Most GTA roofs are designed to carry normal Ontario snow load without intervention — clearing isn't routinely necessary on healthy sloped residential roofs. Professional snow removal becomes important in three specific scenarios: flat or low-slope roofs accumulating over 30 cm, older homes with known structural concerns, and roofs already flagged for ventilation issues that will form ice dams. AUK Roofers does professional roof snow removal across the GTA during heavy-accumulation events — typically $350–$1,200 depending on roof size, access, and accumulation depth. Never climb a snow-loaded roof yourself; slip injuries from amateur snow removal are by far the most common winter roofing emergency we hear about second-hand.
Last reviewed: · By AUK Roofers editorial team
When you actually need clearing
Most GTA homeowners don't need to clear their roof at all in a typical winter. Modern Ontario Building Code requires residential roofs to carry a snow load that comfortably handles seasonal accumulation. Professional clearing is genuinely warranted in these specific scenarios:
Flat or low-slope roofs (garages, rear additions, sheds) with over 30 cm accumulation
Older homes (pre-1970) with no recent structural assessment and over 50 cm on main slopes
Any roof showing visible sag, creaking sounds during accumulation, or new interior cracks
Roofs already flagged in a fall inspection for ice dam risk or ventilation issues
Commercial flat roofs over occupied space, regardless of construction era
Drift accumulation behind dormers, parapets, or HVAC equipment exceeding 60 cm
When clearing is unnecessary or counterproductive
Aggressive over-clearing is its own problem — it strips protective snow blanket that insulates the attic, increases freeze-thaw stress on shingles, and creates opportunities for damage from clearing tools. Healthy sloped roofs in good condition almost never need clearing.
Healthy asphalt or metal sloped roof with normal accumulation under 50 cm
Homes built post-1990 with no structural concerns
Roofs where natural shedding (especially metal) is already occurring
Light, dry powder accumulation — weighs roughly half what wet snow does at the same depth
How we actually do it
Professional snow removal isn't shovelling — it's controlled load reduction using tools designed not to damage the roof beneath. We work from the ground using long-handled roof rakes wherever possible, and from ladders or scaffolding when ground tools can't reach. Crews are never on a snow-loaded roof.
Long-handled poly roof rakes (15–20 ft reach) — primary tool for ground-based removal
Soft-edged plastic blades — never metal — to prevent shingle granule loss
We leave a 5–10 cm protective layer rather than scraping to bare shingle
Snow is directed away from windows, AC condensers, and walkways
Eavestrough and downspout clearing included in every visit
Photo documentation before and after for your records
What it costs
Pricing depends on roof size, access, and accumulation depth. Most jobs fall in a predictable range:
Small accessible single-storey (garage, addition): $350–$550
Major drift removal behind dormers or HVAC equipment: add $200–$400
Emergency same-day surcharge during peak storm events: typically $150–$250
Eavestrough clearing included in all visits
Why you should never climb a snow-loaded roof
We get a call every winter from someone whose neighbour fell off a roof trying to clear snow. The slip hazards are extreme — and most homeowner insurance policies specifically exclude DIY-injury during roof work.
Snow over ice or frozen shingles is effectively a slide
Ladders rest unstably against snow-loaded eaves
Shovels concentrate weight and damage shingles below
Visibility is poor — easy to miss a skylight or roof edge
Most homeowner policies exclude DIY work injuries
Professional crews use fall-arrest gear, scaffolding, and trained technique
Snow removal vs ice dam removal — different problems
If you're seeing thick ice ridges at your eaves or icicles longer than 60 cm hanging off the edge, that's not a snow load problem — that's an ice dam, which is a separate service requiring steam removal. Snow removal reduces structural load; ice dam removal stops active water infiltration. Different tools, different timing, different price. See our ice dam removal page or call (437) 887-2805 if you're unsure which you have.
Common questions.
Direct answers, no filler.
How much snow is too much on my roof?
Healthy sloped residential roof: typically 50 cm of wet snow or 80 cm of dry powder before you should consider clearing. Flat or low-slope: 30 cm of any accumulation. Older homes or any structural concern: lower thresholds — call us if you're unsure.
Won't snow on my roof help insulate the attic?
Yes, a moderate snow layer does reduce attic heat loss — which is why we leave a 5–10 cm protective layer rather than scraping bare. The trade-off only goes wrong when accumulation gets heavy enough to stress structure or create ice dam conditions from heat loss.
Can I use a roof rake myself from the ground?
Yes if you're careful — choose a poly (not metal) rake, work from solid footing well clear of falling snow, never reach beyond stable balance, and watch for snow sliding off in chunks. Leave a 5 cm protective layer. Stop if you can't reach safely from the ground.
What if my roof is making creaking sounds?
Take it seriously — that's a structural warning sign. Move occupants out of rooms directly under the loaded area, call us immediately for same-day removal. Snow load combined with ice can stress framing past design limits, especially on older construction.
Does removing snow prevent ice dams?
Helps but doesn't solve the underlying cause. Ice dams form from attic heat loss, not just snow presence. Removing snow eliminates the meltwater that feeds the dam, which is why we often combine snow removal with steam ice dam removal during the same visit when both are present.
Is roof snow removal covered by insurance?
Sometimes — many policies cover snow removal as preventive damage mitigation when load is approaching structural limits. Keep our invoice and submit it; reimbursement varies by insurer. Damage from collapse is generally covered; preventive removal is policy-dependent.
How fast can you respond during a major storm?
Same-day across the GTA during peak storm events, usually within 6–10 hours of call. Active interior leaks or structural warning signs jump the queue. Call (437) 887-2805 — we'll give you an exact ETA.
Should I clear snow off my solar panels?
Yes, but only with a soft-bristled brush extension from the ground — never anything abrasive. Snow on panels reduces winter generation to near zero, and most panels are designed for ground-based brush clearing. We can include solar panel clearing in our visits.
Book snow removal today
Across all 14 GTA service areas. $2M insured. WSIB. 25-year workmanship guarantee.
