Flat Roof Facility Winter Preparations
FLAT ROOF WINTER PREPARATIONS CAN KEEP YOUR FACILITY SAFE
Winter is here, and along with it, the possibility of major snowstorms. A heavy snow season, with large combined accumulations of snowfall, is a risky situation for many commercial buildings—especially those with flat roofs.
The FM360 program offers a no-obligation Roof Inspection, including inspection of roofing membrane integrity, sealed roof openings (such as exhaust vents, cable entry points, etc.) and obvious structural issues.
Accumulated snow can be a major problem. Since every cubic foot of snow weighs 5-15 pounds or more, and every cubic foot of ice weighs 62 pounds, the accumulated snow and ice on a large commercial roof can reach many thousands of pounds of additional weight.
The major potential risk of heavy snow accumulations on flat roofs is the danger of roof collapse, and the associated risk of injury, property damage, and business interruption. However, other risks, such as damage to electrical conduits, utility lines and rooftop fixtures, and ground-level ice accumulation, can also be major problems and liability issues for employees, tenants, or customers.
Roofs on older commercial buildings can present additional risks. For example, additional holes drilled into structural beams along a building’s interior to fasten new electrical conduits, air and water lines, or other building upgrades, can weaken every beam’s load-bearing capacity, and this weakness can result in structural failures and roof collapse during major snow accumulations.
How to avoid a roof crisis?
- Roof Inspection: request a free, no-obligation Pre-winter Roof Inspection, including inspection of roofing membrane integrity, sealed roof openings (such as exhaust vents, cable entry points, etc.) and obvious structural issues.
- Roof Snow Removal: when a big snowstorm hits, our experienced roof snow removal partner, equipped with OSHA-approved fall protection gear and heavy lift equipment, can clear your rooftop from snow—without damage to your roof or other impacts that can void your warranty with your roofing manufacturer.
Make sure your facility is ready for the snowstorms ahead. Schedule your no-cost Roof Inspection, and you can make snow removal arrangements at the same time. Our facilities experts will conduct a thorough roof inspection, and prepare a snow removal plan for your facility.
 |
 |
