How Edmonton’s Weather Impacts Your Roof (And What You Can Do About It)

J & D Independant Roofing
Apr 22
4 min read

Living in Edmonton comes with its fair share of weather drama—scorching summer heat, freezing winters, heavy snowfalls, chinooks, windstorms, and everything in between. And while you might bundle up, hunker down, or turn up the heat, there's one part of your property that takes the brunt of every season without a break: your roof.

Your roof is your building’s first line of defense against Alberta’s unpredictable moods. Whether you're managing a residential home, a commercial facility, or an industrial site, understanding how local weather affects your roof—and what you can do about it—can help you prevent major (and expensive) problems down the road.

At J & D Independent Roofing Inc., we’ve been serving Edmonton for over 30 years. We’ve seen what works, what fails, and how smart property owners protect their roofs through every season. Let’s dive in.

The Reality of Edmonton Weather: Roofs Beware

Edmonton is no stranger to extreme conditions. In fact, it's one of the coldest major cities in North America and also one of the sunniest. Combine that with wind gusts, hailstorms, and snow loads, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for roofing stress.

Here’s a breakdown of Edmonton’s climate-related roofing challenges:

Winter Temps: Dips as low as -40°C
Snowfall: ~125 cm per year
Summer Heat: Highs of 30°C+
UV Exposure: ~2,300 hours of sunshine per year
Rainy Days: ~90 days annually
Hail Events: Occasional but severe

All of these elements—sometimes in rapid succession—can wreak havoc on even the toughest roofs if they aren’t properly maintained or constructed.

❄️ Winter: Freeze, Thaw, Repeat

Edmonton’s winters are legendary. While picturesque, they’re brutal on your roof.

What Happens:

Ice dams form when heat from inside melts snow on the roof, only for it to refreeze at the edges.
Freeze-thaw cycles cause water to seep into small cracks, then expand when it freezes, worsening the damage.
Heavy snow loads stress the roof structure, especially flat roofs without proper drainage.

What You Can Do:

Ensure your roof has adequate insulation and ventilation to minimize ice damming.
Schedule regular inspections to catch cracks, soft spots, and stress points.
Clear snow buildup safely or hire a pro.

🌦️ Spring: Melting, Moisture, and Mayhem

Spring can be deceptively harsh. While the snow melts, problems often surface.

What Happens:

Melting snow reveals winter damage—cracks, leaks, or lifted materials.
Standing water can collect on flat roofs if drainage systems are blocked.
Hailstorms can pummel roofing materials, especially older or brittle ones.

What You Can Do:

Clean out drains, gutters, and scuppers to avoid pooling water.
Inspect the roof membrane and flashing for visible damage.
Consider a preventative maintenance program to stay ahead of spring surprises.

☀️ Summer: Sun, UV, and Storms

Edmonton’s sunny summers are short but intense—and roofs feel the burn.

What Happens:

UV rays degrade roofing materials over time, especially asphalt or rubber membranes.
Heat causes roofing materials to expand, sometimes warping or loosening seals.
Sudden summer storms can bring high winds or hail.

What You Can Do:

Use UV-resistant materials like our SBS torch-on systems designed for long-term durability.
Schedule a summer inspection to assess any shifting or sealant failures.
Check for curling, blistering, or granule loss.

🍂 Fall: The Calm Before the Cold

Fall is your last chance to prep your roof before winter returns.

What Happens:

Leaves and debris clog drainage systems, leading to pooling water.
Cooler temps cause materials to contract, revealing vulnerabilities.
Missed maintenance means entering winter with pre-existing damage.

What You Can Do:

Clean all gutters, downspouts, and roof drains.
Seal up any gaps or flashing weaknesses.
Book a professional roof check-up before snow hits.

📊Edmonton Roof vs. The Elements

Edmonton Element	Roof's Reaction	Risk Level	J&D Pro Tip
-40°C Winter Windchill	Shrinking materials, brittle flashings	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	Use flexible, cold-rated membranes
Summer Heatwave	Blistering, UV degradation	🔥🔥🔥	Choose UV-resistant coatings
Hailstorm	Impact damage, cracks, dents	🔥🔥🔥🔥	Regular inspections after major storms
Snow Load	Structural strain, potential collapse	🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥	Clear snow + verify drainage slopes
Freeze-Thaw Cycle	Expansion damage, trapped moisture	🔥🔥🔥🔥	Address even small cracks early
Wind Gusts	Lifted shingles, torn edges	🔥🔥🔥	Secure edges and seams properly

Note: "🔥" indicates risk intensity. The more flames, the bigger the threat!

🏡 Flat Roofs: Extra Attention Needed

Flat roofs are a popular choice in Edmonton—especially for commercial and industrial buildings. But they require specific care due to their low pitch and drainage reliance.

At J & D Independent Roofing Inc., we specialize in flat roof systems, offering leak-proof solutions designed to endure the region’s punishing climate. Our SBS torch-on systems offer superior resistance to temperature swings, water intrusion, and UV exposure.

We also provide roof consultations, custom maintenance plans, and emergency services—because flat roofs don’t forgive neglect.

🛠️ Preventative Maintenance: Your Roof’s Best Friend

We cannot stress this enough: an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of shingles.

Too many Edmonton property owners wait until their roof is actively leaking to call for help. By then, insulation may be soaked, decking might be rotting, and mold could already be taking hold.

Our Preventative Maintenance Programs are built to catch problems early—saving you thousands in long-term repairs and extending your roof’s lifespan by years.

🧰 Need a Hand? Call the Local Experts

You don’t need to know everything about roofing—that’s what we’re here for. With over 30 years of experience, J & D Independent Roofing Inc. knows exactly how to build, repair, and maintain roofs that stand up to Edmonton’s wild climate.

We proudly serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients across the region, offering 24/7 service when you need it most.