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.