Like any other building, commercial buildings are put to the test over the long winter period. Ice and snow accumulation can quickly damage the roof of your premises. To ensure your roof is properly cleared of snow, find out about the regulations in force.
When should you clear snow from your commercial premises?
The first thing to do is regularly check the snow depth on the roofs of your commercial buildings. Too heavy a load on the roof could damage the structure of the premises. Snow removal is generally required when the snow height exceeds 70 cm.
However, this inspection is more recommended after heavy snowfalls or after the passage of a snowstorm. It’s also not advisable to remove all the snow from the roof. In fact, you should leave a layer of about 15 cm to preserve your roof’s waterproofing membrane.
Strict regulations in Quebec
Clearing snow and ice from the roofs of your commercial premises and residential dwellings is subject to specific regulations issued by the Quebec authorities. For example, it is compulsory to install pedestrian protection devices if snow and ice removal is likely to spill onto a pedestrian walkway or street.
The part of the roof facing busy walkways should also be equipped with an ice-stop system and gutters. Removed snow must also be immediately piled up at the curb. A snow removal permit may or may not be required, depending on the case.
What if you have to clear the snow yourself?
Clearing snow from a roof is a strenuous physical activity that requires dexterity and patience. This task is not recommended for any commercial property owner wishing to remove snow from his roof himself.
It’s important to have the necessary equipment, i.e. a light, handy shovel with a fairly long handle, a sturdy ladder that covers the height of the building and a safety harness firmly attached to an anchor point. These are the minimum requirements, but you can also install a guardrail on the ground to delimit the pedestrian zone.
For greater safety, call in the professionals
The best way to remove snow from your roof is to call on the services of professionals in the field. In fact, a team specially dedicated to this task will be suitably equipped and have the necessary skills to carry out any task in complete safety. Professional experience makes all the difference, whatever the situation.
At Squidgee Maintenance, we have more than 15 years’ experience in snow and ice removal for commercial and residential roofs. Our team of technicians is certified and professional. What’s more, you can assist and supervise the work as you see fit. We guarantee that the work will be carried out in compliance with current Quebec regulations.
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