Traditionally, building owners have relied on unscientific methods to evaluate snow load, such as climbing on the roof for a first-hand look, using rulers and looking for signs of bowed joists. But today’s technology provides real-time email alerts so snow can be removed before it exceeds a structure’s load-bearing capacity. This saves building owners money, reduces risk and maximizes safety.

Reduced Risk of Damage

Although putting up lights, changing the tires on the car and preparing the yard for winter are big parts of the seasonal to-do list, one often overlooked task is clearing snow from a building or home’s roof. The heavy weight of accumulated snow can cause serious damage and lead to costly property loss. Roof collapses from excessive snow load occur rarely, but they can be extremely expensive and dangerous. In some cases, the structure may be damaged beyond repair, even if the roof was originally designed to accommodate a significant snow load. Unidentified damage from a single weather event can significantly decrease a roof’s snow load capacity, especially if rain saturates the snow. This deteriorates the available dead load, increasing potential live loads during future snow events.

Increased Safety

When roof snow builds up, it can create more weight than a building is designed for, leading to damage, collapse or even catastrophe. A snow monitoring system can alert building professionals when the roof has reached a critical threshold. A building health monitoring system also ensures safety for anyone on a rooftop. When snow accumulates too high, it can block systems like vents, chimneys and flues that need unobstructed access for proper ventilation. These blockages can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning in buildings and even loss of life. Sensors are equipped with inclinometers that correct deflection measurements and measure the verticality of the poles on an ongoing basis. The corresponding data is collected and displayed in the dashboard. This information can also be combined with strain/stress/load and temperature data for evaluation.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Many homes and buildings must be built to withstand the extraordinary snow loads in mountainous regions. When these heavy snows build up, they can damage roofing materials and cause the installation to sag or collapse. These structures are also at a high risk of causing property damage to people or animals. Snow alarm system helps reduce these costs by monitoring the weight of the snow on your roof 24/7 and sending real-time alerts when it’s time for snow removal. This allows you to schedule your snow removals more efficiently and saves you money on labor. This structural monitoring technology also detects high-strain events, such as shifts or drifting snow, that could result from adding HVAC equipment, solar panels, or hanging kits on a steel structure. This information is accessible in an easy-to-use dashboard with live load data for all users.

Increased Building Value

Systems monitor structural load and alert customers when data thresholds have been reached, giving them time to implement evacuation activities, shoring or snow removal. The sensor measures deflection on critical points of the structure and notifies users of changes with instant SMS or email notifications. The system eliminates threats caused by soaked insulation and provides real-time information to reduce maintenance costs. It also reduces maintenance risks for building occupants and equipment while snow clearing is underway. The solution is ideal for commercial buildings with existing solar panel installations.

Increased Energy Efficiency

While finishing up the yard, buying holiday decorations and changing the tires on the family car are all important aspects of winter prep, checking on the structural integrity of your roof should be noticed. The weight of snow on a top can cause damage to the structure and lead to ice dams, which can cause leaks and water damage inside your home. Clearing the snow regularly can prevent these issues, ensuring your roof can function as intended.

The system allows you to monitor the snow on your roof so you know when it is time for snow removal. This can help you avoid costly structural damage and save money on energy bills. The sensor’s wireless design enables real-time data acquisition, requiring no additional wiring. It is non-penetrating and adheres to the existing low-sloped roofing system without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.