Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Benefits of Predictive Monitoring Technologies


Predictive Monitoring Technologies
When it comes to monitoring roof load, most commercial establishment owners just take a wild guess and hope for the best when it starts to snow. However, taking a guess or assuming your roof was built well enough to withstand snow year after year is not a smart business practice. Knowing what your roof can handle and when you need to have it cleared can ensure the longevity of your roof and your business. That’s why it is critical for business owners like you to invest in predictive monitoring technologies for roofing systems.

Investing in a monitoring system for your roof gives you the peace of mind you need when the snow keeps falling. In addition to being a smart, proactive approach to handling the impact of snow on your establishment’s roof, a predictive monitoring system can help you defend your roof against damage, failure, or even collapse.

As an added benefit, if you routinely have snow removed from your roof by a contractor, you could potentially end up saving quite a bit of money by not having to hire the snow removal work out as often. While it’s always best to be safe instead of sorry, knowing what your roof’s limit is can keep you from continuously hiring out any snow removal work.

The more responsive you are to your roof’s needs, the safer your establishment will be. If you have any questions about how a predictive monitoring system works for roofing, you are welcome to reach out to our team at Safe Roof Systems.


Impacts of the Weight of Snow


Weight of Snow
The first snow of a year is always special for the northern parts of North America. However, did you know that one cubic foot of fresh, dry snow weighs around 3 pounds? Even worse, one cubic foot of packed, heavy snow can weigh as much as 21 pounds. While determining the weight of snow is not convenient or feasible for most people, it’s safe to assume that the snow on your establishment’s roof probably weighs more than you realize.

Snowfall can be dangerous for roofing. If snow falls at different depths on a roof (due to trees, overhangs, drifting snow, or other factors), this is considered an unbalanced load. An unbalanced load poses a greater risk to your roof’s structural system than a uniform load. Roofs are built with the intention of spreading out the load over a vast area.

When heavy snow is not properly handled, your roof suffers. Here are some of the signs that your commercial roof is not doing well and should be updated to a snow system:

Creaking or Popping Sounds
Sagging or Bowed Areas
Cracked/Split Wood Beams
Minor or Severe Leaks
Cracks in Walls/Masonry
Sprinklers Dropping Down

The weight of snow can be hazardous to your roof system. If you should notice any of the impacts or signs listed above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our company -- Safe Roof Systems -- to see what we can do for your business.