When snow accumulates on your roof, it can become a problem that needs to be addressed promptly. It’s important to remember that heavy snow accumulation can potentially harm your roof and in the worst-case scenario, even lead to its collapse.
A roof snow alarm can help prevent this from happening. There are several benefits of installing a snow alarm system, including:
Early Warning
Throughout the winter, countless residential and commercial building owners struggle under the weight of snow accumulating on their roofs. Even well-designed buildings can be forced to sag and collapse under the surprise load of dense, wet snow.
One of the most effective ways to prevent damage from snow accumulation is to install a roof snow alarm Canada that measures the weight of live snow on your roof. It provides an early warning before the roof reaches critical loads, allowing you to implement a shoring or evacuation plan in time.
One of the most common signs that a roof is under too much pressure from snow is the appearance of new cracks around interior door frames. The doors are often difficult to shut, which is a sign of too much snow on the roof for its structural integrity to bear. This type of alarm can prevent major roof damage and loss of property by alerting you to potential dangers in advance.
Real-Time Data
A roof snow alarm system allows for real-time monitoring of a building’s structural integrity. This helps facility managers plan for snow removal more efficiently, ensuring the job is done without putting the structure in danger.
In addition, it can help identify areas more susceptible to damage from certain types of snow. Fluffy snow, for example, might seem like it has a lot of volume, but in reality, it can weigh much less than heavy, packed snow.
Using a system that measures joist deflection can also pre-warn roof owners when the roof is in danger of failing. This approach can minimize the risk of losing the product, collapse, and injury. It can also help owners to prepare an emergency evacuation plan and shoring strategy quickly so they can begin repairs sooner rather than later. This could save them a fortune in unforeseen costs, including insurance claims. These are just a few of the benefits of installing a snow alarm.
Reduced Risk of Damage
The continual melting and refreezing of snow melt causes ice dams which can damage the roof and cause water to leak through the ceiling. The resulting damage can lead to repair expenses amounting to thousands of dollars for both the roof and the interior of the house.
Roofs collapse when the load-bearing capacity of the roof is exceeded. A sagging roof is the most obvious sign that the roof has reached its limit and should be removed. Other signs include ceiling leaks and cracks in the walls near the roof.
The maximum snow load for your roof is determined by a simple math calculation. First, determine the depth of the snow by measuring in inches and then dividing it by the square footage of your roof. Then, multiply that number by the density of the snow: wet snow is more than twice as heavy as dry, fluffy snow. This will give you the maximum snow load for your roof in pounds per square foot.
Safety
It may come as a surprise to building owners that even a small amount of snow can cause damage to the roof’s structure. Wet snow can add extra weight to the structure, resulting in sagging in the middle and ceiling leaks. These damages can be expensive to repair, making it important to address them promptly.
A roof snow alarm can help you plan for and monitor the weight of the snow. It also alerts you when it’s time to remove it. This helps reduce the risk of product damage, roof collapse, and employee injury.
Working on a roof is always dangerous, even without the added burden of heavy snow. However, you can reduce employee risks by using a roof snow alarm and having a formal safety plan that follows OSHA fall protection guidelines. This will keep your people safe and ensure your customers receive quality service.
