Snow Removal
Snow Removal: Is your roof ready for the strain of additional snow weight this winter?
We've all seen the recent nationwide news of heavy snowfalls leading to roof cave-ins. With the heavy snows and harsh winter conditions the United States has experienced this winter, it is important that building owners not just be concerned with clearing snow from their sidewalks and parking lots, but their roofs as well!
When a significant snowfall occurs, it's vital that building owners continually maintain their roof system and evaluate it for signs of distress. Some signs of danger may include:
- Sagging Steel
- Splitting wood frame/supports
- Sprinkler heads forced down below ceiling tiles
- Doors/Windows popping open or difficult to open
- Curving or bowing utility pipes or electrical conduit near the ceiling
- Creaking or popping noises
Flat roofs are more at risk due to the freeze-thaw cycle and the associated draining issues. It is also important to keep in mind that the depth of the snow may be quite deceiving as this doesn't always indicate the weight of the snow. A foot of dry snow can weigh about 3-5 pounds per square foot whereas a foot of wet snow can weigh nearly 20-25 pounds. Heavy rain following recent snowfalls can be just as dangerous as its freezes overnight and adds to the overall weight-load on the roof.
Regular snow removal and routine roof checks will help to keep your roof healthy and clientele safe. Snow removal is a dangerous process and should be left to the professionals. There is a science to snow removal whereas crews will remove snow from the weakest part of the roof (the farthest point from the supports) and use correct equipment that will not damage the roof. If you would like to remove some snow burden from your roof or need a roof inspection to determine its health, please give us a call today!