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.