We find ourselves in the middle of winter, when snow and ice are bound to happen. Depending on how you look at the situation, snow and ice can provide hours of fun, dangerous road conditions, or an early morning shovel session. Snow and ice can also cause problems for those of you with agricultural buildings. The build up of snow and ice on roofs of agricultural buildings can be harsh.
All roofs are designed with different features. These factors contribute to the amount of snow that will remain on the roof after a heavy snowfall. The pitch of the roof determines how easily the snow can fall off. The wind and temperatures following a heavy snowfall may cause snow to drift, melt, or remain. Roof valleys may collect more snow than other areas, and flat roofs may not shed snow easily.
Rafters and trusses will have to support an increased amount of weight when snow falls. It is best for well-designed agricultural roofs to hold no more than 4-6 feet of snow. When snow is wet, it is safer to have no more than 2 feet of snow or ice.
Too much snow?
If the roof of your shed or barn is holding too much snow, you should contact a professional. A professional will have experience and the proper tools to remove the snow and ice quickly and safely. Removing snow from any roof is dangerous, so contact a professional to remove the snow from your agricultural buildings.
What to do
There are some products to help prevent excess snow from piling up on roofs. Snow fences or shelterbelts may help. The best solution is to pay attention to how much snow has fallen and whether ice, wet snow, or dry snow is on your roof. At Midwest Storm Restoration, we want you to be careful and avoid damage or collapsed roofs due to snow build up. We are happy to evaluate the safety of your roof and check on its condition. We offer consultations for both residential and commercial buildings. If you are concerned about your roofing, contact Midwest Storm Restoration today.