Clearing Snow from Your Condo Roof: When and How?

The Importance of Clearing Snow from Your Roof: A Safety and Maintenance Issue

The recent snowstorms serve as a reminder of the importance of properly managing snow accumulation on our buildings. Among the most at-risk structures, flat condominium roofs require special attention. Efficient and safe snow removal not only prevents costly damage but also helps avoid serious accidents. Here’s why and how to ensure proper maintenance.

Why Clear Snow from Your Roof?

1. Preventing Roof Collapse: Excessive snow and ice accumulation can put significant pressure on the building structure. Excess weight may weaken the roof and, in extreme cases, lead to collapse. A residential roof in good condition can typically support around 20 pounds per square foot of snow, but this limit can be quickly exceeded, especially with heavy, wet snow.
2. Avoiding Water Infiltration: When snow melts and refreezes, ice dams can form, blocking proper water drainage. This leads to leaks that can cause damage to ceilings and walls.
3. Minimizing Risks to Residents and Pedestrians: Large snow chunks or ice sheets can suddenly break loose, posing a serious hazard to residents and passersby.
4. Reducing Long-Term Maintenance Costs: Excessive snow accumulation can accelerate roof and structural deterioration, increasing maintenance and repair expenses over time.

When and How to Take Action?

Determining the Right Time

• It is recommended to clear the roof when snow accumulation reaches approximately 60 cm (24 inches), a critical threshold that could cause structural damage.
• The texture of the snow matters: fresh snow is lighter, while packed snow and ice add significant weight.
• Temperature plays a crucial role: when temperatures rise above freezing, snow becomes heavier, increasing the risk of leaks and collapse.
• Regular visual inspections after each snowstorm are advised to detect any signs of overload or structural weakness.

Precautions and Safety Measures

1. Hire Professionals: A professional snow removal contractor has the proper equipment and expertise to complete the job safely. The CNESST (Quebec’s occupational health and safety board) warns of risks such as falls from heights, slips, snow burial, and cold-related health issues.
2. Use Safe Tools: Plastic shovels are preferred to avoid damaging the roof membrane. A telescopic roof rake allows you to remove snow from the ground when possible.
3. Work in Teams and Secure the Area: If you need to go on the roof, ensure you have a safety anchor point and a harness. On a flat roof, maintain a two-meter safety buffer around the edges and install a guardrail in the snow disposal area.
4. Avoid Clearing Temporary Shelters from the Inside: For fabric-covered shelters, use an exterior roof rake instead of standing inside to prevent collapse.
5. Maintain a Safe Distance from Power Lines: When using telescopic tools, stay at least three meters (10 feet) away from power lines to avoid electrocution risks.

Winter Prevention and Maintenance

• Have your roof inspected before winter to assess if it can handle heavy snow loads.
• Monitor for signs of overload, such as wall or ceiling cracks, doors or windows that won’t close properly, or unusual noises.
• Improve insulation and ventilation to prevent premature snowmelt and ice formation.
• Consider heated cables or snow guards to reduce ice dams and uneven snow accumulation.
• Act before extreme conditions make the problem worse—clearing snow before another heavy snowfall can prevent excessive roof strain.

A Key Task for Safety and Longevity

Clearing your roof is essential to ensuring the safety of co-owners and the durability of your condominium. By taking a proactive approach and following necessary precautions, you can minimize risks, avoid expensive repairs, and extend the lifespan of your property.

Whenever possible, hiring a professional is the safest and most efficient option.