Avoiding roof failure typically involves
the removal of snow and ice, although the system can fail for other reasons.
For example, skipping regular inspections and maintenance can put you at risk.
Here are some things that you should be doing to ensure you reduce your risk.
Snow Removal
Most well-built roofs will not fail due to
the accumulation of ice and snow from a single season. However, over several
seasons, structural damage can be caused by the excessive weight. Because of
that, snow and ice removal is recommended.
You should never attempt to stand on sloped
roofs to remove ice or snow. Special tools called roof-rakes are widely
available. These may be as long as 21 feet. They allow homeowners and
maintenance crews to stand on the ground and rake the snow or ice off of the
roof.
Care should be taken to avoid dislodging
shingles. Take note of the placement of exhaust fans or pipes when they are not
covered with snow in order to avoid damaging them.
For flat roofs accessible from inside the
building, snow removal is similar to removing it from the driveway. Care must
be taken to avoid overexertion.
A spot should be chosen for dumping the
snow and everyone that enters the building should be aware of avoiding the
area. Make sure to avoid standing too close to the roof’s edge and always watch
your balance.
Ice Removal
Ice removal may be important for avoiding
roof failure. Long icicles can form along the edges of pitched roofs. Ice may
become packed on flat roofs. It is not usually necessary to remove icicles if
the melt water will not cause damage to the rest of the building.
If you have ice packed on a flat-roofed
building, it is best to wait until it melts enough to make it possible to use a
wet-dry vac. Using torches or heaters to melt the ice can be dangerous. If ice
accumulations are excessive on a flat-roofed building, consult a professional
about how to safely remove it.
Waterproofing
For flat roofs, waterproofing is essential
for avoiding roof failure. Luckily, there are numerous solutions for
waterproofing flat roofs. The EPDM or “rubber” coatings are particularly
popular and can be used to cover existing roofs without replacing the entire
system.
Not only does a liquid
rubber coating
provide benefits that include waterproofing, protection against damage from flying
debris and increased lifespan of the vehicle reduced risk of leaking. There may also be some
soundproofing advantages when you choose the best coatings for your liquid
roof maintenance.
