Clearing snow from commercial building roofs

When should you clear the snow from your roof?

Should you be up there shovelling with the first snowfall? Not necessarily. It’s all a matter of weight.

Beware of ice! Since ice is ten times heavier than snow, it can cause a lot more damage.

Typically, commercial building roofs can withstand a maximum of 50 pounds per square foot. But don’t push your luck! As soon as the weight hits about 30 pounds per square foot, it’s a good idea to clear the snow.

How do you know if there is a risk that your roof may collapse? Here are a few giveaways:

• A warped roof
• Deformed walls or ceilings
• Cracks in the walls
• Doors that are difficult to close
• Cracking noises

Still not sure? Contact a company that specializes in structure. They’ll examine the state of your building and assess whether it’s damaged.

Is your building more susceptible to damage?

Some snow-covered roofs need to be watched more closely:

• Flat roofs or those with a low slope or big surface area
• Roofs more than 20 years old
• Roofs on buildings more than 30 years old

Do any of these criteria apply to your building? Take the measures required to maintain it.

Who can you trust with this task?

Clearing a roof of snow might seem simple enough, but it’s best to leave it to the pros. These specialized companies are equipped, qualified and insured to get the job done safely, which is not necessarily the case for you.

Focus instead on your company’s activities. It’s vital!

If you neglect to clear the snow?

A collapsed roof could cost a company a lot of money. Damage caused by excessive snow can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For example:

• 60% of impacted companies must halt their activities for over four months.
• The cost of commercial insurance could increase after a claim.

Preventing these incidents is crucial for protecting your commercial building. Better to invest on preventive measures than deal with significant consequences!