Excess snow has created half a dozen residential, commercial, and agricultural claims at Harvest Insurance.

Co-owner Orville Giesbrecht says damage can range from damaged rafters, shingles, and eavestroughs, to ice damming causing interior ceiling damage or building structure integrity issues. Giesbrecht notes the slope of a roof can also make a big difference when it comes to snow accumulation.

"If the slope of your roof is fairly flat the extra pressure on the roof could cause some other damages. Also with commercial buildings, if you have a flat roof that snow isn't going anywhere. [That snow] is just building up on there and it could create a problem with the integrity of the building itself."

He says claims this year have included canvas from biotech buildings being completely ripped off and even a couple wood-frame buildings having issues, both due to excess snow accumulation.

Giesbrecht notes the snow should be removed form the roof two to three feet from the eavestrough with either a snow rake or by calling a professional to avoid personal injury. Although he hasn't seen a problem with excess snow on decks, he says he would recommend removing excess snow accumulation from decks as well to prevent damage.