Alpine SnowGuards are designed to help keep snow and ice from avalanching off the roof all at once causing damage to structures, landscaping, vehicles, and most importantly, people below. When more snow than expected accumulates on the roof, it should be removed, only if it can be done so safely and without risk of injury. Avoiding damage to the roof, the building structure and anything below is critical.
It’s extremely important to be aware of the health hazards of moving such heavy snow. Over exertion during snow removal can cause a range of health problems, including back injuries and heart attacks, so those who aren’t able to safely clear their roofs should call a contractor who has experience in roof snow removal.
We’ve seen some intense snow activity so far this winter, as many of us can attest to. And with that, we’re hearing lots of news stories about the importance of removing the snow from your roof, in order to prevent a roof collapse.
If you and/or the business owner are proactive and focused in your approach, a roof collapse is entirely preventable.
It’s imperative to remove roof snow correctly. People often think (with good reason) that if they start clearing snow from the peak of the roof first, it’s safer, as there will always be snow below to land on. However, this transfers the same amount of snow load onto the middle of the roof, as it’s shoveled and piled on lower roof areas. This additional load on the roof structure could cause a roof collapse.
Starting at the middle point of the eave edge of the roof, move up the roof, clearing the snow down and off the roof as you work towards the peak. By clearing the snow in this way, you are ensuring a balanced approach. It’s that simple.
When in doubt: we want to stress that if a building appears to be in distress, or if you’re in doubt at all about removing the snow from the roof, check with a structural engineer, who will advise the best way to move forward.
Again, please consider the projects where you have installed snow guards. If those projects have an accumulated snow or ice mass it should be removed prior to any further accumulation.
We keep snow in its place
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Alpine SnowGuards designs, engineers, and manufactures snow management systems from our facility in Morrisville, VT. We work closely with leading roofing contractors, engineering firms, developers, solar installers and roofing manufacturers to ensure we deliver quality products that do what we say they’ll do. Alpine SnowGuards can help a building qualify for LEED® credits.