What Is the Best Roof for Heavy Snow in Canada?

• understanding-snow-loads-in-canadian-winters - Understanding Snow Loads in Canadian Winters
• what-makes-a-roof-best-for-heavy-snow - What Makes a Roof Best for Heavy Snow?
• top-roofing-materials-for-heavy-snow - Top Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow
• best-roof-designs-to-handle-snow-accumulation - Best Roof Designs to Handle Snow Accumulation
• real-case-how-a-metal-roof-saved-an-oshawa-family - Real Case: How a Metal Roof Saved an Oshawa Family
• why-pickering-roofing-is-your-best-bet-for-winter-roofs - Why Pickering Roofing Is Your Best Bet for Winter Roofs

1. Understanding Snow Loads in Canadian Winters

In Canada, especially in regions like Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec, roofs must withstand some of the harshest winter conditions in the world. One of the biggest threats? Snow load. This refers to the weight of accumulated snow and ice, which can reach several hundred kilograms per square metre during peak season. Understanding snow load risks is the first step in choosing the right roof.

Many Canadian homes—especially older ones—weren’t built with modern snow load considerations in mind, making roof selection a crucial part of winter home maintenance.

Toiture Royale Expert Inc. / toiture royale expert

LévisChaudière-AppalachesQuébec

7921 Rue de l'Orge, Lévis, QC G6Y 0G1, Canada

2. What Makes a Roof Best for Heavy Snow?

2.1 Structural Strength

A strong roof isn’t just about material—it’s about what lies underneath. Rafters and trusses need to be engineered to support additional weight without warping or sagging. Modern construction codes in Canada require snow load calculations, but not all homes meet those standards.

SGM Construction Roofing / sgmconstruction.ca

TorontoOntario

287 Epsom Downs Dr, North York, ON M3M 1T5, Canada

2.2 Sloped Design

The steeper the slope, the better. A well-angled roof allows snow to slide off naturally, preventing dangerous buildup. Low-pitch or flat roofs are much more susceptible to snow-related structural failure.

2.3 Moisture Resistance

It’s not just the weight of the snow—it’s the melting process. As snow melts and refreezes, ice dams can form, which back up water into your roof system. The best roofs for snow include waterproof membranes and high-performance underlayments.

3. Top Roofing Materials for Heavy Snow

3.1 Metal Roofs

Metal is hands-down the best roofing material for heavy snow. It has a naturally slick surface that sheds snow easily, preventing buildup. It’s also extremely durable in cold climates, resistant to cracking, and capable of handling rapid freeze-thaw cycles.

3.2 Composite or Architectural Shingles

While not as snow-shedding as metal, high-quality composite shingles can handle moderate snowfall when installed correctly with a steep slope and proper ventilation.

3.3 Rubber Roofing

An emerging option for low-slope roofs is EPDM rubber. While not suitable for all snow-heavy zones, it offers good resistance to water infiltration and is commonly used on garages and sheds across Canada.

4. Best Roof Designs to Handle Snow Accumulation

4.1 Gable Roof

The gable roof is the classic Canadian snow fighter. With its high peak and two sloping sides, snow rarely accumulates heavily, and it allows for solid attic ventilation to prevent ice dams.

4.2 A-Frame Roof

Used more commonly in mountain homes and cottages, the A-frame is nearly vertical, shedding snow effortlessly. It's the extreme version of the gable and excellent for snowy regions like the Rockies.

4.3 Hip Roof (with Reinforcement)

A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, offering structural stability and better resistance to high winds. With added reinforcement and proper pitch, it's a great option in both snowy and storm-prone areas.

5. Real Case: How a Metal Roof Saved an Oshawa Family

In the winter of 2022, a historic snowstorm hit Durham Region, dumping over 60 cm of snow in 48 hours. One Oshawa family had just installed a new metal roof from a local contractor. While their neighbours struggled with leaks and collapsing shingles, their metal roof shed snow with ease. Not only did it hold up structurally, but it also prevented ice damming thanks to a strategically placed membrane system underneath.

Stories like these are becoming more common as Canadians shift to snow-resilient roofing options—especially in areas experiencing more intense winter weather due to climate change.

6. Why Pickering Roofing Is Your Best Bet for Winter Roofs

At Pickering Roofing, we specialize in roofing solutions tailored for Canadian winters. Our team assesses your home’s structure, slope, and exposure to recommend the best materials and design. Whether it’s a metal upgrade, a reinforced hip roof, or a snow management plan, we ensure your roof doesn’t just survive—but thrives—in the snow.

We also offer yearly snow load inspections and proactive winter maintenance. If you live in a snow-heavy area and want peace of mind, you know who to call.