Storm season is coming, how do I secure a New Brunswick roof?

Getting your roof storm-ready in New Brunswick takes a mix of inspection, maintenance, and smart reinforcement — and the window to do it is now, before the fall nor'easters and ice storms hit.

New Brunswick's climate is genuinely tough on roofs. You're dealing with 250–350+ cm of annual snowfall depending on the region (Edmundston and Campbellton get hammered harder than the Saint John coast), freeze-thaw cycles that pry up flashing and shingles, Bay of Fundy storm surges for coastal properties, and spring flooding that can back up into soffits and fascia. Here's how to approach it systematically.

Start with a ground-level inspection before you ever get on a ladder. Walk the perimeter with binoculars and look for curling, cracked, or missing shingles — especially on the south and west faces, which take the most wind and UV abuse. Check the ridge line for any sagging or waviness, which can signal sheathing rot or rafter damage underneath. Granule loss on asphalt shingles shows up as dark, bare patches and means the shingle is nearing end of life.

Flashing is where most NB roofs fail first. The metal around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and valleys is constantly expanding and contracting through our freeze-thaw cycles. Cracked caulk, lifted edges, or rust staining are all red flags. Resealing exposed flashing with a roofing-grade polyurethane sealant is a reasonable DIY task; replacing step or counter flashing around a chimney is better left to a roofer.

Clean your gutters and downspouts before the first hard freeze. Blocked gutters are the primary cause of ice dams — a serious problem across NB. When meltwater can't drain, it backs up under shingles and into your attic. While you're at it, check that downspouts discharge at least 1.8 metres away from the foundation. This matters especially in Fredericton, Riverview, and other areas with clay soils and high water tables.

Attic ventilation and insulation are your best ice dam prevention. A cold attic (well-insulated from the living space below, with adequate soffit-to-ridge airflow) keeps the roof deck cold and uniform, so snow melts evenly rather than in patches. NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program offers rebates for attic insulation upgrades — worth checking before you add blown-in insulation to an older home. If you're in a pre-2000 home, also test for vermiculite insulation before disturbing anything in the attic — it may contain asbestos.

For coastal properties — Saint John, Shediac, Bathurst, the Acadian Peninsula — salt air accelerates corrosion on fasteners and metal components. Inspect all exposed metal annually and use galvanized or stainless steel replacements where needed.

Snow load is a real structural concern in northern NB. If you have a flat or low-slope roof, know your limits. The National Building Code of Canada 2020 (adopted in NB effective May 1, 2025) sets snow load requirements based on ground snow load for your specific location. If you're adding a roof structure or making changes to an existing one, a building permit is required — contact your municipality's building department or the appropriate Regional Service Commission for rural properties.

When to call a roofer: If shingles are more than 20 years old, if you see daylight through the attic, if there's active rot in the sheathing, or if the ridge is visibly sagging, this is beyond maintenance territory. A licensed roofing contractor should assess before storm season, not after. Expect inspection fees of $150–$300, with minor repairs running $300–$800 and a full re-roof on a typical NB home ranging from $8,000–$18,000+ depending on size, pitch, and materials.

Browse roofing contractors in your area through the New Brunswick Construction Network directory to find local professionals ready to assess your roof before the weather turns.