The Benefits of a Building Health Monitoring System

A building comprises several structural elements that must all work together, and it makes sense to know how each part is functioning in relation to the other. It is much like a human body in that way. And just like you can tell a person's health by measuring temperature and blood pressure, for example, gathering data on various aspects of a building is just as vital.

That’s why we’ll look at the benefits of a building health monitoring system in this post from Safe Roof Systems.

An automatic monitoring system for your building continually gathers data and allows you to access real-time information on its condition. Then, with that knowledge, you can assess the overall health of the structure while zeroing in on any areas of concern. From that point, you can determine problem spots and address them before they become serious conditions.

A building monitoring system gives you peace of mind that you have accurate information about a roof snow load, for example, rather than having to go by guesswork and supposition. In some cases, it may also be beneficial from an insurance aspect as you have extra information that correlates to structural safety.

Please feel free to reach out to our team at Safe Roof Systems for further information on this topic.

What You Should Know About a Building Monitoring System

A commercial or industrial property is often a sprawling structure with a vast roof area and a range of building elements that go into its construction. That is a combination calling for ongoing vigilance because undetected issues can develop in many different locations across the facility. It’s essential to make a building monitoring system a part of your property to aid with identifying areas of concern automatically so you can address them promptly. Our team from Safe Roof Systems will tell you what you should know about such systems in this post.

Structural monitoring uses various sensors to help you determine the integrity of a building. For example, they gather data on roof snow loads, which can help you determine when it’s time to clear the snow off.

The data gathered by a monitoring system is crucial for developing a comprehensive engineering picture of your building’s health. You can easily access this information through the user interface for real-time figures on stresses and strains applied across the building. This allows you to address shortcomings in the construction.

If you would like more information on this topic or how to retrofit a monitoring system to your structure, please feel free to contact us at Safe Roof Systems.

How Structural Monitoring Works

 

You understand why structural monitoring is important, but you may not fully understand how it works. That is why we are here. We have provided a quick crash course on automatic monitoring and how it works within your structure.

The key to structural health monitoring lies in the installation of several geotechnical instruments. These sensors can include strain gauges, piezometers, tiltmeters, temperature sensors, pressure cells, load cells, and a variety of other geotechnical equipment that can be used to measure the crucial parameters affecting your structure.

Installed on dams, tunnels, nuclear power plants, monuments, and buildings, these structural health monitoring sensors are able to measure the important parameters in real-time. This data is then sent to data loggers and displayed via computer or mobile device at any remote location. With this information, data loggers are then able to generate early warnings so that any concerned parties can take the appropriate action.

Thanks to all of this technology, buildings and other structures are able to remain safer and sounder. This is important not just for those inside the building but also for those around it since a structural failure could have long-reaching repercussions.

Advantages of Structural Health Monitoring

 

There is no need to second guess it; a building health monitoring system is an absolute must for almost any type of significant structure. Some of the biggest advantages of having a structural health monitoring system attached to your building include:

It provides an early warning to the concerned authorities so that they are able to take action well before there are any injuries or casualties.

It keeps a regular check-up on the health of your structure so that sudden failures can be avoided.

It safeguards human life as well as the loss of property.

It protects all of the surrounding structures in the vicinity as well.

It increases the lifespan of any structure in which it is placed.

It reduces both the long-term and short-term costs related to structural maintenance.

It monitors the safety performance of a building for the life of the structure.

It evaluates the effect of the operation of the structure on various parameters, including strain, stress, water, inclination, pressure, deflection, and water seepage.

It compares the observed data with design assumptions.

It helps in the planning and scheduling of predictive and preventative maintenance programs for the structure.

It provides data to determine the effects of natural calamities—including earthquakes, snowstorms, and flooding—on the structure.

It complies with long-term, reliable data on various elements, including foundations, anchoring systems, and containment structures.

What Structural Monitoring Is

 

Your building is made up of an intricate system of components that are all working together to ensure the safety and soundness of the structure. From the walls and beams to the trusses and roof, each part needs to be in the best possible condition to ensure the long-term viability of the structure as well as the well-being of anyone—or thing—inside of it. With structural monitoring, you are able to monitor the health of all of these systems if many can’t be seen with the naked eye.

A building monitoring system helps you gather the data you need to develop a clear and accurate picture of the health of your structure. With this information, you are able to identify issues before they become significant problems, pinpoint existing problem areas, and track the progress of any deterioration. The concrete facts and figures provided by structural monitoring make it easier for you to develop a plan to address any shortcomings in the building so that they can be prevented now and in the future.

This automatic monitoring system is designed to work 24/7 so that you are always gathering the data you need. These are essential systems that should be part of every new construction development or retrofit in existing structures. By monitoring a structure, catastrophes can be prevented.

The Types of Buildings That Can Use Structural Monitoring

 

What kind of building benefits most from structural monitoring? While the easy answer would be “all buildings,” the truth is that some structures are exposed to more vulnerability than others. Here are some factors to consider:

Size: You’ve likely heard “The bigger they are, the harder they fall” before; this saying holds true for construction. Large public buildings benefit significantly from monitoring because the costs will be greater if something goes wrong—and there are more areas where something could indeed go wrong. Schools, hospitals, sports stadiums, cinemas, hotels, and museums are all good candidates for structural monitoring, among many other types of facilities.

Climate: Many structural monitoring buildings are utilizing this technology for one core reason: snow loads. Since accumulated snow puts roofs at such a high risk of failure, property owners often invest in monitoring to avert that specific disaster. However, even buildings that never see snow will benefit from monitoring.

Number of Residents: The more people that occupy a building, the higher the stakes are. Any large residential building like apartment complexes, condominium complexes, and long-term nursing facilities should invest in structural monitoring. The potential loss of human life is simply too high not to utilize a robust monitoring system.

The Advantages of Automatic Monitoring

 

Automatic structural monitoring can now be found at more properties across the nation than ever before, and people are installing new systems on their buildings every day. However, you may wonder whether it is a worthwhile investment for your property. Here is what you should know about the advantages of automatic monitoring:

Reduced Costs: While installing structural monitoring has a significant upfront cost, the system pays for itself over time. How? Your new system will alert you whenever the monitored parts of your building require maintenance, helping you avoid more costly repairs and even reducing the need for inspections.

Averting Disaster: Every property owner fears catastrophic damage like roof failures and collapsing weight-bearing walls. Not only do these incidents cost much to repair, but they can also lead to other costly property damage and even injuries and loss of life. Automatic monitoring allows you to mitigate disaster by providing a prewarning if some aspect of your building needs attention.

Constant Peace of Mind: Good structural monitoring will deliver highly accurate, real-time information to you regularly via its 24/7 sensors. You’ll rest assured that your property is in good condition and that you are aware of anything that requires maintenance, leaving you free to focus on other matters instead.

How Predictive Monitoring Technologies Save You Money

 

Thanks to the evolution of predictive monitoring technologies, they are more commonly used today than ever before. However, installing these technologies is still a significant investment, which is why some property owners hesitate to embrace the benefits. Regardless, structural monitoring is a worthy investment due to its money-saving advantages, including:

Tailored Maintenance Recommendations: Many monitoring systems utilized advanced algorithms to alert you when different parts of the building need maintenance. These customized recommendations ensure your structure doesn’t degrade quicker than expected, resulting in costly repairs.

Warding Off Disaster: When any part of a building fails, the time and money spent on repairs become a major drain. Predictive monitoring technologies help property owners act before a disaster occurs. For example, snow loading monitoring will alert you before the weight of snow on your building causes roof failure.

Preserving Human Safety: You cannot put a dollar value on human life and safety. Regardless, if a building you’re responsible for experiences any type of failure that results in injury or death, the financial cost and emotional burden will be high. Preventing these tragedies is a crucial benefit of structural monitoring.

Learn more about how predictive monitoring can help you save money in the long term by talking to experienced technicians.

Structural Monitoring Extends the Lifespan of Large Buildings

 

Looking at the size and solidity of huge buildings makes it appear as if they will last forever. We know that isn’t so, but there is a great deal your engineers can do to preserve these structures, such as colleges, public buildings, and hospitals. Taking measures to protect these buildings means they’ll stand up to the test of time.

We recommend structural monitoring for the commercial or industrial buildings you own. This system of control panels collects data from sensors in the structure that allow your engineers to track changes. Comparing real-time data points out problems and prompts maintenance and repairs. 

Data That Informs, Protects, & Preserves

Make use of a building monitoring system to make timely repairs. The sensors may show the increase of corrosion, an accumulation of cracks and lines, or deviations from the vertical. This is vital information that tells your engineers about the type of repairs necessary and a time frame with which to work.

Use the information you gain from structural monitoring to boost the safety and longevity of the structure, reduce maintenance costs, and prolong the working life of the building. It makes sense to safeguard your investment.

Structural Monitoring Protects the Investment in Your Building

That huge building you own is a significant investment that you want to last, so it pays for itself and more. The best way to do this is with structural monitoring. The newest generation of control panels plays host to sensor technologies that provide data logging and programmable alarm and alert functionality in this process. This building health monitoring system lets you accurately track the data in real-time. 

With such solid information, your engineers see what’s going on with your warehouse, sports arena, college, or office building. This allows them to recommend maintenance that prevents or corrects problems that could shorten the longevity of your investment. 

Collecting Data for Physical & Mechanical Damage

Structural monitoring provides data in two main areas – physical and mechanical damage. We’re talking about factors, such as temperature and humidity, which lead to corrosion and oxidation by physical damage. This also includes damage done by mold, plants, and insects, which can be significant over time. 

Mechanical damage involves tracking vibrations, movement, and cracks. Over time, these threaten the building’s structural integrity. With regular monitoring, you can compare the changes and take action to protect and preserve your structure.

Providing Structural Monitoring for Your Building

Care and maintenance of structures, such as skyscrapers, stadiums, and hotels, doesn’t end when the construction is complete; it just changes focus. Instead of worrying about what it takes to get the work done, place your attention on the condition of the finished project. Of course, you want that structure to last for decades, or more, so it still requires your attention. Your concern now changes to structural monitoring for your building.

You want to keep an eye on its condition, especially looking for damage that may be happening in places where you can’t see it. With the newest generation of control panels, we provide you with structural monitoring for your building. 

We look at factors such as vibrations, visible cracks, temperature, and humidity. Our panels keep track of all of the data for you with automatic monitoring that alerts you to changes that demand your attention. 

The ultimate goal is to provide you with the technology to preserve your building. With knowledge and information, you have the power for preventive or corrective maintenance that protects the structural integrity of your investment. And we provide all of this in real-time, so you can make intelligent decisions by tracking multiple building elements.

Structural Monitoring for Your Biggest Buildings

 

Structural integrity is essential to a large building, especially when you’re the owner or operator. It’s crucial to your investment in the property that it maintains its strength over the years. Think of the huge structures in your community, such as:

• Schools & Colleges
• Public Buildings
• Sports Arenas
• Warehouses
• Distribution Centers
• Data Centers

At Safe Roof Systems, we provide you with structural monitoring systems that offer vital information about your building’s durability. 

Adapting the Technology to New Monitoring Systems

Over the last 20 years, we’ve made a name for ourselves in the United States and Canada with structural monitoring, focusing on roofing systems. We install systems that track the weight of snowfall and its impact on a building’s roof. This knowledge leads to preventive measures, so you know when it’s time to clear the roof. This successful practice has led us to expand its use to tell you what’s going on with the bones of the building itself. 

We’re proud to provide you with an affordable solution for automatic monitoring with real-time information. Our new generation of control panels comes with sensor technologies that include data logging, programmable alarms, and alert functionality. This empowers your engineers to track multiple building elements with the highest accuracy, so you can make repairs before the damage is done. Call to ask about our new structural monitoring systems.

How to Prevent Roof Collapse This Winter

 

The last thing you want to happen to your business building is a roof collapse. This endangers people and threatens property and equipment. But with the heavy snowfall as winter advances, this may be a possibility, especially for older buildings. To prevent this, install a snow weight alarm.

The alarm detects increasing pressure from the accumulation of rooftop snow and informs you through email. This alarm is a system consisting of sensors that activate in response to that pressure and calculates the load based on your building’s structure.

An Alarm System That Prevents Problems

This snow weight alarm is accurate because it deals with more than just the average weight of snow. It also pinpoints high-pressure areas that threaten the building’s structural integrity. This is significant because the snow load is not distributed evenly but is heavier in areas where there is snow with higher moisture content and ice buildup.

With roof monitoring technology, you know what the snow load is every day. And you can plan when to remove that snow before it gets too heavy. This technology helps you make good decisions that protect your business from one of the hazards of winter weather — roof collapse.

Base Roof Snow Removal Plans on the Data

You no longer need to guestimate the weight of snow on your building’s roof. Instead, you can base your roof snow removal plans on predictive monitoring. One company has a proven monitoring system to provide your business with real-time information. 

This system has sensors working 24/7 to monitor the snow load on the roof. This amounts to more than just the amount of snow; it’s the weight of the snow and ice that have accumulated. That amount changes every day with new snowfall and the changing weather.

The Data to Make Smart Decisions

Predictive monitoring is technology at its best. It’s a system that detects the snow’s pressure on a rooftop. This system focuses on the amount of water in the snow, with more water equaling more weight and increased pressure. This is especially important for aging roofs, where the structure may have weak points.

You know when you need to clear the snow through this system because you get the latest information about the load. This allows you to make timely roof snow removal plans to prevent damage and possible collapse. This type of monitoring keeps you up to date on the snow situation and helps you plan for clearing the roof.

Snow Load Calculator Does the Work for You

 

As snow piles up on the roof of your building, you have cause for concern. This is because snow is deceptive. It may look light and fluffy, but its weight throughout the winter adds up. The snow load on the roof can quickly build-up to the point where it causes damage to the building’s structure. 

These days, you don’t have to rely on the eyeball method of guessing how much snow is on the roof. Instead, you can use a snow load calculator and a roof snow alarm system to keep track of accurately. This way, you can take action by clearing the roof before the snow gets too heavy. 

Get an Accurate Calculation 

Many things are out of your control when it comes to snow. You don’t have a say about when, where, how much, and what type. But all of these factors are crucial in protecting the roof over your head. 

We recommend using a snow load calculator to let you know how much is there and how much it weighs. With this knowledge, you can take action to clear the roof. With accurate numbers and a roof snow alarm system, you can feel confident about your roof’s condition. This enables you to remove the snow load on a roof before it becomes too heavy.

The Importance of Shoveling Roofs

 

When that first chill in the air starts to blow in, it is time to start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the upcoming winter season. Since Mother Nature can be pretty unpredictable, it is essential to be ready before the snow starts falling. Now is the time to develop your own roof snow removal plan. One of the most intelligent decisions you can make is to have predictive monitoring installed onto your roof and a qualified snow removal service at the ready.

Shoveling roofs isn’t quite as simple as just climbing onto the roof and going at it. It is a potentially dangerous situation, especially if ice and snow have been allowed to build up. A professional not only has the proper equipment necessary to safely remove your roof’s excessive weight, but also has the training necessary to do it the right way every time.

The most significant risk to a roof is an ice dam. This happens when snow melts and has no place to go due to fresh snow or blocked gutters. The melted snow turns into ice, which then adds more weight and makes it even harder for snow and water to leave your roof. A professional can get on your roof and remove both the snow and these ice dams to help your existing system function as it should.

Snow shoveling should be performed anytime there is more than six inches of snowfall. Older or compromised roofs might collapse with just 12 inches of accumulated snow. So keep track of snowfall, and make sure you have someone who knows how to shovel it ready to climb up there for you.

How to Avoid a Roof Collapse

Rain, sleet, and snow can all put your roof at risk for collapse. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do to reduce the chances of that happening. With a few updates to your property as well as some predictive monitoring technologies, such as a roof snow load calculator, you are able to stop a roof collapse from ever happening.

Some of the best ways for you to avoid this disastrous issue from occurring include:

Keeping Gutters & Downspouts Clear - One of the essential tools when it comes to defending your roof is your gutter system. When expertly designed and installed, your gutters and downspouts will ensure that excess water has a place to go, so it doesn’t stay on your roof and weaken the system. By keeping your system free of blockages, you are able to make sure it is working as it should during any heavy storms that might blow past.

Remove Snow & Ice Frequently & Properly – Snow and ice can quickly start to accumulate on your roof if you have a few days of freezing temperatures. This can add a lot of extra weight to your roof, which can directly lead to structural damage. By removing this excessive snow and ice, you can reduce the amount of weight on your roof and stave off water pools and ice damming. Not sure how frequent is frequent enough? Purchase a roof snow load calculator to let you know when it is time to get that roof cleared.

Stay Up to Code – Keeping your roof properly maintained is important when it comes to avoiding issues in bad weather—or good. Make sure you are getting a regular inspection to see if there are any issues with your current roofing system, and obtain any repairs when needed.

Benefits of a Roof Snow Alarm System

 

When you live in an area known for its snowfall, it is crucial for you to do what you can to protect your home from the potential damage it can cause. One of the most significant areas of risk on any home is the roof. Too much snow, ice, or sleet build-up can end up causing sagging and eventually damage, but it isn’t always easy to know how much is “too much.”

With a roof snow alarm system, however, homeowners are able to take snow load measurements and then calculate how much snow is on their roof and how much it can handle before potential issues start to arise. This helps you avoid potential problems before they develop so that you don’t end up with expensive roof problems and their repairs.

When the weather starts changing for the worst, you are going to be happy that you have a roof snow alarm system installed. These cutting-edge systems provide a variety of different benefits to homeowners and commercial property owners, including:

• Reducing Your Snow Removal Costs By 50%
• Automatic Monitoring of Your Roof’s Condition 24/7
• Real-Time Notifications When Issues Arise
• The Perfect Defense Against Roof Failure & Collapse

Know How much of a Snow Load can Your Roof Handle

Even though roofs and structures are meant to hold a lot of weight as a whole, many hours of piled-up snow can seriously stress and test the limits of a roof's integrity. Companies like Safe Roof Systems are well known for having some highly reliable monitoring systems that can help you keep track of snow's weight, so you don't risk a collapse. Stay safe, and learn how much of a snow load your roof can handle.

How much snow a roof can hold depends on the type of snow, the roofline, and material. Wet snow is heavier than the regular fluff that doesn't stick. Investing in a snow roof system will help you keep an even better eye on things.

Contact SRS to learn more about their snow roof system and keep your roof safe this winter.

Reliable Roof Monitor for the Safety of Your Facility

 

When it comes to any roof, it's always essential to ensure it gets the proper maintenance and check-ups on a yearly or bi-yearly basis. The term "out of sight, out of mind" is very accurate when you can't see the weather damage from months of elemental exposure or snowfall in colder regions. That's why companies like Safe Roof Systems have the equipment you can use, such as a roof monitor, to ensure you're always aware of the integrity of your roof.

This system uses predictive technology to assess the snow's weight to help avoid the risk of a collapse. Get ahead of the winter season when you invest in a roof snow alarm system from Safe Roof Systems. You'll be able to clear the snow from your roof. It's never too early to prepare for the winter season. Just like you would check your HVAC system to make sure heat is flowing, having a monitor to make sure the snow accumulation isn't too heavy is a great way to keep everyone in the facility safe.

Contact SRS today to learn more about their roof monitor and keep your facility safe for the winter. They'll be able to help you use the alarm system, so your roof is in the best condition this winter.

What Is Predictive Monitoring

 

As magical as it looks, a thick layer of snow on a large, commercial roof can have heavy consequences. Heavy snowfall is currently a leading cause of roof sagging and damage in communities throughout the United States and Canada. Even well-engineered buildings can struggle under the weight of dense, wet snow, and many business owners don’t notice the danger signs until it’s too late.

This is where predictive monitoring is a “must-have" service for facility maintenance managers in northern climates. It is not convenient, safe, or affordable to have teams of workers entering your place of business or buildings unless absolutely needed.  Roof deflection alarm systems from Safe Roof Systems provide safe roof monitoring, and in turn, allow facility managers to maintain optimum roof conditions while safely saving on shovel labor costs.

Predictive monitoring systems from SRS automatically alert facility managers when and where roof load mitigation is required.  This technological strategy allows businesses to scale their responses and balance those needs with safe staffing levels. With a roof predictive monitoring program in place, businesses can scale their snow removal plans in real-time. That’s essential in northern climates where the level of danger to a property can change as quickly as the weather.

Top Tips for Shoveling Roofs

 

Despite how beautiful winter can be on a cold, snowy morning, excessive snow accumulation can be a nightmare for a commercial flat roof. During the winter months, it is crucial for business owners to monitor the level of snow on their flat roofs and go about shoveling roofs safely to protect the integrity of the roof and prevent unnecessary accidents or damage.

There are some keys tips for shoveling roofs safely:

Tip 1

Before clearing snow from a roof, make sure to assess the surrounding area. Remove any objects that could be damaged from falling snow and ice and put out caution signs or cones to mark off areas where people should not walk.

Tip 2

Use a shovel to remove as much snow as possible. Shoveling roofs is easier when you find a comfortable position on the roof that allows you to maneuver. Clear the snow without digging downward. This method protects the membrane and roofing materials from damage.

Tip 3

After the bulk of the snow is removed, sweep the roof with a broom, ensuring no part of the roof is holding more weight than another part.

Tip 4

Remember, it’s critical to remove snow, ice, and debris from gutters and drain spouts as well. When the snow melts, it needs a clear path to drain away to prevent ponding and leaks.