Flat Roof Snow Removal
Fall weather is here, and it won’t be long until the snow starts to fall. Here in Southern Ontario snow accumulation is usually relatively light, but at times we do get significant snow falls. When we do you need to pay attention to your flat roof.
Snow accumulation on a flat roof can be a serious problem. If you were to take 1 cubic foot of snow and melt it, you would find the water weight would exceed four pounds. That is four pounds per square foot of roof surface which is a lot when it is spread out over the entire roof surface. The roof is simply not designed to withstand a significant snow fall. As a business or home owner you do not want to risk the occupants by ignoring the snow on the roof so what can you do?
If you leave the snow unattended, eventually the heat from the sun will melt the snow. When it gets colder out, usually at night, the water from the snow melting creates ice dams that can cause significant damage to the roof structure and other roof components so removal or at least reduction of the snow levels is required.
So how do you clear the snow from your roof if it accumulates? Going to the top of your building is not for any home or business owner to do. It is difficult to get onto the roof for one thing. Ladders are usually required and in the winter time, roofs are slippery. Ice forms underneath the snow at times and a wrong step could injure you or worse.
When you remove the snow from a flat roof, special care must be taken so as not to damage the top surface of the waterproof coating. Damage to this will only lead to leaks and possible structural damage so you need to call your local flat roof specialist who knows the proper way to remove the snow and has all the safety equipment required.
The roofing specialist will visually inspect the roof for any damage caused by snow and ice buildup and will make the necessary repairs. Usually, when removing the snow from the roof, a layer of snow is left behind so as not to risk damaging the waterproof membrane. The snow that is left poses no harm and adds a layer of insulation during the cold months. The sun will eventually melt it and the drain system will carry the runoff away.
So, this winter when it’s cold outside and the snow is blowing, don’t forget about your flat roof. It is far better to hire a professional to come and inspect the roof then it is to ignore it and risk damage or leaks.
Contact Essential Flat Roofing for all your roofing needs.