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february 2023
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Inside the February Issue |
Potential for Damage
Before Spring, Snow Remediation on Roofs
Many owners of commercial,
industrial and residential
property in snowy climates of
the U.S. are faced with damage or the
potential for damage from excessive
snow build-up on roofs.
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, a cubic foot of snow (12”x12”x12”) generally weighs between 5 and 30 pounds. However, melting and compaction of snow, as in ice-damming situations, may increase this number significantly—a cubic foot of water weighs about 62 pounds.
However, ice is a little less dense than water. Loads imposed on buildings by snow accumulation can reach critical limits such that partial or complete collapse of a structure may result. Snow loads also may cause deflection in support members sufficient to damage the structure, electrical conduits, natural or propane gas lines, water or fluid piping and other building appurtenances.
Significant snow accumulations combined with freeze/thaw temperature cycles or melting caused by sunlight can affect roof system drainage and allow water intrusion to the building on both low- and steep-slope roofs. Following is a snow remediation hazard analysis based on low- and steep-slope exposures and some suggested controls for those hazards.
The primary concern for steep-slope roofs is eliminating or preventing ice dams. Ice dams occur when snow on upper roof surfaces melts because of heat loss from the building, sunlight or warmer ambient temperatures and runs down the roof only to refreeze at cooler overhanging eave surfaces forming a dam that prevents water from readily draining from the roof.
Water may then back up under roof shingles, tiles or other materials and enter the building. Snow load is not ordinarily a major concern in steep-slope structures but can be an issue if the structure of the roof has not been designed for anticipated snow and ice loads associated with ice dams.
Hazards include the following:
• Skylights;
• Tripping hazards like vent stacks, cable lines;
• Unstable ladder access or unavailable ladder tie-off
points;
• Fall protection—lack of anchor points or inability to anchor
without roof damage;
• Pedestrian access and egress to public or multi-unit,
steep-slope structuresduring periods of snow removal or
if snow slides are possible.
• Shovels, axes and picks may damage roofing materials
during snow removal. Some ice melt chemicals may be
incompatible with roofing materials and cause damage.
• Worker exposure to cold, snow and ice. Full story »
today's news
4M Grows in Ohio with Capital Services Buy
ST. LOUIS -- 4M Building Solutions has acquired Capital Services Inc., a family-owned commercial cleaning serve provider in Columbus, Ohio.
Imperial Dade Buy Focused on California Biz
JERSEY CITY, NJ & FRESNO, Calif. -- Imperial Dade, a distributor of foodservice packaging and janitorial supplies, has acquired Focus Packaging & Supply Co., as it expands throughout California.
ACI to Focus on Supply Chain, Sustainability
ORLANDO, FL -- The cleaning product supply chain “will remain essential and resilient even in the storm of a roller coaster economy,” according to the President and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute.
Diversified to Grow Healthcare Biz with Acquisition
TAMPA, FL -- Diversified Maintenance, a provider of facilities maintenance services, has acquired Perennial Medical Cleaning Solutions, a Florida based, all-inclusive, medical cleaning service provider.
Planon Names Mau
To Board, EVP for
RE Management
NIJMENEN, The Netherlands – Planon, a provider of smart building management software, has appointed Stephan Mau to the Group Board as Executive Vice President for Planon’s Real Estate (RE) Management business.
Acquisition Complete, Hinowa Now Part of JLG
McCONNELLSBURG, PA -- JLG Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms, has completed its acquisition of Hinowa S.p.A., adding the market-leading brand to its Access segment.
