28 Feb Removing snow and de-icing

We’re having a weird winter this year. Very cold temperatures, then heavy snowfalls and, finally, mild weather with rain.

With the month of March that’s just starting up, we want to believe that all this is behind us but Mother Nature probably has still some surprises in store. This is why we must remain cautious and vigilant.

Avoid the building-up of snow and ice

• In order to prevent the collapsing of the roof of our house, it is important to clear the accumulations of snow by paying special attention to the arch roofs or radiused roofs, especially if the snow loads are not distributed evenly.
• After a snow shower, clearing up and de-ice thoroughly our stairs, doors and balconies, and clearing out the evacuation routes to the street are a valuable measure of precaution if we ever must leave our house hurriedly.
• If we use gas-powered apparatus or appliances (electric household appliances, a fireplace, etc.), make sure to always keep access to the storage tank free of snow and ice.
• Last but not least, if we have an RV or a gazebo, make sure to properly remove snow on the roof.

Our roof in the winter

If we end up with an exceptional accumulation of snow on our roof, we must definitely consider to remove the snow.  Two options can be considered: Doing it ourselves or using the services of specialists.

From the outset, the removal of snow from a roof is an operation which is hazardous as much for the person who is up on the roof as for anyone who circulates around the house.
Besides the risk of a fall, one needs also considering the proximity of any electrical wiring and installations. That’s why the best decision we can make is to call out qualified people.
First, they employ the appropriate techniques to remove the snow from the roof without damaging its waterproofing membrane, and they are equipped to work safely, without injuring themselves or the others.

In general, our roofs are built to withstand the snow loads of Québec winters. However, we must exert close vigilance when the accumulations of snow become exceptional.

Signs to watch for:

• Cracks appearing on interior walls
• Interior doors jamming or rubbing against the frame
• Conspicuous creaking noises.
• Deformation or buckling of a ceiling

If such signs are numerous, we should evacuate the building and take the necessary actions to remove any snow load from the roof.

Information taken from Régie du bâtiment du Québec