You didn’t have time to get your roof inspected before winter. A leak developed in the middle of January. Or perhaps you’re simply wondering whether an inspection during the cold season really makes sense. It’s a question our clients ask us regularly, and the answer requires some nuance.
The good news is that a winter commercial roof inspection is possible—and sometimes even necessary. However, not everything can be checked in the same way as it can in good weather. Here’s what you need to know.
What can be done despite the snow and cold
Several checks can still be carried out safely during the winter, provided you have an experienced team and the proper safety equipment:
- Inspecting areas cleared by the wind or recently cleared of snow.
- Visually inspecting the building’s interior, including ceilings, exposed structures and perimeter areas, for signs of water infiltration.
- Assessing the snow load and identifying areas at risk of being overloaded.
- Checking access points, guardrails, vents and mechanical equipment.
- Assessing ice buildup around drains and along the roof edges.
- Pinpointing an active leak to plan the necessary repair.
For an emergency winter intervention, the inspection can be targeted and carried out quickly, allowing for a temporary repair until conditions permit a permanent solution.
What needs to wait
Some checks are more difficult—or even impossible—when the roof is covered with snow or ice:
- A complete inspection of the membrane across the entire roof surface.
- A detailed assessment of covered flashings, seams and penetration points.
- An accurate evaluation of slopes and areas of standing water.
- Complete mapping of worn areas on the membrane.
- Most permanent membrane repairs, which often require minimum temperatures.
Why winter still reveals a great deal of information
Paradoxically, winter provides clues that aren’t visible in summer. Several winter conditions can offer valuable information to a specialist:
- Uneven snowmelt on the roof may indicate localized heat loss and an area where the insulation is no longer performing properly.
- Ice dams around drains or along the perimeter may reveal poor ventilation or inadequate drainage.
- Moisture stains on the ceiling that appear only in winter often point to condensation or a thermal bridge.
- Icicles forming in unusual places may indicate water infiltration or significant air leakage.
A trained eye can gather a great deal of information from these observations and identify the right work to carry out the following spring.
What should you do if a leak occurs in the middle of winter?
If a leak develops during the cold season, here are the right steps to take:
- Document the problem quickly with photos, videos and the exact location.
- Protect the interior by moving belongings, placing containers under the leak and shutting off power to areas at risk.
- Contact an emergency roofing service without delay so that the problem can be addressed quickly.
- Avoid going onto the roof without the proper safety equipment, especially since snow and ice make surfaces extremely dangerous.
- Schedule a complete inspection the following spring to ensure the underlying cause has been properly addressed.
Why you should schedule your spring inspection now
If you’re reading this article in October or early November, there’s still time to:
- Complete the final pre-winter checks while the roof is still accessible.
- Schedule your spring 2027 inspection.
- Book your spring maintenance work, since reputable contractors fill their schedules quickly after the thaw.
- Set up an annual preventive maintenance program.
Responding to problems in winter is possible, but planning ahead is always more cost-effective than making repairs.
Have a question about your roof? Our team is available year-round
Whether you need an emergency intervention in the middle of a storm or simply want to plan for the year ahead, the LK Toitures team is here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency service and an inspection program tailored to Quebec’s climate.
Don’t wait for the next storm. Contact us today to schedule the inspection or work that will protect you throughout the winter.
