Working on a roof demands strict safety measures, especially considering the high risk of falls. In Canada, falls account for 20% of all workplace injuries, with 30% of these involving falls to a lower level. For roofers on roof, the risks are even higher, especially when dealing with wet or icy surfaces.
Vancouver’s weather presents unique challenges for roofers on roof. The city experiences significant rainfall, with an average of 168 rainy days per year, totaling about 1,153 millimeters of precipitation. This frequent rain can make roofs slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
Additionally, Vancouver’s climate includes occasional cold snaps, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. These conditions can lead to snow and ice accumulation on roofs, further complicating safety for roofing professionals.
Given these factors, it’s crucial to understand how specific weather conditions can make it unsafe for roofers to work. In this article, we’ll explore five key weather scenarios that can halt roofing activities, ensuring both worker safety and project success.
Heavy Rain Makes Roofing Dangerous
When it comes to roofing, heavy rain is one of the biggest challenges roofers on roof face. Rainwater makes surfaces slippery, increasing the chances of slips and falls. Even the most experienced Vancouver roofers know that working in wet conditions is risky, as it reduces traction and makes it harder to carry materials safely. Moreover, tools and roofing materials can become more difficult to handle when soaked, slowing down the progress of the job.
Rain not only affects the safety of roofers in Vancouver but also the quality of the work. Shingles and other roofing materials don’t adhere properly when the roof is wet, which can lead to poor installation and future leaks. That’s why most roofing companies in the city prefer to wait for dry weather before starting any major roofing project.
Given that Vancouver experiences an average of over 1,100 millimeters of rain each year, understanding when to pause roofing work is crucial for safety and durability. For homeowners, this means planning roofing projects during the drier months and always working with a reliable roofing company in Vancouver that prioritizes safety.
High Winds Are Hazardous for Roofers on Roof
Strong winds can turn a routine roofing job into a dangerous task. Roofers on roof face higher risks during windy conditions, as gusts can cause them to lose balance or even knock them off the roof. High winds also make it harder to carry large materials, like shingles and sheets, which can act like sails and become difficult to control.
For Vancouver roofers, wind is a common challenge, especially in open areas or on taller buildings where gusts can be more intense. Even moderate winds can pose risks when roofers are working at heights. Securing tools and materials is essential, but windy conditions often increase the chances of something falling off the roof, which could endanger people or property below.
Most roofing companies in Vancouver have strict guidelines on when to halt work due to wind. If wind speeds reach a certain threshold—typically around 30 to 40 kilometers per hour—roofing tasks are postponed to prevent accidents. Safety always comes first, and knowing when to pause work ensures both the well-being of roofers in Vancouver and the quality of the roofing project.
Snow and Ice Create Slippery Conditions
Snow and ice are two of the most dangerous weather conditions for roofers on roof. When snow builds up, it creates a slick surface that makes it nearly impossible to walk safely on the roof. Even a thin layer of ice can turn any type of roof into a hazardous zone where one wrong step could lead to a serious fall.
In colder months, roofers in Vancouver often deal with icy roofs, especially after overnight freezes. Vancouver may not experience extreme winter weather like other parts of Canada, but occasional snowfall and frost can still create significant safety risks. Snow and ice not only make roofing dangerous but can also damage the roof itself if left untreated. For example, when snow melts and refreezes, it can lead to ice dams, which block water from draining properly and cause leaks. You can learn more about how snow and ice affect roofs and how to prevent damage here.
For homeowners, scheduling roofing work during the winter is risky unless absolutely necessary. Many roofing companies in Vancouver recommend waiting for better weather or using temporary solutions to minimize damage until conditions improve. Safety always comes first, and avoiding work during icy weather ensures that both the roofers and the property stay protected.
Extreme Heat Poses Health Risks
Working in extreme heat can be just as dangerous as dealing with rain or snow. When temperatures rise, roofers on roof are exposed to direct sunlight for long hours, increasing their risk of heat exhaustion or even heatstroke. The roof itself can become incredibly hot, making the environment even more challenging.
While Vancouver roofers might not face extreme heat as often as those in other parts of Canada, summer days can still get warm enough to pose health risks. Temperatures on a roof can be much higher than ground-level readings, sometimes reaching over 50 degrees Celsius on sunny days. Prolonged exposure to such heat can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and fatigue, all of which reduce focus and increase the risk of accidents.
To stay safe, roofing companies in Vancouver take precautions during hot weather, like scheduling work during cooler parts of the day, ensuring roofers take frequent breaks, and keeping plenty of water on hand. For homeowners planning roofing projects, it’s wise to consider the weather forecast and discuss safety measures with the roofing team before starting the job.

Thunderstorms and Lightning Are a No-Go
Thunderstorms are a serious safety hazard for roofers on roof. Lightning poses the highest risk since it can strike tall structures, including roofers working on high buildings or using metal tools. Even if lightning doesn’t strike, heavy rain and strong winds that often come with thunderstorms make working conditions unsafe.
In Vancouver, where unpredictable weather can bring sudden storms, roofers in Vancouver know the importance of staying alert to changing conditions. Roofing during a thunderstorm is not just dangerous—it’s life-threatening. Wet surfaces increase the chances of slipping, while thunder and wind make it harder to focus and communicate with the team.
Reputable roofing companies in Vancouver never take risks when storms are in the forecast. They prioritize safety by rescheduling roofing jobs to a later time when the weather is stable. Homeowners should always trust professional roofers who know when it’s unsafe to work and understand how to protect both their workers and the property during severe weather conditions.
Final Thoughts – Prioritizing Safety for Roofers on Roof
Weather plays a huge role in roofing projects, and knowing when to pause work is crucial for keeping roofers on roof safe. Heavy rain, strong winds, snow and ice, extreme heat, and thunderstorms all create risky conditions that can lead to accidents or poor-quality installations. That’s why experienced Vancouver roofers always pay close attention to the weather before starting a job.
For homeowners, working with a trusted roofing company in Vancouver means getting not only a high-quality roof but also peace of mind knowing that safety is a top priority. Roofing professionals understand when it’s best to wait and when it’s safe to proceed, ensuring that the job is done right without putting anyone at risk.
If you’re planning a roofing project, always consider the weather forecast and choose roofers in Vancouver who have a reputation for working safely. After all, a little patience can go a long way in ensuring both the safety of the workers and the durability of your roof.