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.

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.

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.