Cambridge can be a very snowy town in the winter. With an average of 122cm of snow annually, the snow can really pile up on a flat roof.
While most people easily deal with the snow that piles up on their driveway, the snow that accumulates on the roof is another matter altogether. Snow removal is an integral part of property maintenance and that includes roof snow removal.
Why You Should Remove Snow from Your Roof
Snow can present several problems if you leave it to pile up on your roof. These issues include:
Structural Damage
While your roof was built to withstand all kinds of weather, heavy mounds of snow and ice put a lot of pressure on it. That can lead to it dipping or even collapsing in some areas. Flat roofs have a much higher risk of this kind of damage than sloped roofs, as the snow sits on top without sliding off.
Blocked Vents
Runoff from melting snow and ice can freeze inside your ventilation system. That is very dangerous because it can cause the vent to become blocked. Those blockages lead to harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, building up inside the property.
Ice Dams
Ice dams are created when heat from the interior of the building melts the snow on the roof which refreezes, creating ice which can dam vents and drains. You may also find them around skylights and where two sections of the roof meet. Ice dams are an indication of problems with ventilation and/or insufficient insulation. This is why Grand Valley Roofing likes to apply ice-and-water shield to their roofing projects. Ice is much heavier than snow, which can lead to extensive roof damage if left untreated.
The Impact of Snow on a Flat Roof
When snow accumulates on a flat roof, it can cause several problems creating leaks, cracks and even the failure of the roof leading to collapse. Also, when snow melts and refreezes it can cause water damage to the roofing membrane and underlying structure. This can lead to costly repairs, expenses in additional heating costs and present a danger to the people in the building.
Call Grand Valley Roofing & Coatings Inc. for Safe Roof Snow Removal
The best way to remove snow from your roof is to hire a professional. Trying to do it yourself can be risky, so it’s best to let someone with experience handle it.
When the weather in Cambridge gets frightful, and your roof becomes a mountain of snow, your best solution is to call Grand Valley Roofing for roof snow removal services. Our staff is highly experienced and skilled at roof snow removal. Let us clear your roof – give us a call and we’ll take care of it.
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