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As we get deeper into winter, we know that more snow is coming. As a commercial property owner, your main concern in regards to snow safety is usually keeping the walkways leading to the building clear so people can safely enter. However, it is also important to be aware of all the snow that is accumulating on the roof of your building. When snow is accumulating on the roof, the risk of damage or injury is present. That is why it is important for commercial property owners to be aware of the dangers that rooftop snow can cause. Here are a few reasons highlighting the importance of rooftop snow removal for commercial properties:

Preventing Structural Damage

The first thing you should be aware of when it comes to snow accumulation on your roof is the load bearing capacity of your roof. Also, you should know if your roof is prone to high snow accumulation. For example, if you have a flat roof, the odds are that it will accumulate more snow. It is recommended for these types of roofs that you do not allow more than 18 inches of snow on your roof. It is important to constantly monitor how much snow is on the roof to prevent it from collapsing or suffering from structural damage. If you notice leaks, sagging, cracks in walls, or windows that are hard to open, there may be too much pressure on your roof.

Falling Icicles

When snow builds up on a roof, icicles can form and dangle over the edge of the building. It is important to remove large icicles that have the potential to fall and cause damage to property, or worse, injure a person below. Icicles are often visible from ground-level, so as a property owner, you should be able to catch them before they have the chance to cause serious damage.

Buildup of Moisture

When snow builds up on your roof, it will become denser, especially when paired with sleet, rain, or ice. This will not only add pressure to the roof, but it also increases the odds that water will run down your roof when the heat escaping the building melts the snow. The water can then refreeze and potentially clog your gutters. If your gutters are clogged, the snow that continues to melt will then run under your shingles. This can cause potential leaks and costly damage to the inside of the building.