How Professionals Determine the Weight of Snow

Though it often appears in movies and TV as a light and fun winter wonder, snowfall comes with some serious downsides for roofing when it accumulates enough weight. To tell the difference between a picturesque natural decoration and a potential disaster, property owners need to know how much the snow on their buildings weighs. Unfortunately, this process can be complicated for individual companies to undertake.

The weight of snow depends largely on how much water is in it, or how packed-in it is on a surface. Visually similar areas might contain much more dense deposits, and measurements can change as quickly as the weather. For these reasons, the best protection against potential damage comes from something called deflection monitoring. This technique is:

• The Ideal Standard for Many Experts
• More Accurate than Other Methods
• Usable in Real-Time Around the Clock

It works by employing a series of sensors that measure the displacement (deflection) of supporting roof joists.  These sensors let monitoring parties know exactly when and where snow removal is needed, and direct snow removal action where it's required. A balance of safety and efficiency, and an excellent investment for any property that deals with snowfall.

Make Successful Roof Snow Removal Plans

Snow is one of the most common sources of trouble for countless roofs. While a little is no issue for well-constructed properties, even a moderate amount left to sit can cause major problems over time. This is why making effective roof snow removal plans is essential for businesses and organizations during the winter. Below are some of our top tips for proactive roof care when it comes to managing snowfall:

Consider Snow Weight -- Not all snow is the same, and the most critical factor when it comes to your roof tends to fluctuate with regional and time-specific differences. The amount of water stored in snowfall depends largely on its density and two properties that might be under very different levels of stress.

Always Choose Caution -- It’s much easier and less expensive to consult professionals than it is to repair the damage after waiting too long for removal. If you see any signs of trouble, such as visible strain or leaks, get help as soon as possible.

Employ Active Monitoring -- Modern technology makes it easier than ever to avoid disaster. With special sensors placed under the roof deck, you can get real-time alerts and always know when it’s the right time for removal.

How Much Roof Snow Is Too Much?

Snowfall built up on the roof can quickly transform an industrial landscape into a peaceful winter wonderland. Though the presence of snow on the roof is beautiful in its own right, there’s a limit to how much snow a roof can support. Accumulated snow can get extremely heavy and can lead to significant structural issues, including roof leaks, interior water damage, ice dams, and even total roof collapse. Fortunately, the experts at Safe Roof Systems have put together some helpful roof snow load measurement tips to help you understand how much snow your roof can handle before danger ensues.

Roof snow load code requirements follow local ground snow load data.   Refer to your builder or engineer for your Live Load requirements.  To Illustrate how much snow can weigh consider the following examples:

• Fresh Snow - 1 foot of freshly fallen snow equals 8-10 pounds per square foot.
• Accumulating layers of Snow - 1 foot of old, packed-down snow is equivalent to 22-25 pounds per square foot.
• A Mixture of Old and wet snow - 1 foot of water-soaked and compressed snow can weigh as much as 35-45 pounds per square foot.
  

Closely monitoring the amount of snow building up on your roof is essential if you wish to avoid structural issues. Your building will be safer if you’re aware of when to mitigate the problem safely with effective snow removal services.

Rely on Safe Roof Systems to determine the load capacity of your roof with roof snow-load measurement tips. Keep these in mind to prevent structural issues.

Using a Roof Load Calculator to Measure Snow Load

That falling snow looks so light and fluffy, it’s hard to believe that too much of the white stuff can cause a roof to collapse. However, it can and does happen, especially when you’re considering the buildup of ice and snow over the course of a long winter. The smart thing to do is protect your investment in your business building with a roof load calculator.

The snow load up on the rooftop is determined by many variables. This includes everything from the roof’s shape and slope to wind exposure, and even the snow on the ground. You must also take the type of snow into consideration. There are the light, powdery flakes, and the wet, heavy snow. And, don’t forget about the ice.

The weight of snow on the roof’s structure is not something you can judge by eye. Instead, we recommend using a monitoring system. Such a system takes into consideration the variables that can occur in the amount and type of snow, as well as the type of roof you have overhead. Once you’ve figured that out, you can make arrangements for raking that snow off of the roof.

Using Numbers to Tell When It’s Time to Shovel

Those frozen bits of water that make the landscape so beautiful and magical in the winter can be a heavy burden for businesses. This is especially the case when your business building is large or has a flat or slightly sloped roof. As snow accumulates on these types of roofing, it stays put instead of sliding harmlessly to the ground. This requires you to be alert and diligent to prevent problems with your roof. And, those problems can be costly as they range from leak repair to roof replacement.

You have two factors to consider here -- the amount of snow and/or ice on your roof. You can’t forget about the ice because it’s heavier and can do far more damage. During the winter, chances are your roof is covered with both. We recommend you make use of formulas and technology to get an accurate estimate.

A roof load calculator is one method. Another is a calculator built into a monitoring system. That way, you have the numbers you need to make smart decisions, such as when to send a crew out to start shoveling roofs. A small investment in a monitoring system now saves you big money on roofing repairs and replacement in the future.

3 Ways Snow & Ice Can Harm Your Roof

When winter rolls around, most of us prepare by stocking up on road salt, switching tires, and piling up firewood. We don’t immediately think of our roofs, even though they’re the only things standing between us and several inches of heavy snow. Before the weather turns cold, inspect your roof and be sure it’s ready to stand up to freezing snow and ice. Here are just a few things that could put your roofing at risk:

1. Snow weight. Snow is surprisingly heavy--even if it’s just a few inches. And once enough piles up, a roof that isn’t reinforced enough could quickly come crashing down. Flat roofing is particularly susceptible to collapse from heavy snow loads. We recommend investing in a roof snow removal plan to put your mind completely at ease.

                            

2. Moisture damage. If a roof isn’t airtight, melting snow and ice can create streams of water that penetrate seams. Once this water is inside your building, it can lead to mold and mildew growth that eventually weakens the entire structure--especially the roof. Not only that, any moisture trapped in these seems could freeze and expand, causing additional damage.

3. Ice buildup. Have you ever noticed icicles forming along the underside of a building’s roof? Though it’s common, it’s also a sign that water isn’t draining properly. Ice formation can seriously damage your gutters and other parts of your roof.

To be sure your home or business is “covered” in the event of snow buildup, ask about a roof snow removal plan. 

Understanding Roof Snow Load Measurement

If you live in a region that sees lots of snow every winter, it’s well worth your time to learn how to measure the weight of snow accumulating on your roof. An individual flake might not weigh much at all, but when all those flakes get together, it could spell disaster for your building--especially if you manage or own commercial property, which tends to have flat roofing rather than pitched roofing.

Snow load formulas differ depending on what type of roof you’re measuring: flat or pitched. For flat roofing, you’ll want to use a yardstick to measure the average depth of snow piling up there. Translate that number to feet. (For example, 12 inches is one foot.)

Then, fill a 1x1-foot container with snow and weigh it. You’ll multiply that weight by the depth of the snow. The resulting number should tell you how many pounds of snow your roof is carrying per square foot.

Sounds complex? For many business owners, it is. Constantly monitoring how much snow your building’s roof gets is exhausting and unrealistic, especially for large properties. (Don’t even get us started on pitched roofing--that formula is even more complex.) A roof snow load measurement system will simplify the task by doing the hard work for you.

To find out how professional roof snow load measurement can protect your business, get in touch with our team.

Trust Our Team When You Need Assistance Shoveling Roofs

Snow comes down, and workers go up.

That may have been the way your company practiced shoveling roofs in the past, but with the application of technology, this job can be much simpler and practical.

At Safe Roof Systems, our team has the skills to provide a roof risk review and evaluation for your company. This review, along with data from the dependable and accurate snow load monitoring systems we provide, builds the foundation of an effective snow removal plan.

Monitoring allows your company to get an accurate picture of the amount of snow on your roof and the areas of heaviest concentration. The information is taken into account when enacting your shoveling plan. Rather than undertaking a wholesale cleaning of the roof and the subsequent expense of a contractor or overtime for your workers – not to mention the risk – a monitor coupled with a concrete plan will direct workers to the areas which need attention.

This method is quicker and cheaper than having a team of shovelers clearing the entire roof every time it snows. With a monitoring system, you only clear the complete roof when conditions and measurements indicate that it is the right choice.

Fewer shoveling excursions onto your roof cuts down on the amount of wear and tear on the roof itself, and the cost for snow removal and roof repairs.

3 Reasons You Need to Know Your Roof Snow Load Measurement

Fresh snow is light and fluffy for the most part, containing more air than water. A few small flurries of snow don’t weigh very much or put much strain on a surface. Once snow starts to accumulate, however, that’s a different story.

As snow builds up on your roof, it gets compacted, leaving a solid mass that contains a larger amount of water and is much heavier. This could spell disaster for your building or home, as it calls into question just how much weight a roof can handle before it starts to cave. Here are three reasons why it’s important to obtain an accurate roof snow load measurement for your property:

1. It ensures the safety of all occupants/guests in the building. This also particularly important in the case of commercial properties which tend to have large roofs that hold lots of snow.

2. It prevents damage to your property from excessive snow loads. This cuts down on repair bills and the hassle of insurance claims.

3. When you know how much snow you roof can handle, you’ll have a better understanding of when you should clean it off.

To get an accurate picture of the amount of snow, you need a monitoring system like the ones provided by a company such as Safe Roof Systems.

Develop a Winter Storm Plan

Winter storms can bring with them a wide array of exposures to your business. Some regions of the county have been enduring record-breaking snowfalls in recent years, which can increase the potential of roof collapse. Staying mindful of several factors will help you determine if your building is ready for the next season’s storm.

It’s essential to know the snow load your building is capable of handling. If it was built recently, you should be able to contact your general contractor for the appropriate information. Make sure to inspect the roof, drains, and gutters for any damage, such as cracks or corrosion, and ensure they’re clear of debris to avoid the possibility of ice accumulation.

Part of any good winter preparedness plan is to establish points where you should lighten the snow load to keep it from becoming unsafe. Whether you decide to handle your roof snow removal plans or leave them to a qualified contractor, make certain that the proper equipment is used to avoid damaging the roof covering.

Above all, prepare for the worst. The first storm of the season can come sooner than you think. Stock up early and be sure that all of your key equipment like snow blowers and generators are in good working condition long before you’ll need them, so you can be prepared to enjoy all the good that the season brings.

Prepare for winter storms by knowing when and where to begin roof snow removal plans. Prevent potential losses from snow damage by connecting with SafeRoofSystems.com.

Fast Facts to Know About Snow

When you know some interesting facts about snow, including the consistency, temperature, and weight of snow, you can be more prepared for the coming winter.

Many people think of snow as a nuisance, but the truth is that snow, as a natural phenomenon, is really quite miraculous. You probably learned that no two snowflakes are exactly alike in elementary school. There’s plenty more to learn about snow, however, so read on to find out more about the stuff of winter wonderlands.

Weight. Individual snowflakes are light, fluffy, and melt in an instant. But did you know that snow can be impressively hefty when all those little flakes get together? In fact, depending on the amount of moisture in any given group of snowflakes, the weight of snow can range up to 21 pounds per cubic foot!

                                                   

Color. Every winter, heavy snowfall transforms certain regions into sparkling white landscapes. But on an individual level, snowflakes aren’t white at all—they’re translucent. It’s only when light hits them from all sides that they appear white. (Another fun fact: snowflakes change color depending on algae content and pollution.)

Sound. Have you ever gone outside during snowfall and found the world much quieter? That’s because newly fallen snow absorbs sound waves. Ice, on the other hand, actually reflects sound waves. Thus, older, icier snow won’t have quite the same muffling effect.

Safety Reasons to Monitor Snow Loads

If you live in a region known for its harsh winters, you’re already familiar with the challenges that heavy snowfall presents. But traffic delays and snowed-in homes aren’t the only things you should be worrying about, especially if you own commercial or industrial property with flat roofing. These roofs can quickly be buried under snow.

Large quantities of snow can be surprisingly heavy, causing serious problems with roofing. Some roofs exposed to heavy snowfall fail and collapse, while others may suffer water damage due to melting snow. In any event, there are several reasons to monitor a roof’s snow load through a custom roof snow removal plan from Safe Roof Systems, an industry leader in roof deflection monitoring technologies.

1. Safety. When you monitor a roof’s snow loads closely, you’ll be alerted to potential issues well before they have the chance to affect your employees’ or customers’ safety.

2. Efficiency. Not sure when to begin shoveling? You’ll know when it’s time when you add a roof snow alarm system to your property, saving you hours of frustration.

3. Peace of mind. With a roof snow monitoring system installed, you’re released from the responsibility of monitoring snow buildup yourself. Now you’re free to pursue other essential tasks in your day-to-day routine.

Any kind of business building can benefit from a roof snow removal plan. It’s worth your time to prepare for snow before it arrives and causes roof problems.

Common Causes of Roof Collapses

If there has been an unprecedented series of storms in a region, the chance for snowdrifts building up on roofs increases. Snow loads enhance the risk of a roof collapse. With Safe Roof Systems (SRS) products and services, you can know when and where to initiate safe and effective roof snow removal. SRS approaches each project with the expertise that comes from more than 20 years serving property owners and managers. Our experience over the years has shown us that structural failure due to a roof snow load may be linked to the following causes:

·         The weight of the snow load greatly exceeds the roof’s capacity to handle it

·         Drifting and sliding snow conditions

·         Deficient workmanship

·         Insufficient operation and maintenance

·         Improper design

·         Inadequate drainage design

·         Insufficient design in older buildings

Although an inadequate snow load design is a common cause of a roof’s collapse, many roofs break down as a result of:

·        Age & Deterioration

·         Lack of Maintenance

·        Building Modifications

·       Added Insulation Over an Older Roof that Prevents Heat from Melting Snow 

·         A Combination of these Factors.

Connect with Safe Roof Systems to be prepared for the winter weather. Call us today at 508.758.6829. Be safe knowing that you won’t have to worry about your roof collapse in Canada.

Welcome to Our Blog

Welcome to our blog! Thank you for your interest in our innovative roof snow alarm system. The goal at SRS is to provide real-time alerts and notifications so that you can avoid having too much snow on your building’s roof. How much snow on the roof is too much? It all depends on water content. When the weight of accumulated snow and ice exceeds the capacity of the roof structure, the roof collapses. Plus, rain falling on accumulated snow is especially dangerous, because it can more than triple the weight of the snow. We have developed our roof load monitoring systems to provide building owners with the following benefits:

•             Peace of mind knowing a roof’s snow load is being automatically monitored.

•             Saving time and money every winter.

•             Preventing roof failure or collapse.

•             Limiting snow removal to precisely when it’s needed.

•             Reducing shovel labor.

•             Providing real-time alerts and notifications.

The snow load on a building roof is not always from a single large snow storm. Snow loads can be the result of a series of storms. Also, one foot of snow on the ground does not necessarily equal one foot of snow on a roof. The difference in snow load conditions results from the variables associated with an individual building. Our systems provide property owners and managers with a way to know the potential impact of their building’s roof load conditions during and after severe weather events. The roof deflection monitoring systems by Safe Roof Systems provide you with critical visibility and awareness of roof load conditions from severe weather events. 

Connect with us today to review the products and services at SafeRoofSystems.com.