Initial Assessment
We check snow depth, roof type and any leaks or sagging to judge how urgent it is
Roof Snow Removal in Ottawa
Safe roof snow removal for homes, flat roofs and commercial buildings, done by roofers who know how to clear snow without damaging shingles, vents or flashing.
Roof Snow Removal for Ottawa Homes and Businesses
Roof snow removal in Ottawa is about more than clearing a big pile. A few heavy storms, a freezing rain and a thaw can pack snow into a dense, heavy layer that strains your roof framing and feeds ice dams along the eaves. Vanity Roofing clears snow from pitched roofs, flat roofs and commercial buildings across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley before it turns into leaks or structural damage.
Because we are roofers, we clear the snow with techniques that protect your shingles, vents, skylights and flashing, using soft plastic shovels and leaving a thin layer of snow on the roof so nothing scrapes the shingles or membrane. Whether you have a heavy load sitting on a flat roof or want to stop ice dams before they start, we keep your roof protected all winter. Come spring, here is what to check on your roof after the snow melts.
Keep Your Roof Safe Through Ottawa’s Harsh Winters
Packed Ottawa snow gets heavy fast, and rain or a thaw on top of it makes it heavier still. That weight presses on your roof deck, rafters and walls, and the melt it produces is what builds ice dams. Left alone, it leads to structural strain, water getting in and mid-winter emergency calls.
Clearing the snow in time helps you avoid
Stress and sagging caused by excessive snow load
Ice dams that push meltwater under shingles
Unexpected snow slides that can injure people or damage property
Moisture buildup that leads to interior leaks or ceiling stains
Emergency roof repairs in the coldest part of the winter
Ice dam removal and roof snow removal together keep water moving off the roof and the load off the structure all season long.
Why Choose Vanity Roofing for Roof Snow Removal
We clear snow from shingle roofs, flat roofs and low-slope commercial roofs, and we check for damage while we are up there. If we find a leak or loose flashing, our roof repair team can fix it before the next storm. For larger buildings, see our commercial roofing services.
Local Winter Experience
We work on Ottawa roofs every winter and know how quickly snow load builds on flat roofs, valleys and the low side of a pitched roof.
Safety First
Our crews use proper fall protection and tools chosen for each roof type, and we carry $5 million in liability insurance and WSIB coverage.
More Than Snow Clearing
We clear snow, break up ice dams, open drains and eavestroughs so meltwater can escape, and give you a quick report on your roof’s condition.
How Roof Snow Removal Works
Custom Plan
A safe removal plan for your roof, including where the snow will go
Professional Removal
We clear the snow in sections with soft plastic shovels, leaving a thin protective layer so the shingles and membrane are never scraped
Site Cleanup
Snow moved away from walkways, doors and vents, and hauled off the property if needed
Final Inspection
A final check for damage, ice dams and blocked drains or eavestroughs
Winter Protection Plans for Ottawa Roofs
Stay ahead of heavy snowfall with a seasonal plan. We keep an eye on your roof after big storms and clear it before the load becomes a problem, which is especially useful for flat roofs, older homes and commercial buildings.
Signs Your Roof Needs Snow Removal
Watch for these signs that your roof is carrying too much snow and may be at risk.
How Much Snow Is Too Much
- More than 15 cm of snow on the roof, especially if it is wet or packed
- Several snowfalls piling up without a thaw in between
- Drifts that leave much deeper snow on one part of the roof
- Rain falling on top of existing snow, which adds a lot of weight fast
Structural Warning Signs
- A sagging or dipping roofline
- Bending or cracking in exposed rafters or beams
- New cracks in walls, especially around doors and windows
- Interior doors suddenly sticking
- New bumps, ripples or sagging in the ceiling
- Ice building up along the roof edge or in the eavestroughs
- Icicles longer than 60 cm, a sign of ice dams forming
Warning Signs Inside the House
- New brown or yellow water stains on ceilings or walls
- Fresh cracks in paint or plaster
- Water dripping or damp spots anywhere inside
- Patches of ceiling that feel much colder than the rest
- Heavy condensation on windows or walls near the roof
Sounds to Listen For
- New creaking or popping from the roof, especially as temperatures change
- Sharp cracking sounds from the roof structure
- Clicking or shifting sounds from ice on the roof
- Any new settling noises that suggest movement
Weather That Raises the Risk
- Long stretches below freezing that let ice dams build
- Repeated freeze-thaw days
- Heavy snow followed by a warm spell
- Wind that drifts snow into valleys and against walls
- Poor attic ventilation that melts snow from below
Your Roof's History
- You have had ice dams before, so clearing snow early matters more
- Past leaks, since previously damaged areas are more vulnerable
- Recent repairs that may need extra attention
- An older roof, which handles snow load less well. Our roof lifespan guide explains why
Get a Free Roof Snow Removal Estimate
Clear the load before winter damages your roof. Contact Vanity Roofing for a free, no-obligation estimate on roof snow removal, or call 613-851-4448. We offer fast service and 24/7 emergency response across Ottawa and the surrounding area.
A Roof Snow Removal Team Ottawa Homeowners Trust
Vanity Roofing has built its reputation on proven results, long-term warranties, and referrals from satisfied customers across Ottawa. As the largest installer of CertainTeed® roofing products in Ottawa and a Select ShingleMaster™ in the top 1% nationwide, we’re able to register CertainTeed’s 5-Star Warranty, covering materials and labour for up to 50 years and workmanship for up to 25 years on qualifying shingle systems. That level of protection reflects the quality of our installations and the confidence we stand behind.
Our commitment to excellence is further reinforced by an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and recognition as Best Roofing Contractor in Ottawa by ThreeBestRated every year since 2019. We’re also certified by the Vinyl Siding Institute and recognized as a James Hardie Elite Contractor, ensuring the same high standards across all exterior services. From roofing to siding, we communicate clearly at every stage of your project and deliver workmanship built to last, so you can feel confident your home or business is protected by one of Ottawa’s most trusted exterior contractors.
Winter Roof Services You Can Trust
Vanity Roofing’s reputation is built on referrals from satisfied customers. We communicate with you at every stage, from the first call after a storm to the final check of your roof. As one of the largest residential roofing companies in Ottawa, we treat every winter call with the same care as a full roof replacement. View our testimonials to see what our clients say.