

The Essential Winter Preparation Guide for Your Toronto Commercial Roof
Protect your asset, prevent costly emergencies, and extend your roof’s lifespan with expert tips from Anjco Roofing Ltd.
As a commercial property owner in the Greater Toronto Area, you know our winters are unforgiving. The combination of heavy lake-effect snow, biting winds, and rapid freeze-thaw cycles poses a unique threat to your building’s first line of defense: your roof.
At Anjco Roofing Ltd., we’ve protected businesses across Toronto and the GTA for years. We know that a proactive approach isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a necessity for preventing costly emergency repairs and extending the life of your roof. This guide outlines the essential steps to prepare your commercial roof for a Canadian winter.
The Anjco Roofing Ltd. 4-Step Winter Preparedness Plan
1. The Critical Fall Cleaning: More Than Just Removing Leaves
A clean roof is an inspectable roof. Before the first snowfall, it’s crucial to clear all debris—especially the wet, heavy leaves that clog Toronto’s gutters. This prevents:
Ponding Water: Debris blocks drains, creating pools that freeze, expand, and stress the roof membrane.
Rot and Mold: Trapped moisture decomposes underlying materials, leading to soft spots and structural decay.
Pest Infestations: Rodents seek shelter in debris piles; their acidic droppings can accelerate roof deterioration.
Our GTA-Specific Tip: Pay special attention to areas under overhanging trees, common in older Toronto neighbourhoods. Ensure all drainage scuppers and gutters are completely clear to handle heavy fall rains.
2. Tailored Checks for Your Roof Type
At Anjco, we know that a “one-size-fits-all” inspection doesn’t work. Toronto’s commercial buildings have a variety of roofing systems, each with its own winter vulnerabilities:
EPDM (Rubber) Roofs: We meticulously check for seam integrity and punctures. The cold can make rubber brittle, and unnoticed cracks can quickly become major splits under the weight of ice and snow.
TPO & PVC Roofs: Our technicians pay close attention to the heat-welded seams. We ensure they are fully bonded and will not separate during winter’s thermal contraction, which is a common cause of leaks.
Modified Bitumen (Mod-Bit) Roofs: For these built-up systems, we focus on the surface coating and any exposed felts. We ensure seams are properly sealed and gravel is distributed to protect against UV degradation and wind-driven rain before it turns to ice.
A generic inspection can miss these critical, system-specific flaws. Our targeted approach ensures we find them.
3. The Professional Inspection: Your Best Defence Against Winter Emergencies
A DIY visual check isn’t enough. Our certified roofing technicians perform systematic inspections designed for Toronto’s climate. We don’t just look at your roof; we analyze it.
Moisture Detection: We proactively check for hidden moisture trapped within the roof assembly—a primary cause of winter rot.
Flashing & Seal Integrity: We scrutinize every penetration (HVAC units, vents, pipes) and all perimeter flashing, as these are the most common failure points during winter storms.
Drainage Analysis: We perform a water test to ensure every drain has proper flow and slope, preventing dangerous ice dams.
What You Get: Every client receives a Digital Inspection Report with annotated photos, detailing any issues with a clear priority level (e.g., “Critical,” “Recommended,” “Monitor”).
4. Pre-Winter Repairs: Why Fall is the Last Best Time
Addressing issues in autumn is a strategic business decision.
Material Integrity: Most roofing membranes and adhesives require specific temperatures (often above 10°C) for proper installation and sealing—conditions you can’t guarantee in a Toronto winter.
Cost Savings: A planned repair is 30-50% less expensive than an emergency call-out at 2 AM on a holiday weekend to fix a leak.
Safety: A clear, dry roof is a safe roof for our technicians to work on, ensuring repairs are done correctly and efficiently.
5. Proactive Snow Management: Planning for the Inevitable
The weight of wet Ontario snow is a significant structural hazard. A reactive plan is not a plan.
Snow Guards: We recommend and install these systems to prevent snow and ice from sliding off in sheets, protecting people, equipment, and lower-level roofing below.
Professional Removal Contracts: Have a contract in place before it snows. Our trained crews use specialized techniques and tools to remove snow without damaging your roof membrane.
Why Choose Anjco Roofing Ltd. as Your Toronto Winterization Expert?
We believe in transparency and education. When you choose us, you get more than a service; you get a partner.
GTA-Focused Expertise: We understand the specific challenges posed by our local climate and building codes.
Detailed Inspections: We provide data-driven assessments, not guesses, with clear, visual reporting.
Warranty Protection: Our maintenance programs help ensure your manufacturer’s warranties remain valid.
Secure Your Roof’s Winter Health Today
Don’t wait for the first major storm to reveal your roof’s weaknesses. Proactive care is the most cost-effective strategy for any Toronto commercial property.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Winterization Inspection with Anjco Roofing Ltd. We serve Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and all across the GTA.
Call us today at 647-808-4449 for a transparent quote and to secure your appointment before our fall schedule fills up. Let’s ensure your roof is ready for winter, together.