How Predictive Monitoring Can Prevent Snow-Related Roof Damage
On October 19, 2023 by Walter PowellRoof collapses due to snow loads are a serious concern for commercial buildings. In some cases, these snow load-induced collapses are fatal. Predictive monitoring is a great option to minimize the risk of building damage and structural failure. This approach relies on sensors connected to a central hub that archives data and alerts when conditions are abnormal.
Prevent Water Damage
In communities across the country, every winter, countless homes and businesses experience a catastrophic collapse of their roofs due to heavy snowfall. Even well-designed structures struggle under the surprise weight of dense, wet snow. Fortunately, roof snow alarms can help prevent such disasters by alerting roofing professionals when the load has become too much. Predictive monitoring requires sensors that gather data and communicate with a centralized information system. Using wireless local area network or cloud connectivity, these sensors can share information with other machines, software programs and assets through an integrated data hub.
Once a predictive model is established, these systems can perform a data analysis of this information and recommend any necessary maintenance activities. This reduces downtime and accelerates the return to normal operation.
Prevent Damage
In areas where significant snow loads are expected, the building structure is often designed to accommodate the weight. But if snow accumulation becomes too large, it can lead to the collapse of even well-designed buildings.
Preventing the formation of ice dams by keeping snow on roofs to a minimum is essential. However, that can be challenging in some cases, as even the best-designed roofs have a limit to how much snow they can hold.
Using long-handled devices like roof rakes allows snow to be removed from the roof without disturbing the underlying roof system. While clearing snow, it is important to monitor changes in the depth of the snow layer. Pay special attention to low roof sections adjacent to higher structures or those against parapets. Also, remove snow uniformly to prevent unbalanced loading conditions. Avoid piles of snow in corners and near ventilator bases, pipe flashing, rooftop units, conduits, and skylight systems. This will protect these components from damage by snow removal equipment.
Prevent Collapse
Snow, ice, and water are heavy and can cause damage to buildings or structures that exceed their load-bearing capacity. Using innovative monitoring, it can alert you when it is time to remove snow or ice before it causes significant damage. The number of roof collapse cases caused by snow loads increased significantly after 2008 and ranked second among natural disasters after earthquakes. There are three main types of roof collapses triggered by snow loads. One is when a building is already in disrepair, and a snow accumulation is a trigger. This type of collapse affected 46 buildings. The second is a sudden collapse when the structure was not designed to sustain such a load. This type affected eight buildings. The third was an accumulation of snow that exceeded the design live load.
Prevent Fire Damage
When a building’s roof collapses under the weight of snow and ice, it can leave behind a path of destruction that compromises the safety of those inside. As such, preventing structural damage should be the top priority for building owners. To do so, removing as much snow as possible before it reaches the roof’s load-bearing capacity is important. Also, building owners should clear gutters to avoid blockages that can lead to ice dam formation.
Sensors can help prevent these damaging effects by allowing users to monitor the amount of stress on the roof. This information can then predict the time for a structural failure. This enables the necessary maintenance or shoring to be carried out as soon as the problem is detected. Consequently, this will reduce the risk of structural damage and property loss.
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