Weathering Canada, One Roof At a Time.

Let’s face it, Canada throws just about everything it’s got at commercial roofs. From persistent moisture on the coast to the fluctuating temperatures in the prairies, every part of Canada comes with its own set of roofing challenges. In this blog, we’ve compiled the top four types of weather Canada faces and offer some insight on how to fight back.

#1. When It Rains, It Pours

Frequent rain and high moisture levels are a major roofing concern throughout Canada. Whether it’s piercing droplets driven by wind or stormy weather, heavy rain has a habit of leading to costly leaks and operational downtime for all types of facilities.

Tips to Protect Your Facility from Rain and Flooding:

Seal Your Building: Strengthen your defense against water intrusion by sealing your building’s joints,  glazing the windows, using closed-cell spray foam for increased insulation or insulated wall panels.

Improve Drainage: Annual preventative maintenance includes cleaning your drains and scuppers regularly along with making minor repairs to prevent ponding water and leaks.

Reinforce Edges and Membranes: Make sure all membrane seams and flashings are watertight and secure metal edge details to resist wind uplift and water intrusion.

Schedule Pre-Storm Inspections: Ensure roof systems, flashings and all rooftop equipment are secure and properly attached before seasonal storms hit.

#2. Snowed In and Iced Over

Canada tends to take a hard hit when it comes to snow, sleet and ice. Your commercial building may even be experiencing silent cycles of freezing and thawing, putting your roof to the test over time.

Tips to Protect Your Facility from Snow and Ice Damage:

Install Heat Cables and Snow Guards: These help prevent ice damming and snow slides near critical areas like drains and roof edges.

Monitor and Manage Snow Load: Invest in snow monitoring and removal services to eliminate the risk of sagging or collapse. 

Prevent Thermal Shock: Seasonal inspections will detect early damage caused by expansion and contraction during freeze-thaw cycles.

Maintain Drainage Systems: Keep your gutters and roof drains clear so melting snow can flow freely!

#3. Blown Away By The Wind

From the Chinook winds to the intense gusts off the coast, your roof assembly edge details are at risk. With debris flying around, serious damage or even full blow-offs can occur during high wind events. 

Tips to Protect Your Facility from High Winds:

Use Wind-Rated Attachment Systems: Mechanically attached and induction-welded membranes are designed to resist uplift and help keep your roof securely fastened.

Reinforce Flashings and Edges: Secure rooftop components, metal edge details and flashings to help prevent detachment.

Clear Debris Post-Storm: After a windstorm, professional roof cleaning services will safely remove projectiles or debris that could cause punctures or drainage issues.

#4. Taking a Hit From Hailstorms

Canada is extremely vulnerable to frozen precipitation and hail. This can slam into your roof, puncturing or shattering your roof membrane and damage the layers underneath it.

Tips to Protect Your Facility from Hail Damage:

Choose Impact-Resistant Roof Systems: Most roofing materials will hold up well under the impact of hail, but we do recommend an inspection after a storm to make sure there isn’t any damage that is not visible to the untrained eye.

Add a Hail-Rated Coverboard: Installing a coverboard beneath your membrane adds an extra layer of defense to improve hail impact and puncture performance.

Reinforce Vulnerable Roof Areas: Roof penetrations, flashings and edge details can be weak points during hail events, keep an eye on them. 

Document for Insurance and Warranty: Keep inspection and repair records handy to help with potential insurance claims or warranty compliance after a storm.

Whether it’s that salty air, hailstorms or cycles of freezing and thawing, severe weather events are nothing new to businesses across Canada. If you're looking for a way to stay ahead of the damage, roofing solutions built to stand up to your local climate might be the answer to all of your questions. With the right systems, seasonal prep and a partner, like CentiMark, who is well-versed in Canadian weather, you’ll be ready for anything.

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