Snow depth in this area is at record levels, that means there's probably plenty of snow putting pressure on your roof, and with rain in the forecast a lot of additional weight.
A number of years ago in Morin Heights Quebec, three women were killed after the roof of a building caved in on them. Authorities strongly suspected that accumulation of snow on the roof was partly responsible.
A roof collapse can occur after a significant snowfall, freezing rain, or a series of intermittent snow or ice events throughout the winter season warns the National Research Council of Canada.
The flatter and more sheltered your roof, and rougher as opposed to a slippery surface, the more susceptible to signi!cant snow or ice accumulation your roof becomes.
How steep your roof’s slope is, plays the most important factor in helping shed snow but even with a sloped roof, snow and ice can still build up around chimneys, skylights or dormers.
If you’ve checked your roof and are concerned about the weight it's time to look and listen to your house for signs of stress.
"These signs can include unusual sounds from the roof or supporting walls, visible movement of walls or sagging of ceiling and cracking of drywall or plaster," says the NRC. "Other signs may include doors that jam or water leaks that show up after a big snowfall."
Be careful if you decide to remove the snow yourself as this can be dangerous. There are snow removal companies in North Bay that can do the job for you.
But the purchase of a simple snow rake for about $30 can help if your roof is accessible from the ground
A snow rake can safely pull the snow off the roof, while you work from ground level. Be careful not to pull the snow down on yourself.
See: Snow loads – when to shovel your roof
And: Protecting your home from ice and snow storms
