Property risk
Snow accumulation and roof loading
Wet spring snow is heavy, and flat or low-slope sections carry it worst.
What happens
Snow density varies enormously. Dry midwinter snow is light; the wet snow that falls in March and April in Calgary can be several times heavier for the same depth.
Flat and low-slope roofs, dormers, and areas where drifting concentrates carry the greatest load. Structural concern is uncommon in properly built residential roofs but is not zero, particularly where drifting piles snow against a wall or on a lower roof section.
The more common problems are meltwater related: accumulation contributing to ice damming, and blocked drainage on flat sections.
At ground level, accumulated snow against foundation walls and over window wells directs meltwater exactly where it should not go.
Calgary bylaw requires the adjoining public sidewalk to be cleared within 24 hours of a snowfall ending, regardless of whether anyone is home.
Why vacancy makes this worse
Snow accumulates over successive events with no one clearing walks, watching drifting, or noticing that a low roof section is loading up.
What a visit can observe
- Deep accumulation on flat or low-slope sections
- Drifting against walls, doors or window wells
- Snow piled over window wells
- Ice ridges at eaves
- Uncleared walks and driveway
- Snow against the foundation
Reducing the risk
- Arrange snow clearing on a per-snowfall or seasonal basis, and have it verified rather than assumed.
- Have accumulation on low-slope sections observed from the ground after significant snowfall.
- Keep window wells clear.
- Use a qualified specialist for any roof snow removal; it is dangerous and damages roofing when done badly.
Related questions
Do I still have to clear snow if nobody lives there?
Yes. City of Calgary bylaw requires the public sidewalk adjoining a property to be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowfall ending. That obligation attaches to the property owner and does not pause because the property is empty or the owner is out of the country.
Failure to clear can result in the city arranging removal and billing the owner, plus a penalty. More practically, an uncleared walk in front of an obviously empty house is a liability if someone is injured, and it is one of the clearest possible signals that nobody has been there.
Arranging clearing is straightforward; the part that fails is verification. Owners commonly book a service from another province, receive invoices, and never confirm the work was actually done. Having someone confirm and photograph the result after each snowfall closes that loop.
Need someone at the house?
Tell us what the property needs. Direct services throughout Greater Calgary.