Winter Roofing Realities: What Every Ottawa Homeowner Should Know

When winter settles over Ottawa, homeowners naturally shift their attention from outdoor projects to indoor comfort. But while roofing work slows during the colder months, your roof is working its hardest. Snow, ice, fluctuating temperatures, and harsh winds all put pressure on one of your home’s most important systems.

At Cadieux Roofing, we are committed to helping homeowners understand how winter affects their roof — and what steps they can take to minimize issues until the warmer months return.

Here are some of the biggest winter roofing realities every homeowner should be aware of.

1. Snow Load Matters More Than You Think

Ottawa weather can shift quickly from light flurries to heavy wet snow — and the weight adds up fast. A cubic foot of wet snow can weigh more than 20 pounds.

Most roofs are designed to handle significant snow loads, but older roofs or those with structural concerns may be more vulnerable. While wiping snow off a roof isn’t necessary in most cases, homeowners should watch for:

• Sagging in the attic

• Cracks appearing in the interior drywall

• Doors suddenly sticking or misaligning

• Large, uneven snow buildup

If you notice any of these signs, consult a professional once winter eases.

2. Ice Dams Are a Symptom — Not the Problem

Ice dams are one of the most common winter roofing concerns. They occur when warm air from the home escapes into the attic, melting snow on the roof’s surface. That meltwater runs down, refreezes at the colder roof edge, and forms a dam that traps water behind it.

The real causes are typically:

• Poor attic insulation

• Inadequate ventilation

• Air leaks from the home into the attic

While ice dams can cause shingle and gutter damage, they’re ultimately a sign of an attic system that needs improvement — something that should be addressed in the spring when roofing work resumes.

3. Shingles Become More Brittle in the Cold

Shingles are designed to be flexible, but winter temperatures make them stiff and less forgiving. This is why reputable roofing companies, including Cadieux Roofing, avoid installations during the coldest months.

It’s not about inconvenience — it’s about ensuring your home gets the quality workmanship and warranty-backed installation it deserves.

If your roof is aging or you know replacement is coming, winter is an ideal time to plan ahead for spring.

4. Icicles Look Nice — But Can Signal Trouble

Icicles form for the same reasons as ice dams: heat escaping the home. While icicles alone aren’t inherently dangerous, they often show that warm air is melting rooftop snow and causing freeze–thaw cycles that can lead to:

• Water backup

• Shingle damage

• Gutter strain

• Hidden interior leaks

If you see repeated icicle formation, consider it winter’s way of telling you to reassess insulation and ventilation when temperatures rise.

5. Winter Is the Perfect Time to Prepare for Spring Roofing Projects

You may not be booking inspections or installations during the winter, but this is actually the best season for planning:

• You can evaluate your budget.

• You can research roofing materials.

• You can review contractor options early, before spring schedules fill.

Cadieux Roofing opens spring installation bookings well ahead of the season — allowing homeowners to secure a spot before the rush.

Final Thoughts

Your roof is one of the hardest-working components of your home during winter. Even though roofing work pauses until spring, winter gives homeowners a chance to observe how their home performs in extreme conditions — and to plan ahead for repairs or replacements.

Cadieux Roofing is proud to support homeowners with trusted workmanship, transparent communication, and solutions built to last. If you’re considering a spring roofing project, now is the time to start gathering information so you’re ready when warm weather returns.