Ice and snow sliding uncontrollably down a roof valley can open up seams and destroy valley flashing (Figure 6). Gutters, fascia, trim, signage, light fixtures, antennae-anything attached to a roof-can fall prey to an avalanche of sliding ice and snow (Figure 5). Extensive rooftop damage can be caused in an instant. While it is clearly important to protect people and equipment, it is also important to defend the building itself from avalanching snow. Figure 4: Snow sliding uncontrollably from roofs can be thousands of kilograms, and can cause devastating effects on objects below. The volume of ice and snow quickly exiting a roof can be measured in tonnes and can cause significant damage. Vehicles, mechanical equipment, and landscaping can also be in the path of rooftop avalanches (Figure 4). Often, it is not just people at risk from the ravages of falling ice and snow. The goal is a well-managed snow pack, maintained on the roof by snow guards, where it can be naturally melted and eliminated (Figure 3). The addition of snow guards is a simple ‘insurance policy’ to protect the designer, owner, and public from falling snow and ice. If someone were to be hurt by falling snow it may be an invitation for a lawsuit. It might actually create a greater issue for the building owner because the sign admits to a problem with falling snow and the owner is not taking proper remedial action to protect the public. Figure 3: Snow guards retain snow on rooftops so it can be managed and predictively removed by sublimation and thaw.Īdding a sign to the building warning pedestrians of falling ice and snow is not an acceptable alternative to snow management.
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