Ottawa Winters and the Durability of Asphalt Roofing

Winter doesn’t hold back in Ottawa. It hits hard with snow, freezing rain, and long cold stretches. When January rolls around, homeowners start to worry about how well their roofs are handling all that weight and cold. With asphalt roofing being one of the most common choices in Ottawa, it’s fair to wonder how it holds up through months like these.

We’ve seen a lot of winters up here, and we know what this type of roofing is built to handle. So we’re taking a closer look at how it performs when the snow piles up and the temperature drops fast. From how shingles react to cold to what role your attic plays in keeping your roof healthy, there are a few things that help explain why asphalt is still a solid choice in the Ottawa region.

Understanding the Weight of Snow and Ice

Snow looks soft when it first falls, but once it packs on, it gets heavy fast. That weight puts steady pressure on your roof. Asphalt roofing can carry a good load, but it all comes down to how much snow is sitting up there and how your roof is shaped.

Sloped roofs help snow slide off slowly and safely. Flat spots or shallow angles make it harder for snow to move, which can lead to dangerous buildup.
If melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof, it can form an ice dam. This traps water behind it, and that water can sneak under your shingles when it has nowhere to go.
Ice dams cause more problems than people expect. Once water gets under the shingles, it can damage the wood underneath without being seen until it’s too late.

The key thing is that the shape and drainage on your roof matter just as much as the material when it comes to standing up to heavy Ottawa winters.

How Cold Temperatures Impact Shingle Performance

When it gets cold, really cold, some roofing materials get stiff or even crack. Asphalt shingles can handle low temperatures, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to cold-related stress.

In sharp cold snaps, shingles can become brittle. That makes them more likely to crack if something hits them or if they get lifted by wind.
Some shingles lose surface granules faster when exposed to freeze-thaw cycles over time. Granules help protect shingles from the sun and moisture, so losing them means they’ll wear quicker.
A lot of protection comes from what’s underneath. A strong underlayment gives shingles extra support and helps prevent leaks if any water gets past the top layer.

With the right installation and regular upkeep, asphalt shingles are built to take on the kind of cold Ottawa delivers each year.

Wind and Winter Storm Resistance

Snow isn’t the only challenge in an Ottawa winter. Wind gusts and freezing rain can do just as much damage, especially during sudden storms. A strong wind can lift shingles or tear them right off if they weren’t fastened properly.

Edge sealing plays a big part here. It’s the first part of the roof that wind gets under, and if it’s not snug, it peels back faster than expected.
Nail placement sounds like a small detail, but it’s a big deal. When nails are driven in the right spots, they create a stronger hold even when wind pressure shifts across the surface.
No roof stays perfect in every single storm, but when installed well, asphalt roofing can take repeat gusts over time without breaking down quickly.

Expecting zero wear during storm season isn’t realistic. But small signs of wear don’t always mean something’s wrong either.

Yearly Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Their Effect on Roofing

Ottawa doesn’t just stay cold. Temperatures go up and down, sometimes all in the same day. That’s where the freeze-thaw cycle comes in. It’s when snow melts during mild weather, then refreezes at night.

Water sneaks into tiny cracks or gaps during the warmth, then turns to ice when it gets cold again. Ice takes up more space, so it pushes and stretches anything around it.
Asphalt roofing flexes a little, which helps it resist that repeated pressure. It doesn’t crumble like harder materials can under that kind of stress.
Still, over time, you might see signs like curling shingles, loosened edges, or more granules collecting in your gutters.

Seeing these clues at the right time means small fixes can be made before things get worse, which helps a roof last much longer through multiple winters.

Preventive Practices That Make a Difference

Roofs don’t have to fight the weather alone. Some of the help comes from inside the attic, surprisingly. When heat collects in your attic due to poor ventilation, it affects the shingles on the outside.

Good attic insulation keeps warm air from escaping too quickly, which stops melting snow from dripping down and refreezing at the roof’s edge.
That same insulation works best when it’s supported by vents. Vents help carry off excess moisture so ice doesn’t build up inside or on the underside of the roof.
Clearing gutters before major snowfall makes a big difference. If gutters are blocked, meltwater backs up and causes leaks where you least expect them.

Magnum Roofing specializes in both roof replacements and timely repairs for Ottawa homes, offering thorough inspections that can spot early issues to prevent expensive damage. All the work is carried out by qualified experts, ensuring attention to both roof health and safety.

We recommend roofing checks early in the season before the heavy snow really settles in. But even now in January, it’s not too late to check for signs of trouble.

What a Resilient Roof Looks Like by Spring

Once winter starts fading and the snow melts, it tells us a lot about how the roof handled the season. Some signs of strength are obvious, others show up only when temperatures rise.

A solid roof shows even wear, no missing shingles or strange stains. Leaks didn’t pop up during the freeze-thaw cycle, and attic space is dry with no sagging insulation.
When snowmelt kicks in, small leaks that weren’t visible before might start showing. That’s why springtime inspections are useful even if nothing looked wrong in winter.
The better a roof handles this season, the less work it needs in the next. Regular care, smart ventilation, and good snow drainage all add up to longer shingle life.

Ready for Ottawa’s Winter, and Beyond

A winter-ready roof does not leave many surprises behind. Asphalt roofing holds up well against Ottawa’s unpredictable winters when supported by experienced installation, proper attic ventilation, and regular maintenance. Magnum Roofing offers reliable service, competitive pricing, and a straightforward process from inspection to replacement or repairs, keeping your home protected all year long.

Winter weather in Ottawa can take a toll on your roof, and even minor wear from snow, wind, or the freeze-thaw cycle can lead to bigger problems if left unchecked. Asphalt tends to perform well in our climate, but regular attention is key to long-term protection. Our team at Magnum Roofing is ready to support you with everything related to asphalt roofing. Reach out to book an inspection or ask any questions about your roof, we’re here to help keep your home protected all year.