Load-Bearing Capacity
Flat roofs, like sloped ones, are designed to support the weight of their intended use and regional snow and ice. There is therefore rarely a need to have to remove either.
What about people who try to be proactive and shovel snow off a flat roof? Are they wrong?
The only time you need to shovel snow off a flat roof is when the amount of snow is nearing the weight-bearing capacity of the roof. There are building codes in place to ensure commercial flat roofs are designed and built to ensure this doesn’t happen so there should rarely be a need to shovel snow from the roof.
That said, sometimes a roof structure is underbuilt. At Flat Roof Solutions, we have certainly heard of folks trying to remove snow after a huge downfall because they were concerned for their building. Typically though, we do not recommend shoveling snow from a flat roof because it is very easy to cut the roof with a shovel. You end up doing more harm than good.
What do we recommend? If you feel compelled to remove snow, a power broom is a much better tool for that purpose.
Melting Snow and Ice
A properly maintained commercial flat roof is inspected every year to ensure potential risks are identified and addressed early, before they grow to become an costly or health and safety threatening issue for the building owner and its occupants.
Snow and Ice Repairs
So what can you do if you do get a leak from melting ice and snow? Can you repair a leak when the flat roof is covered in snow?
Yes you can repair a snow-covered flat roof, but it will require careful planning and execution. Repair companies will have to work around weather constraints and ensure the ongoing health and safety of workers and occupants. It can get costly.
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