Snow Retention and Clamps,Things to Consider before Winter Weather Attacks Your Commercial Roof
Every Game of Thrones fan knows the phrase “Winter is coming.” But these words are not just the catchy motto of the noble Stark family. They are a reminder that the cold weather cannot be avoided. They are a call to be prepared by making a plan for snow and ice. Remember to take measures for preventive maintenance and the safety of your tenants and employees. Like castle walls, snow retention systems and clamps are vital lines of defense for the protection of your building’s occupants.
Inspect Now, Save Later
Fall is the time to do a thorough roof inspection before the elements make their assault on your commercial building. Take the time now to clear debris and repair minor issues. Ensure drainage methods are clear now to save a ton of headaches later. Fall is also a great time to make a plan for severe winter weather events. That way, you know what to do when an ice storm or blizzard hits your location.
Your Building’s Snow Retention and Clamps, How Much Snow Is Too Much?
Snow may look light and fluffy as it is falling, but every snowflake adds to the load on your roof. As snow accumulates, it can build into soft blankets, pack into dense wet piles, or compress into thick ice. For this reason, a foot of snow can vary significantly in the amount of pressure it puts on a roof. Loads can range from five pounds to fifty pounds or more per square foot. OSHA recommends consulting your building’s design specs to know the amount of weight your roof can safely support. Depending on the structure, it may be valuable as part of your winterizing plan to install rooftop walkways and guardrails. These reduce the risk of workers’ falls, especially when conditions get slippery. It’s also important to be aware of your roof’s snow retention and clamps, to understand their role in your commercial building’s roof safety in terms of entry ways.
An Avalanche in the Making, DCI’s Snow Retention Systems and Clamps Offer Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, weather events during the period of 2003 to 2012 accounted for property losses of 21.8 billion dollars. Material damage is among the winter risks. So is the danger of rooftop avalanches when snow or ice suddenly breaks away as rooftop temperature changes and comes crashing down. The risk is especially high for sloping metal roofs. This can put employees and passersby at risk. But the good news is preventive measures can be taken. Design Components’ S-5!® snow retention systems provide crucial safety for your employees and customers from falling ice and snow as they enter or exit your building.
Design Components offers a broad range of snow retention systems and clamps for your commercial building including:
S-5!® clamps
Colorguard®
X-Gard™
VersaGard™
DualGard™
Install snow retention systems and clamps to reliably hold back the accumulated snow. These measures can give you the time to then safely clear heavier snowfalls in a safe and orderly manner according to your snow plan instead of risking a costly and catastrophic event.
Your Guide to Selecting Snow Retention Systems and Clamps That Are Right for Your Property
Design Components Inc. has over forty years of experience supplying metal building accessories that enhance the value, safety, and structural integrity of your commercial buildings. We have the equipment and engineering expertise to assess the structure and operating conditions of your building and guide you to the solutions that will protect your investment and mitigate the risks of preventable hazards and costly damage.
Make a call to Design Components part of your snow plan, and we will help protect your occupants with clamps and snow retention systems that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and versatility. Contact us or give us a call at (800) 868-9910 to learn more.
