How to Effectively Protect Your Roof from Thawing in Montreal?

As summer fades away, Montreal prepares for the long and unforgiving winter months ahead. While snow may cover the city in white, it also presents a recurring challenge that many homeowners are all too familiar with: thawing. The freeze-thaw cycle, a common phenomenon in our climate, can wreak havoc on your roof if it isn’t properly protected. At Couvreurs de l'Est (Montréal) Ltée, we’ve spent more than 60 years helping Montreal residents and business owners protect, repair, and extend the life of their roofs with solutions tailored to our unique weather conditions.

Why is thawing a threat to your roof?

Montreal winters are famous for their temperature fluctuations. One day, snow piles high on rooftops, and the next, a sudden rise in temperature causes it to melt. When that melted water seeps into cracks or weak points in your roof, it can freeze again as soon as temperatures drop. This expansion and contraction cycle creates pressure that leads to cracks, lifting shingles, or even leaks inside your home.

The damage doesn’t affect every roof type in the same way, which means that each type of roof, flat, shingle, steel, slate, or eco-friendly, requires specific maintenance and protective measures to withstand the seasonal thaw.

Protecting different types of roofs

Asphalt and Gravel Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are a familiar sight in Montreal, especially on duplexes, triplexes, and commercial buildings. While practical, they are particularly prone to issues during thawing periods because melted snow can pool on the surface. If this water lingers, it increases the risk of leaks and water infiltration. The best defence is regular snow removal combined with thorough inspections of the elastomeric membrane. This membrane acts as a waterproof shield, and keeping it in good condition is essential to avoid costly damage.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles, like IKO or BP, remain a popular choice for pitched roofs. However, they are not immune to the stresses of winter. When snow melts and then refreezes, ice can form beneath the shingles, causing them to lift or crack. Over time, this weakens the roof’s ability to keep water out.

White Roofs

White roofs, often used for flat structures, are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. While this is excellent for lowering cooling costs in the summer, it can also accelerate the thawing of snow in winter. The faster melt may lead to water pooling and potential infiltration if the membrane has even the smallest cracks. This is why consistent inspections are essential for white roofs.

Steel Roofs

Metal roofing is one of the best options for Montreal’s climate. Not only is it extremely durable, but it also allows snow and ice to slide off more easily than other materials. This reduces the likelihood of ice dams and water damage. That said, the joints and fastenings must be checked regularly to maintain proper waterproofing and to ensure long-term performance.

Slate Roofs

Slate is known for its elegance and longevity, but it can be sensitive to sudden and extreme temperature shifts. Proper anchoring and inspection of the tiles during the thawing season are necessary to prevent cracks or breakage.

LEED-Certified Roofs

Eco-friendly LEED-certified roofs are designed for energy efficiency and sustainability. However, they still require tailored maintenance to maintain their performance against the harsh freeze-thaw cycle. Regular professional checkups are key to ensuring their long-term durability.

The importance of snow removal and maintenance

One of the most effective ways to protect your roof during thawing is through regular and safe snow removal. When snow accumulates too heavily, it can exert enormous pressure on the structure, leading to damage or leaks. Even worse, melting snow can refreeze at the edge of the roof, creating ice dams that block proper drainage and push water back into your home.

At Couvreurs de l’Est, we offer professional snow removal services to keep your roof safe and extend its lifespan. Our experts are trained to remove snow without damaging the roofing materials, a task that can be challenging for homeowners to manage on their own.

An annual inspection, ideally before and after the thawing season, is another essential step. A detailed inspection helps spot cracks, weak points, or clogged gutters, all of which can quickly turn into major problems if left unchecked.

Additional tips to protect your roof from thawing

• Proper insulation and ventilation: A well-insulated attic prevents excessive heat from escaping through the roof, thereby reducing the risk of uneven snowmelt and ice dam formation.
  

• Gutter maintenance: Keeping your gutters clear allows melted snow to drain efficiently, avoiding water buildup that can seep into your home.
  

• Elastomeric membranes: Installing or maintaining these protective membranes on flat roofs ensures watertight protection, even in damp or freeze-thaw conditions.

With over six decades of experience, Couvreurs de l’Est (Montréal) Ltée has established its reputation as one of Montreal’s most trusted roofing experts. Our team handles all types of roofs and offers complete services, including installation, repairs, maintenance, and elastomeric membrane application. By selecting solutions tailored to Montreal’s harsh winters, we help you protect your investment and prolong the life of your roof.

Don’t wait for thawing to cause costly damage. Contact Couvreurs de l’Est (Montréal) Ltée today to schedule a full roof inspection before the winter thaw. Whether you have a flat roof, asphalt shingles, a steel roof, or slate, our specialists will provide tailored solutions that keep your home safe and your roof strong, season after season.