Spring Thawing – Snow/Ice Build-Up on Roofs

A record-breaking snowfall for Minnesota in the month of February is no small deal! At this time of year, and the weather we have been having, is cause to pay attention to impacts to buildings and roofs. With more wet snow on the way, over the next few weeks, we urge you to take action now. Here are a few of the main maintenance tips we would like to share with you.

1. REMOVE EXCESS SNOW

Experts say that more than a foot of packed snow can cause damage to your roof and increase the risk of it collapsing. Snow drifting from the recent snowfalls and blowing snow may cause issues at hi/low building walls and roof parapets. Inspecting these areas for excessive snow amounts are key to avoiding water damming and potential roof and wall leaks due to thawing snow that usually occurs under these large drifts. Inspecting these areas can usually be done from the ground, or other flat fairly safe spot.

2. CHECK FOR ICE DAMS

Have you noticed icicles hanging from your gutters? This is usually a sign of ice dams. Ice dams can cause serious damage to your downspouts. Remove ice dams right away to avoid future costly repairs. Downspouts (particularly on the North sides of buildings) may experience freezing / ice due to thawing on roof and the fact that the water freezes as it descends the cooler (shaded) downspout on the building. Interior piped roof drains can experience the same issue. Heat tape / heat coils and/or salt blocks can help this situation.

3. CHECK YOUR DRAINAGE SYSTEM PRIOR TO THE NEXT SNOWFALL

Downspouts and roof drains can become plugged – due to freeze/thaw cycles or debris. Remove debris from your downspouts. Having clear roof drains will allow moving water to stay off your roof, which will reduce the possibility of damage occurring. Culverts and underground piping can also experience freeze up in the spring / fall periods. If this happens – typically it is best to steam the pipes open.

free snowNEXT STEPS:

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our team regarding this or any other question you may have about your building. We will help you in any way we can. Our main office number is (952) 469-2171, or click on the following links to contact our team via email:

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For more information on building maintenance, please request our Commercial Building Maintenance Checklist here:

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 Image sources: “Icicles” via State Farm on flickr and “Free snow” via Teresa Boardman on flickr .

Roof Alert! Avoid Roof Collapse

Roof Alert! Avoid Roof Collapse

Avoid roof Collapse Image Source: by jnaithani via flickr (orignal, no alterations made)

How to avoid roof collapse is an all too serious consideration for commercial property owners. At this time of year – it is important to observe the amount of snow on your facility’s roof. The snow we currently get is very wet and heavy in nature, and can sometimes pile up and exceed the designed structural capacity of the roof system.

This is especially true where “high / low” roof conditions exist – allowing snow to fill in the space next to the wall separating the two heights. The snow tends to melt from the bottom up, refreezing in the form of ice, and not visible due to the snow above. It is not unheard of – to find the lower third of the snow drift is in fact – solid ice.

It is also very important to keep roof drains and downspouts open – as they continuously go through a “freeze / thaw “ process.

A salt lick, purchased from the local hardware or feed store can help drastically. Place the block (s) on a small piece of wood or plywood, near the roof drainage points on your roof.

Watch closely, from the inside of the building for deflection ( sag ) of the roof structure , and observe the roof from above for pooling of water and ice .

If you have any questions or concerns – please call us – and our team at APPRO Development can refer you to competent help with these or any building issues.

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