As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, winter is coming—whether you’re ready for it or not! Just like that one friend who shows up uninvited to every party, winter has an uncanny knack for crashing in with heavy snowfall and icy conditions when you aren’t prepared. But don’t worry, we’re here to share some essential tips to ensure your metal building is prepped and primed to handle whatever winter throws its way. So grab a hot cocoa (or something stronger) and let’s dive into this winter survival guide that answers the question – Is your metal roof ready for winter?
1. Know When to Say “Snow!”
First things first: let’s talk about snow. While metal roofs are notoriously tough cookies, too much snow can lead to some seriously unwanted consequences. Just a few feet of packed snow can weigh as much as 50 pounds per square foot – or more! That’s like having a herd of reindeer (or a very enthusiastic marching band) sitting on your roof—definitely not ideal. So keep an eye on those expected snow totals, and don’t wait for Mother Nature to give you a surprise!
THE TIP: Keep an eye on the forecast for snow.
2. Don’t Skip the Inspections
Before winter fully hits, grab that thermos of hot cocoa (or if you’re in parts of the southeast or northeast right now, an iced tea) and conduct a thorough inspection of your building. Check for wear and tear, especially on the roof and gutters. Clear out any debris, ice, or snow to keep the water flowing as temperatures change. Think of it as giving your building a little spa day—after all, a happy building is a healthy building! If you’re not sure what you’re looking at – phone a friend. Or a builder or supplier who knows metal buildings.
THE TIP: Inspect and repair before winter weather hits!
3. Chat with Your Insurance Provider
Now’s the time to get chummy with your insurance provider. Or at least know who to call and your policy number! They can dish out some solid advice on what to do in a snow emergency. They might suggest setting up a snow watch and bringing in a removal crew to keep an eye on those snow depths. You’ll thank them later when you avoid a winter disaster! Just don’t mention that time you tried to shovel the snow yourself—it’s a touchy subject.
THE TIP: Insurance isn’t just for AFTER something happens. Call your insurance company to see if they have additional advice!
4. Plan Your Snow Removal Strategy
Back to how heavy snow is – if the white stuff starts piling up, you need a game plan for safe snow removal. And let’s be real: this is NOT a one-person job! Make sure you’ve got a team and the right safety gear. And before you even think about heading up on the roof, check for ice, and remove any hanging icicles. Trust us, you don’t want those falling while you’re up there!
THE TIP: Have a snow removal plan.
5. Use the Right Tools for the Job
In addition to the right team and safety gear, stick to the right tools for snow removal, and leave the heavy-duty stuff behind. Plastic shovels are best to prevent unnecessary damage to the roof surface. And remember: no sharp tools, please! The last thing you need is a gaping hole in your roof on top of the snow!
THE TIP: Use lightweight, plastic shovels for snow removal to minimize unnecessary damage.
6. Know What to Do if Disaster Strikes
If you ignored points 1 through 4, and things go south and your roof starts to collapse from snow and ice accumulation, evacuate the building immediately. Safety first! Once everyone – including you – is safe, reach out to your building contractor to assess the situation. Time is of the essence, so don’t hesitate!
THE TIP: Safety first – if the roof starts to collapse from the weight of the snow, everyone out!