Clearing snow from roofs is a different business from plowing a lot. The risks are falls from height, damage to roofing and gutters, injury to people below from falling snow and ice, and structural problems if loads are handled badly. Many snow removal liability policies do not contemplate roof work at all, and some exclude it.
Tell Your Insurer
If you clear roofs, even occasionally, it must be disclosed. An undeclared roof job that leads to a claim is a coverage dispute waiting to happen. Insurers will ask about:
- Building types and heights, such as residential, low rise commercial or industrial
- Methods, such as roof rakes from the ground, walking the roof, or lifts
- Fall protection equipment and training
- Whether you remove ice dams and use steam or heat
- Whether you subcontract roof work
Coverage Roof Contractors Need
- General liability that specifically covers roof snow and ice removal
- Completed operations for damage discovered after you leave, such as leaks from damaged shingles
- Workers compensation and a documented safety program, since falls are the leading cause of serious injury
- Equipment insurance for lifts, steamers and safety gear
Ground Crews and Falling Snow
Snow and ice sliding off a roof can injure people and damage vehicles below. Site control, signage and timing are part of managing the risk and part of what insurers look for.
Roof work is common in heavy snow regions such as Northern Ontario, the Okanagan and the Rocky Mountain Corridor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my snow plow insurance cover roof snow removal?
Often not. Roof work is usually excluded or must be specifically declared and underwritten.
Is ice dam steaming covered?
It can be, when declared. Heat and steam add fire and water damage exposure that insurers want to know about.