Extreme temperature swings make the business of clearing snow from roofs dangerous. Snow and rainfall combined with the chill of the past few days are raising the eyebrows of many building owners. The rain weighs down the snow and puts extra stress on the roofs, and the chill makes everything freeze. This weather cocktail encourages emergency room visits. Don’t be a victim; take precautions when maneuvering on your roof.
Do I have to clear my roof of snow?
The standard dictates that snow should be removed from 70 cm (28 inches). It is optional to remove everything. You can leave around 15 cm (6 inches) of snow without worrying.
If you notice new cracks, doors that don’t close as well, or unusual creaking inside, you should remove the snow from your roof if you don’t want to damage the structure of your building. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask an expert for advice. Prevention is always better than cure.
Avoid putting yourself in danger by being reckless. Whenever possible, deal with professionals. They know the safety rules and have the tools and expertise to do the job.
Do It Yourself Snow Removal: The Dangers You Face
Falls
- A layer of ice can form under the snow, making falls more likely.
Burials
- Melting snow on a sloped roof (especially on a sheet metal roof) can fall in a block and injure or bury someone on the ground.Les engelures, les blessures musculaires et les malaises cardiaques.
Electrical shocks
- Frostbite, muscle injuries, and heart ailments.
Safety Rules
- Establish a safety perimeter around your home to prevent burials. Proceed in sections.
- To prevent falls, wear a harness and attach it to an anchor point connected to a safety line.
- Use the right tools.
- For sloped roofs, work on the ground with a rake explicitly designed for snow removal.
- For flat roofs: use a railing to create an area around the roof’s edge to dispose of the snow. You will have secured the place below to avoid injuring passers-by.
- Use lightweight shovels with long handles to avoid back injuries.
- If you absolutely must climb onto the roof, make sure you have a good ladder. Check the supports and observe the 35-inch overhang rule.
- Keep a safe distance from electrical wires.
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- Take special care when clearing snow near wires; avoid snagging them with your shovels and snow rakes.
- Never attempt to thaw out electrical wires on your roof.
It is possible to obtain an annual roofing snow removal contract to free yourself from all the safety concerns. In the fall, prices are usually better than an emergency call in the middle of a storm. At Toiture Union, we have expertise in roofing and snow removal. Call us for more information or a quote.