Roof Collapse From Heavy Snow: Does Home Insurance Cover It in Canada?

Often, yes, but it depends on your policy wording. Many Canadian home policies treat the collapse of a building from the weight of snow or ice as a covered loss, as long as the roof was in reasonable condition and reasonably maintained. A claim can be reduced or denied if the damage came from wear and tear, poor maintenance or neglect. Because wording differs from one insurer to the next, check your own policy or ask your broker.

This article is about the weight of the snow itself. If your concern is water getting in at the eaves, our guide to ice dams and winter storm claims covers that side. Here we look at snow load, how policies tend to treat it, and what to do before and after a roof fails.

Snow load is the weight of snow and ice sitting on a roof. Roofs are designed for a certain load, but several things push a real roof past what it handles comfortably: repeated storms without melting, rain or freezing rain soaking into existing snow, drifting against walls or dormers, and flat or low-slope roofs where snow stays put.

Snow is not one weight. A Montreal home inspector quoted by The Weather Network said snow can weigh between 2 and 20 pounds per cubic foot, with the top of that range being like dense slush, and light fluffy snow being far less of a load. That is why a roof can cope with a deep dry snowfall and struggle after a smaller wet one.

No published national figure was found for how many Canadian homes lose a roof to snow each year, so this article does not quote one.

Home policies describe what they cover in one of two broad ways, and the difference matters for a collapse.

• Named perils. The policy lists the causes of loss it covers, such as fire, wind, hail, theft and, in many forms, weight of snow, ice or sleet. If a cause is not listed, it is not covered.
• All-risk (sometimes called comprehensive). The policy covers sudden and accidental loss unless the cause is specifically excluded. You then read the exclusions to see what is left out.

Many policies mix the two, for example all-risk on the building and named perils on belongings. Which form you have, and how your insurer words snow, ice and collapse, is in your policy documents. Do not assume; ask for the exact section that deals with the weight of snow.

Our guide to what home insurance does not cover lists the common exclusions that apply to any form.

If your insurer accepts the loss as covered, a claim can typically involve several parts, subject to your limits and deductible:

• Repair or rebuild of the damaged roof structure and the parts of the house it affects.
• Interior damage that follows the failure, such as ceilings, insulation and water or snow entering the home.
• Your belongings that were damaged inside.
• Living costs if the home cannot be lived in while it is repaired. See how additional living expenses coverage works.
• Reasonable costs to protect the property from further damage, such as a temporary cover.

Detached garages, sheds and other outbuildings are usually covered under separate limits, so it is worth asking how much your policy sets aside for them.

Insurance pays for sudden and accidental damage, not for the slow ageing of a building. These are the issues insurers commonly look at on a roof claim:

• Wear and tear and deterioration. A roof that was already rotting, sagging or past its useful life may be treated as a maintenance problem rather than a snow problem.
• Neglect or failure to maintain. Policies generally exclude damage that results from not looking after the property. A Canadian trade report from Canadian Underwriter noted that some insurance contracts exclude roof damage caused by negligence, and advised owners to confirm their coverage with their insurer. That report was about commercial buildings, but the same principle appears in many home wordings.
• Faulty construction or unpermitted changes. A cut rafter, an overloaded addition or poor workmanship can shift the blame away from the snow.
• Vacancy. Many policies limit coverage when a home sits empty for a set period. Seasonal and unoccupied properties are worth a conversation with your broker.
• Older homes. Age alone is not a reason for denial, but roof condition is asked about; see insurance for older and heritage homes.

If a claim is turned down, you have options. Read what to do when a home insurance claim is denied.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada's ice and snow safety page advises clearing snow from your roof and deck to avoid a potential collapse, or hiring a professional to clear it. It also suggests checking eavestroughs and the roof for ice dams or icicles.

Climbing up is a real risk, though. The home inspector quoted by The Weather Network recommended hiring a professional and, failing that, using an extendable snow rake from the ground rather than going onto the roof. He warned that shovelling from the roof can damage shingles and cause leaks. Schedule a contractor ahead of time, since emergency help during a storm may not be available.

No published rule was found that says clearing your own roof changes a claim, and wording varies, so if you are unsure, ask your insurer or broker before a storm rather than after. A record that you took reasonable steps, such as a receipt from a contractor, is helpful if you ever need to make a claim.

The Weather Network inspector listed early signs inside the home:

• Doors or windows that stick or will not close properly, because heavy snow can push framing out of square.
• New cracks in plaster or ceilings, or a ceiling that begins to sag.
• Creaking or popping sounds from the roof or ceiling.
• Water leaks.
• Blocked drains on a flat roof, which add weight.

If you notice these, treat it as a safety issue first. Leave the room or the house, and call a qualified professional. Do not stay under a sagging ceiling to take photos.

1. Get everyone out and stay out. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is a gas, electrical or structural danger. Shut off power and gas only if it is safe to reach the shut-offs.
2. Document before touching anything. Take photos and video from a safe distance, including the roof, ceilings, the snow depth, and the damaged belongings. Our guide to documenting belongings helps.
3. Report the claim promptly. The IBC's page on how to file a home insurance claim says you must report a claim to your insurance representative, ideally as soon as possible, with complete and accurate details.
4. Limit further damage. The same IBC page notes that your policy requires you to act to limit any further damage. Reasonable emergency steps, like tarping an opening or moving belongings, are usually expected. Keep every receipt for cleanup and temporary measures.
5. Keep damaged items unless they are hazardous, and check with your insurer before throwing anything away.
6. Keep a log. Note names, dates and what was agreed on each call. If you need a place to stay, keep the receipts for those costs too.

The full process, from the first call to settlement, is in our guide on how to file a home insurance claim.

• Have the roof structure and covering inspected before winter, especially on an older house or one you recently bought.
• Keep flat-roof drains and eavestroughs clear so meltwater can leave the roof.
• Know who you would call for snow removal, and book them before the first big storm.
• Keep records of roof repairs, inspections and replacements. Insurers commonly ask about the age and condition of the roof.
• Ask your broker how your policy treats snow weight and roof condition, and whether any roof-age limits or endorsements apply.

BlueCouch is a licensed Canadian insurance brokerage. You can start a quote online by answering questions about your home, and a licensed BlueCouch broker follows up to confirm the details with you. You can also read what home insurance can cover on our homeowners page.