Cleaning roofs and roofs from snow, icicles and ice -

The cold, snowy, long winter is the visiting card of Russia, which attracts tourists and makes the Russians proud of their stamina. However, one problem does not allow homeowners to enjoy this time of year and winter fun - this is the active formation of ice, icicles or snow caps on the roofs of buildings. The accumulation of snowdrifts on the surface of the slopes increases the load on the roof frame of the structure, causes the roof covering to be unusable, the cost of which is quite high, and also threatens the health of people passing by during an accidental descent. In order to protect them from these negative consequences, the roof is cleaned of snow and frost regularly.

The mechanism of formation of snow caps

The formation of snow caps, icicles and ice on the roof of buildings occurs gradually during the winter. The speed and intensity of this process depends on the amount of precipitation in the winter period, the slope of the roof, and the complexity of its design. First, the snow accumulates in the gutters, endov places of fit of the roof to the vertical surfaces. If we ignore the cleaning of snow and icicles, the homeowner will face the following consequences:

1. The collapse of the truss frame. If the weight of the snow cap exceeds the carrying capacity of the frame, the rafters or other supporting elements may be deformed or even collapse.
2. Damage to roofing material. When ice slides off the roof surface, the roofing material is damaged, the price of which is quite high. Scratches on metal coatings become pockets of corrosion, due to which its service life is reduced.
3. Spontaneous gathering of snow or falling icicles. Upon the occurrence of a thaw, the snow cap may independently slide off the ramp. Falling icicles and large amounts of snow from a great height can cause serious injuries.
4. The collapse of the drainage system. When the snow from the surface of the slope, under its weight can collapse gutter.

Important! Roofs with a slope of 30 degrees are subjected to maximum snow load, since the snow from the slopes does not slide off and is not blown away by the wind. There are regulations governing the optimum angle of inclination of the roof, taking into account the average annual rainfall in the region.

Snow control measures

The formation of icicles, ice crust and snow loads is a dangerous process that negatively affects the condition of the roof. The cost of timely and prompt snow removal from the surface of the slope is much lower than the cost of repairing the structure in the event of a collapse. There are 3 types of methods to combat accumulation on the roof of the snow cap and ice:

• Chemical. This method of dealing with frost is to treat the surface of the roofing material with special hydrophobic compounds that facilitate the slipping of ice from the slope. The price of these drugs is quite high, but they are suitable for any type of coating. The instruction prescribes to apply hydrophobic compositions with a roller or brush on the surface of the slope in the warm season.
• Mechanical. Mechanical methods of snow removal are to manually clear the roofs with a special tool. To do this, use a special scraper for cleaning snow from the roofs with a soft working part, which does not scratch the roofing material, or a wooden shovel.
• Preventive. Preventive measures include proper selection of ramp slopes in accordance with the snow load, installation of an anti-icing system, cleaning of gutters and installation of snow guards. The prices for installation of auxiliary equipment are high, but they greatly simplify the operation of residential buildings.

Note! One cubic meter of snow mass weighs 100 kg, and if it is wet or icy, its mass increases by 2-3 times. The manufacturers' instruction prescribes snow removal at a snow cover thickness of 30 cm.

Safe Cleaning Rules

Clearing snow from the roof above on buildings above the 2nd floor is a high-altitude job and should be done by workers with a special tolerance. If the prices of professional craftsmen do not suit you, you can clean the roof yourself, strictly following the safety precautions. The instruction prescribes the following safety requirements:

1. Clearing the roof of snow and icicles necessarily carried out with insurance. Safety equipment prevents workers from falling from a height, as the roof surface is slippery.
2. The snow fall area must be fenced to 5-10 m and warning signs must be placed that signal the danger of falling from the height of snow and icicles.
3. The safe passage of citizens in the snow fall zone should be provided by an individual worker.
4. The instruction of safe execution regulates the personal protective equipment necessary for cleaning the snow from the roof. Workers are supplied with a safety belt, helmet and mittens.

According to current rates, the cost of cleaning 1 running meter of the roof from icicles is 20-50 rubles, depending on the height of the building. The price of complete cleaning of the entire roof surface varies between 80-100 rubles per square meter in accordance with the complexity and volume of work.

Methods to reduce the frequency of cleaning

The cost of cleaning the roof of icicles, ice and snow does not differ cheap, because for this operation special equipment is involved, personnel with admission to high-altitude work. To reduce the rate of accumulation of snow and, accordingly, the need for cleaning, carry out the following activities:

• Increase the slope of the roof. At an angle of inclination of slopes 45 degrees and above, the snow slides off the roof surface independently, almost without stopping. Therefore, in regions with intensive snow load, steep-angled roofing structures are recommended.
• Install anti-icing system. For the snow on the roof to gradually melt, the installation of a forced snowmelt system, which consists of heating cables and a control module, is necessary.
• Mount snow blowers that divide the layer of snow falling from the roof on thin plates that do not cause harm in the fall.
• Roof coverings with a smooth surface are used, which do not impede the sliding of the snow mass.

Skilled craftsmen recommend performing the full range of preventive measures that facilitate roof maintenance.

Video instruction