Homeowner guide
Roof snow removal in Montreal: when to do it and how to avoid roof damage
Above 60-90 cm of accumulation, or if you see ice dams or ceiling water stains, it's time to act. A residential roof clearing usually takes 2 to 6 hours depending on roof pitch, area and number of storeys.
When you need it
The signs to watch for
- More than 60 cm of snow built up on the roof
- Ice dams visible at the roof edge or in gutters
- Humidity or water stains appearing on interior ceilings
- Visible roof sag or unusual cracking sounds
- Frozen gutters that no longer drain
- Flat roof with heavy accumulation after a major storm
How we work
Step by step
- 01We assess accumulation, ice presence, access, roof slope and drop zones.
- 02We define a safe ground zone for removed snow (away from entries, windows and cars).
- 03We remove snow in sections, leaving a thin layer so the membrane or shingles are not scraped.
- 04We monitor ice dams, gutters, flashing and infiltration signs as work progresses.
- 05We clear critical exits (vents, conduits) where conditions allow.
- 06We clean main access areas and report any observations to the client.
Cost and time
What affects price and timeline
Every job is different. Here are the concrete factors that move the estimate up or down. The fast quote tool accounts for these points.
What affects the price
- Roof slope (flat or low-slope takes longer than steep pitch)
- Total roof area to clear
- Number of storeys (height access slows work)
- Total accumulation (40 cm vs 100 cm changes everything)
- Ice dams to break (more dangerous and slower)
What affects the timeline
- 2 to 4 hours for a 1-2 storey residential house
- 4 to 6 hours for a duplex or triplex
- Half-day to full day for major ice dams
- Winter season only — December to March depending on snowfall
Your side
What you prepare for us
- Photos of the roof, accumulations and infiltration areas
- Move vehicles away from drop zones
- Mention wires, skylights or fragile elements
Our rules
What we will never do
- Scrape with a metal shovel that can damage shingles or membrane
- Work during an active storm or high wind
- Leave the drop zone unfenced — falling snow can injure
- Remove all the snow (we leave 5-10 cm of protection on the covering)
The result
What you end up with
- Snow load reduced to a safe level for the structure
- Ice dams cleared from gutters, flashing and roof edges
- No damage to the covering (shingles or membrane intact)
- Ground access cleaned around work zones, observations sent in writing
Frequent questions
Your answers
When do I really need to clear the roof?
Rule of thumb: more than 60-90 cm of snow depending on density (wet snow is far heavier). Additional signs: visible ice dams, ceiling infiltration, or cracking sounds from the framing. A healthy roof handles a lot, but extreme accumulation after several storms is a risk.
Does snow removal damage shingles?
Not when done right. We always leave a thin snow layer (5-10 cm) to protect the covering, and we use plastic snow shovels designed for roofs. Aggressive scraping with metal tools is what causes damage — we don't do that.
Can you respond in an emergency?
Yes, we do emergency winter calls, especially after a major storm or if infiltration starts. Response time 24-72 hours depending on regional demand.
How much does roof snow removal cost?
Depends on area, storeys and accumulation. Our Triple-Quote gives you 3 prices: strict removal (minimum safe), removal + ice (most cases), or removal + ice + full inspection (for roofs that have had infiltration problems before).
Does my home insurance cover roof snow damage?
Most home policies cover snow-related damage (infiltration, partial collapse). But they expect the owner to take reasonable measures — not clearing a clearly overloaded roof can be grounds for partial denial. Verify with your insurer.
Do I need to clear it every winter?
No, not systematically. A normal winter with a few storms doesn't pass the threshold. Winters with repeated snowfall and no thaws, or buildings with flat roofs and limited drainage, need at least one intervention.
See also
Other A1 methods
French drain
If you see humidity, cracks or white stains on your basement walls, the French drain around your foundation has probably stopped draining water properly. Replacing it usually takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on yard access.
Read the guide
Sewer and water
Basement backup, low flow, sewer odour or settling ground along the pipe usually means your service connection has a problem that needs digging. A full water entry or sewer connection replacement typically takes 1 to 5 working days, plus the municipal permit delay.
Read the guideYour next step