses the most frequent roofing troubles in Edmonton during winter, the reasons for their occurrence, and the ways of eliminating them by means of professional upkeep and quick repairs.
For professional assistance, do not hesitate to contact Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd at their phone number +1 780-709-3240 which is the best for roof repair Edmonton, roof installation Edmonton, commercial roofing Edmonton, and residential roofing Edmonton.
Ice Dams: Edmonton’s Most Common Winter Roofing Enemy
Ice dams are formed when the warm air from your attic escapes, melting the snow on your roof, and the melted water refreezes along the eaves. Ice dams take a long time to form and thus become thicker and heavier, and during that process, they block the drainage completely.
Ice dams are the result of the melting of snow on the roof due to the heat escaping from the attic, and the melted water then refreezing at the eaves. At first, ice dams are just a few inches thick, but with time, they grow and eventually weigh down the roof leading to a blockage of the roof’s drainage.
Reasons Why Ice Dams Are Dangerous
- Water underneath shingles
- Formation of leaks in the interior
- Destruction of mold and insulation
- Curling or lifting shingles
- Weakness of roof decking
Methods of Preventing Ice Dams
- Improvement of attic insulation
- Increase of attic ventilation
- Sealing of warm air leaks
- Cleaning of gutters before winter
- Installation of ice-and-water shield during roof installation Edmonton
Going with Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd will make sure that your dwelling gets the proper insulation and ventilation that will be a barrier against heat loss and ice dams forming.
Heavy Snow Load – Structural Stress on Your Roof
The city of Edmonton is no stranger to heavy and wet snowfall that sometimes melts in a matter of days. Roofs, as a rule, are designed to cope with such loads, but if the snow mass exceeds the allowable limit, it can lead to the following problems:
- Roof sagging
- Strain on the structure
- Loose tiles
- Rafters cracking
- Collapse of the roof (though it is rare, it can happen)
Flat or low-slope roofing makes commercial buildings also prone to such cases.
Indications of Roof Overloading
- Bowing or sagging ceilings
- Cracks in the drywall
- Popping or creaking noises
- Water leaks
Ways to Avoid Snow Load Damage
- Book winter inspections in advance
- Use a roof rake to remove the snow buildup on the roof
- Hire professional services to remove the snow in bulk
- Build stronger old roofs
For the large-scale structures, Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd, the reliable roof contractor of Edmonton, will offer commercial snow load evaluation service to guarantee safety.
Freeze-Thaw Cycle Damage
The city of Edmonton often has snow that is heavy and wet and that can quickly reach high levels. Most roofs, however, are designed to take on such weight, but snow in large amounts can lead to the following:
- Weakness in the middle of the roof
- Pressure on the support structure
- Shingles getting loose
- Rafters that are strained and cracked
- Roof collapsing totally (it is rare though but still there is a chance that it can occur)
- The latter is particularly the case for commercial and industrial buildings which usually have flat or low-slope roofs.
- Indicators of Your Roof Being Overloaded
- Ceilings that are bowing or sagging
- Drywall that is cracking
- Noises of popping or creaking
- Leaks of water
Ways to Prevent Damage by Snow Load
- Pre-winter inspections to be scheduled
- Getting rid of too much snow with a roof rake
- Calling professionals for snow removal which is heavy
- Aging roofs to be reinforced
Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd, the reliable roofing contractors Edmonton, provide commercial snow load evaluation to guarantee the safety of large buildings.
Condensation in the Attic
The air inside your house gets warm, goes up and gets into the attic. When this warm air gets to the roof that is cold, it turns into water droplets—this is especially the case during the severe winter freeze in Edmonton.
Effects on Your Roof
- Mold growth
- Wet insulation
- Wood decay
- Ice accumulation
- Bad smells
- Roof deck disintegration
Ways to stop condensation
- Increase attic ventilation
- Fill in gaps where air can leak
- Apply vapor barriers
- Set up thick insulation
Air circulation is a must. In case your attic has no proper ventilation, Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd can evaluate and set up a ventilation system that is good for the attic.
Condensation in the Attic
When the warm air inside the house rises, it goes to the attic. There it will encounter the cold surface of the roof and condensation will occur. This is where the situations deteriorate, especially during the deep freeze of winter in Edmonton.
The Consequences of Condensation in the Attic
- Mold formation
- Insulation saturation
- Wood decaying
- Ice accumulation
- Unpleasant smells
- Roof deck weakening
Ways to Avoid Condensation
- Increase ventilation in the attic adequately
- Close all the air gaps in the attic
- Apply vapor barriers
- Have sufficient insulation installed
A proper flow of air is a must. If the ventilation in your attic is not adequate, the Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd. will evaluate and put in place a ventilation system that is optimized.
Missing or Damaged Shingles from Winter Windstorms
Edmonton’s winter storms typically result in winds so strong that they can blow or even rip off shingles. The removal of a shingle allows water and snow to get inside the building through the unprotected area, leading to leaks and deterioration of the structure.
Indications of Wind Damage
- Shingles blowing or bending upward
- Shingles gone
- Granules found in the rainwater drainage
- Roofing material underneath the shingles visible
- Water coming through the ceiling after the storms
Prevention Measures
- Use shingles that are rated for high winds
- Observe the right way of shingle nailing
- Get roof inspections done post-storms
- Take care of the loose shingles right away
Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd is an Edmonton-based roofing contractor that always uses roofing materials fit for the severe wind conditions in Alberta.
Skylight and Chimney Leaks
Winter leaks can happen at the locations of skylights, chimneys, and vents as the melting snow forms around these areas.
Reasons
- Broken flashing
- Incorrect fitting
- Accumulation of ice
- Wearing out of sealant
Measures
- Installation by skilled professionals
- Regular checks of flashing once a year
- Use of top-quality sealing materials
Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd is the go-to company for expert flashing repairs for metal roofs Edmonton, shingles, and commercial buildings.
Poor Roof Ventilation Leads to Roof Failure
If there is no suitable ventilation, the area beneath the roof gets too hot, which results in the uneven melting of snow, formation of ice dams, and creation of condensation.
What Repairs to Make for Ventilation Issues
- Ridge vents installation
- Soffit ventilation enhancement
- Gable vents addition
- Blocked or damaged vents replacement
Ventilation is among the least considered parts of the roof. For the customers from the residential and commercial sectors, Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd offers ventilation optimization as part of the roof installation Edmonton services.
Flat Roofing Problems in Winter (Commercial & Residential)
Edmonton’s business structures typically utilize flat roofing systems like:
- TPO
- EPDM
- PVC
- Modified Bitumen
- BUR (Built-Up Roofing)
Flat roofs have to deal with specific winter conditions:
- Flat Roof Winter Problems
- Water ponded on the roof freezes
- Cracks in the membrane
- Infiltration of water
- Clogged drains
- Loosening of flashing
Strategies for Prevention
- Keep drains free of debris and dirt
- Use coatings on roofs
- Put in tapered insulation
- Have winter inspection done
Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd gives complete winter maintenance packages for commercial roofing in Edmonton.
Gutter Damage from Snow & Ice
Icing over the gutters leads to their detachment from the house.
Damage Indicators for Gutters:
- Gutters that are sagging
- Water that is overflowing
- Foundation leaks
Preventive Measures
- Fall gutter cleaning
- Gutter guard installation
- Proper slope assurance
How Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd Helps Prevent Winter Roofing Problems
Among the numerous roofing companies in Edmonton, one of the top-rated would be Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd, which provides:
Residential Roofing Edmonton
- Maintenance required in winter
- Repair or replace shingles
- Locate leaks
- Enhance insulation/ventilation
Commercial Roofing Edmonton
- Repair of the membrane
- Management of snow load
- Clearing of drains
- Inspecting flat roofs
Metal Roofing Edmonton
- Protection against ice dam
- Panels that last long
- Design that sheds snow
Emergency Roof Repair Edmonton
- Service available round-the-clock
Roof Installation Edmonton
- Utilizing tough materials especially for Alberta winters
Contact Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd now: +1 780-709-3240
FAQ
How often should Edmonton homeowners inspect their roof in winter?
At least twice: once before heavy snowfall and once in mid-winter. After major storms, additional inspections are recommended.
Should I remove snow from my roof myself?
Small amounts are fine with a roof rake. However, deep or packed snow should only be removed by professionals to avoid injury or roof damage.
Do metal roofs perform better in Edmonton winters?
Yes. Metal roofing sheds snow naturally, reduces ice dams, and withstands wind and temperature changes better than shingles.
How can I tell if my roof ventilation is poor?
Signs include hot attic air, frost buildup, condensation, mold, and inconsistent indoor temperatures. Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd can perform a ventilation assessment.
Which roofing materials are best for Edmonton winters?
Architectural shingles, metal roofing, and commercial membranes like TPO and EPDM perform exceptionally well in Edmonton’s climate.
Edmonton winters can be very tough, however, in case of your roof, that does not necessarily mean suffering. By implementing preventive maintenance, using quality materials, and scheduling timely inspections, you will be able to avoid expensive emergencies resulting from small issues.
If you require roof repair Edmonton, or roof installation, or complete winter roofing protection, Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd will be your constant support throughout the process, whether you are a homeowner or a business.
Call Busy Boyz Roofing Ltd at +1 780-709-3240. Your reliable roofers Edmonton for all types of roofing solutions – residential, commercial, and metal.